Replies

1. 
   RickL | May 25, 2006 11:24pm | #1

   I've owned a number of them from the turtlebacks to the newer style. Down to 3 at this point, none for sale!. The broken ones I've seen were probably dropped or overtightened. Most of the breakage i've seen is corners of the vise missing or sprung jaws. If they are broken at the post I'd say someone really leaned on it. I see this happen to regular vises and an Emmert is definitely more on the fragile side.

   The vise jaws aren't terribly overbuilt so the can be sprung with over tightening and especially if you go to far from the center where the spindle is.. Used properly they are fine. They probably could have been made more robust, say 150 lbs and they would have been heavier duty. The Yost is supposed to be heavier. Just seen pics of that one. Oliver made one and there is a newer version being produced for several grand.  I never paid more than $250 for them. 

   Folks usually lose the angle plate or tilt arm mechanism. There's a guy in PA who sells some parts and the angle plate are being reproduced and can be found at one of the Emmert sites out in cyberspace.

   
   

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   Edited 5/25/2006 4:27 pm ET by RickL

1. 
   Napie | May 26, 2006 09:47pm | #3

   I have a Yost, (turrtle back style), and it looks to be a bit heavier than the same size Emmert.  I have not been able to hurt it.

2. 
   BruceS | May 26, 2006 04:38pm | #2

   I've picked up an Emmert myself and finally have it restored, almost!  Check out http://www.mprime.com/emmert   A very interesting site on the Emmert Iron Hand.   There are some links there also to other Emmert sites.  Old printed material, Instalation methods and hours of reading.  I think one of the reasons for some of the breakages is the replacement of the original Beech handle with a 1/2 " length of Pipe.  I turned a new currly maple handle for mine,  A little over the top but it sure is pretty and I'll break the handle before I break the vise.  A common break point is the clamp for the tilt arm,  One of my problems.  I have the Type ll.

   Work Safe,  Count to 10 when your done for the day !!

   Bruce S.