Which two types of vises are considered the most common in metalworking?

The most common types of vises in metalworking are the utility vise and the machinist's vise.

A utility vise is often used for general-purpose applications and is typically mounted to a workbench. It features jaws that can hold a variety of materials, making it versatile for different tasks ranging from assembly to light machining.

On the other hand, the machinist's vise is specifically designed for precision work in metal machining. It is built to provide a more rigid hold with parallel jaws, ensuring that the workpiece is held firmly during processes such as drilling, milling, or filing. This type of vise often includes features like a swivel base which enhances its usability by allowing the material to be easily positioned without changing the primary setup.

The combination of these two vises allows metalworkers to efficiently handle a wide range of tasks, from simple clamping to highly precise alignment and machining, which is why they are considered the most prevalent in the field.