PCB holder/vise suggestions? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: jgalak
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 08, 2018, 05:33:09 pm
content: I am looking for some sort of vise or other holder to hold PCBs while soldering. Mostly I just work on the table (I've got a solder-proof ESD mat akin to the one in Dave's videos) but sometimes having a different angle is very helpful. I'm mostly working with smaller boards, from maybe 1"x1" to maybe 3"x5". May work on slightly larger ones in the future.I'm thinking about the PanaVise 201 Junior (https://www.amazon.com/PanaVise-Model-201-Junior-Miniature/dp/B000B61D22/) but I'm concerned about how narrow the jaws are. Does it grip sufficiently well to solder on? I think it's the one used in the Contextual Electronics videos, and I recall the PCB getting knocked out of the vise several times.The Panavise 324 (https://www.amazon.com/PanaVise-324-Electronic-Work-Center/dp/B000SSPNBU/) has much wider jaws, but I'm wondering if it will work well with really small PCBs. It's also a lot more money.Thoughts on these, and other, holders?Thanks.

author: Muxr
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 08, 2018, 05:38:01 pm
content: I have the plastic PanaVice you linked.. it's ok for if you need to do something to hold a PCB.. but it's not really the best for soldering. The jaw is actually pretty sturdy the problem is the base.. it's too light. It does have the screw holes and I guess you could screw it into the desk at which point it might be decent. I work on smaller boards and I never had issues fitting any of them into the jaws, they open quite wide.What I use most of the time for soldering though is this thing.https://www.ebay.com/itm/1-Metal-PCB-Holder-Circuit-Board-Fixtures-Repair-Tools-For-Mobile-Phone-PDA-MP3/172766595785?epid=22004731274&hash=item2839b10ac9:g:TJAAAOSwR29ZN8i2It works really well for SMD jobs. It's pretty sturdy. Particularly if you work under a microscope (which I often do with SMD boards).

author: phil from seattle
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 08, 2018, 06:32:18 pm
content: Have the following:300 standard base303 Standard head312 Base (this is important for stability)366 wide opening headIn general, I almost never use the 366 wide opening head. It's kind of clumsy and the jaws wither at the sight of a soldering iron. I generally just find some place to clamp a part of the board. The junior looks pretty bad to me.Also, I got high heat tolerant replacement jaws for the 303.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 08, 2018, 06:49:31 pm
content: If I'm not just soldering on the mat, I use a PanaVise system I've put together.301 kit(303 head + 300 base)315 head(circuit board holder arms)*376 Self-Centeringhead301315376For a base, I use a ~1ft square x 3/8" thick steel plate (rather heavy). All that was needed was to drill 3 holes, paint it, and add adhesive backed rubber feet. The steel came from a welding/fabrication shop (scrap pile), and they sold it to me cheap (~$6 IIRC).I like the wide range of motion and multiple heads to do whatever it is I'm futzing around with. No, they're not cheap, but they're not going to fall apart any time soon.* There are longer cross bars if you need them at some point (up to 30").In your case, you could take a look at the220 PV Jr. Mini Circuit Board Holderas it will meet your stated needs (good for PCB's up to 4.5" wide), and it's less money than the 324. If you plan on working your way up to larger boards however, you'd want to go with either the 324 or350(324 + base).220 PV Jr. Mini Circuit Board Holder350

author: Gyro
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 08, 2018, 06:51:37 pm
content: Quote from: Muxr on February 08, 2018, 05:38:01 pmThose are really good for small boards. They can be significantly improved by...1. Replacing the ridiculously long and strong spring with a short weaker one2. File off the pointed tip of the clamping screw, it then grips better and wears less as there are more than a couple of threads engaged.With these trivial mods they become a lot more usable and have better jaw capacity!You can even use the parts, together with bits of steel rod and plate to make a large version - this one I made has 4"x6" capacity and can still go down to virtually zero.As Muxr says, very useful for microscope work.

author: jgalak
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 08, 2018, 07:05:44 pm
content: Thanks everyone, I think I have what I need. I'm going to order the 324 since it comes with the bigger base and has the options to use different heads, as needed.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 08, 2018, 07:18:30 pm
content: Quote from: jgalak on February 08, 2018, 07:05:44 pmI think you'll like it.Do note that you'll have to hold your arms suspended in air rather than resting them on the table edge. A stool rather than a chair might make things more comfortable for this situation.I my case, I've an old computer desk that the table top height is adjustable (soon to be freed up permanently). So between that and my chair is also adjustable (with arm rests), I seem to manage well enough. Where this particular head really comes into its own, is when you need to use a hot air preheater IME.

author: Neomys Sapiens
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 08, 2018, 10:59:21 pm
content: Bernstein Spannfix!https://www.bernstein-werkzeuge.de/produkte/spanngeraete/

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 09, 2018, 12:29:33 am
content: Quote from: Neomys Sapiens on February 08, 2018, 10:59:21 pmDefinitely good stuff.Unfortunately, it's also harder to locate in North America (imported from Farnell in the UK). And it's very expensive (i.e. the9-215is ~3.5x more expensive before handling/import fee, and actual shipping charges than the PanaVise 301, which only costs $49.49 to your door).Flotronmade a ball joint vise nearly identical to what's used on the Spannfix (see photo), but they're no longer manufactured. FWIW, I prefer the ball joint design from Flotron over PanaVise's.9-215Flotron

author: paulca
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 09, 2018, 07:57:02 am
content: So it's only me who uses a pair of pliers with an elastic band round the handles.

author: Lee Leduc
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 09, 2018, 01:14:45 pm
content: I've been using this recently. It's not expensive and works well.https://www.amazon.com/Aven-17010-Adjustable-Circuit-Holder/dp/B00Q2TTQEE/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1518181654&sr=8-3&keywords=pcb+holder&dpID=41nBaU-cqqL&preST=_SX342_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 09, 2018, 02:08:08 pm
content: Quote from: paulca on February 09, 2018, 07:57:02 amNo idea.You could start a poll as to what members are using (i.e. PanaVise, Spannfix, small bench vise whether it uses a vacuum base or table clamp, pliers, DIY contraptions, and so on).

author: jgalak
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 09, 2018, 05:55:53 pm
content: Quote from: paulca on February 09, 2018, 07:57:02 amWell, since my PanaVise hasn't gotten here yet, and I wanted to solder a small board this morning, I used a hemostat to grab the corner of a board and put a heavy tool through one of the holes of the hemostat to weigh it down. Does that count?

author: Mr. Scram
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 09, 2018, 06:07:04 pm
content: Quote from: Lee Leduc on February 09, 2018, 01:14:45 pmI use a similar one and I love it. I don't get the clampy one sided ones, those don't seem to be convenient at all.

author: GreyWoolfe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 09, 2018, 06:14:04 pm
content: Quote from: jgalak on February 08, 2018, 07:05:44 pmI have the 324, a 300 series with a vise and heavy base and a 2nd 300 series with self centering jaws. The 324 I bought new, the others came to me via hamfest/surplus store. I do use the vise and the self centering head more than the wide jaws of the 324. I personally would recommend Panavise to everyone. However, they do need some sort of heavy base to keep them in place.

author: rx8pilot
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 09, 2018, 06:16:42 pm
content: I made these little guys because I wanted to have a flat enough solution to fit under a microscope, fit through the pick and place conveyor, clamp on a panavise, etc.Aluminum tray with grid of holes, movable clamps and supports to hold any shape PCB.

author: JohnPen
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 09, 2018, 06:20:38 pm
content: Quote from: Lee Leduc on February 09, 2018, 01:14:45 pmI have been using one of these for some while and it is very useful. A little bulky for use on a restricted desk space though. Most of my PCBs are small and I have considered shortening the 'cross bar' but of course a larger PCB may suddenly occur then. They are available in the UK from CPC for a fiver.

author: ChrisLX200
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 09, 2018, 06:37:32 pm
content: I've 3D printed a few designs leeched off ThingiVerse, mostly OK given the limitations of the material (ABS) but one day I will machine something decent from metal.

author: rx8pilot
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 09, 2018, 06:43:05 pm
content: Quote from: ChrisLX200 on February 09, 2018, 06:37:32 pmExcellent use of a 3D printer - exactly why I think I should get one!

author: Gyro
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 09, 2018, 06:48:03 pm
content: Quote from: rx8pilot on February 09, 2018, 06:16:42 pmVery nice(and ChrisLX200 too). We could do with a few more self-constructed ideas around here - These type of threads almost always head straight towards expensive off the shelf Panavises and similar.Edit: Though those cheap rotating frame ones are good value.

author: jgalak
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 09, 2018, 07:04:50 pm
content: I thought about 3D printing one, but my printer kind of sucks. No way would it do the screw well enough to work right. I'm planning on a better one soon...

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 09, 2018, 08:42:52 pm
content: Quote from: jgalak on February 09, 2018, 05:55:53 pmI'd think it more a DIY method as it's more involved than pliers held closed by a rubber band.Quote from: GreyWoolfe on February 09, 2018, 06:14:04 pmEasy. Just bolt the base to a steel plate.In terms of the effort involved, it's not much; you only need to drill 3 holes. I'd also recommend painting it (cheap spray can). Don't orget to pick up some self-adhesive rubber feet (0.75" square, .25" tall), as well as the appropriate hardware to fasten the base.Hope this is of some help.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 09, 2018, 08:45:10 pm
content: Quote from: Gyro on February 09, 2018, 06:48:03 pmGenerally speaking, the original posts requesting a board holder recommendation are after a ready-made solution IME.3D printing certainly opens things up, but not everyone has access to one. Personally, I'm waiting for 3D metal printers to come in at a price I can afford. At $120k USD for the system I'm interested in, seems like I'll be waiting quite awhile.

author: jgalak
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 09, 2018, 08:48:36 pm
content: Quote from: nanofrog on February 09, 2018, 08:45:10 pmYes, I was looking for off-the-shelf. I can make things. But sometimes I don't want to build the tools to do the project, sometimes I just want to do the project....

author: rx8pilot
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 09, 2018, 09:02:17 pm
content: Quote from: jgalak on February 09, 2018, 08:48:36 pmMaybe I should do a run of my little holder solution and sell them as a kit. Never really thought about selling them, but I have a CNC shop that sits idle a quite a bit.

author: MLXXXp
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 09, 2018, 09:10:54 pm
content: If you want better jaws with a PanaVise 201, you could consider the PCBGRIP vise system that was recently funded on Kickstarter. I was a contributor and the product I received works quite well.https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2065435222/pcbgrip-vise-panavise-model-201-base-compatiblehttps://pcbgrip.com/collections/vise

author: Neomys Sapiens
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 10, 2018, 01:23:53 am
content: I own the slaller and the larger version of the Bernstein Spannfix complete with a range of accessories: vises, PCB-holders (the larger one does up to double-euro), Allspann-adaptor, rotators etc.Bought them second hand, except some accessories.Given the multitude of cheaper solutions, some might consider this outright snobism or whatever.At least, that is the impression that I get from some reactions in other discussions (NOT the actual one).But no, I have no 'vast fortune' or 'money to burn'. But I have some distinct ideas about what I expect for what I spend.Because there is another side to it apart from direct cost.Bernstein makes the 'Spannfix' since some time in the 70s. Replacement plastic faces for the vise are continuously available as a moderately priced catalogue item. Another product might be fine, but what is it's merit when it leaves me spareless after just a fraction of it's possible lifetime?And the way they treat their customers is totally beyond reproach, as I can tell with two examples:I was missing a tiny Philips size 00 insert for their jeweller's style pocket screwdriver and I called them asking what to do, because I could not get it from any distributor. They simply send me one - free of charge. When it arrived, I found that they had send the size 0 bit with it for good measure.Also I own some of theit alignment toolkits. On one of them, the plastic pouch started to disintegrate.One call, asking politely how to order, and I had it simply replaced too.

author: GreyWoolfe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 10, 2018, 01:24:59 am
content: Quote from: rx8pilot on February 09, 2018, 09:02:17 pmI bet you can sell some, too! Nice, elegant solution using the tools you have on hand.