which vise should i buy?

[mitch8]

which vise should i buy and why? hear are some that im looking at:
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/dak/tls/2791747707.html
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/dak/tls/2820114834.html

also open to hardware stores or if you are personally selling a 4-6 inch vice with a swiveling base
im starting to do some knife making and other metalworking so it would be nice to be able to hold things still, right now i just have 2 c-clamps

thanks everybody,
mitch

 

[cbr900son]

Same thing as that 5" vise but cheaper

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc...Id=10053&langId=-1&keyword=vise&storeId=10051

Or a off brand generic 10$ cheaper then above

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

 

[Mudbug007]

I hate cheap vises! I don't consider myself a hardcore user but I've broken two cheap vises. Currently I have a 20 year old Craftsman and a Wilton. Love 'em both. I'd suggest spending a little more and getting a top quality vise.

Wilton Vises on Ebay
You can also find them from time to time at Estate and Farm auctions. A good vise will last you a lifetime and then some.

 

[cbr900son]

I agree. I have 3 vises in my shop and didnt go a cheap brand. Not to say you cant get a quality one cheap. If taken care of they will last a lifetime easily.

 

[Angus McGunnigl]

Get one that rotates and swivels like the red one.
I have an old one that rotates and swivels and really like the variety

 

[mike nelson]

ive got a Wilton bullet for sale 4.5 inch jaw swivel base if your interested email me nelsonmichael14@aol.com

 

[redd1981]

I bought a cheap HF vise and it works perfect. even got a little tipsy and decided to beat it silly with a hammer a few days before the the warranty ran out. did not fail.

 

[mitch8]

thanks for the responses everybody! and i dont think i will go with either of those suggestions cbr900son, most of the reviews just said that they break. i dont know how hard they were on them but i think i might get some money together for a wilton. speaking of which mike you have an email, or at least you should, speak up if it didn't go through.

 

[12345678910]

If you are buying used ones at auction and garage sales, also look at Record vises

They were made in England and very sturdy

I've never seen a Wilton vise, but the Record ones are most common here


I see lots of recommendations here for a swivel vise, but I think you need at least one solid vise first.
.

 

[cbr900son]

I love old vises! They just look cool. I honestly think you can use 2-3 vises in different sizes.

 

[oldanvilyoungsmith]

You could also try making one of these - link

I'm working on one now, and though I haven't used it yet, it looks like it'll be really handy.

 

[mitch8]

I'm considering a used Wilton 4 1/2 inch bullet with a swivel base. Any thoughts?

 

[Mudbug007]

I'm considering a used Wilton 4 1/2 inch bullet with a swivel base. Any thoughts?

That should work pretty well! But in the future, depending on what all you'll be using it for, you might want a Wilton with a larger opening. But for just knife work, the 4 1/2" should be fine.