as the title states, I need a vise. I want something with some capacity but not something that's far too big on the X2.

Are the basic 4" Kurt-style vises a good size on the X2? I'm mainly worried about interference with the handwheels (and obviously not being able to read the Y-axis handwheel when the vise is above it).

Does anyone have any pictures of such a vise mounted on their X2?

Thanks for any help :)

I have a 4" on my X3 and it almost seems too big on there at times - I almost grabbed a 6" and am glad I didn't. If you don't need the capacity all the time, maybe get a 4" and a smaller screwless vise and swap when you need the capacity, it really isn't all that time consuming to accurately setup a vise on the table once you've done it a couple times. I'm considering one as a future grab to be more versatile.

They "shouldn't" interfere with the operation of the handwheel, but will assuredly get in the way of reading the dial easily in places (shouldn't means you still can turn the wheel but it might be a twist or contortion to get at the wheel).

You can see pics of mine on my X3 on website (in my sig line) in the gallery if that helps at all. :D

Money is tight and I can only get one vise for now - maybe a smaller one is a better plan for the time being...

I have a 4" on mine, it's really pushing the limit, I will probably end up getting a 3"

found a pic
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j249/dogwoodtheone/newvice2.jpg

Wow - that is a pretty big chunk of table real estate occupied there, glad I did choose to get the X3 :) Just curious - do you loose any Y travel with that mounted?

Another solution might be to make a tooling plate to mount the vise lengthwise on the table instead - I don't know what the X2 table's length is so maybe that isn't feasible - just tossing out ideas/concepts/suggestions.

Yea you loose close to an inch of Y

This is a screwless type from Enco http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INSRIT?PARTPG=INLMKD&PMPXNO=951675&PMAKA=428-9126

It says it can hold 4.5 inches but its actually almost 5 inches. This wouldn't cover the hand wheels if it was mounted in the other direction but the plate that would have to be made to hold it there would cover it some.

how's enco's shipping prices to canada? the only place i can buy things like this locally is busy bee tools and they're selling chinese toolmaker's vises for around $150-200 on the low end (for the 2" models).

I don't know to Canada but often they have free shipping on order over 50.00 dollars.

Quote from there site.

Please note that our website currently provides APPROXIMATE shipping charges for orders outside of the U.S. and Canada; your actual shipping charges may be higher or lower depending upon the final destination of your order.

Im guessing you can find out the shipping charge if you create an account.

Littlemachneshop has a nice selection of, and guide for, mini-mill vises. They also have a good explanation of shipping options to Canada on their website. My vise arrived by mail with no duties, taxes or other costs except or a $5 LMS paperwork charge. Shipping was a bit expensive due to the weight and priority shipping. I've dealt with this company several times and have zero complaints.

I like the fact those toolmakers vises can hold larger work and plan to buy one someday. But not as an only vise as replacable jaws (homemade to suit the work) are a must-have for some jobs. I bought a 3" Kurt knock-off and would do so again. Your needs may differ.

edit/ Should mention even the 3" Kurt style vises must be bolted to the T-slot furthest from he column. This means the 3" rear jaw is at max machine y travel at maximum jaw opening with my vise. This is when using the hardened bolt-in jaws provided. A mounting plate (tooling plate) might help a bit. Making a set of stepjaws is another workaround.

edit 2/ Forget the travel related comment. Forgot some people operate without ballscrews. Talk about a cnc fixation:rolleyes: