Spindle & Press

Choose the Right Workholding Fixture: 4 Machining and Metrology Options from $169.95 to $1,750

From a $169.95 set of 6-inch CNC vise jaws to a $1,750 System 3R EDM holder, this guide compares four workholding fixtures for machining and metrology by price, condition, and intended use.

Last updated Aug 17, 2026

Quick take

The hard part of buying workholding for machining or metrology is matching the fixture to the actual operation. Four options show how wide the range is: the 6-inch CNC Milling Vise Hard Jaws from Mechforce are listed at USD 169.95, the Mecatool Steel Rectangular Fixture Block at USD 275.00, the Raptor RWP-019SS Dovetail Workholding Fixture at USD 407.96, and the System 3R EDM Holder Fixture Tooling Block at USD 1,750.00. The USD 1,580.05 gap between the lowest and highest listed prices reflects different jobs: a set of jaws for a 6-inch vise, a rectangular steel fixture block, a stainless dovetail fixture, and a specialized EDM holder. The used/new split is just as important: two are new, two are used and sold as-is.

Listed price comparison

ProductListed PricePrice Bar
6-inch CNC Milling Vise Hard JawsUSD 169.95
Mecatool Steel Rectangular Fixture BlockUSD 275.00
Raptor RWP-019SS Dovetail Workholding FixtureUSD 407.96
System 3R EDM Holder Fixture Tooling BlockUSD 1,750.00

How to decide

Start with the operation you need to hold, not the price alone.

  • For clamping work in a 6-inch CNC vise, the Mechforce hard jaws are the only option built for that task.
  • For a rectangular steel block used on wire EDM and conventional machining, the Mecatool block is the direct match.
  • For a compact stainless dovetail fixture, the Raptor RWP-019SS is the one that carries that specific shape.
  • For an EDM holder/tooling block from System 3R, the System 3R fixture is the only product here carrying the System 3R name.

Condition is another filter. Mechforce and Raptor are described as new; Mecatool and System 3R are described as used and sold as-is.

Product notes

Mecatool Steel Rectangular Fixture Block (MPN C 597250)

Mecatool Steel Rectangular Fixture Block Workholding Block, MPN C 597250 EDM

It is a rectangular steel fixture block from Mecatool, described as used and sold as-is. It is designed for use on an Agie wire EDM as well as CNC, metalworking, and manufacturing applications. The rectangular steel form makes it a candidate for setups that need a flat, rigid platform rather than a dedicated jaw or dovetail shape. The main limitation to weigh is condition: it is a used block, so you are buying it in its current state. Even so, the steel construction and rectangular profile give it a clear purpose in those machining and manufacturing setups.

System 3R EDM Holder Fixture Tooling Block

System 3R EDM Holder Fixture Tooling Block Workholding Fixture / Tooling Block

The System 3R EDM holder fixture tooling block is designed to hold and position the workpiece during machining. It is described as used and sold as-is, with all components working as designed. This is a specialized EDM holder, not a universal block or set of jaws. The tooling block shape is meant for workholding setups rather than for gripping a part directly. If you need a System 3R EDM holder, this product is the direct match. The main drawback is the used condition: you are relying on the condition note that all components work as designed.

Raptor RWP-019SS Dovetail Workholding Fixture Stainless .375

Raptor RWP-019SS Dovetail Workholding Fixture Stainless .375

The Raptor RWP-019SS is a new stainless dovetail workholding fixture with a .375-inch dovetail width. The product dimensions are 2.50 x 1.00 x 1.25 inches, which makes it a compact fixture for small parts. Because it is a dovetail fixture, it fits a specific clamping style rather than general-purpose vise jaws. The new condition is a plus compared with the two used products in this set. The limitation is the fixed geometry: if your part does not match a .375-inch dovetail, this fixture will not adapt. In that respect, it is a much more targeted fixture than a general-purpose block.

6-inch CNC Milling Vise Hard Jaws Steel Serrated Grip w/ Replaceable 0.100-inch Teeth

6" CNC Milling Vise Hard Jaws Steel Serrated Grip w/ Replaceable 0.100" Teeth

The Mechforce jaws are new, made from heat-treated tool steel hardened to HRC 55-58, and designed for 6-inch CNC milling vises. The step jaw shape plus high-density dual-serrated 0.100-inch replaceable teeth gives you a gripping option that the other three fixtures cannot offer. The country of origin is the United States, and the UPC is 721676493506. The limitation is scope: these are vise jaws, not standalone fixtures. They only make sense if you already have a 6-inch vise and need harder, serrated gripping surfaces.

Final recommendation by use case

  • Need a 6-inch CNC vise jaw upgrade with replaceable serrated teeth? The Mechforce hard jaws are the practical fit.
  • Need a steel rectangular fixture block for EDM or general machining setups? The Mecatool block is the direct match.
  • Need a compact stainless dovetail fixture for small parts? The Raptor RWP-019SS is the one.
  • Need a System 3R EDM holder/tooling block? The System 3R fixture is the direct match.
Products in this article
Mecatool Steel Rectangular Fixture Block Workholding BlockUSD 275.00View on eBaySystem 3R EDM Holder Fixture Tooling Block Workholding Fixture / Tooling BlockUSD 1,750.00View on eBayRaptor RWP-019SS Dovetail Workholding Fixture Stainless .375USD 407.96View on eBay6" CNC Milling Vise Hard Jaws Steel Serrated Grip w/ Replaceable 0.100" TeethUSD 169.95View on eBay
Mecatool Steel Rectangular Fixture Block Workholding BlockUSD 275.00View on eBaySystem 3R EDM Holder Fixture Tooling Block Workholding Fixture / Tooling BlockUSD 1,750.00View on eBayRaptor RWP-019SS Dovetail Workholding Fixture Stainless .375USD 407.96View on eBay6" CNC Milling Vise Hard Jaws Steel Serrated Grip w/ Replaceable 0.100" TeethUSD 169.95View on eBay

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