As it comes, no. With a few tweaks, and some practice - yes you can slide over on the fly. (at least I wasn't able to use it that way "out of the box")
Since I am unable to use it at an angle anymore, I can't address that.
My movement is restricted by a sling that supports my engraving arm, so I leave it level to simplify things.
I seem to recall that it did slip some with heavy, massive, awkward or unbalanced pieces - but that was many many years ago... and I no longer do that kind of work.
as mentioned-- with heavier objects, it can be problematic. esp if much of the item extends out over the edge. the more the item extends out, the greater the problem. i can adjust mine on the fly. having said that, i replaced the original spring, with one that wasn't too tight. it will take a bit of getting used to, i mean moving the levers while actually engraving.
i have entertained the idea of adding "booster" bars to the levers. this would allow me to more easily manipulate the levers wile engraving. i think this vise is more useful to those using a scope, rather than magnifocusers.
in the tip section you'll find a few ways to do centering without the centering vise. check it out.
In my opinion the low profile vise mounted on a turntable is a better system, but plenty of people use and love their positioning vises. My two biggest gripes are that it has a very limited travel that can't even get to the corner of a 2" practice plate, and that it requires you to move the locking handle to reposition. The low-profile vise on a turntable is much faster and has a lot more travel. But those who get used to the positioning vises use them and love 'em.
I agree - the Positioning Vise is limited in its movement and has a somewhat restricted field of view under the microscope. Likewise, I love it for its weight and size. I can lock down barrels and larger/heavier/longer pieces for engraving, but I don't always use the scope for those.
For the smaller objects - including the smaller gun parts, knives and jewelry - I prefer the Low Profile on a turntable for use with the scope.
In my opinion the low profile vise mounted on a turntable is a better system, ... The low-profile vise on a turntable is much faster and has a lot more travel. ....
i've followed these discussions for years and if i understand this correctly, the eccentric adjustment basically involves pulling & pushing the entire vise & donut around on the turntable surface?
Not as difficult or awkward as it sounds, but... yup.
Currently experimenting with the Lindsay Low Profile, using a cheaper turntable. (Gonna let Carlos buy that first - $400 turntables aren't in my horoscope at the moment)
It's interesting. I may actually switch over after a coupla months of playing with it?
First time in years that I had to change the height of the drill press stand to move UPWARDS - closer to the scope!