Bench vise

[calvinater]

In the market for a new bench vise, any recommendations ? No flea markets or swap meets up here, so that route is out. Would prefer Made in USA. Thanks.
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[Cusser]

[Matt Wilson]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/284091995003?chn=ps&n...QlEALw_wcB

I like this one. The V-shaped jaws can hold tubes easily, and the rotating head helps position stuff in a way that is easier to work with. My only complaint would be the base swivel isn't very smooth, you really have to loosen it quite a bit to swivel it.

[gt1953]

Mounting is important. I found mine at a yard sale for $25.00 and they threw in a small anvil. Here is one like mine.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/254737998416?chn=ps&n...R6EALw_wcB
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[Cusser]

[Zundfolge1432]

Been using this American made vise for at least 25 years and it was used when I got it.

There is a metal plate under the workbench which acts as a stiffener so the load is carried over a large area not just the two mounting bolts.

This is the one to have if you have time to wait for right one to come along. http://sdwike.smugmug.com/photos/i-SfSbS9P/0/L/i-SfSbS9P-L.jpg

It’s the Wilton bullet and they came in different sizes. The Wilton story goes back to WW2. The govt wanted a vise that was idiot proof and indestructible. This is it and they went to all the defense contractors and military. At wars end they hit the scrap heap and were auctioned off for pennies. Wilton then started selling to public as well so there are still shit loads of these in use. Each one is date coded and you can find them cheap if you look. I’d also look for Reed brand and Anthol. Craigslist and eBay and Etsy Facebook marketplace. Etc. https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2...AdAAAAABAD

So reading this you’d think these fucking things are made of gold. People know what they are and they do bring a little more however I bought one a few year ago for 45 dollars, that’s a steal. Beat the bushes they are out there.

[modok]

Buy a GOOD vise
OR, get a cheap import one but get it two sizes bigger than you need.
Both good ideas.

[chrisflstf]

New Wiltons are like $600 and up!

[Zundfolge1432]

So don’t buy new, find the one for 45 bucks

[Tvättbjörn]

Do a search under Peddinghaus / Matador. Made in Germany. Forged and the guide has adjustment. It will never wobble L to R when closing the jaws. They usually have wider jaws compared to American vises and are a lot lighter . Top-notch design and around for decades. Some even have flip-up pipe holder jaws. I will try to post a picture later on. They are also sold under different names, Homedepot shows some under the name Ridgid. Appears to be the same manufacture.

[evanfrucht]

Get an old Wilton.

Or anything old...
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[calvinater]

You guys have given great advice , would love an old school one, but do not forget, no flea markets / swap meets up here. At the mercy of the interwebs.

Gonna keep looking.

Shanks.
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"Albatross"!

[empi3]

Google "Vermont flea markets" it'll show a bunch all over the state.

Not saying they're all open but, it's worth a check.

Steven
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[evanfrucht]

[Zundfolge1432]

http://www.swapmadness.com/search/vermont-swap-meets/all/

https://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-COLUMBIAN-D44-M2-...3916130829


This listing looks like the one https://hudsonvalley.craigslist.org/tls/d/saugerties-bench-vises-approx-80-in/7278625949.html

Vermont is also home to Hemmings Motor News. They are all things auto and tool related. A very underused resource especially for VW people but if you look there’s a fair amount of goods and services available there. I once bought a W deck lid from a man so drunk he could barely speak for 45 dollars and that included shipping. Since then I’ve been a subscriber 😀

[calvinater]

Thanks for the links Z.
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"Albatross"!

[Abscate]

[AutoMechanic]

Wilton. Also old Irwin USA ones are nice too. And old Craftsman. I would suggest eBay but I’m sure shipping would be outrageous. Also on my other forum called Garage Journal they have a for sale section sometimes someone will post one in there too.

[Zundfolge1432]

I’ve got a theory that most of these vises not scrapped during the metal drives of WW2 or used for boat anchors are still taking up space. You don’t have to pay a premium for these things.

So versatile a tool I use mine to build the crankshafts and then short blocks. I can do cylinder heads, and a range of smaller items. I also opted for the copper jaws so I don’t leave tool marks

[mark tucker]

I will build a vice befor I will pay what morons are charging for them nowdays... but I have plenty of them any way. I think the one I paid about $30 or less for now would sell for about $300, and I bought it new.
I seen probably more busted and welded up "good old american vices" than the china shit....I have seen a few of those that were broke in half too. Im not sure why some people get so stupid and drive the prices up for everybody else.