halfwit Posted November 30, 2011 Share Posted November 30, 2011 I'm looking for a small bench vice, for light work. It needs to be clamped (not screwed) to my workbench (an old bureau) so it can be easily removed and I quite like the idea of the head being on a ball and socket joint so it can be easily re-positioned at different angles. Smooth jaws would also be an advantage when working with brass. However, there are loads on the market of varying prices and quality, so what do people on here use? Thanks in advance. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest baldrick25 Posted November 30, 2011 Share Posted November 30, 2011 I use a couple of the Aldi specials, one with a sucker pad, one with a G clamp type arrangement, both are on a 'ball' and socket which allows tilt in almost any direction, both have removable thick rubber jaws as part of the kit, and they didn't cost a lot at all. Only trouble is they are only occasionally available- with all the Christmas goodies, it will probably be after Christmas now. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dorsetmike Posted November 30, 2011 Share Posted November 30, 2011 I use a Proxxon, Amazon stock them http://www.amazon.co.uk/PROXXON-MICROMOT-28608-Precision-mechanics/dp/B000NDGV1G/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1322653203&sr=8-12 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
halfwit Posted November 30, 2011 Author Share Posted November 30, 2011 Thanks for all the replies so far. http://www.amazon.co...y/dp/B001HBS0I0 This one looks rather handy - My own small vice - about inch and a half jaws (without rotating head) cost a couple of quid or so at a show sometime ago I bought one of these from a local DIY superstore but took it back as the jaws didn't align properly. A shame because the rest of the vise was well thought out. I use a Proxxon, Amazon stock them http://www.amazon.co...2653203&sr=8-12 That's the kind of thing that I'm after, how well do the jaws align, and are they smooth? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Alex Duckworth Posted November 30, 2011 RMweb Premium Share Posted November 30, 2011 I bought one of the Stanley vices too - the jaws on mine didn't align either. I'll be very interested if anyone can come up with a recommendation for a reasonably priced multi angle clamp vice. Alex. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
45157 Posted November 30, 2011 Share Posted November 30, 2011 Thanks for all the replies so far. I bought one of these from a local DIY superstore but took it back as the jaws didn't align properly. A shame because the rest of the vise was well thought out. That's the kind of thing that I'm after, how well do the jaws align, and are they smooth? I have the "sucker version" of the above Proxxon vice and the jaws are serrated and do not align very well so I would not advise a mail order purchase, I tend to use it with the supplied hard rubber jaw covers. I also had to disassemble, remove the paint and smooth off the ball joint to get it to clamp tight. It's a shame as it is quite a versatile device otherwise. regards Stewart Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arthur Posted November 30, 2011 Share Posted November 30, 2011 Bit of a theme here with the Stanley vice, I had the same problem. The jaws were not parallel, closed up, there was a small gap between them to the left. As you say Paul, a pity because it's an otherwise neat design. I did keep mine and packed out the jaw with a spacer but not something you should need to do. The Proxxon one looks good. Arthur er.., maybe not according to Stewart's reply !! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
halfwit Posted November 30, 2011 Author Share Posted November 30, 2011 I have the "sucker version" of the above Proxxon vice and the jaws are serrated and do not align very well so I would not advise a mail order purchase, I tend to use it with the supplied hard rubber jaw covers. I also had to disassemble, remove the paint and smooth off the ball joint to get it to clamp tight. It's a shame as it is quite a versatile device otherwise. regards Stewart Looking at the Proxxon website the sucker version and the clamp version share the same head. http://www.proxxon-direct.com/cgi-bin/sh000369.pl?REFPAGE=http%3a%2f%2fwww.proxxon-direct.com%2facatalog%2fTabletop_Tools___Accessories_Metalworking.html&WD=vice&PN=precision_vise_fms_75.html%23a28602#a28602 The problem is, I'd like to buy mail order but I don't want to risk spending money on a sub-standard tool that needs work to be made useable. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
frisby Posted November 30, 2011 Share Posted November 30, 2011 Drop the ever helpful Derek at Eileen's Emporium an email and as a modeller himself I am sure he'll recommend one to meet your requirements. http://www.eileensemporium.com/index.php?page=shop.browse&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=9 Andy Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kenton Posted November 30, 2011 Share Posted November 30, 2011 Just beware of vice that have dimpled/serrated jaws they can leave a very interesting pattern on what ever you have clamped in them. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
halfwit Posted November 30, 2011 Author Share Posted November 30, 2011 Just beware of vice that have dimpled/serrated jaws they can leave a very interesting pattern on what ever you have clamped in them. Thats why I'm looking for smooth jaws, the vice will predominantly be used for brasswork. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
PenrithBeacon Posted November 30, 2011 Share Posted November 30, 2011 Drop the ever helpful Derek at Eileen's Emporium an email and as a modeller himself I am sure he'll recommend one to meet your requirements. http://www.eileensem...uemart&Itemid=9 Andy I have one I bought from Eileen's and it's fine. Regards Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ozzyo Posted November 30, 2011 Share Posted November 30, 2011 I'm still using a vice that I got from my local ironmongers about 30+ years ago, IIRC it cost about £1.50. Made in cast iron with smooth jaws. As you will be able to tell it's had a lot of use over that length of time. The jaws can mark brass but if you run a smooth file between them, with the jaws just clamping on the file it can clean them up. It wont be perfect as the cast iron will work harden over time. You pays your money and takes your chance. Sorry not be much help on this one, but I think your better to see the bit of kit first before you buy. OzzyO. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Edwin_m Posted November 30, 2011 Share Posted November 30, 2011 I have one of these. The jaws are a little sloppy but it seems to close properly. Serrated rubber jaws can be removed to expose the smooth metal ones beneath. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeTrice Posted November 30, 2011 Share Posted November 30, 2011 Thats why I'm looking for smooth jaws, the vice will predominantly be used for brasswork. I use a couple of lengths of aluminium angle when I need to protect a workpiece. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
JeffP Posted November 30, 2011 Share Posted November 30, 2011 Mine is 30 years old and came originally from Wickes. It clamps to my work table, with a bit of thick card under it to stop it clamping too hard onto the plate glass sheet on my worktable. It swivels, and has a small anvil at the back, but cannot be set to any angle. However, it is accurate both in the jaws meeting and in it's travel, no slop, and little backlash. It cost the princely sum of £2.75. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coombe Barton Posted November 30, 2011 Share Posted November 30, 2011 I have one of these. The jaws are a little sloppy but it seems to close properly. Serrated rubber jaws can be removed to expose the smooth metal ones beneath. I go with this Screwfix one as well. It's firm enough and the jaws are OK. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
45157 Posted November 30, 2011 Share Posted November 30, 2011 Looking at the Proxxon website the sucker version and the clamp version share the same head. http://www.proxxon-d...23a28602#a28602 The problem is, I'd like to buy mail order but I don't want to risk spending money on a sub-standard tool that needs work to be made useable. Apologies. I checked the vice when I got home and the jaws are smooth but have one horizontal and two vertical v shaped cutouts (for round bar) in each jaw face. As I mentioned above it came with hard (ish) rubber covers for the jaws to assist in clamping softer materials. Like Ozzy, I have got the jaws reasonable now by the use of a large smooth file very lightly clamped, and tend to use it with the covers. The only problem with returning it is it's quite heavy, so postage would be high. regards Stewart Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Happy Hippo Posted December 1, 2011 RMweb Gold Share Posted December 1, 2011 Paul, Another source would be Squires (in whatever format they remain after their recent troubles). I have a small brass hand vice, (PVO533) which I have found invaluable for holding small bits of work, sometimes even claming it into a larger vice. Another source of accurate smoothed jaw vice is the toolmakers clamp, which can also hold work in a bigger vice. Regards Richard Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
halfwit Posted December 1, 2011 Author Share Posted December 1, 2011 Many thanks to all that have taken the trouble to reply. The jury is still out... It does seem that I need to inspect before buying, when I find one that I like I'll let you all know. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nicktoix Posted December 2, 2011 Share Posted December 2, 2011 Look at http://www.shesto.co.uk/p127/Multi-Angle-Bench-Vice/product_info.html. They sell top quality in my experience. Not cheap but good value Nick Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
halfwit Posted March 4, 2012 Author Share Posted March 4, 2012 I've just been using my vice for the first time and remembered that I was going to post an update in this thread... I visisted Eileen's stand at the Stafford show and, after inspecting a few vices aided by the ever helpfull staff, I bought one of their multi-angle jobs: http://www.eileensem...uemart&Itemid=9 Its still not the ideal solution, the jaws are cast and painted but mot machined smooth (although the casting is good quality) so a bit of remedial work with a file will be called for at some stage. However for the price its good value, it locks firmly in place on the workbench and the jaws close nicely, although the screw thread is a little stiff. Here it is, holding the side of an etched hopper whilst I clean up the cusp; However, what I really want is this: http://www.eileensemporium.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=eny_fly_default.tpl&product_id=5884&category_id=137&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=9 One day... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kev T Posted March 4, 2012 Share Posted March 4, 2012 However, what I really want is this: http://www.eileensem...uemart&Itemid=9 One day... I use one of those vice's and it really is superb. I originally bought a cheap vice, with the sort of problems already identified, and found that I didn't use it much. I bought from http://www.cousinsuk.com/catalog/6/0/1313/2481.aspx and use it most modelling sessions. I went against the oft repeated maxim, "buy cheap buy twice" and regretted it, but it is expensive. Kev Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
halfwit Posted March 4, 2012 Author Share Posted March 4, 2012 Thanks Kev, I'll be looking at getting one of those when I can afford it. I'm sure that the swivel vice will still come in handy though. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wayne Rite Posted March 5, 2012 Share Posted March 5, 2012 A long, long time ago when I was 'up the bush' in Western Australia, I decided to get as many good tools as I could because I was away from my workshop and my models were still in storage in the UK. I'm writing here about the 1970's and there wasn't a lot of small scale tools around unless you went to a jewellers supplier. With the help of catalogues I found a small vice which has never let me down and has been in use nearly everyday since I purchased it. I doubt it is still available today, a quick Google only found references on Ebay, but if you can get your hands on one I can't recommend it highly enough. The vice is / was a product of the UK Eclipse Tool Company and has the following cast into its frame 'Instrument vice no. 180' at the time I think I paid about $50.00 for it, but as my old granny used to say 'Quality is remembered long after price is forgotten' A friend got one at an auction a few years back for a song, seemed no-one knew what it was and didn't realise it's worth, just keep looking, they do come up occasionally. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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