A soft jaw set is a machinable workholding accessory for gentle, repeatable clamping on CNC mills and lathes. It protects parts from clamp marks and suits jobs with critical surface finish.
Pair it with the bays it suits, and read our note on measuring the bed before a quote.
Request fixture noteOur soft jaw sets are replaceable clamping jaws made from mild steel or aluminium. They are designed to be machined or shaped to match the specific workpiece profile for each job.
Soft jaws are ideal for the Feature Mill 3-Axis and the Feature Lathe Compact. They are used wherever you need to grip finished surfaces without leaving clamp marks. Typical jobs include signage blanks, bushings, machined covers, and any repeat part where finish matters, especially before powder coating or assembly.
Start by installing the soft jaw set onto your machine’s vice or chuck. Make sure the jaws are properly aligned and tightened. Machine the jaw faces slightly undersize to suit your specific component, using your CNC program or a manual pass.
Always re-home your machine and check work zero after fitting or refacing jaws, especially after a power cut or controller restart, to ensure accurate repeat setup.
Soft jaws wear faster than hardened jaws, so inspect them before every setup and replace if dented or grooved. For coastal sites in Durban, Gqeberha or Cape Town, wipe down steel jaws with an oiled cloth to prevent rust, especially at the end of shift.
On the Highveld, brush out dust and grit before clamping, since fine abrasive particles can mark your workpiece. Store spare jaws and blanks in a dry drawer or tool crib to avoid corrosion and mix-ups.
When you order, let us know which machine you need the jaws for: Feature Mill 3-Axis or Feature Lathe Compact. Tell us the vice or chuck size and the number of sets you require.
If you need custom shapes or have special material preferences, mention those as well. Our team will match your order for fit and help you plan for your next job.
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