Replies

1. 
   rompus62 | Oct 18, 2006 05:47am | #1

   I would get the patternmakers vice from Woodcraft. I used one where I used to work and they are very versatile (but expensive) http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?familyid=3516

2. 
   JeffHeath | Oct 18, 2006 03:53pm | #2

   George

   I think that vise layout on a workbench can only be decided by you.  There are many configurations, depending on how you work.  You should look at the various styles workbenches already out there, and see which layout suits your bench the best.

   I do alot more hand work now than when I built my current bench 10 years ago, and now am getting ready to build another, like Frank Klausz's (sp?) for hand cutting dovetails easier.

   Jeff

3. 
   RickL | Oct 18, 2006 04:31pm | #3

   It all depends on your needs and what you are used to. I have a couple of Emmerts that I wouldn't trade  for anything. The Emmert clones are reasonably priced at around $200 and the reviews I've seen are favourable. I think the Tucker is over priced. You can get a real Emmert for $500 to $800 and the modern made equivalent from pattern makers suppliers is a couple of grand. There's someone in PA who's making them. Emmerts are always on Ebay.  Wilton makes a good regular vice as well as Jorgensen.

   http://www.highlandwoodworking.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=2028

4. 
   Samson | Oct 18, 2006 05:02pm | #4

   I own one of the Annat Record clones.  It's a very decent quality vise that has worked well for me for over a year now.  It may not be exactly the same as a Record in every tiny detail, but it's more than close enough as far as providing a reliable good quality vise.

   Jet's 9" quick release is okay too, though not as good as my Record 52 1/2 as far as size and overall ruggedness of the castings, rods, etc.

   I'll stop there, because that's where my own hands on experience ends.  FWIW.

5. 
   HoustonHeights | Oct 18, 2006 06:29pm | #5

   I went with the Tucker from Lee Valley. 

   I first looked at old pattern makers vises, but found that I'd be lucky to find an Emmert in good condition with all parts for $800 -- indeed many were fetching over $1000.  True, you hear about people finding them at flea markets for $15, but I don't have the time (or inclination) to spend all my free time scouring flea markets on the off chance of finding an Emmert. 

   So, I then ordered the pattern maker clone from Highland.  The price was right, but when it arrived at my door step, I was disappointed with the tolerances (sloppy) and fit and finish (rough).  Also, after reviewing the instruction manual, I disliked the fact that I'd have to cut a huge chunk out of the bottom of my newly crafted maple bench top to accommodate the screws.

   Finally, I turned to the Tucker.  No, it isn't cheap.  In fact, I had initially disregarded it as too expensive.  But after having the Emmerts and the clone as a basis of comparison, I began to think that the price might be fair.  I agonized for a while, then decided to pull the trigger.  I knew immediately upon opening the box that I had made the right decision.  In fact, I think my reaction was "ahhhhhh."  It is beautifully made to the highest tolerances.  Imagine one of their bench planes, but as a massive vise.  I was also pleased that the screws were set lower than the clone, preventing me from having to cut a big channel out of the underside of my bench.  And I hadn't considered how useful it would be to have the quick release feature, but that alone has proved invaluable.  In short, I'm very satisfied with the Tucker.  And at the risk of incurring the wrath of Emmert purists, would venture to suggest that it is made with better materials, to higher tolerances, and with more features than the almighty Emmert.  This vise will grace my bench for the rest of my life, and hopefully one of my kids or kid's kids will enjoy it after I am gone. 

    

1. 
   [email protected] | Oct 18, 2006 07:23pm | #7

   This is really a great comparison based on experience. Thank you.

6. 
   BG | Oct 18, 2006 06:59pm | #6

   geodown,
   A couple of thoughts for you. I bought the Jorgenson quick release primarily because it had a wood handle. It has served me well except for the fact that I'm left handed, and with the vise on the left, I can still get a bit of racking when planing a piece that hangs off the left end.
   After the bench was all built I came across a bench design called 'The Joiners Bench' which distinguished itself with a 10-12" apron. The apron could be attached to the legs...which would greatly reduce any racking tendencies. I've been thinking about changing my apron and incorporating the fixed jaw of the Jorgenson into the apron...with a corresponding oversized movable jaw. The idea is to reduce the amount of clamping pressure necessary to hold the stock securely. It may sound like a small thing but constantly working the vise can be a pain (thank goodness for quick release)
   Recently