Obtain the right jaws for vises in your metal machining shop In the automotive and metal-working industries, the cutting, welding, filing, shaving and shaping of parts is a nearly constant activity. The vises you use have to have the right jaws, whether they're hard-faced, serrated or smooth. Keep your machined components held firmly in place while you work by having reliable table vise jaws. Also keep in mind the advantage of smooth-faced jaws that won't mar or damage softer metals and finished surfaces.

I recommend:  Look into the jaws and vise replacement parts available from Yost, which has regular and serrated vise jaws. Search for replacement vise jaws for Kurt products in the online catalog at Ajax Industries or check with Rovi, which supplies anodized jaws.

Implement soft-material bench vise jaws in your woodworking shop Not all vise jaws are suitable for all materials, so if you're looking for replacement parts for your woodworking business, you may need different products than those mentioned above. In addition to typical metal jaws, other options are available to you, such as specially fabricated soft metal and materials like neoprene. Use adjustable vise jaws of softer make and avoid damaging your wood products.

I recommend:  Check out table vise replacement jaws for wood work at Enco, MSC and Ted Pella. Additionally, MSC carries vise soft jaw products for more delicate surfaces, and you can get special neoprene jaw pads at Ted Pella.

Check out soft-material table vise jaws for specialty projects It may be that you work with materials that are too malleable for typical or even soft jaws, or that have fine or delicate finishes that will be marred easily. In these cases, consider padded jaws or rubber- or plastic-based examples, which won't harm surfaces with scratches and nicks but will still hold your parts securely. Complete your projects without worrying about incidental damage to the parts from unforgiving metal surfaces.

I recommend:  Look into your options for special padded vise jaws at Lowe's or Western Tool. Both companies sell bench vise jaws made of softer materials for use on more malleable projects and parts. They also have grooves and notches built in to hold various shapes at several angles to make your job easier.