3D printed fractal vise - The coolest tool you didn't know you needed

I saw an awesome video by Hand Tool Rescue of a 100+ year old fractal vise being restored and just had to have one. CAD and 3D printing makes this possible and if you own a 3D printer you can have one too. You won’t believe how awesome this vise design is, it can morph to clamp almost any shape!
What do you think of my design? My approach has strengths and weaknesses compared to the other designs on Thingiverse. If you would like to modify it, please remix and share.
0:00 Introduction
Hand tool rescue fractal vise restoration video: • Rare Antique Fractal V...
1:12 Other designs on Thingiverse
Antique Fractal Vise Replica By Clerick: www.thingiverse.com/thing:489...
Fractal Vise by Borgey: www.thingiverse.com/thing:489...
Fractal bench dog/clamp for workmate by acgmcll: www.thingiverse.com/thing:490...
2:11 What does fractal mean?
Fractal wiki article: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fractal
Fractal Pyramid with Continuous Cross-section by ricktu: www.thingiverse.com/thing:135...
Fractal broccoli image: www.pxfuel.com/en/free-photo-...
3:34 My design criteria
Nano vise: www.thingiverse.com/thing:206...
4:29 Design approach and problem solving
Fractal vise patent: patents.google.com/patent/US1...
Onshape CAD (free): www.onshape.com/
6:47 Print settings and tips
Rat Rig V-core 3 playlist: • Rat Rig V-core 3 build
X3D diamond PLA filament: x3d.com.au/products/x3d-pro-d...
My fractal vise design on Thingiverse: www.thingiverse.com/thing:490...
8:10 Assembly order and tips
13:13 Testing!
13:58 Conclusion - Remixes please
Source CAD: cad.onshape.com/documents/550...
John Toebes has created an assembly of the vise with proper constraints and that means you can virtually animate it: cad.onshape.com/documents/a04...
Buy quality and affordable filament from X3D. Buy 3, get 1 free and a free sample pack with every order: www.x3d.com.au
Get Quality Resins from 3D Printers Online. 5% off storewide for Teaching Tech subscribers [Code: tech5]
3dprintersonline.com.au/
Take a look around and if you like what you see, please subscribe.
Support me on Patreon: / teachingtech

[@HandToolRescue]

I need one of these!

[@Shreyam_io]

haaha

[@mjbirdClavdivs]

Talk to Michael. He might make you one for one of your Hand Tool Rescue wrenches. (I noticed that one of the other designs he looked at used an HTR wrench as the item to hold.)

[@sentry4944]

Looks like everybody made fractal vises after your video.

[@mortalwombat5811]

I don't know what you're paying youtube for promoting your channel, but it's probably worth it. I was also recommended your fractal vice video out of the blue a few weeks ago, and have since subscribed and been enjoying your back catalog. You're doing amazing work.

[@TeachingTech]

First time I had come across your channel and I was an instant fan. Great technical skill and humour. Needless to say your fractal vise video was very inspiriational.

[@UncleJessy]

Okay now this is a must build project

[@forbiddenera]

Yess..saw the original video and..yess

[@RazzleberryHaze]

@@forbiddenera same here, seems like all the DIYers and makers got recommended the same vid and now want the same object

[@breakthecode4634]

@@RazzleberryHaze yea, the algorithm knows all.

[@bluesap7318]

I’d like to make one out of pvc and silicone mixture.

[@dodobarbar]

The result on a resin printer should be even better! Go Jeyys go! ;-)

[@pubcle]

It's a really sad thing that the fractal vise was lost to time, it's such a good device, and seeing its restoration to having a place of prominence and popularity is kinda heart warming.

[@PiefacePete46]

@puncledorf : The problem with a fractal vice is that it is not really a substitute for a normal parallel-jaw vice, so you need to have space for it as well. For instance, if you want to hold a small object, it gets very 'fiddly'. Admittedly the fractal vice I used was a monster. 😜

[@billfred9411]

Its a very cool device for sure but its not really any more useful then a normal vice most of the time. From what iv seen of people using these is they actually dont hold certain objects as good as you think. The way it distributes the weight tends to leave room for what ever you put in the vice to start sliding out if you are doing some really intense work on what is in the vice.

[@pubcle]

@@billfred9411 Huh, I'd think that the vise would hook under bits and make it really hard to slide in any direction besides maybe a pulling/leveraging it up from the vise. Can't image it would slip down or up the vise.

[@billfred9411]

@@pubcle Notice how everything is laying flat in this video? When i say up and down i mean vertically from were you would be looking at the vice. It will grip around the shape and hold it very well in that regard. what i mean is it slips vertically. The example i saw this with was Adam savage using it to drill a hole in a glass bottle which i will add is no easy feat and he used this vice. The problem was the bottle would slip vertically as he drilled it because the vice doesint have much vertical grip. I should also add if its a very solid object you could just crank it super tight and whatever's in probably wont budge at all . you could likley modify the vice to entirely solve that problem i mentioned as well.

[@TommyGunz327]

@@PiefacePete46 they make a large and small “jewelers version”. Adam Savage from that old discovery channel show I forget what it’s called recently bought one on alibaba and made a video of it. They come in 2 different sizes. The large one is around 2,500$ usd

[@rudiwinkelstein2483]

If you think about it, the bones in our upper arm, lower arm, hand and the three finger segments are also kind of like a fractal, each segment becoming smaller than the previous but with a similar form. This really seems to be a thing in nature.

[@DoYouSeeBananaManTH]

HOLY that makes a lot of sense damn

[@PublicVoidStart909]

Thats not what a fractal means though, a fractal is simply a shape that no matter how far you zoom in it will not lose its roughness. Similar to a coastline. Fractals can be self-similar but typically aren't

[@NotHere3]

@@PublicVoidStart909 dude, a fractal is a repeating shape/pattern that us matter how far you zoom in will keep it’s show up until the ATOMS NOT FOREVER.

[@vanconojl]

@@NotHere3 "us matter"?

[@racoonfederationhecker4173]

@@PublicVoidStart909 He/She said that it was similar to a fractal, not exactly like it. Meaning it follows the general concept of a fractal but does not exactly resemble it.

[@Wintergatan]

Wow, had no clue - awesome video!

[@dracons3257]

Hi! I think your music and marble machine is really cool!

[@Deses]

My favorite channel commenting on my other favorite channel!

[@Pushyhog]

bat shit incredible

[@fuzzdogs]

@@Deses same

[@10HW]

of course, martin had to be here

[@jsal92]

Whoever says that Michael is "copying" videos of others needs to actually watch his videos. He references even the things he didn't try and links videos and files. Not to mention all the contributes he's made to open source projects. Stellar work Michael, thanks for getting me into 3d printing and design.

[@oompalumpus699]

Don't listen to those kinds of people. Those are just kids itching to start drama. Michael referenced everything and gave credit properly.

[@zirjaeger4037]

showing what you copied is still copying

[@jsal92]

@@zirjaeger4037 yet there's a difference between plagiarism and referencing the original material, as seen in any research paper on anything

[@sarahkatherine8458]

Whoever says that Michael is "copying", is basically saying that "I see people making X, so I want to make is myself" is bad. Also, I don't think this is "copying" because he do everything himself, from the designing to the printing, included tweaking. If you say that that is still "copying", well, we do that every *beeping* second.

[@MrLexhoya]

@@sarahkatherine8458 I may be late to this convo, but if we were not able to copy basic mechanisms, we would not be able to make new mechanisms. Most of them use some sort of previously designed base mechanisms. This is why I like books like 50x Mechanical Movements (Henry T Brown)

[@DuckyRC]

Thanks for staying open source, its great to see designers take pride in their personal projects enough to share :)

[@momsberettas9576]

This bring the phrase "They've got my balls in a vice." to a whole new level.

[@jamesbizs]

Not really. No

[@imtako4evr]

Glad to find I’m not the only dirty minded on here😭

[@wades623]

@@imtako4evr you must be new to the internet.

[@killsalot78]

now the fractal vise is gonna be the next big trend

[@DakotaActually]

It already is This is the 4th or 5th video on it i have seen

[@yohellghost2115]

But it's very handy. I could have used this 20 years ago.

[@gustavrsh]

I don't understand what the regular metal version isn't made nowadays ..

[@FireN2k9]

@@gustavrsh Maybe in China, usa/europe would be too expensive to fabricate I guess.

[@gustavrsh]

@@FireN2k9 even if it was expensive, I bet a lot of people would pay for it.

[@abmorse1]

I don't think the sentence, "Next, I decided to service my kazoo" has ever been said in a video before

[@Breeegz]

I came here for the Kazoo.. I'm kinda addicted to makeing them, I even bought a circle cutter on Amazon to streamline the process.

[@evanphi]

If this isn't a euphemism, I don't know what is...

[@Nevir202]

@@evanphi Came here to say the same lol

[@YankeeinSC1]

it's actually a common term if you're in the habit of banana clamping.

[@thebudgetdungeon3858]

Oh... but it has... Just not the type of video that KZbin would typically allow to be posted. LMAO

[@dijasom]

I'm glad someone did this, as i was really amazed watching that darn vice when it was originally restored. Such a cool piece of tech.

[@williamrodriguezmswlcsw8119]

Well done! thank you so much for making the project open source and sharing it with the community!! You are wonderful steward in upholding the values that makes this community great!!!

[@Borgedesigns]

Ah! your constraint mechanism is genius, something I really was stuck on. same with the dovetails, although I will say I have found printing them with supports to be less detrimental than I was expecting, the supports printed only ended up being a .6mm line. Very nice design though, your design flow is so much neater than mine.

[@TeachingTech]

I enjoyed seeing how the designs available all had their own stamp. When yours is no longer a WIP I'm gong to print it too. Well done!

[@chrstphrr]

This would make a great starting point for making a metal vise: PLA could be used to make patterns for casting metal parts. The design as you've made it would allow for interchangeable plastic soft jaws at the D level on an otherwise metal vise, too. Big, big thumbs up for making the design open source!

[@atomicskull6405]

Shapeways can 3D print steel.

[@lampostsamurai2518]

@@atomicskull6405 at the point where you're 3dprinting metal, you're better off using it for weak parts that aren't going to be compromised by being highly porous. a vise is probably not what you want to be extremely weak steel.

[@angrydragonslayer]

Castable resin anyone?

[@taowroland8697]

CNC machine and lathe

[@angrydragonslayer]

@@taowroland8697 .... That is going so full circle that it's ironic....

[@THESLlCK]

the day I found these, I was so taken aback about how incredibly useful these are kudos to the inventor

[@roccov3614]

I saw the thumbnail for Hand Tool Rescue. Didn't realize it was so cool. I'm going to have to watch it now.

[@succuvamp_anna]

I hope HandToolRescue sees this, they would love this!

[@Evilslayer73]

indeed

[@sjonjones4009]

That's where I've this as well.

[@KrisDouglas]

Pretty sure he's why this video exists!

[@Bolli1983]

looked for this reference, was not disappointed.

[@DustMug]

You're about 20 hours early

[@AuthenTech]

So cool! I'm hoping to get a 3D printer soon and I'd love to print one of these

[@phil6419]

prusa's are dope

[@jimmysyar889]

I like the creality ender 5

[@jeepmanxj]

There are a lot of affordable options these days. I've got a small army of ender 3's and a cr6se that sits in my computer room.

[@GReaper]

If you don't have a 3d printer, just upload the the files to shapeways and have them print them for you, for a fee of course. You can even get metal prints, but that won't be cheap

[@mikej8832]

@@GReaper any idea what shapeways charges? I'm on a tablet with no 3d printer or capable computer.

[@LOSTYKmail]

Total respect .. having all your hard work to be open source ..that's just amazing

[@mikedrop4421]

Now someone needs to cast a vise using the lost PLA method. This vise is the gift that keeps on giving

[@thomasmurphy8749]

Just wanted to express my appreciation at you sharing the source CAD files - it's nice to have STL's to print things, but the moment someone wants to tweak things, STL is awful. By having your CAD, they can directly make adjustments as they please :) I'm sure you know this and that's why you shared it, but it's just refreshing to see someone making that choice.

[@GadgetAddict]

Superb work and fun to watch! The way you organized the prints also makes it super easy for people to duplicate 👍

[@featherbrain7147]

Brilliant and very clearly explained. I realised that I was so rapt that my mouth was hanging open! I needed one of these years ago but there were no 3D printers....

[@Sharklops]

your solution for that constraining lip was really well done

[@Arclite02]

The instant I saw the thumbnail... "Well, SOMEONE's been watching Hand Tool Rescue..."

[@PaulDominguez]

The Fractal vice is trending with the makers.

[@ericraymond3734]

One of the most useful and elegant 3D-printing designs I've ever seen. Really top-flight work.

[@RetroJack]

As soon as I saw Hand Tool Rescue's video, I though, "Someone's gotta do this!" I'm glad this has actually happened - now all I need is a 3D printer of my own!

[@taaoquinn3731]

I don’t have a 3D printer but this video is just incredible. So detailed and such a good walk through on building and assembly. And the fully open source aspect is just amazing to see after all the work you put in to making this.

[@ericlotze7724]

*AND* It's Open Source! Absolutely amazing project, keep up the great work!

[@90Beater]

This is so cool. I was in awe of the Hand Tool Rescue video of the Fractal Vice and now I have two delta printers printing out parts. Thank you for providing the STL files on Thingverse.

[@jeffreykipperman6894]

You have done something awesome. Ever since I saw Hand Tool Rescue's video of the Fractal Vice restoration, I was amazed that this tool even existed, and knew that I needed to have one. You have made it accessible!

[@wlgt3257]

Glad I'm not the only one that came to the same sad conclusion that these fractal vises just are not available anywhere, anymore. So cool you did this vid @teaching tech I'm going to make one with my children now! Super Cool!

[@moth.monster]

a new trend in the making

[@Micro-Moo]

I worked seriously enough on the fractals for a while and can say this is the most amazing hand-made product related to fractals I ever saw. Thank you for sharing!

[@BillyT886]

This was like watching a movie in a foreign language with no subtitles….yet I watched the whole damn thing in awe!

[@xraylover]

as an CNC engineer and avid 3D printing enthusiast I find this a facilitating method of workholding. Thank you for all your work :-)

[@KeesHessels]

Why is this not a well known tool ? this is so handy in cnc machining the bottom, but also with some guides you have a straight vise... cool...

[@KeesHessels]

I bet you, ebay will have some Chinese suppliers offering this real soon :)

[@HuFlungDung2]

I'm not sure of the repeatability of location of the part in such a vise. Simple enough to find out: can you clamp something in two different orientations? Also will the piece stay firmly against an end stop?This matters a great deal in CNC machining.

[@KeesHessels]

@@HuFlungDung2 I agree to a certain extent, i'm sure that as it is, it wont have the repeatability, a bench vise also does not have the accuracy epeatability of a machine vise, but I don' t see why that could not be solved, on the other hand, having to make fixtures all the time kinda sucks as well...a whole lot of effort goes into making fixtures, and often the accuracy is not that great either... I agree if we are dealing with precise cnc' s 0.001mm accuracy, its a bit difficult, way to many moving parts, but 0.01 region should be attainable, especially if you use something like a kinetic lock system and\or have the ability to lock the radiants in place...not saying its a one fit solution at all, but I do think it could save a lot on fixturing...a very usable tool in the arsenal of a machinist...

[@joecoolmccall]

Probably because of all the moving parts, many which look sort of proprietary, it must have been expensive to manufacture and even more expensive to repair. Just a guess.

[@petermead7510]

Thank you for sharing this with us. I got my first 3d printer last July, that is when I first saw this video. Now I have 3 and I think maybe enough experience to finally try this out. I think you are an amazing designer and once again, thank you!

[@aaronrogers8743]

This is brilliant, i attempted to design my own after watching the hand tool rescue video, and hit some of the same walls you mentioned. Thank you for this video it was great to see how you worked through the design process. Your design is excellent

[@maggs131]

It's so cool and interesting that something someone designed and developed over 100 years ago is instantly prized and replicated today.

[@MrPointless]

Amazing, I was completely enthralled when I saw the vice restoration video, so pleased to see a 3D printed verson. Personally I think the little peg insert in each, uh, "moon shape", to stop the rotation, is more aesthetically pleasing to me than the cut-in-half circle, but man, watching this thing in action is so satisfying

[@Eclipsed_Archon]

This is like, the simplest most obvious thing that I never would have thought of on my own. It's really just genius! Whoever came up with this is my hero

[@mellis966]

The tips of the smallest feet chould be printed in a semi-soft rubber.

[@gennapohl8079]

I was thinking that too--or just over-molded.

[@PhoenixTwoFiftySix]

a crumple spring-like mechanism maybe?

[@Krougher]

Man, you are incredible. I wish i had you as a teacher.

[@xander7462]

I wish I could manipulate the various software that well. Nice job!

[@AndyChaplin]

Thank you so much for sharing the original CAD files with this project.

[@MiDnYTe25]

I pulled the trigger on my first 3d printer yesterday, and naturally am binge watching 3d printing videos. The amount of creativity and practicality this medium carries is insane.

[@foyrees]

"service my kazoo" you, sir, are a treasure.

[@jani3785]

Amazingly neat job. Seems that specific fractal vise is gong to be a legend.

[@MrChrisDonnelly]

Really appreciate this design process. My father showed me the restoration maybe 4 months ago. Your back engineering is really well done, and innovative. The tolerances, and actual design process is really envious... rather than the 'free fall' design I am working with. I'm trying to break bad habits, and this CAD, and explanation, is inspirational. 🙏

[@devlindelfuegoplays]

If I owned a 3d printer. I would be all over this. This is so cool.

[@lowriderbug]

I was looking at your design earlier thinking that could be cool to print. And now I'm off to download the files 😎

[@sunflash2]

I'm a patron member over on hand tool rescue too. I kept forgetting that he posted that video. I will be printing one of these.

[@Tzevy91]

You have my respect, dear sir. I don't own a 3D printer, nor do I plan on making this vice, but since I am an architect and I do practice a lot of product and furniture design, I know how work-intensive this was and I can only imagine how many iterations of this vice you've tested before you achieved this. Making this video and the open-source STL files is pure gold. I do hope you add 2 more zeros at the end of the views counter. You truly deserve this!

[@zahven]

Whoever came up with this thing is a goddamn genius. What an interesting design

[@user-ef4gf7rr9r]

Your split design also allows you to use different facing materials. Could sub in steel, brass, wood. Perfect for working on delicate pieces. This vise would be great for gunsmiths in particular, I think.

[@gordonyork6638]

Lapidary also.

[@tededonthugback]

That was a great video! I thought about trying to make one of these, but I'm not that great at 3d-modeling yet. So, I'm glad you designed this for us!!!

[@mOOOp42]

I didn't think that the fractal vise video would get so stuck in someone else's head too. I've been to a few antique stores and garage sales, and I always keep looking at the tools/ vices hoping that I may be lucky enough to be graced by such a cool antique.

[@sublic3101]

I saw a TikTok of one of these while I was high and i thought it was one of the cleverest applications of fractal engineering ever. Sober now still think it’s the coolest fractal design.

[@facinorous]

I work in a machine shop. I am going to take your design and instead of printing it, I will make it out of tool steel. Wish me luck.

[@TeachingTech]

Awesome, please share when you're done.

[@koglioknows]

Please do, as I have the same thoughts. But maybe I can just buy yours instead. Lol 👍

[@BLBlackDragon]

100+ year old vise design, that is no longer available. Thank you for pointing out all of the folks who have modeled this. (Including you)

[@thomasdupont1346]

When I saw this on Hand Tool Rescue, I had never heard of this tool, let alone seen one. Now I've seen two and have an opportunity to make one myself. Good Times! Thank you!

[@drewfuller6194]

I saw this in my feed, and knew this had to be inspired by the hand tool rescue channel. That fractal vise is an amazing piece of engineering.

[@ScrewDriverxxx]

Hi Micheal, so glad to see you're a fan too. I also saw that restoration video and became obsessed. Tried to create my own print, failed, went to Thingiverse but disappointed with the early models. Yours looks amazing and I'll definitely be giving it a go. Many thanks!

[@theDesignClass]

Brilliant work Michael!!!

[@MuratIsikHome]

I really appreciate your open source approach. Great video and a lot of maker wisdom. Thank you.

[@TimPiggott]

I really hope a manufacturer is prepared to do this in metal on a large scale! It's such an awesome design!

[@blubb7711]

I can´t wait for Ave milling it from some nice toolsteel.

[@TheBigdawg441]

Cue the classical music!

[@johnv341]

I would prefer This Old Tony for this one or Clickspring!

[@TheBigdawg441]

@@johnv341 Unless TOT has the Maho running 100% CNC now, I can't see it happening. But it would be fun for sure.

[@blubb7711]

@@johnv341 Nah, it needs some fine canadian comentary

[@johnv341]

@@blubb7711 AVE for a laugh and rough machining. TOT for some finesse (and a laugh)

[@GlaucusBlue]

metal version on aliexpress in 3, 2 .... (actually I hope that happens) how are these not widely known about and why not still in production. I can think of countless projects this would have been great on.

[@ThePiprian]

I assume the production/repair costs with all those precise moving parts is not worth it considering many use cases could be done with a normal vise.

[@DakotaActually]

It was made in 1908. Before a lot of precision advancements. Each piece has to be labeled back then for the specific spot/fit

[@merkatorix]

I would have assumed, that it is hard to grip stuff very tight without leaving marks. Similar results can probably achieved by just gripping it violently with classic tools or with softer materials like rubber (in that case it is less constrained, but probably less damaged, too?) The biggest reason is probably that the manufacturer needs to think about customers and most classic customers probably grip flat stuff or already use their own version, so they didn't see the market. Maybe they overlooked it.

[@TheJacklwilliams]

@@ConnorWeller I took a quick look. The pic's say "Patent Pending" so I'd think this design is their version of a fractal vise.

[@IanSlothieRolfe]

I think these vices were mostly made in the 1900's for holding items while being manually engraved. Engraving is not such a big business these days, with other processes being used for the same effect commercially, so I imagine it would be a very niche market, because even today they would be very expensive.

[@microbeta]

I watched the restoration video a couple of weeks ago and decided I had to have one. But it never occurred to me to print one. This is amazing. Thanks.

[@dschoas]

I saw the restauration video, and thought that someone could 3d print this vice. And you made it! You are a hero!

[@mrcrisps3376]

The design is excellent, I will be printing it, also looking forward to seeing what practical purposes people can use it for

[@RoxnDox]

With soft plastic jaws, it would be great for holding pieces of wood or stone for carving, engraving, etc.

[@thelootpursuit6197]

I saw the video and immediately went to thingiverse probably at the same time since you said winter. I wish I had half the ability to do what you did. Thank you

[@CharlieBasta]

This is awesome. This is why I bought a 3D printer. Thanks Michael

[@practicaltheory]

I love how I got several clever things out of this quickly. Already made me think of a solution to a problem I was having.

[@jameslmorehead]

I was designing my own. Glad you did the hard work for me! One suggestion though. You need to "brass off" your drill bit when drilling plastic. This means to take a medium stone and flatten the cutting edge to have a neutral rake. That means to flatten it in parallel with the axis of the bit. This would allow the bit to still cut the plastic, but not grab and pull itself through. This gives a much more clean hole and a much lower chance of any blow out on the back side.

[@markbayles7840]

How have I never seen one of these before. Excellent work 👍

[@almclester]

Thank you! I recently saw your file on Thingiverse and it is in my project queue. I really appreciate having this video to help with the assembly.

[@seedmole]

Cool to see something like this come of that fractal vice restoration video.

[@deankq4adj125]

I too watched the same restoration video! Your design is amazing!

[@glennvillegas9941]

I really need to take a few CAD classes to help me bring my ideas to life.

[@TeachingTech]

These are some of the first videos I made on the channel: kzbin.info/aero/PLGqRUdq5ULsMDOxmu10AGPDIOkzNYu7D7

[@evanphi]

Get an OnShape account. Amazing tutorials for free!

[@Junkboy888]

Hand Tool Rescue is one of my Fav channels and that vise is a work of art. Great to see you tacking this project.

[@lourias]

Dude, YOU ROCK!!! As soon as I get a 3D printer, this will be my first print job!!!!

[@sizzleshnizzle9484]

This is absolutely outstanding. It offers the perfect grip on the object it's holding. Shows how powerful fractals are, and shows how they can be applied in real life to make cool and unique fuctions. It may not do as well as rhe normal vices. I feel like a semi sphere shaped version of this design would make it even more affective when it comes to more 3 dimensional objects

[@koopdi]

How would you keep the semi spheres attached to each other?

[@sizzleshnizzle9484]

@@koopdi I'll try to explain the best I can on how I imagine it going down. instead of the vice being like the way it is in the video (2 dimensional) the parts would resemble more 3 dimensional all connected with a joint system that has circular freedom like ball and socket joints all working down into a fractal as shown in this video but instead of being flat it should be almost like a ball that is in 2 halves all descending down into smaller and smaller self-similar parts of it's self-giving a 3-dimensional grip on an object making desired objects less likely to slip ad there is more of a grip area. hope that makes sense. I'm no genius I wouldn't even know where to start with creating such a thing it's just an idea. it would require more parts but it could work

[@koopdi]

Makes sense. I might have a go at modelling something like that later. I didn't think of the ball/socket. Good idea. I was thinking of the same dovetail track system but with each segment rotated 90deg from it's parent.@@sizzleshnizzle9484

[@MakeEverything]

what a great job!!!

[@MrTexaspete30]

That's pretty amazing what can be accomplished these days with 3d printing and some smarts and talent.

[@davechua7867]

thank you for this beautifully designed file! I have printed all the fractal parts in adaptive mode - max 0.12mm min 0.035mm which is the lowest layer height I have ever gone on any printer. The parts run silky smooth even before lubing. Spend the extra time and filament guys, it's worth it. Would have paid good money to have one of these a year ago when I was learning to build watches

[@petercoutu4726]

I would love to see this done in a filament or resin designed for metal casting. Taking the individual pieces and doing lost wax/pla/resin casting.

[@mikedrop4421]

Agreed

[@MaddMart]

Excellent work. One thing I would change is the direction you clamp things. Most clamps tighten in the clockwise direction.

[@TeachingTech]

I noticed that late on and didn't want to disassembled and flip things around. I should probably do that. Wasn't sure if anyone would notice so well spotted!

[@garymiller3403]

Superb presentation and thank you for helping upcoming designers.

[@ljprep6250]

Outstanding. I saw that restoration video a year or two ago and thought the concept of the fractal vise to be wonderful. Your remake is truly cool. Thanks for sharing it with us, Michael.

[@robertn7100]

A new and fascinating idea! Not sure what material is optimal, though, for stability.

[@ljprep6250]

@@robertn7100 Yeah, I can understand that. Vises tend to take a lot of abuse, and that's not one of plastic's normal functions.

[@pydron]

You rock! Great job on this model!

[@thecombatengineer7069]

Pretty rad. I’ve recently started experimenting with 3D printing molds and then using carbon fiber casting for the final product (for projects that need more strength). This project seems like an excellent candidate for a carbon fiber upgrade. Cheers and excellent CAD work as well.

[@DeFaulty101]

When you started the video with "we've all been there, finding an interesting video etc. etc.," I thought you were being cheeky, describing my experience finding your interesting video. Then you went on to describe the video which inspired this one. Just thought you might find it nice to know that your video was to me what that original inspiration was to you.

[@devilcfpv2621]

This tool is definitely something I could use on the daily when it comes to building fpv builds, and doing the wiring. I definitely could use one of these. Man I need to invest in a 3D printer

[@360greece4]

I wish I can up vote this video a few thousand times.

[@Benjamin_Reese]

I love that channel, they take some terrible looking tools and make them so beautiful!

[@TeachingTech]

First video I've seen of theirs but it won't be my last.

[@im_Polyhedrons]

this is perfect for putting the final touches on a sculpture!

[@harrygreene8669]

You just got my subscription. And Hand Tool Rescue is a great source for older tools that made this world what it is today.

[@jamesmaybury7452]

As someone who uses a vice several times a day I would suggest a couple of practical variations. 1. One less level of fractals, 4 ‘jaws’ on each side should be plenty for any real life situations I can think of and that is still 4 times as many contact surfaces as used successfully for most situations. I think you probably want about twice the depth of jaws. I would like to see something about 4 times the depth on a woodwork vice to hold something like an axe handle or a carving vertically with much less point loads. If you are thinking of using something like this it is probably because you want to grip something gently but firmly. The plastic components are gentle enough and the previous suggestion should help make it strong enough. Making it as a jaws that fit onto a normal metal working or woodworking vice could actually take this from a cool and inventive idea to something that is actually very useful in a number of situations. Thanks for the post, and bringing windscreen wiper design to a vice.