Hello.
Got a question concerning bench vises. There’s a Record vise on sale at my local Hardware store for $34.95. The origional price was $69.00. Looks like a terrific bargain. I’ve heard that Record makes some of the best work vises out there. The man at the hardware store said it would hold up longer than most bench vises. I’m seriously considering buying it for that price.
What features should I be looking for when it comes to choosing a good bench vise? I’ve never used one before so I’m totally ignorant when it comes to deciding which brand to buy. I want something that will hold up over time.
Wanda
Replies
Mine is so old I have no idea what it is. It has a split ring screw (I think this is what it is called), which means that it can be pushed in, then tightened one turn. Use of the hip means that you have two hands on what is being clamped, which is invaluable to me. I wouldn't consider one withut this feature.
Wanda,
In my opinion the durability of the vise will probably not be an issue. The Record is very good, I bought a pony to get started which is even cheaper. S4S is correct, the ability to open and close the vice quickly is a very nice feature.
If you do a goggle on Bob's Benches you'll read about his experiences building his workbenchs and the vises he included. So far I have not found a lot of information on vises, per se, but it does appear how it works with the bench is critical. I'm even considering buyng a tool to cut my own wood screws... Good Luck
Wanda,
The Record should be a very good vise. It might not be a bad idea to write down or make a mental note (HA!!! - that's something from the past for me) of the model number and check the price against that of some of the larger suppliers like Amazon just to be sure it's a good deal.
Jeff
Wanda, sounds like a clearance sale item. I recall Record made a very small wood vise. The other record vises list for well over a hundred a piece except the one that clamps to the bench. Is this it?
http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.asp?page=31140&category=
1,41659,41661&abspage=1&ccurrency=2&SID=
I think you will outgrow it very fast if it's the one I'm thinking of. Check out the vises in woodcraft.com or leevalley.com to get a better idea of what's out there. The shopfox at Grizzly would be a possible candidate at around $50. A quick release is a nice feature to have. I have the large Record vise and three Emmert pattern makers vises. Woodcraft sell a smaller Emmert reproduction which seems pretty nice for the money. Keep doing the research and you'll get yourself a nice vice that will fit your needs.
Rick
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