Vise, Vise, Baby

[SteveHGraham]

It appears that my Chinese Wilton opens to 5.25". I have to say that I can't recall working on anything that wouldn't fit in there.

[Frank Ford]

I keep thinking one day I'll get a really nice bench vise.

That's exact reason I bought my Wilton 600 and mentioned it here. It's massive and super strong so I can whack anything on it anywhere if I need or want to. Its round channel, fully sealed design keeps the screw completely enclosed, clean and lubricated, while assuring a smooth rigid travel like the quill of a heavy drill press, and jaw alignment is especially good. At a bit over ten inch full extension, everything is still in good alignment and rigid - I use it regularly as a horizontal press. The swivel locks down REALLY solid compared to the wimpy setup on light vises. There is a reason used Wilton "bullets" sell for so much in good condition

I'll close my little sales pitch with a simple challenge. Take an opportunity to interview such a vise in person - you just might get a feeling for what you'll miss out on with any of the others mentioned above. Or, you can spend a lot less for something that you can describe as "just as big," "forged steel instead of cast iron," "great value for the money," or whatever. . .

[SteveHGraham]

There is something I envy about you. You use tools for a living, so if a vise costs you $1500, it's completely justifiable. As a hobbyist, I have to find a way to rationalize things like that, and sometimes I can't pull it off.

From where I sit with my Chinese Wilton, an 8" vise that opens to 9.5" and clamps with 10 tons of force doesn't look too bad.

[spro]

I don't think Mr. Ford payed that much. He struck when the iron was hot. Vises of this caliber need a super strong bench to utilize their capability. My old Parker with IIRC 6 1/'2" jaw width opens wide too. I built a pedestal and locked it into concrete floor.

[SteveHGraham]

I'm just talking about the current price of a Wilton 600S, which is the one I would get.

Actually, it's not. I would want pipe jaws for all that money. Let's see...the Wilton 28828 with 6" jaws (and pipe jaws) costs a bit over $2000.00.

How can they justify charging $500 for pipe jaws?

[SteveHGraham]

I've found the vise I want. Yost makes a stainless steel 6" vise. It's a steal at around $2200.

http://www.yostvises.com/products/bench ... -base.html

[Glenn Brooks]

Steve,

Well for that price you could pick up two. One to use, one for a backup in case the first one breaks.

Actually I’ve seen quite a few decent vises on Craigs List. Never more than 100 bucks. Might be worth watching the on line classifieds in your area for a week or so - might save a bundle of money.

(Wish I could say the same about anvils. They must be made of rare earth metals)

Glenn

[Mr Ron]

(Wish I could say the same about anvils. They must be made of rare earth metals)

Glenn

I've noticed the same thing. What makes them so expensive!

[SteveHGraham]

Anvils are expensive because of Forged in Fire. I want one, and it looks like the best option is a Turkish Kanca anvil.

[Magicniner]

It's a shame that Vanity Publishing is so expensive!

[liveaboard]

I've wanted an anvil for a long time too; the trouble for me is the postage cost.
I never find anything local, except maybe mules and potatoes.

[SteveHGraham]

You must get great prices on port, though.