What is the typical use for a machinist's vise?

A machinist's vise is specifically designed for securely holding workpieces during machining operations. This tool features flat jaws that provide a stable and even grip on small and irregularly shaped parts, preventing movement while you perform operations such as cutting, drilling, or filing. The versatility and precision provided by a machinist's vise make it an essential tool in metalworking and manufacturing environments, where stability and accuracy are paramount for achieving quality results.

The other options, while related to various tasks in metalworking, do not effectively represent the primary function of a machinist's vise. For instance, creating sharp bends in metal typically requires specialized tools such as a brake or bending machine rather than a vise. Measuring materials accurately would be conducted using measuring tools like calipers or micrometers, not a vise. Sanding edges smooth is generally accomplished with sanding tools or abrasives, not the holding function of a machinist's vise. Thus, the answer focuses correctly on the primary function of holding small pieces securely during machining tasks.