How to center your stock in a vice in Fusion

In this guide, we'll explore two key ways to position your stock model in a vice. First, you can use built-in joints and origins for quick snaps. Second, the constrain components tool lets you build custom holds step by step. Both methods fit different vices and workflows, so you can pick what suits your project.

Method 1: Centering Stock Using Existing Joint Origins and the Joint Command

Utilizing Pre-Built Joint Origins for Rapid Alignment

Many Fusion sample vices come ready with joints and origins. Take the Mako Grip vice from the CAM samples library—it's in the Workholding folder under Lang, Makro Grip, model 48205-125. You'll spot sliding joints plus origins on the jaws right away.

These origins act like snap points.

Executing the Joint Command for Centering

Start a new component for your stock. Use the box tool to sketch a simple shape—say, 6 inches long, 3 inches wide, and 2 inches tall.

Now, pick the Joint tool from the Assemble menu. Select your stock as the part to move. Hover over the stock's bottom edge; an origin icon pops up near the center. Click it, then snap to the matching origin on the vice jaw.

Repeat for the other side edge. Line up the stock's center with the jaw's center point. Hit okay, and the stock jumps into place. If joints link the jaws, they might close automatically around your material.

Watch how the stock locks in perfectly. This joint method shines when your vice model has those origins prepped.

Method 2: Precise Stock Positioning with the Constrain Components Feature

Establishing Foundational Face-to-Face Constraints

Click constrain components in the assemble tab. Pick the stock's bottom face first. Then select the jaw's top face. The stock drops right onto it, faces flush.

Add another constraint by pressing the + icon in the dialog. Choose a side face on the stock and match it to the jaw's inner face. It pushes the stock snug against the stop. Do the same for the the other side—now it's like you've set it down and shoved it home by hand.

These steps build a solid base. Each one fixes a degree of freedom. Your stock won't wobble.

Implementing the Specialized Center Constraint

With the basics in place, it's off-center still. Time for the center option in the dialogue. Add a new constraint and select the center option.

Pick two opposing faces on the stock—front and back. Then grab the jaw's front and back faces. The stock snaps to the middle, dead even.

Scroll through your list: three face-to-face constraints plus one center constraint.

This center tool is a game-saver for symmetry. No math needed; Fusion handles the calculation for you.

Advanced Application: Centering Stock on Parallels in Step-Less Vices

Positioning Workholding Parallels Using Constraints

Some vices lack a built-in step, like the Profilo 150-125 model. No worry—add parallels for height.

Create a new component called Parallel. Sketch a box: 6 inches wide, 2 inches tall, 0.125 inches thick.

Use constrain components again. Bottom of parallel to vice floor. Side to the fixed jaw. Then center: pick parallel's ends and the jaw's end faces.

Press OK, and drag the moving jaw. The parallel sticks to it, sliding along.

This setup raises your stock off the base.

Dynamic Stock Placement on Moving Parallels

Right-click the parallel and copy it. Drag the duplicate to the other side.

Constrain the copy: bottom to vice, side to moving jaw. For center, select both front and back faces. Hold your mouse button to probe through without spinning the view—grab the hidden face easily.

Now both parallels are tied to their jaws. Move one, and the setup stays true.

Insert your stock and use the Constrain Components to position the stock on top of the parallels.

Final Stock Placement and Parametric Updates

Finish with the center constraint. Pick stock faces and parallel ends—or jaw faces, your call. It centers perfectly.

The beauty? Parallels are editable. Right-click, edit in place. Bump the height from 1 to 1.5 inches. Hit okay—both update, stock adjusts on top.

No rework. Parametric power keeps everything in sync.

Integrating Unconstrained Models: Building Intelligence into Downloaded Vices

Importing and Preparing External Models

Grab a vice from outside Fusion, like the self-centering Delta Vice from orangvice.com. Scroll down for the Parasolid download.

Open the .x_t file. The components appear but may be rotated odd.

Use the move tool and change the option to components. Pick a pivot on the base. Rotate 90 degrees to position it to where it makes sense.

Applying Rigid Groups and As-Built Joints

These components have no built-in joints structure. Select the jaw and it's sliding base and apply a rigid group. They now move as one unit.

Repeat for the other side.

For motion, use as-built joint. It's for parts already placed in their correct position. Click the moving jaw and base. Set to slider, pick an edge for the path.

It slides now. But the whole vice might shift—pin the base to ground it.

Do the opposite jaw same way. Select it and base, slider on its edge.

Creating Motion Linking for Synchronized Jaw Movement

Link the sliders with motion link tool. Pick both joints.

They sync—if one opens, the other does too. But for a vice, reverse it. Click the button, and they close together.

Test: drag one jaw. The pair squeezes in. Now you can add in your parallels and stock, just like the previous examples. This turns any download into a smart vice.