Good Quality Vice Recommendations

[Jeff Smith]

This is the vice I use for most modelling tasks, the ability to move in all directions and the removable rubber jaws make this very useful.  Also I only clamp it to the bench when required.  I'm sure similar ones are available in the UK.

 

https://www.micromark.com/All-Position-Vise-2-Inch-Capacity

[Enterprisingwestern]

6 hours ago, Jeff Smith said:

This is the vice I use for most modelling tasks, the ability to move in all directions and the removable rubber jaws make this very useful.  Also I only clamp it to the bench when required.  I'm sure similar ones are available in the UK.

 

https://www.micromark.com/All-Position-Vise-2-Inch-Capacity

 

Also my weapon of choice, easily removed/replaced from the work bench/dumping ground.

I also use a Stanley 702 which comes in very useful for longer lengths of material in a vertical plane, and very useful for folding and assembling things like catenary and lighting tower trusses, although I don't think it's currently manufactured.

My third one is a Unimat machine vice, useful for more than just machine work.

 

Mike.

 

[Barclay]

I always prefer old stuff - I'd be tempted to check out some antique barns or ebay for something old and interesting. Mine came from a house clearance about 25 years ago, and is perfect for my needs, although I have never been able to establish the make. I also have a large Record in the garage with similar origins but this little one is just the thing for small-scale model making.

 

[D-A-T]

The Cookson vice is well made. I’ve just checked the jaws and there is under a thou run out in the jaws over the full width at different opening depths.

I also have the same maroon clamp on style vice shown in the thread and that has 18 thou run out over the full width at different opening depths (it got worse the wider the jaws were opened).

You pay for quality and accuracy.

PS I too hunt out older tools. In the main they are better quality and more accurate. It’s just the “supply” that seems to be contracting. 

[Dickon]

The Expo Tools 79521 Multi Position Vice looks like a slightly bigger version of the Micromark.  Ball mounted with 3" jaws and removable soft pads; all for less than  £30.

 

 

 

Stanley also do one made from steel rather than alloy. It's priced anywhere between £20 and £30 depending on where you buy it.

Edited November 19, 2020 by Dickon
added pictures

[michl080]

all the proposals so far are fixed at the edge of the workbench. I don't like that because I have to move around the vice to come to the right position. In my limited space I prefer having a vice that sits loosely on the table by its own weight so that I can move it in every direction needed. After all, most parts I need to fix are quite small.

 

Like this one:

 

 

 

Michael

[JeffP]

A machine vice,unless I'm  mistaken?

Looks a good'un too.

[michl080]

correct, this is a machine vice, more precisely a grinding vice. The jaws are smooth and have no ledge, so you can grab and hold very small parts.

 

Michael

[Haggerleases]

Got a used but good condition Record Imp. 

I believe Rev. Denny used one, so if it's good enough for that chap, it should do me nicely! 

[DGO]

I recently purchased a Parkside Multi Angle Vice for under £20 from Lidl, it's identical to the Micromark, probably from the same Chinese maker, but I'm of the opinion you can never have too many different vices, In addition to the multi angle a good solid 4 inch jaw bench vice is a good option (and make some soft jaws for it) I've also been known to use the adjustable jaws on a black and decker workmate which are very effective when bending 1mm thick aluminium. 

[Jol Wilkinson]

According to several retailers websites, the Stanley vice is cast aluminium.

 

A removeable vice is an asset if you have a small workbench. However, a vice needs to be "solid" and robustly mounted for best results. I have one of the Eileens jewellers vices mentioned in the earlier posts which is good but the jaws aren't totally parallel. You have to look at the Burgeon for that. However, it is good as a modelling vice for working on small parts.

 

A more heavyweight vice would be such as this from RS;

https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/vices/7522428/

 

There are also a number of small specialist handheld vices for holding, cutting and filing rod and tube from Hobby Holidays and other model tool suppliers.

 

 

 

[Wizard of the Moor]

An Eclipse 180 instrument makers vice is excellent if you can find an original one. 

[Norton961]

On the basis that you may be using the vice for many years I would search for a quality jewellers vice second hand on say EBay. I bought the attached from a modelling colleague for £40.00. Mounted on an IKEA bread board cut down.

 

David