bench vise

[jazzchip]

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

[Jack12477]

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 Castle
166 South Dupont Highway, Suite H
New Castle, DE 19720

[jazzchip]

Jack,

Thanks for the information. I'll check it out.

[Jack12477]

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).

[reklein]

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

[shiloh]

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

[jazzchip]

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.

[grsjax]

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.

 

[jazzchip]

Thanks grsjax. I will check this out. Lowe's has a small vise that I'm told is rated highly also.

[exwafoo]

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

[dgbot]

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

[jazzchip]

Two more possibilities, thank you both.

[hornet]

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

[Q A's Revenge]

I've got a Stanley and it's pretty poor as well. I may repurpose it somehow.

[Landlubber Mike]

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

[mtaylor]

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.

[jazzchip]

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

[Seventynet]

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

[jazzchip]

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

[Seventynet]

Aye aye  Jazzchip. I should be able to file my report Monday.

[jazzchip]

You're great! Thank you.

[Landlubber Mike]

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

[jazzchip]

Thanks for the link, Mike. 

[gjdale]

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]

Grant,

Thanks. A number of people agree with you about the Proxxon. I'm thinking that's the way to go.

Jazzchip

[Modeler12]

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

[jazzchip]

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?

[jazzchip]

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.

[Modeler12]

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

[jazzchip]

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