DIY Universal Positioning Pin Vise

A Universal Positioning Pin Vise is a work holding vise used by engravers who work with a microscope. The vise is used in conjunction with an engraving ball to keep the workpiece centered under the microscope. High quality vises like there are sold by GRS (https://grs.com/product/universal-positioning-pin-... and AirGraver (https://www.airgraver.com/DIY%20Engraving%20Positi...

This project provides simple instructions on how to make a positioning pin vise for very little money.

Purchase a Universal Peg Clamp Work Holder Vise

To begin with, you will need to purchase a Universal Peg Clamp Work Holder Vise Tool which is available from lots of sources including Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/Universal-Clamp-Work-Holder... for $10-$20.

Remove the Handle From the Peg Clamp Work Holder Vise.

Unscrew the handle from the vise. The handle will not be used.

Prepare a Small Aluminum Bar

Obtain a piece of aluminum approximately 10 cm x 2 cm x 1 cm and drill and tap an M8 x 1.25 hole in the center of it. It is not essential that the hole be tapped, but it makes the finished product more secure.

Attach Aluminum Bar to Vise

Obtain a 15mm M8 x 1.25 screw and use it to attach the aluminum bar to the bottom of the Peg Clamp Work Holder Vise. Adding a lock washer to the screw will make it a bit more secure.

Finished!

The Universal Positioning Pin Vise is now complete and can be placed in the jaws of an engraving ball and slid back and forward to keep the work centered under a microscope.