Panavise for sanding?

J

J. MacDonald

Joined
Jun 8, 2000
Messages
3,140
I'm looking for a fixture that can hold a blade at different angles for hand sanding. Is a regular PanaVise a good choice? Is it not rigid enough? I've seen some bowling ball type vises, but am looking for something with a smaller footprint with a lot of flexability.

Any recs?

John
 
That does look handy, but does seem like it limits you to pivoting the blade in only two axis. I do find his choice of knobs funny though as I have a box full of 2/3 size pool balls that I have been saving for use as machinery knobs.

Food for thought.

John
 
Actually you could position the knife just about any way with that one, except at a radical angle. That's about the best made vise on that design I've seen yet; gonna have to have one. ;) Thanks for the link!

I'd say a panavise would just frustrate you, I think it'd be far too flexible to work from. I use mine just for filework on small parts and even at that it's not the best. As often I've made special-shaped Micarta or brass or even copper jaws for my regular bench vise to hold small parts.
 
Bob's vise is a good one.You can turn the knife any way you want.There is a vise available for $90 from the suppliers that they just call "Small Knife Vise". It works pretty good for file work and handle sanding.There is a larger version of the same one available from some of the supply sellers.Pop's has it.I think a panavise will work for simple work ,like file work, but is a bit lightweight.If you use a panavise,make a new set of jaws from UHMW plastic .Put a slight shoulder down about 1/2" on the jaws.This provides a good grip and a seat for the blade.
 
The vice shown is very similar to mine. except.

an additional back tilt. and hight adjustment.

Consider the bottom tube into the base is longer allowing you to rase the work up and down. Then just below the horisontal a pivot point allowing the up and down motion. finnally the wood clamping section inside the horisontal sticking out an inch and a half so that you can put the blade in with all the spine exposed for file work.

I inherited mine from Lloyd Harding. Another maker thomas gerner made it for him. However I think the design came from america. Have a bit more of a look around it may give just that bit extra flexability.

If you want to post your email adress I will send you a couple of images.
 
Michael I have emailed you the photos of the vice. I don'y know how to host them elsewhere and link them.

If the photos did not come through. My email is reg_ellery@optusnet.com.au

Feel free to post the pic's or distribute them as you see fit. There is a layer of leather between the 2 tubes that makes for a very smooth rotation and tight fit when clamped with the hex head nut on top.
 
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