Harbor Freight Vices?

I don't think you'll have any trouble with this vise, most of the woodworking vises I've used weren't super precision devices anyhow. I have a cheapo bench vise from them that is absolute junk and one of their "higher quality" 4" bench vises, the large blue one with the anvil, it seems to be very decent.

The thing with a cheap swivel vise is that you need to be able to see it in person and check the quality of the tightening levers and whatnot as well as the weight/build. I'd say that mine performs as well as Craftsman and similar quality vises. If I'd gotten 4" vise for $10 less it would have been a junker.

I wanted to add that mine is the 4" version of the one above.
 
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I've had one for several years and like it. However, I cut two pieces of dense wood to fit inside the vice and attached them with shallow screws. Mine had holes drilled for it. I can clamp a knife, wood, even a pistol frame in it with no issues that way. I'll usually use some suede for extra protection when clamping blades or gun parts in it as well.

I've also considered mounting one on the top edge of my bench so I can clamp blades in it when working on handles.

Have fun.
 
Harbor Freight has many Vices, such as taking too much of my money!:D But like AcridSaint says you have to check them out in person. Some of their stuff is really good for the money, some of it is pure junk. I have one of their 5" vices on my bench and it works great for me. I need to get a bigger one though!
 
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