The Ingenious Grip of the MetMo Fractal Vise

Harking back to a bygone era of intricate engineering, the MetMo Fractal Vise has emerged on Kickstarter as a truly captivating tool, ready to redefine how we hold and work with objects. This isn’t your grandad’s clunky old vise; it’s a miniaturised marvel, a forgotten relic from 1913 reimagined for the discerning modern maker. Let’s face it, the everyday reality is that most of the items we need to secure simply aren’t blessed with perfectly parallel surfaces. This often leads to frustrating wobbles and the constant fear of slippage. Thankfully, the MetMo Fractal Vise has arrived to banish those woes with its ingenious fractal jaw design.

The magic lies in its six independently moving components, allowing the clamping surfaces to seamlessly conform to the contours of whatever you’re working on. Imagine a flexible iron fist, possessing the unwavering grip strength of a coconut crab – that’s precisely what the Fractal Vise offers. The creators at MetMo have long harboured the ambition of bringing such a tool to life, but the sheer complexity of machining previously rendered it prohibitively expensive for most. While large-scale versions have existed for industrial applications, the desktop maker has largely been left wanting. That’s where this project steps in, taking a piece of almost mythical early 20th-century engineering and scaling it down to a size that fits perfectly on your workbench.

So, what exactly can you do with this intriguing piece of kit? The possibilities are as varied as your imagination. Need to firmly hold a uniquely shaped model for painting? Perhaps you’re filing an awkwardly angled piece of metal, or maybe you just need a steadfast third hand to assist with intricate 3D printing tasks. The Fractal Vise, available on Kickstarter from £149, is designed to tackle these challenges and more. Bolt it to your worktop for a permanent fixture, integrate it into a larger workstation, or even use it within your existing bench vise to add a new dimension of versatility. Its adaptable design ensures it slots effortlessly into your current workflow.

Beyond its practical applications, the MetMo Fractal Vise also possesses an undeniable tactile appeal. Watching the six independent jaws gracefully shift and mould around an object is strangely satisfying, a testament to the precision engineering involved. You might even find yourself reaching for random items just to witness its intricate mechanics in action. While the concept of a fractal vise isn’t entirely new – dating back over a century – MetMo has cleverly miniaturised and patented this technology for everyday use, making it accessible to a wider audience. It’s a true blend of historical ingenuity and modern innovation, offering a secure and adaptable grip for everything from delicate jewellery to robust tools.

The vise’s ability to clamp virtually any shape is a standout feature. Round tubes, irregular mouldings, even the humble miniature banana – the Fractal Vise can handle them all with ease. This opens up new avenues for tackling projects and saves your hands from the inevitable cramp that comes with trying to hold awkwardly shaped items steady. For those working on larger projects, a long-travel version is also available. Furthermore, its parallel design allows you to seamlessly integrate the Fractal Vise into your existing setup, enhancing the capabilities of your pillar drill, milling machine, or standard bench vise.

Weighing in at a sturdy 395g in its standard form, the MetMo Fractal Vise can even act as a freestanding third hand, providing a stable counterbalance for delicate work. And for those who like to take their projects on the go, its compact size makes it surprisingly portable. Built to last a lifetime, each component is machined from solid metal, ensuring robustness and longevity. The precision fine screw drive delivers exceptional clamping power with minimal backlash, giving you complete control over the pressure applied. Say goodbye to floppy, unreliable vises – the MetMo Fractal Vise utilises precision ground slide rails for a smooth and satisfying operation. With material options ranging from aerospace-grade aluminium to rugged stainless steel, this is a tool designed to endure. The MetMo Fractal Vise isn’t just a tool; it’s a beautifully engineered piece of functional art that promises to be a valuable addition to any maker’s arsenal.

buy now from Kickstarter | from £149