Mill Soft Jaws: The Proper Way to Make and Use Them – Haas Automation Tip of the Day

In this Tip of the Day, Mark tackles a subject that anyone who has ever used a mill will appreciate: How to properly make – and properly use – mill soft jaws. From how to machine them so they grip your part properly, to methods for keeping unwanted taper out of your jaws, Mark covers it all. Every mill machinist MUST watch this episode!

If you enjoyed this video, please hit the like button and share it with a friend who’ll find it helpful . . . and thanks!

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[PrettyValleyFarm]

Mark Terryberry has to be the most gifted instructor I've ever seen. And I have seen many. High School Power Mechanics, Pre-employment Mechanics, 4 yrs Apprenticeship, 10 Yrs John Deere Training. Keep up the good work Mark and consider teaching if you get tired of this gig.

[WarBazaar]

As a baby machinist, your videos have been incredibly helpful. Thank you for the time and dedication you put into these. They are greatly appreciated.

[stevemccluskey]

This is one of your best videos to date!!
You explained extremely well what people should know when making soft jaws.

[dominic]

Ok that datum hint was brilliant can't believe I didn't know that. Down side of having to work your way up without an apprentice ship program

[pco]

Usually, when I make aluminium jaws I make sure there's a hole on the left/right side for a hardened indicator pin so it'll index on the side of the vice's stationary jaw. Basically, it means for me that I can save work offsets. If you tend to (re-)move the vice regularly it might be a problem.

[MakeItWithCalvin]

Really good advice on soft jaws. They are one of those things that can be a little tricky or daunting at first but once you learn them you wonder how you survived without them! Also good advice on DIY jaws cranking them out ASAP. The only thing I will say is if your a hobby machinist with a small machine it maybe actually more efficient from a time standpoint to just go out and buy some soft jaws for your machine vs trying to make them but that all varies on what equipment you have. In my case it was a benchtop CNC mill so power and rigidity were sorely lacking.

[iamthepeterman]

Another winner! Adding this to our internal training program...

[depenthene]

Funny when you just can't see outside the box. I used to make soft jaws often, but now can think plenty of situations where simple soft jaws would have helped a lot, but just got so used to building screw jigs that forget whole soft jaws. Real irony is that I use soft jaws constantly on rotary table. This video really hit the spot as eye opener.

[NONAMESLEFTNONE]

A brilliant way to counter vise lift!! Work WITH the lift; not against it. I wish I had seen this 6-months ago.

[peterbowman]

Sandpaper in the jaws or grit blast the jaws and it will help with part pullout as well (when surface finish isn't an issue)

[MyTubeSVp]

Really like the way you present these videos Mark !

[kevinhoward]

Great video, keep them coming. I am using some of these with my adult cnc apprenticeship students & will also in the future with my youth apprentice students.

[crypsis]

I bet this guy was really good to work for. Does stuff the right way the first time!

[joesikkspac]

When possible, I make mine 1.875" high so that the mounting holes are in the center. Sometimes I'll machine grooves in both jaws to help align them when using them later on. Just tap a parallel into the slot and tighten the jaws. With tall jaws I'll put a K clamp or two on the top edge to clamp out deflection. Ok for smaller runs, but tedious for long runs.

[larrykent]

Good stuff, right on and thanks for sharing.

[dawnofdefense]

Mark is the man! Met him today, even better looking in person 🤪

[nohtal]

holy shit. how is this so good!!! you guys are amazing. i will definitely buy a HAAS once i get a CNC

[automateanything]

Enjoyable learning.
I’m new to milling- everyday is a school day

[aahotmailcom]

I feel like you should have mentioned using a torque wrench for repeatability. Also...Great video!

[stevensimpson]

Great video. I'm new to CNC machining and this was very helpful.