jazzchip Posted October 27, 2015 Share #1 Posted October 27, 2015 Hi, I think I need a bench vise but I work on a table not a bench which means that I can't drill holes to secure the vise. The reviews that I've read on bench vises in general have not been particularly positive. Are there any that you'd recommend? Thanks, Jazzchip Canute 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack12477 Posted October 27, 2015 Share #2 Posted October 27, 2015 Have you considered the Sjoberg Smart Vise? Here's a link to HomeDepot's ad http://www.homedepot.com/p/Sjobergs-Smart-Vise-14-in-x-14-in-Portable-Work-Surface-SJO-33274/203979255?cm_mmc=Shopping|THD|G|0|G-BASE-PLA-D25T-HandTools|&gclid=CNzouObb4sgCFYIYHwodumkPUQ&gclsrc=aw.ds It's gone up in price since I first saw it - was $100 now about $140. WoodCraft carried them when I saw them - there's a Woodcraft store in New Castle DE that I usually hit on my way to MD to visit granddaughter. It's at Shoppes of New Castle166 South Dupont Highway, Suite HNew Castle, DE 19720 Canute, mtaylor and jazzchip 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jazzchip Posted October 27, 2015 Author Share #3 Posted October 27, 2015 Jack, Thanks for the information. I'll check it out. mtaylor and Canute 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack12477 Posted October 27, 2015 Share #4 Posted October 27, 2015 I have the Sjoberg Hobby Bench, comes in two sizes 3 ft and 5 ft - I have the small version (3 ft) - it's perfect for a small bench (den, apartment, etc). It's standard height like their full size benches, has side and tail vise. When I got mine it was under $250, but I have not seen mine advertized in about a year now - only the larger model 5 ft - but that would work also for a small area. It's relatively light weight (for moving around) but very sturdy for working. You might want to check with WoodCraft and see if they still carry it. (It has gone up in price since I bought mine). jazzchip, Canute and mtaylor 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reklein Posted October 27, 2015 Share #5 Posted October 27, 2015 There are a few vacumn base vises out there that work pretty well. After all we're not doing blacksmith work on em. Should suck down on a table without harm. Bill jazzchip, riverboat and mtaylor 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shiloh Posted October 27, 2015 Share #6 Posted October 27, 2015 (edited) Years ago I made a vice stand from an old truck wheel and a section of 6" well pipe, with the 5" vice on it, it weighs about 120 pounds. Made another for Dad after he had seen mine but used a Disk blade, a lighter pipe and a 6" vice. Those vices have served us well for their intended use since 1978 and still do. They are not anything like you need, except for the concept, it is handy to be able to move them where needed or out of the way of other things. The bases are stable for most things, but for very heavy or large items, the work to be done and balance needs to be considered. Have some hobby vices that clamp on. With some pads, they work fine and don't damage what they are mounted on. They can quickly be set up or removed, digging them out is a bigger chore than mounting them. jud Edited October 27, 2015 by shiloh mtaylor, Canute and jazzchip 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jazzchip Posted October 27, 2015 Author Share #7 Posted October 27, 2015 There are a few vacumn base vises out there that work pretty well. After all we're not doing blacksmith work on em. Should suck down on a table without harm. Bill I can't find one that gets really good reviews. Most of the smaller vices, portable or vacuum based, get mixed reviews. Some people love em and others have nothing but trouble. I'm trying to do this without spending too much. mtaylor and reklein 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grsjax Posted October 27, 2015 Share #8 Posted October 27, 2015 I use this type. Not perfect but works well and doesn't cost a lot. I think I paid about $35 for it. Harbor Freight has these and they show up on eBay regularly. Jack12477, Canute, mtaylor and 2 others 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jazzchip Posted October 27, 2015 Author Share #9 Posted October 27, 2015 Thanks grsjax. I will check this out. Lowe's has a small vise that I'm told is rated highly also. Jack12477, mtaylor and Canute 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
exwafoo Posted October 27, 2015 Share #10 Posted October 27, 2015 (edited) Have a look at the Proxxon FMZ Precision Vice. It clamps to a table. Got one for my daughter who is doing an art course (special effects) at university and it got the thumbs up from her classmates as well. Al Edited October 27, 2015 by exwafoo mtaylor, jazzchip and Canute 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dgbot Posted October 27, 2015 Share #11 Posted October 27, 2015 I kow a few people who have the Panavise and they sing praises about it. I used a clamp on similar to the one above and with padded jaws it worked well as a holder for delicate parts. David B mischief, Canute and jazzchip 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jazzchip Posted October 27, 2015 Author Share #12 Posted October 27, 2015 Two more possibilities, thank you both. Canute and mtaylor 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hornet Posted October 27, 2015 Share #13 Posted October 27, 2015 I WOULDN'T recommend the Dremel Multivice (pictured below) I purchased one a while ago and am very disappointed in it. Adjustment is sloppy and the jaws are 'wishy washy' Steve jazzchip, Canute and mtaylor 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Q A's Revenge Posted October 27, 2015 Share #14 Posted October 27, 2015 I've got a Stanley and it's pretty poor as well. I may repurpose it somehow. Canute, jazzchip and mtaylor 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Landlubber Mike Posted October 27, 2015 Share #15 Posted October 27, 2015 (edited) I have this Panavise - it's very stable with the wide base and weight. With this Panavise, I've never had the need in this hobby to have a bench-mounted vise. https://panavise.com/index.html?pageID=1&page=full&--eqskudatarq=5 Edited October 28, 2015 by Landlubber Mike jazzchip, Canute, mtaylor and 1 other 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mtaylor Posted October 27, 2015 Share #16 Posted October 27, 2015 I've got the Proxxon FMZ and recommend it. I've also a small one from Lowe's but it's about to hit the trash as the Proxxon is so much better. Canute, Jack12477 and jazzchip 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jazzchip Posted October 27, 2015 Author Share #17 Posted October 27, 2015 This is great advice for me and everyone else who is looking for a vise. Mike, which Panavise do you have? Mark, I have had several positive comments on the Proxxon FMZ also. Thank you Jack12477 and mtaylor 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seventynet Posted October 27, 2015 Share #18 Posted October 27, 2015 I just ordered the Proxxon FMZ as it looks just perfect for my neverending planking job. I really like the way you can just clamp it on the bench wherever you want. My existing 20 pounder is bolted on and I'm forever moving it. Love this site! Ian Canute, jazzchip, Jack12477 and 1 other 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jazzchip Posted October 27, 2015 Author Share #19 Posted October 27, 2015 Seventynet, Please let us know what you think after you get it. I'm not going to buy anything until I hear from you. Thanks, Jazzchip Canute 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seventynet Posted October 27, 2015 Share #20 Posted October 27, 2015 Aye aye Jazzchip. I should be able to file my report Monday. Canute and mtaylor 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jazzchip Posted October 28, 2015 Author Share #21 Posted October 28, 2015 You're great! Thank you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Landlubber Mike Posted October 28, 2015 Share #22 Posted October 28, 2015 This is great advice for me and everyone else who is looking for a vise. Mike, which Panavise do you have? Mark, I have had several positive comments on the Proxxon FMZ also. Thank you Sorry, forgot to add the link to my post. I added it above, and here it is as well: https://panavise.com/index.html?pageID=1&page=full&--eqskudatarq=5 mtaylor, Canute, jazzchip and 1 other 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jazzchip Posted October 28, 2015 Author Share #23 Posted October 28, 2015 Thanks for the link, Mike. Canute and Landlubber Mike 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gjdale Posted October 28, 2015 Share #24 Posted October 28, 2015 I have the Proxxon FMZ vice as well, and I love it. I also have a Panavice with a suction base. I prefer the Proxxon. jazzchip and Canute 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jazzchip Posted October 28, 2015 Author Share #25 Posted October 28, 2015 Grant, Thanks. A number of people agree with you about the Proxxon. I'm thinking that's the way to go. Jazzchip Canute 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Modeler12 Posted October 28, 2015 Share #26 Posted October 28, 2015 (edited) Hi, I think I need a bench vise but I work on a table not a bench which means that I can't drill holes to secure the vise. The reviews that I've read on bench vises in general have not been particularly positive. Are there any that you'd recommend? Thanks, Jazzchip To come back to your original question, does the vise have to be 'big'? Since you are working on a table, how about a small vise that can be 'portable' and can serve several functions? Here is another picture. A bit messy, but you get the idea. Edited October 28, 2015 by Modeler12 Canute, grsjax, dgbot and 9 others 12 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jazzchip Posted October 28, 2015 Author Share #27 Posted October 28, 2015 Sure, it can be small. As long as it can handle the tasks involved, it doesn't matter what size it is. What would you suggest, Jay? Canute, mtaylor and Jack12477 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jazzchip Posted October 28, 2015 Author Share #28 Posted October 28, 2015 By the way, looking at your desk I can tell you that you're a lot more organized and neater than I am. If I had a 3 lane highway to spread my tools out, it wouldn't look as neat as your desk. Canute, mtaylor and Jack12477 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Modeler12 Posted October 29, 2015 Share #29 Posted October 29, 2015 (edited) Jazzchip, the little vise I show has been around for a long time and I don't even remember where and when I got it. I even made a few changes (aluminum jaws instead of the old worn-out plastic parts), but it works fine for me. I suggest you browse to find a similar one. Obviously the base and tool holders can be anything you want. Here is another picture of a part I am working on right now. I can turn this anyway I want to get the right position. I should also mention that my working area(s) are not all that neat and there is a problem moving back and forth between my office and the garage (ask my admiral about tracking wood chips down the hallway). Edited October 29, 2015 by Modeler12 Canute, jazzchip, mtaylor and 2 others 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jazzchip Posted October 29, 2015 Author Share #30 Posted October 29, 2015 Thanks, Jay. There is a small vise I saw that I'm considering. Tell the admiral that there's an advantage to your tracking wood chips.You're easy to find. Thanks again for your photos and input. Jazzchip Canute, mtaylor and Jack12477 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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