Jaw Platform Enables Fast, Accurate Vise Jaw Change

Kurt Manufacturing’s DoveLock jaw setup enables one-minute vise jaw changes with repeatable accuracy of ±0.001". The system enables machine operators to move quickly from one job to the next. Vises and tombstones stay in place on machining centers; only the jaw plates are changed, saving potentially hundreds of minutes per day across an entire machining facility, the company says. The workholding system is ideal for single- and double-station vises and towers used on both horizontal and vertical machining centers.

DoveLock consists of a master jaw with built-in dovetail “quick clamps” designed to precisely hold and lock into position the quick-change machinable jaws. In the initial setup, each master jaw has two bolts that fasten easily to the stationary movable jaw of any standard 6" Kurt vise or standard Kurt Cluster Tower. The DoveLock workstop, located on the master jaw, allows for quick and repeatable workpiece location accurate to ±0.001" without measuring.

Once the master jaws are in place, the machinable jaws locate precisely with the master jaw and quickly lock up using three hex-head bolts. The machinable jaws can be rotated 180 degrees and machined on both sides for holding two different parts.

To handle a full range of part sizes, DoveLock interchangeable jaws are available in 4", 6" and 8" widths. Complete starter master jaw kits are available as well as individual machinable jaw kits.