Replies

1. 
   SARGEgrinder47 | Sep 29, 2007 06:22am | #1

   If I were limited to just one vice other than the Veritas twin screw that rides the end of my bench, I would go with the 53 ED (10 1/2"). The 7 1/2" front vice (with face extensions to 11") is sufficient with the wide Veritas on the end, but I feel it would come up short if I had just one vice with the type things I do.

   I have the V twin and don't find it fussy but rather a gift from Heaven.. whatever that means. ha.. ha... ha..ha..ha..

   Regards...

   Sarge..

2. 
   PADDYDAHAT | Sep 29, 2007 07:48am | #2

   VE,as  rubbermaid/ irwin bought Record and trashed the company, they sold the molds for all those wonderful vises to india. we have less choices.

   CASES IN POINT.

   Bench #1 29 x 60 x 2 3/8 maple-factory. Emmerrt clone front vise and LV twin end vise.

   Bench #2 30 x 96 x 4 hickory . Record #53 clone and LV twin end vise( in work)

   Bench #3 home dopey oriental hard wood bench, 4x7 Wilton for utility work and clamp on vises as required.

   Bench #4 the dirty bench of construction 2x - half lap "A" frames all dowled construction  with 2x 8-6-4 top., Starret 4" tooling vise on the cleaner end, columbia 6" on the dirty end. You can sit a V-8 block on this one --no worries- 30 x 120

   all the best , Paddy

    

   EDIT----BTW, the answer here is buy the biggest simple vise that you can afford-quick reset is a plus, if available.PFH

   
   

   ---

   Edited 9/29/2007 12:56 am ET by PADDYDAHAT

1. 
   vincentedwards | Sep 29, 2007 07:21pm | #4

   Just so you know, the molds for the record vises were sold to Anant, who still produces very high quality versions of the three quick release front vises. Look for them at http://www.toolsforworkingwood.comthese are the vises I have been most interested in, I was just looking for other options and ideas on size.since I will probably only have one vise at first, I think I'll buy the medium of large size. Later on, the veritas vise sounds good.

1. 
   WillGeorge | Sep 29, 2007 08:32pm | #5

   quick release front vises.. Why would a woodworker be in a hurry? I think opening and closing a vise would give time to think of what they would do next?

1. 
   vincentedwards | Sep 29, 2007 10:50pm | #6

   This has, in fact, crossed my mind as well. The problem is, once you've gotten used to a quick release vise, it's hard to go back!Especially for clamping wide boards- the ability to turn the handle 1/4 turn and then slide the vise out to exactly where you want it is addicting. vincent

1. 
   Lataxe | Oct 01, 2007 09:44pm | #11

   Vincent,

   I agree on the usefulness of QR in a vise.

   There is no QR on the Veritas twin screw vises that I use, which is perhaps their only lack.  I use the face vice to hold large pieces of often heavy wood, for planing or working on a joint therin.  The hardest part is often getting the geet big chunk o' timber held steady whilst I wind the vise jaws on to it. 

   It would be good to be able to knee the outer jaw on a QR so that only half a turn is needed to grab the geet chunk trying to slip from my grasp and pivot on to my toe!

   Lataxe, with forearms like steel.

3. 
   WillGeorge | Sep 29, 2007 05:30pm | #3

   If it were me and had only one vice to pick I would use a Pattern Makers Vise. I have one and LOVE it!

   
1. 
   vincentedwards | Sep 29, 2007 10:54pm | #7

   That is my dream vise, but the price is a bit steep for me right now...
   I still need some more essential shop tools before I spend the big bucks on my vise.But when the time comes, I'm sure it's worth every penny.

1. 
   BilljustBill | Oct 01, 2007 06:27am | #8

     To help your workshop budget stretch, try looking at your nearest flea markets...  You can find those Wilton woodworking vises for as little as $15 each.  I found 3 of the 4 at the monthly flea market.  One Wilton has a half-nut, but the other two are corner vises with continuous nuts and have to be screwed all the way out or in.  The 4th one cost 50% and came from a closeout at Home Depot one Super Bowl Sunday!!!

      Woodcraft ran some sales on the Vertias twin screw vise "kits".  I found some for $167 several years ago.  But, if you use Maple, the lumber for the thick jaws will run you an extra $50-$60....

      Here are those vises in use on my "T-shaped" workbench I built.

      Good luck in finding yours,

      Bill

   
1. 
   vincentedwards | Oct 01, 2007 05:02pm | #9

   That's a really cool workbench!I ordered the anant 53E last night so the $ is spent, but I'll keep and eye out for wilton vises at flee markets. It's always good to have an extra vise. thanks for the tip

2. 
   9619 | Oct 01, 2007 05:42pm | #10

   Bill,
   does your bench have its own zip code?
   MelMeasure your output in smiles per board foot. 

1. 
   BilljustBill | Oct 01, 2007 10:23pm | #12

      Hello Mel,

      I thought long and hard before I started on the workbench. 

    With the materials I collected, I needed a mobile base, tool and material storage, and a combination bench top and assembly table....  The "T" shape served my needs, and like Old European and antique American workbenches, using vises with wooden jaws and a tool tray seemed to make it traditional,

   yet the metal vises and the design help any future need I could think of.

     Vises, Oak, Maple, and Walnut lumber, steel framework with locking and braking casters, I have less than $850 in it.  Top of the "T" to the bottom, it measures about 12' long with the the top of the "T" measuring 6-1/2' across.  I added a narrow support shelf below the doors to store Masonite.  When I'm gluing or if I have something that greasy and heavy, I slip out the Masonite covers to take away any mess, grease, and prevent any dents .

      Here's how it looked as I welded the heavy framework.  The next picture shows how I used self drilling/tapping screws to bolt the 1-1/8" thick Oak framework and spaced the doors.  The third picture shows it stained, finished, and the use of painted plywood to seal the storage area below from dust or spills coming through the benchdog holes in the 2" thick workbench top.

       Not certified for a zip code yet, :>)

      Bill

   Edited 10/1/2007 7:33 pm ET by BilljustBill

   
2. 
   9619 | Oct 01, 2007 10:53pm | #13

   Bill,
   The photos of the frame of your workbench and of it while being build are awesome. Your workbench is to normal workbenches what Mt. Everest is to a hill. When I first laid eyes on your workbench it was the same feeling as when I first laid eyes on Anita Ekberg. Which shows you how old I am.You have built the 9th Wonder of the world. Have fun.
   MelMeasure your output in smiles per board foot. 

3. 
   WillGeorge | Oct 01, 2007 10:56pm | #14

   I looked at the picture but NEVER saw a SAW blade stickin' up!No hate here .. Just what I saw!Aint English wonderfull! You can type anything an at leas come close!

   Edited 10/1/2007 3:58 pm by WillGeorge