Audel Machine Shop Basics
Chapter One
Benchwork
The term benchwork relates to work performed by the mechanic at
the machinist's bench with hand tools rather than machine tools. It
should be understood that the terms benchwork and visework
mean the same thing; the latter, strictly speaking, is the correct
term, as in most cases the work is held by the vise, while the bench
simply provides an anchorage for the vise and a place for the tools.
However, these terms are used almost equally. Today, work at the
bench is not performed as much as formerly; the tendency, with the
exception of scraping, is to do more and more benchwork with
machines.
Operations that can be performed at the bench may be classed as
follows:
Chipping
Sawing
Filing
Scraping
The Bench and Bench Tools
The prime requirements for a machinist's bench are that it should
be strong, rigid, and of the proper width and height that the work
can be performed conveniently. Correct height is important, and
this will depend on the vise type used, that is, how far its jaws project
above the bench. The location of the bench is important. It
should be placed where there is p ... read full excerpt from Audel TM Machine Shop Basics, All New 5th Edition ebook
