1. **Standard Milling Vise**: A basic vise with a fixed jaw and a movable jaw, used for general-purpose milling operations. 2. **Swivel Base Vise**: Features a base that can rotate, allowing for angular positioning of the workpiece. 3. **Angle Lock Vise**: Designed to reduce jaw lift by using a mechanism that pulls the movable jaw downward as it closes, ensuring better grip and precision. 4. **Precision Vise**: Offers high accuracy and is used for detailed and precise milling tasks, often with ground surfaces for enhanced precision. 5. **Self-Centering Vise**: Automatically centers the workpiece when the jaws are tightened, ideal for symmetrical parts. 6. **Double Station Vise**: Allows for holding two workpieces simultaneously, increasing productivity by enabling multiple operations in one setup. 7. **Hydraulic Vise**: Uses hydraulic pressure to clamp the workpiece, providing consistent and strong clamping force with minimal manual effort. 8. **Pneumatic Vise**: Similar to hydraulic vises but uses compressed air for clamping, offering quick and easy operation. 9. **Tilting Vise**: Allows the workpiece to be tilted at various angles, providing flexibility for complex milling operations. 10. **Universal Vise**: Combines features of swivel and tilting vises, offering maximum versatility for positioning the workpiece. 11. **Quick-Change Vise**: Designed for rapid changeover of workpieces, reducing downtime and increasing efficiency in production environments. 12. **Magnetic Vise**: Uses magnetic force to hold ferrous workpieces, providing a quick and unobstructed clamping solution. 13. **Vacuum Vise**: Utilizes vacuum pressure to hold non-ferrous and delicate workpieces, minimizing the risk of damage. 14. **Soft Jaw Vise**: Equipped with replaceable soft jaws, allowing customization for specific workpiece shapes and reducing marring.

1. **Clean Surfaces**: Ensure both the milling machine table and the bottom of the vise are clean and free from debris or burrs. 2. **Position the Vise**: Place the vise on the milling machine table. Align it roughly parallel to the table slots. 3. **Secure the Vise**: Lightly tighten the vise bolts to allow for slight movement during alignment. 4. **Use a Dial Indicator**: Attach a dial indicator to the spindle or quill of the milling machine. Ensure the indicator is zeroed. 5. **Sweep the Fixed Jaw**: Position the indicator tip against the fixed jaw of the vise. Sweep the indicator across the length of the jaw by moving the table side to side. 6. **Adjust for Parallelism**: Observe the dial indicator reading. If there is a deviation, gently tap the vise with a soft mallet to adjust its position until the indicator shows minimal variation across the jaw. 7. **Tighten Bolts**: Once aligned, gradually tighten the vise bolts, checking the alignment with the dial indicator after each adjustment to ensure it remains consistent. 8. **Recheck Alignment**: After fully tightening, perform a final sweep with the dial indicator to confirm the vise is still properly aligned. 9. **Test Cut**: Optionally, perform a test cut on a scrap piece to verify the alignment is accurate. 10. **Fine Adjustments**: If necessary, make fine adjustments by loosening the bolts slightly and repeating the alignment process. This method ensures the vise is aligned parallel to the machine's axis, crucial for precision machining.

Milling machine vises are typically made from materials that offer a combination of strength, durability, and resistance to wear and deformation. The most common materials used include: 1. **Cast Iron**: This is the most prevalent material for milling machine vises due to its excellent vibration damping properties, which help in maintaining precision during machining operations. Cast iron is also relatively inexpensive and easy to machine. 2. **Steel**: High-grade steel, often alloyed with elements like chromium or vanadium, is used for vises that require higher strength and toughness. Steel vises are more resistant to wear and deformation compared to cast iron, making them suitable for heavy-duty applications. 3. **Ductile Iron**: Also known as nodular cast iron, ductile iron offers a good balance between the machinability of cast iron and the strength of steel. It is more impact-resistant than traditional cast iron, making it a popular choice for vises that need to withstand significant clamping forces. 4. **Aluminum**: While not as common for heavy-duty applications, aluminum vises are used in situations where weight is a concern, such as in portable or smaller milling machines. Aluminum vises are lightweight and resistant to corrosion but are not as strong as steel or cast iron. 5. **Hardened Steel**: For specific components of the vise, such as the jaws or the screw, hardened steel is often used. This material provides excellent wear resistance and longevity, ensuring that the vise maintains its grip and precision over time. 6. **Composite Materials**: In some specialized applications, vises may be made from advanced composite materials that offer unique properties like high strength-to-weight ratios or resistance to specific environmental conditions. These materials are chosen based on the specific requirements of the milling operation, including the type of material being machined, the precision required, and the operating environment.

To maintain and care for a milling machine vise, follow these steps: 1. **Regular Cleaning**: After each use, clean the vise thoroughly to remove metal chips, dust, and coolant residues. Use a brush or compressed air to clear debris from the jaws and screw mechanism. 2. **Lubrication**: Periodically lubricate the screw, guide rails, and other moving parts with machine oil or grease to ensure smooth operation and prevent rust. Avoid over-lubrication, which can attract more debris. 3. **Inspection**: Regularly inspect the vise for wear and damage. Check for cracks, worn threads, or misalignment. Ensure the jaws are parallel and the base is flat. 4. **Jaw Maintenance**: Keep the jaws clean and free from nicks or burrs. If the jaws are removable, inspect and replace them if they are worn out. Ensure they are properly aligned and tightened. 5. **Alignment**: Ensure the vise is properly aligned with the milling machine table. Use a dial indicator to check for parallelism and adjust as necessary. 6. **Rust Prevention**: Apply a rust inhibitor or light oil to the vise surfaces to prevent corrosion, especially if the machine is not used frequently or is stored in a humid environment. 7. **Storage**: When not in use, cover the vise with a protective cover to keep it clean and dry. Store in a dry, temperature-controlled environment to prevent rust and corrosion. 8. **Calibration**: Periodically check the accuracy of the vise, especially if it is used for precision work. Recalibrate as needed to maintain precision. 9. **Handle Care**: Avoid using excessive force on the handle to prevent damage to the screw mechanism. Use the appropriate size and type of handle for the vise. By following these steps, you can ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your milling machine vise.

1. **Size and Capacity**: Ensure the vise can accommodate the workpiece size and fits the milling machine's table. 2. **Jaw Width and Opening**: Match the jaw width and opening to the workpiece dimensions for secure clamping. 3. **Clamping Force**: Consider the force required to hold the workpiece without distortion or slippage. 4. **Material and Construction**: Choose durable materials like cast iron or steel for longevity and stability. 5. **Precision and Accuracy**: Look for vises with high precision and minimal deflection for accurate machining. 6. **Swivel Base**: A swivel base allows for angular adjustments, useful for complex machining tasks. 7. **Quick-Change Features**: For frequent setup changes, quick-change vises enhance efficiency. 8. **Type of Jaws**: Consider soft jaws for delicate workpieces or hardened jaws for heavy-duty applications. 9. **Mounting Options**: Ensure compatibility with the milling machine's mounting system. 10. **Cost and Budget**: Balance between cost and the required features for the application. 11. **Brand and Quality**: Opt for reputable brands known for quality and reliability. 12. **Ease of Use**: Features like easy adjustment and maintenance can improve workflow. 13. **Special Features**: Consider vises with additional features like tilting or multi-axis capabilities for specific tasks. 14. **Application-Specific Needs**: Tailor the choice to specific machining operations, such as high-speed or heavy-duty milling. 15. **Safety Features**: Ensure the vise includes safety features to protect both the operator and the workpiece.