vise

If you're looking for a standard bench vise, get as big as you can afford. New vises of quality will be expensive, but the used market can hold some great deals. Keep an eye on Craigslist and eBay in your area for stuff you can go pick up. A good vise is heavy and you won't want to pay for shipping ;)

-d
 
Well if you want the best, get an older Wilton. I have 3 that I lucked into. The biggest one retails for about $1300-1600. :eek: I did NOT pay that for them. I feel a quality vise is THE FOUNDATION of your shop. It is the one thing you need even before something like a drill press. I have grown sort of a weird affection for them, and have decided that I cannot have too many ;) You'll be able to see this is in upcoming work in progress I'll be doing with a collector. I guess I have a vice for vises. ;) BTW- Thanks for using the right spelling!!! :D

This is the new version of my big, fancy Wilton. It's the Mercedes/Tank of the vise world.
http://www.drillspot.com/products/126449/Wilton_600S_Bench_Vise

Deker is spot on... mass in a vise goes toward rigidity, which is what you want. My big Wilton weighs about 185 pounds (note that's about 30 pounds heavier than the new version). And I have a HUGE Rigid brand 8" that weighs about 220 pounds!!!

HOWEVER! ;) :)

I have an el cheap-O, Harbor Freight swiveling head vise (regular 5" bench jaws on one side, pipe jaws on the other) that I honestly could not do without. I have been using it for 14 years and love it.

I paid $35 for it. I think you can find them now for about $50 but the ones I've seen aren't nearly as solid as my older one. This is mine, on my old bench. I just painted it to match my blue Wiltons :)
standard.jpg


Whoa! I just found the vise I'm talking about... price went up! And it looks (just by the photo) like it's a lighter duty (less stout) version compared to the one I have.

http://www.harborfreight.com/5-inch-multi-purpose-vise-67415.html




I would definitely use Craigslist for a vise search as well! :thumbup:
 
Bench vises are handy, but don't discount a Leg Vise, one of the best kind of vises you can get.
 
Check the local Craigs List and the junk yards for BIG machinists vises. I have seen 100 pound vises for sale at scrap steel price.
 
Biggest one you can get. We have a post leg its a 4" (couldent live without it) and am looking for a big 6"+ post leg. There is a "regular" style vise at a local guys shop I deal with and Ive "tried" to buy it from him. Id say it weighs about 300-350 pounds. By far the biggest bench style vise Ive ever seen. Id say the jaws are at least 10" wide Ill take a closer look next time Im there. Id say its an old Prentiss or Holland vise.
 
Last edited:
I see the guys are promoting big bench vises. They sure are useful. There are a few other types of vises you might be interested in checking out too.

  • post or leg vises (used by blacksmiths for forge work for centuries, the bigger the jaw size and vise weight the better, get on eBay, Craigslist or blacksmith suppliers)
  • swiveling blade clamping vises (for blade and handle work and construction, they come in round or square tube, knife suppliers have them and eBay too or you can make them)
  • drill press vises (some even have x and y axis control, get at Northern Tool or MSC and the like)
  • engraving type vises (also good for wire and inlay work, get at jeweler suppliers or make one from a bowling ball)
  • hand held and pin vises (for jeweler-like up close work)
picture.php
picture.php


55c70bad195c8cbb962bd10718fb3f42.image.750x507.jpg

https://www.usaknifemaker.com/knife-vise-swivel-base-p-1715.html


bbv2-1.jpg

Karl B. Andersen's: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showpost.php?p=6692281&postcount=4

VISE4_180.jpg
PENVISE_180.jpg

http://www.texasknife.com/vcom/index.php?cPath=884_809
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top