Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions about Air Vise pneumatic CNC vises, soft jaws, automation, ordering, shipping, returns, and warranty.

What is an Air Vise?

An Air Vise uses shop air to clamp and unclamp your workpiece quickly. Air provides consistent clamping force and speeds up your part loading process.

Pneumatic vs manual vise: what's the difference?

A manual vise is tightened by hand; a pneumatic vise uses regulated air pressure to clamp. Pneumatic setups are great when you want faster cycles and repeatable clamping force part after part.

Do I need a robot/cobot to use pneumatic workholding?

No. Pneumatic workholding can improve throughput and consistency in manual CNC workflows too—a cobot just adds automation on top of the same repeatable clamping foundation.

Should I choose a Table Vise or Rotary Vise?

A Table Vise is a great solution when working on a standard VMC. A rotary Vise offers a 120 degree mounting pattern and bottom airports for 4 & 5 axis applications.

How do I maintain proper chip control during automated machine tending?

Effective chip control comes down to a combination of good machining practices, part and jaw design, and proper coolant or air blast strategy. When automating a process, it's important to plan for chip management from the start.

Air Vise Jaw Removal

Hook the vise up to air and actuate the vise into the open position. You should then be able to press the jaws down slightly and slide them out.

Are STEP files available for Air Vise products?

Yes. STEP files are available for the Table Vise and jaws (4" and 6") and for the Rotary Vise and jaws (4").

How do I become a dealer?

Becoming a dealer is straightforward—no buy-ins or minimums to get started. Create your account, then email your company info and your state resale certificate to info@airvise.com.

How do you recommend cutting the jaws?

Use the supplied 0.032" shim between the jaw faces and close the vise. Start with a graduated depth cut and take multiple passes if needed. Use general 7075-T6 aluminum cutting guidelines.

What is included with the Table and Rotary Vise?

Both include a set of jaws, workholding hardware, fixture keys, a jaw shim, and fittings.

What is the clamping force for the Table and Rotary Vises?

Clamping force is adjustable using a regulator. The Air Vise Help page includes a reference chart.

How do I contact Air Vise & Workholding?

Use the Contact pop-up on this site, or reach out by email at info@airvise.com or by phone at 866-836-0961.

Has my order shipped?

Check your order status in your AirVise.com account under My Account / Order Status.

What warranty do Air Vise products include?

Air Vise vises include a 1-year warranty for manufacturer defects and malfunctions from the date of purchase. Jaws (included or purchased separately) have a 90-day warranty for manufacturer defects.

Do I have to pay sales tax?

Sales tax is charged only if you're located in the same state as the warehouse.

How much is shipping?

Shipping is automatically calculated before you submit payment. Add items to your cart and proceed to checkout to see shipping methods and prices.

What is your return policy?

Return policy details are covered in the Terms & Conditions.

Do you ship to my country?

If the website says shipping isn't available in the country dropdown call customer service for specific rates and shipping options.