VERTEX 2″ SELF-CENTERING CNC VISE (3900-2220)

Vertex VCV-0611S Self-Centering CNC Vise for 4- and 5-Axis Machining

The Vertex VCV-0611S self-centering CNC vise is designed for compact workholding on 4-axis and 5-axis machining centers, CNC rotary tables and multi-side machining setups.

Its opposing jaws move toward the center, helping maintain the workpiece near the vise centerline as the clamping position changes. This simplifies setup planning when several faces of a small component must remain accessible within the same operation.

The vise combines ±0.0004″ / 0.01mm repeat clamping tolerance, an anti-lift clamping action, hardened interchangeable jaws and an 8-inch swivel base in a compact 23.5 lb assembly.

Built for Access Around Small CNC Parts

A conventional fixed-jaw vise may obstruct side tools or force the programmer to extend the workpiece farther above the jaws. Excessive overhang can reduce rigidity and increase vibration.

The VCV-0611S is intended for compact components that require access from several directions. Its self-centering action positions the workpiece between two moving jaws, while the relatively narrow jaw profile helps preserve tool and spindle clearance.

• Suitable for 4- and 5-axis CNC machines
• Compatible with appropriate CNC rotary-table setups
• Opposing self-centering jaws
• ±0.0004″ / 0.01mm repeat clamping tolerance
• Anti-lift downward clamping action
• HRC 45 hardened slideways
• HRC 55 heat-treated interchangeable jaws
• FCD60 high-strength ductile cast-iron body
• 8″ swivel base included

Self-Centering Workholding Reduces Setup Variables

When the vise is operated, both jaws move toward or away from the center. This helps keep different workpiece sizes positioned near a common centerline instead of moving the part entirely toward one fixed jaw.

That feature can simplify:

• Locating small blanks on a rotary-table centerline
• Programming multi-side machining operations
• Switching between similar workpiece sizes
• Maintaining tool access around the component
• Reducing manual recentering between repeated setups

Self-centering does not eliminate the need to probe, indicate or verify the workpiece. It reduces positioning variables, but final part location must still be established according to the machining process.

±0.01mm Repeat Clamping Tolerance

Vertex specifies a repeat clamping tolerance of ±0.0004″ / 0.01mm. This describes the vise’s ability to return to a repeatable clamping condition when the workpiece, jaw configuration, contact surfaces and operating procedure remain consistent.

It should not be interpreted as a guarantee of finished-part accuracy. Machining results also depend on:

• Workpiece and jaw cleanliness
• Consistent clamping force
• Machine and rotary-axis positioning
• Tool deflection and cutting forces
• Workpiece geometry and material
• Probing and inspection procedures

Anti-Lift Clamping Action

Workpiece lift is a common cause of depth variation, poor parallelism and inconsistent Z-axis location. It can occur when the jaws push a component upward instead of keeping it seated against the intended locating surfaces.

The VCV-0611S uses a lock-down drawing force intended to keep the workpiece from lifting during clamping. This helps maintain contact between the part and its support surfaces when the jaws are correctly installed and operated.

FCD60 Ductile Cast-Iron Body

The vise body is manufactured from FCD60 high-strength ductile cast iron. This material provides a rigid foundation for the slideways, self-centering mechanism and jaw system while helping resist deformation under the vise’s intended clamping loads.

The official Vertex catalog classifies this model as a light-duty 5-axis vise. It is optimized for compact workpieces, accessibility and controlled clamping rather than aggressive heavy-cutting applications.

Hardened Slideways and Replaceable Jaws

The high-tension cast-iron slideways are hardened to HRC 45 to improve wear resistance along the moving jaw path.

The interchangeable jaws receive heat treatment to HRC 55. Replaceable jaws allow the workholding surfaces to be serviced or adapted without replacing the complete vise body.

Only jaws designed for the VCV-0611S should be installed. Jaw dimensions, fastener pattern and maximum operating limits must be confirmed before fitting replacements or custom-machined jaw sets.

8″ Swivel Base for Angular Setup Orientation

The included swivel base measures 8″ in diameter and 22mm thick. It provides a mounting platform for orienting the vise relative to a compatible CNC rotary table or machine setup.

The base adds installation flexibility, but its diameter must be checked against the machine table, rotary platter, mounting-hole pattern, travel limits and possible tool interference.

Clamping Range and Jaw Geometry

The listed clamping capacity and jaw opening describe different elements of the vise geometry and jaw configuration. Confirm the intended workpiece dimensions, jaw orientation and required contact area before ordering.

Applications in 5-Axis CNC Machining

The compact, centered configuration makes the VCV-0611S useful for appropriately sized 5-axis parts requiring access to several faces.

• Prototype mechanical components
• Small housings and structural parts
• Instrument and automation components
• Small mold and die inserts
• Electrode and fixture components
• Multi-face drilling and milling

Always simulate the complete toolpath and verify spindle, toolholder, jaw, base and rotary-axis clearances before running a 5-axis program.

Applications on 4-Axis CNC Rotary Tables

The 8-inch base allows the vise to be considered for compatible CNC rotary-table installations. Its self-centering action can help position the workpiece close to the rotary centerline for indexed machining around multiple sides.

Potential uses include:

• Indexed hole patterns
• Machining features on four sides
• Rotary-table secondary operations
• Small shafts, blocks and prismatic components
• Prototype parts with multiple angular features

This vise does not convert a standard machine into a 4- or 5-axis system. It is a workholding device intended for compatible machines and rotary-axis installations.

CNC Job Shops and Short-Run Production

For job shops, the cost of a small order is often driven more by setup time than cutting time. A compact self-centering vise can simplify changeovers between similar parts and help preserve access for multiple operations.

The VCV-0611S is especially relevant for:

• Prototype and development work
• Low-volume CNC production
• Repair and rework operations
• Fixture preparation
• Engineering and R&D workshops
• Training and CNC education environments

Mold Repair and Precision Maintenance

Small mold inserts and maintenance components often require machining on several faces while preserving a consistent datum strategy. The vise can support suitably sized:

• Mold inserts and retainers
• Fixture blocks
• Replacement bushings and holders
• Automation-machine components
• Custom maintenance parts

Critical mold surfaces require appropriate inspection, support and specialized machining procedures. Verify that the jaw contact area is sufficient for the proposed operation.

Technical Specifications

Is This the Right CNC Vise for Your Application?

Choose the VCV-0611S when the priorities are:

• Centered clamping of compact workpieces
• Improved side access on a multi-axis machine
• Repeat setup capability within ±0.01mm
• Reduced workpiece lift during clamping
• A replaceable hardened-jaw system
• Compatibility with an 8-inch base footprint
• Light-duty prototype or short-run machining

Consider a larger or heavier-duty vise if the workpiece exceeds the listed capacity, requires substantially higher clamping force or will be subjected to aggressive roughing cuts.

Compatibility Checklist Before Ordering

• Confirm the 8″ base fits the machine or rotary-table mounting surface.
• Verify the available X-, Y- and Z-axis working envelope.
• Check spindle and toolholder clearance around the vise and base.
• Compare the workpiece dimensions with the jaw opening and clamping capacity.
• Confirm that the jaw contact area is sufficient for the cutting forces.
• Verify the required mounting-hole pattern and hardware.
• Confirm that a light-duty vise is appropriate for the machining strategy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it called a 2″ vise if the jaws are 2.36″ wide?

The 2″ designation is the nominal product class. The published physical jaw width is 2.36″, approximately 60mm. Machine compatibility should be evaluated using the actual dimensions.

Do both jaws move?

Yes. The jaws move toward the center to provide self-centering clamping around the vise centerline.

Does self-centering eliminate probing?

No. The mechanism helps preserve a centered clamping position, but the machine datum and actual workpiece location must still be verified according to the required process.

Is the vise suitable for heavy roughing?

The Vertex catalog classifies this model as light duty. It is best suited to compact workpieces, multi-side accessibility, prototypes and controlled cutting rather than aggressive heavy roughing.

Is the swivel base included?

Yes. The VCV-0611S configuration includes an 8″ diameter, 22mm-thick swivel base.

Can it be installed on any rotary table?

No. The base diameter, mounting pattern, hardware, permissible load and machine clearances must be verified for the specific rotary-table model.

Reduce Setup Uncertainty Before the First Cut

The Vertex VCV-0611S is intended for shops that value centered workholding, multi-side access and documented repeat clamping performance in a compact format.

Need help confirming compatibility? Send SHOP TOOL USA your machine model, rotary-table diameter, mounting-hole pattern, workpiece dimensions and planned cutting operation. We can help verify whether this vise matches your setup before you order.