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How to Use a Sine Vise
Guide · Updated October 27, 2026
A sine vise is a precision vise on a hinged sine base. Set a gage block stack under the roll and the jaw tilts to an exact angle, for grinding or milling angled features.
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Step by step
- Find the length: Read the center distance between the rolls, often 5 in or 100 mm.
- Calculate the stack: Stack = length × sin(angle). Example: 5 × sin 30° = 2.5000 in.
- Build it: Build the stack with the fewest blocks using the free Gage Block Calculator.
- Set the angle: Lower the roll onto the stack, then lock the hinge and the angle locks.
- Clamp and check: Clamp the part and check the angle with an indicator sweep or sine bar.
Tips
- Keep the roll and blocks clean.
- Lock in stages so the vise doesn't lift off the stack.
- For loose setups use a sine bar. For big parts use a sine plate.
Related: sine bars, sine plates.
Worked example: setting 15° on a 5 in sine vise
The gage block height for a sine vise is H = L × sin(A). For a 5.000 in vise at 15°, sin 15° = 0.25882, so H = 5.000 × 0.25882 = 1.2941 in. Build it from 0.1001 + 0.144 + 0.050 + 1.000 = 1.2941 in, or let the calculator choose the stack. Set the stack under the roll, lower the vise onto it and lock the clamps.
At 30° the height is 2.5000 in, and at 45° it is 3.5355 in. As the angle rises, a small height error produces a larger angle error, so above about 45° many machinists set the complementary angle and turn the part. Check the setup with a test indicator across a ground part: a 0.0005 in rise over 2 in means the angle is off by about 0.0143°, roughly 52 seconds. Recheck that the clamps did not lift the vise off the stack when tightened.
Quick shop check
For a 5 in sine vise at 20°, stack = 5 × sin 20° = 5 × 0.34202 = 1.7101 in. Build 0.1001 + 0.110 + 0.500 + 1.000 = 1.7101 in. Check the angle with a test indicator after clamping, because the vise can shift when the part is gripped.
FAQ
How do you calculate a sine vise stack?
Stack = roll center distance × sin(angle). For a 5 in vise at 30°, that's 2.5000 in.
Sine vise vs sine plate?
A sine vise has jaws for clamping small parts. A sine plate is a larger table for bolting or magnetic setups.
What's the max angle?
Usually about 45–60°. Above 45°, use the complementary angle setup for accuracy.
How do I build the stack?
Enter the size at gageblockcalc.com, free.
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General shop information only — follow your gage manufacturer's instructions and your quality system.