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I am looking for a quality 5" vice that won't break my bank. I have been looking for a used Wilton for years with no luck. I cannot bring myself to spend $5-700 for a new one. My budget is $300. Any ideas?? GH
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/category_hand-tools+vises-clamps+bench-vises
Personally, I bought some cheap Chinese import vise from Northern Hydraulics 20 years ago. I think I paid $50. It has taken horrible abuse and functions like new.
A. Cheap
B. Decent quality
C. Available
Choose two...
I am looking for a quality 5" vice that won't break my bank. I have been looking for a used Wilton for years with no luck. I cannot bring myself to spend $5-700 for a new one. My budget is $300. Any ideas?? GH
Glacern Machine Tool GSV-550 (http://www.glacern.com/gsv_550)
With this or similar vise and a set of v-blocks, there really isn't an AR-15 project that can't be completed.
Glacern Machine Tool GSV-550 (http://www.glacern.com/gsv_550)
With this or similar vise and a set of v-blocks, there really isn't an AR-15 project that can't be completed.
Looks like a decent copy of a Kurt, but machining vises typically have little throat which makes for limited use.
Looks like a decent copy of a Kurt, but machining vises typically have little throat which makes for limited use.
Really?
http://s1363.photobucket.com/user/BallistaSystems/slideshow/OFFICE-PC/Shop%20Tools
I didn't realize that the OP needed the vise for precision machine work. For my needs, size and solid mounting are all that matters. I don't mind spending money on good tools (SnapOn, MAC, Milwaukee) but for my non-machinist, non-precision needs, I can't imagine spending even $300 on a vise.
I second the vote for the Glacern, if that's the kind of vise you are looking for, I personally have one and have used numerous Kurts at work and school, and as far as I can tell the quality is about the same, haven't put the Glacern thru hard use though.
SilverBullet432
09-15-13, 13:14
If you werent looking for a precision vise id just go to harbor freight..
If you werent looking for a precision vise id just go to harbor freight..
...except the OP is looking for a quality vise.
OP, if you don't want to spend the money on a Wilton, I believe Ridgid has some vises in the $300-400 range. If you have a Home Depot nearby, they might have something.
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Really?
http://s1363.photobucket.com/user/BallistaSystems/slideshow/OFFICE-PC/Shop%20Tools
Lol. Yeah, really. I know what a machine vise will hold. I have nearly 15 years running CNC and manual machine tools. Machine vises have ultimate rigidity at the cost of versatility.
I would get something like this:
http://m.mscdirect.com/mobileweb/product_detail?id=63495956&searchTerm=Bench%20vise&hasRestrictedParts=false
Southern Tool Smith and Hamilton Inc. (http://www.southern-tool.com/store/vises.php)
Made in the U.S.A. where indicated. Hope you find what you're looking for!
...except the OP is looking for a quality vice.
OP, if you don't want to spend the money on a Wilton, I believe Ridgid has some vices in the $300-400 range. If you have a Home Depot nearby, they might have something.
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Wilton makes vises for less than that.
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/category_hand-tools+vises-clamps+bench-vises
In your opinion, what makes the difference between a $100 vise and a $500 vise? Why would one need one vs the other for their home workshop?
Lol. Yeah, really. I know what a machine vise will hold. I have nearly 15 years running CNC and manual machine tools. Machine vises have ultimate rigidity at the cost of versatility.
I would get something like this:
http://m.mscdirect.com/mobileweb/product_detail?id=63495956&searchTerm=Bench%20vise&hasRestrictedParts=false
I have never run across a situation in which my GMT vise couldn't be used. In addition to the the vise you are recommending, you will need two or three additional tools before you can do any work on an AR-15. They don't like to be clamped off center and jaw lift creates problems. The mounting height over the work surface also creates a requirement for a very solid workbench. The throat depth is the only possible drawback.
Wilton makes vises for less than that.
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/category_hand-tools+vises-clamps+bench-vises
In your opinion, what makes the difference between a $100 vise and a $500 vise? Why would one need one vs the other for their home workshop?
Of course they do. I was assuming he was looking at the "$5-700" types of vises. There's a ton of options available for under that. Just not the quality equivalent at Homier or Harbor Freight. Honestly, I did very little research for the OP since that is his job. My point was that if he didn't want to drop that kind of coin, there are quality options available.
As to your question, unless you've never used a $500 vise, I'm sure you are well aware of the difference between a $100 to $500 vise. Out of about approximately 150 vises we have at work, most are high end Wilton's. The cheaper ones we do have are sloppy. The jaws don't hold true when clamping on one side. They loosen easily. They don't grip well. The clamping/swivel levers bend. This goes on. It's almost like asking what's the difference between a Oly & KAC?
Vises take abuse. Quality vises take more of it. It really depends what the end user needs it for, that dictates the level of quality.
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Thanks a lot guys!! I have decided to buy once and go with Wilton. I found a new 1755 for $400 and 1745 for about $50 less both shipped. Now I have to decide to 4 1/2" or 5 1/2". Thanks again. GH
I know you mean vise, rather than vice.
I've used expensive vises. They're nice, but for my relatively crude needs, unnecessary.
I know you mean vise, rather than vice.
Can I blame it on Tapatalk? ;)
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Can I blame it on Tapatalk? ;)
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Absolutely :D
Take a look at the Yost Vices. Made in the USA. I received this one for father's day. I'm very happy with it. Amazon is a good source.
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41hIb3rigzL._SX385_.jpg
Mauser KAR98K
09-15-13, 18:51
Porn...
Oh, wrong vise.
I have never run across a situation in which my GMT vise couldn't be used. In addition to the the vise you are recommending, you will need two or three additional tools before you can do any work on an AR-15. They don't like to be clamped off center and jaw lift creates problems. The mounting height over the work surface also creates a requirement for a very solid workbench.
The throat depth is the only possible drawback.
And sometimes it's a deal breaker. I've never been in a machine shop that didn't have bench vises mounted for work other than fixturing.
OP, going with the Wilton is a wise choice. I would suggest to anyone else looking for a vise that if you've got a little time on your hands hit estate or garage sales for the old Made in USA iron. Think '30-'50s made items, when iron was solid and tools weighed a million pounds. That goes for drill presses and table saws as well. Usually these tools just need some TLC if you want to bring them back to a nice shine for aesthetics. But otherwise they are fully functionally units that will not let you down.
If you want to see some examples of vises, click HERE (http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=44782&highlight=vise)
I'm a tool freak and I enjoy the old tools. Not that modern doesn't cut it, but they do. I have new tools too. What is important to me is quality, regardless of age. Just wanted to plant the seed that you don't always need to buy new in order to buy quality.
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