How to Clamp Roundstock on a Mill

A standard vise can be used to hold round stock in a pinch.

Round stock is usually machined on a lathe, either manually or by a CNC (computer numeric control) machine, which uses a computer to digitally automate the cutting operation. Milling round stock is one of the more difficult types of machining because round stock can slide and move if not held properly in the work-holding device. As a machinist, you will learn over time the easiest and quickest ways to hold round stock properly for machining. The type of work-holding you choose will be dependent on the type of operation you will need to perform.

Things You'll Need

• Vise
• Vise handle
• V block
• Angle vise

Instructions

1. Place the round stock in a vise parallel with the work table to cut the sides or create slots on the material. Vises can hold round stock, but more than 50 percent of the stock itself must be below the center line of the jaw. Placing it above the center line will push the round stock up and out of the vise when it is tightened. If the round stock is small, use blocks to push it up higher in the vise jaws, if necessary.

2. Place the round stock in a vise perpendicular to the work table in a standard vise. To machine the end or one of the ends, it may be necessary to place it in the vise perpendicular to the work table. Use a dial indicator to make sure that the round stock is straight before machining by moving the spindle, with the dial indicator attached up and down one of the sides of the round stock. Look for movement on the dial and tap the round stock to straighten it.

3. Place the round stock in a V block. The V block has one side that has a 90-degree angle and an arm with an adjustable nut. Use a round clamp that matches the diameter of the round stock you will be cutting. Slide it down into the V block and tighten the clamp to hold the material in place. You can use this type of work-holding device for drilling and boring round stock, and for machining above the top of the V block itself.

4. Use an angled vise or holder to hold the round stock. The angled vise or holder can clamp down on round stock without any issue, or the material moving or sliding out of place. The angles vise is perfectly suited for cutting, drilling or slotting round material and will allow you to place the material at various angles. Place the round stock in the vise and tighten the jaw by hand, making sure that the round stock is in tightly. Adjust the angle for the cut by loosening the retention bolts and moving the vise to the specified angle.

References

• Fox Valley Technical College: Machine Shop: Drill Press Work-Holding Devices