The Ultimate Guide to Machine Vices: Types, Brands & Accessories

When it comes to precision CNC machining and milling, choosing the right machine vice is essential. The correct vice ensures your workpieces are secure, reduces vibration, and improves accuracy and repeatability. In this guide, we cover all types of machine vices, top brands, and accessories, including our best-selling Nicon range, so you can make the right choice for your workshop.

Why Precision Workholding Matters

A precision machine vice isn’t just a clamp—it’s the foundation of every machining operation. Using the right workholding vice ensures:

• Accurate CNC and conventional milling

• Repeatable results for multiple workpieces

• Reduced setup errors and wasted materials

• Safer and more efficient machining workflows

By optimising your setup with a high-quality machine vice, you can achieve better surface finish, precision, and production efficiency.

Types of Machine Vices

1. Single Station Machine Vices

Single station vices hold one workpiece at a time, delivering maximum rigidity and precision. Sub-types include:

• Conventional Single Station Machine Vices – General-purpose vices for milling and drilling.

• CNC Single Station Machine Vices – Designed for computer-controlled milling and CNC applications.

• Hydraulic Single Station Machine Vices – Consistent clamping force for professional machining.

• 5th Axis Self-Centering Single Station Machine Vices – Perfect for multi-axis CNC workholding with precise self-centering.

2. Double Station Machine Vices

Double station vices allow two workpieces to be machined at the same time, boosting production efficiency in workshops that require high throughput.

3. Multiple Clamping Machine Vices

These vices allow multiple points of clamping on a single workpiece or multiple parts, ideal for complex setups, large components, or batch machining.

4. Grinding & Inspection Machine Vices

Designed for surface grinders and inspection setups, these vices prioritise rigidity and precision over speed. Perfect for inspection, measurement, and finishing operations, where accuracy is critical.

Trusted Brands and Best-Selling Range

Investing in a reliable machine vice ensures long-term precision and durability. Top brands we stock include:

• Bison – High-performance vices for CNC and conventional machining.

• Gerardi – Premium Italian-engineered vices for multi-axis operations.

• Wulf – Reliable vices with excellent rigidity and repeatability.

• Insize – Precision-engineered vices for accurate milling and drilling.

• Autowel – High-performance vices with repeatable clamping force.

• Nicon – Our best-selling range, known for reliability, accuracy, and versatility across single station, double station, and hydraulic vices.

The Nicon range combines premium quality with affordability, making it ideal for professional workshops, CNC machining, and resellers looking for top performance.

Accessories: Jaw Sets and Swivel Bases

Enhance your workholding efficiency with essential accessories:

• Jaw Sets – Protect your workpieces and provide a secure grip on various materials.

• Swivel Bases – Allow rotation of the vice for flexible positioning and complex setups.

These accessories help improve precision, workflow efficiency, and versatility in machining operations.

Choosing the Right Machine Vice

When selecting a vice, consider:

• Type of machining – CNC, conventional milling, grinding, or multi-axis operations

• Workpiece size and quantity – Single station, double station, or multiple clamping points

• Clamping force – Hydraulic vices provide consistent force; manual vices rely on screw tension

• Accuracy and repeatability – Critical for inspection, grinding, and multi-axis machining

• Brand reliability – Trusted brands like Nicon guarantee durability and long-term performance

Final Thoughts

From single station vices to double station, multiple clamping, and grinding & inspection vices, having the right machine vice is an investment in precision, efficiency, and safety. With trusted brands like Bison, Gerardi, Wulf, Insize, Autowel, and our best-selling Nicon range, plus essential accessories like jaw sets and swivel bases, you can achieve maximum accuracy and repeatability in your workshop.

Explore our full range of machine vices and accessories today and take your machining projects to the next level.