How Much Slop is Too Much Slop in Vise?

[phrog]

I bought this vise http://www.harborfreight.com/6-inch-...ise-32997.html at HF a few weeks ago and just got around to setting it up on my drilll press. I bought it after it received great reviews on their website.

The upper portion "catches" after about a 60 degree turn of the handle. The lower table, however, requires 4 1/4 full revolutions before it "catches." I don't expect great quality from HF at the prices they charge but this seems like a little too much "slop" to me. Just wonder what you guys think?

[LCHIEN]

that's what you call backlash - its mechanical hysteresis and 4-1/2 turns would be way too much. Normally it would have to be much less than a full turn (even 60 degrees is a fairly large amount it would seem to me) but I don't understand how it could be multi-turn.
I suppose there's no adjustment pin that engages the threads that can be adjusted...

Go to the store and try a few more if they have several, exchange yours for the best one.

[dbhost]

There's backlash sure. But it sounds like you got a bad one.

[LCHIEN]

you might also check the set screw that holds the end of the threaded rod where it pushes and pulls the moving jaw. It that is loose there can be considerable slop. You would normally tighten it just to the point where it keeps the threaded rod from turning then loosen it a hair.

[capncarl]

I vote with the others, carry it back and swap it out with one you do not have to work on. The procedure on tuning up a vice is simple, take all of the lateral movement out of the spindle (threaded rod) by adjusting the end collar. Sometimes this is a set screw, sometimes it is a drilled pin.
The replaceable nut ususally has some adjustment and can be moved closer to the spindle to remove play. 1/4 turn is too much slop.
capncarl

[phrog]

that's what you call backlash - its mechanical hysteresis

That's why I love this site - I learn something every time I get on.
Thanks for the reply. I turned the vise over and could find no adjustment mechanism. It may be hidden underneath a "badge" which I don't want to remove for fear of voiding the warranty. I guess I will take it back.

[phrog]

To all who replied, "Thanks." As I stated in the previous post, I'm going to take your advice ( I think everyone agreed.) and take it back.

[LCHIEN]

adjust where indicated?

[capncarl]

There does not appear to be any adjustment built into this vice. I was refering to adjustment of a REAL machinist vice, I have adjusted a number of them. You could probably get a little of the slop out of this vice but it is not worth the effort. Return it, it is little more than ships ballast.
capncarl

[phrog]

I looked the vise over Friday and discovered there were some issues with the thread on the lead screw. I don't know if this was the cause of the problem or was in addition to the problem. In any case, I returned it on Saturday morning. The replacement seems to be working perfectly. There is practically no mechanical hysteresis. Thanks to all who replied.