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Quick question. The base of this part is only .187" thick. I machined it by holding it in the vise with light pressure, flipping it over and machining the other side. All looked good, but the light pressure from the vise distorted the part a bit. The part is made from 6061 aluminum. See attached image.
Do you think making soft jaws which would allow me to set the part deeper in the soft jaws than the hard jaws and distribute the pressure more evenly would help. Is there a better approach?
Thanks... Richard
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What is "light pressure"? While not an exact accurate measurement, I regularly hold fragile parts with about 50-75 in/lbs of pressure, using a torque wrench for repeatability.
How deep were you holding on by?
Yes, soft jaws with that shape milled into it (with undercuts in the corners) will do wonders at retention, since force is being distributed nicely along all edges in contact.

Seth Madore
Customer Advocacy Manager - Manufacturing
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Thanks Seth. I held the part .125" deep. I initially used 60 ft/lbs of torque and literally crushed the part. The second time I tried I tightened by hand with what I thought was very light pressure and only distorted the part slightly. This part was initially designed to be round and made on a lathe. I thought I was being smart by making it a hex and not needing soft jaws. I think at this point I will try soft jaws.
The reason for not using the lathe was that I have no way to find the center of the part after turning it to allow me to drill the outer four holes. Perhaps there is a trick for this.
Thanks as always for your thoughts.
Richard
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I use spray glue and stick anything under 1/8 to plu wood.
I use chop and table saws with aluminium blades to make stock.
Then machine, helps with holding z constant
Pops off easy enough
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What a cool idea. Do you think something that is .187 thick would work to is it too thick?
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Fusion