With all of that as a background, I’ll offer up what I tell most folks when they’re trying to decide the appropriate bench vise
Vise
A vise or vice is a mechanical apparatus used to secure an object to allow work to be performed on it. Vises have two parallel jaws, one fixed and the other movable, threaded in and out by a screw and lever.
Full Answer
How big of a vise do I Need?
For general household DIY, a 4- to 5-inch vise is large enough to handle most tasks. (This measurement is the length of the jaws from end to end and is maximum amount of contact your vise has with the workpiece.) The throat depth, measured from the top of the jaws to the top of the slide below it, is also something to consider.
What is the best Workbench vise?
Made from high strength steel, the Wilton 11104 Bench Vise is the best workbench vise on the market. With many models and brands constructed from forged iron or cast iron, their level of durability cannot be compared to that of the Wilton bench vise.
What features should you look for in a bench vise?
It’s also important to note that most of the best bench vises have replaceable jaws. This is a good feature, because the jaws’ grippy surfaces can wear down over time, affecting their ability to grab hold of a workpiece. Replacing the jaws can extend the lifespan of a vise. Jaw width refers to the length of the vise’s clamping surface.
How do you mount a vise to a benchtop?
For both styles, mount the inner jaw flush with the benchtop surface and edge (or apron), so that you can secure long workpieces in the vise and also clamp the board's far end to the bench for added stability. Your benchtop must clear the bench base or legs for mounting.
How do you size a bench vice?
Vises are typically available in 4, 5, 6 & 8" sizes. These sizes refer to the width of the jaws. The larger and heavier the object to be held the larger the vise required. As a general rule of thumb, the maximum throat depth is typically proportionate to the jaw width.
What size bench vise is best?
For general household DIY, a 4- to 5-inch vise is large enough to handle most tasks. (This measurement is the length of the jaws from end to end and is maximum amount of contact your vise has with the workpiece.)
How do you measure your vise size?
The jaw width is how wide the jaws are from one side to another and is measured by the horizontal distance along the top of the jaw edge. The width of the jaws' surface indicates how much of a workpiece will be covered.
How do I choose a woodworking vise?
7:0312:00Pick the RIGHT vise for woodworking. - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThey make your bench more expensive. And time consuming to build because you're buying a second viceMoreThey make your bench more expensive. And time consuming to build because you're buying a second vice. And it really needs to be quick release your tail vise needs a dog built into the jaw.
How do I choose a bench vise?
While selecting a bench vise, you have to check its throat depth – this is the distance from the top side of the jaw to the top of the slide below the jaw. Larger throat depths mean you can hold larger workpieces. Bench vises have varying jaw widths. For larger objects, you need bench vises that have bigger jaw widths.
What is the best bench vice?
Best Bench Vise: ReviewsTEKTON 4-Inch Swivel Bench Vise. ... Wilton 11106 Wilton Bench Vise. ... Forward DT08125A 5-Inch Heavy Duty Bench Vise. ... Olympia Tool Bench Vise. ... Yost Tools Bench Vise Tool. ... IRWIN Tools Multi-Purpose Bench Vise. ... Grizzly Industrial G7062-5″ Multi-Purpose Bench Vise. ... WEN MPV502 Multi-Purpose Bench Vise.More items...•
What size is a number 3 vice?
3 Mechanics Vice 4in : Amazon.co.uk: DIY & Tools....Technical Details.ManufacturerAutoMotion Factors LimitedProduct Dimensions36.8 x 19.2 x 18.8 cm; 500 GramsItem model number3Size100mmColourGrey10 more rows
What is the purpose of a bench vice?
What is a bench vise? To state in simple terms, a bench vise is a mechanical apparatus used to secure an object that is to be worked on. It features two parallel jaws as part of the design. The device is widely used in the mechanical and woodworking industries, among others.
Which type of jaws would you use on a bench vise for heavy clamping needs?
Also, soft jaws of leather or a softer metal are used for gripping soft metals. Parallel clamps are used for heavy duty clamping work, and C-clamps are used for holding precision setups.
What's a good size for a workshop?
If the shop is to be used primarily for woodworking, the minimum recommended area for the workshop is 75 square feet. An ideal shop would measure 125 square feet, to this area would be added a lumber storage area. The size of the shop is determined by the number of stationary power tools that it will hold.
Do I need a vise on my workbench?
A workbench is only a success if it can keep itself still and provide means to hold your work. A woodworking vice is not an essential feature of this. Typically though we can expect to see two vices on a workbench today. One will be installed on the front of the bench, towards the left.
Where do you put a vise on a workbench?
0:5211:36How to Install a Bench Vise - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo I personally like it in the corner of your other workbench whenever possible and as close as youMoreSo I personally like it in the corner of your other workbench whenever possible and as close as you can get it to the edge on both sides here and equal.
What is best vise brand?
BEST OVERALL: Forward 8-Inch Bench Vise Ductile Iron.RUNNER-UP: Wilton 11106 Wilton Bench Vise.BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: TEKTON 4-Inch Swivel Bench Vise 54004.UPGRADE PICK: Wilton WS8 Shop Vise (63304)BEST FOR WOODWORKING: Pony Jorgensen 27091 Medium Duty Woodworker's Vise.More items...•
Are clamp on vises good?
As such, clamp-on vises are typically most useful for light duty operations. That's not to say that they can't take some abuse and some torque, but the upper limit just isn't as high as a traditional vise.
Are Irwin vise any good?
The Bottom Line. The Irwin Multi-Purpose Vise is very attractive for about $95 as long as you keep in mind its light-duty design intent. It's a great fit for a DIYer's shop or garage and has some potential for Pros that don't need 2 tons or more (literally) of clamping force.
Are pony bench vises any good?
This is a great heavy duty vise at a price that can't be be beat. This was a replacement for a Harbor Freight vise I had. The Pony is definitely better constructed. Clamping force is excellent.
Can I attach a bench vise onto any table?
Bench vises are designed for workbenches that are strong enough to take the weight of both the vise and the workpiece. Generic tables are not built...
How big should my bench vise be?
The size of the bench vise depends on how you plan to use it. If you are only doing DIY projects, you can use a small, lightweight vise. For more i...
How should I maintain a bench vise?
The maintenance of your bench vise is crucial for its longevity. Besides wiping the tool clean after every use, you can also remove the slide every...
How wide is a bench vise?
For a medium-duty, no-frills bench vise, this one is worth checking into. It is a 30,000 PSI steel vise with 6-inch wide serrated replaceable jaws and a jaw opening of up to 6 inches, covering most DIY and home workshop needs.
What are the different types of bench vises?
Types of Bench Vises. There are three main types of bench vises: benchtop, front, and end vises. Each style has its merits, though the project at hand will most likely determine which will work best for your needs.
What is a Wilton bench vise?
The Wilton bench vise can help most DIYers clamp down and hold on to materials with its sturdy build and 360-degree swivel base. Hobbyists who need a little less swivel and bulk might start with the basic, affordable TEKTON bench vise.
What is a vise for woodworking?
This vise mounts to the front of your woodworking bench with lag screws (sold separately). It has two additional holes on each jaw for securing sacrificial wood jaw inserts (blocks of wood that clamp against the workpiece to avoid the metal jaws marring expensive hardwoods). There’s also a slide-up steel dog in the outer jaw, allowing you to clamp your workpiece against a bench dog for surface planing and flattening. Plus, the orange enamel finish is baked on for extra durability.
How do benchtop vises work?
Benchtop vises mount directly to your benchtop surface. They usually mount with four bolts that sandwich the vise’s base against the benchtop. It’s a good idea to mount a benchtop vise directly over a table leg. The leg will create a solid surface to hammer over, while the unsupported center of a bench may be overly bouncy and absorb a lot of your striking power.
How wide is a cast iron shop vise?
This 30,000 PSI cast iron vise features 8-inch replaceable jaws, a jaw opening of up to 8 inches wide, and a throat depth of 4 inches. It can also clamp pipes as small as 3/4-inch in diameter and up to 3 inches—more than 1/4-inch larger than other models—to provide more capability than most other bench vises.
What is a bench vise?
A staple in metalworking, automotive work, woodworking, and hobbyist shops, a bench vise is a metal clamping device that bolts to the top, side, or underside of your workbench.
How big is a 4 vise?
Compare with similar items This item Wilton General Purpose 4-Inch Bench Vise, 4-Inch Opening (11104) TEKTON 4 Inch Swivel Bench Vise | 54004 Sold By Amazon.com Amazon.com Item Dimensions 12 x 5.9 x 6.4 inches 10.6 x 4.8 x 5.6 inches Material Alloy Steel Cast Iron Measurement System Inch Inch.
How do I know my vise size?
This is determined by the length of the screw (which holds the jaws together), and the longer the screw, the further the sliding jaw can open from the stationary jaw. The opening indicates the maximum capacity of the jaws, meaning that the vice will not be able to clamp an object wider than this.
How do you pick a vice?
While selecting a bench vise, you have to check its throat depth – this is the distance from the top side of the jaw to the top of the slide below the jaw. Larger throat depths mean you can hold larger workpieces. Bench vises have varying jaw widths. For larger objects, you need bench vises that have bigger jaw widths.
What is the difference between vice and vise?
The noun vice means an immoral or undesirable practice. In titles (such as vice president), vice means one who acts in the place of another. In American English, the noun vise refers to a gripping or clamping tool.
What size is a record number 3 vice?
Technical Details Manufacturer AutoMotion Factors Limited Product Dimensions 36.8 x 19.2 x 18.8 cm; 500 Grams Item model number 3 Size 100mm Material Cast Iron, Iron.
What should be avoided when mounting work in a vise?
What should I not do? Do not weld the base of the vise to any metal. Do not repair a vise by welding or brazing. Do not try to bend a heavy rod in a light vise. Do not cut into the jaws. Do not apply heavy pressure at the corner of the vise jaws. Do not use a handle extension (e.g., a pipe) for extra clamping pressure.
How do you identify Wilton vise?
You can tell the age of the vise by looking at the bottom of the guide rail (with the vise opened wide). As can be seen, it is stamped with 4-53.
What is a bench vise?
A solid bench vise is like an extra set of very strong hands, and having one can actually improve your work: As long as it's attached to a sturdy workbench, a bench vise will hold a workpiece in a still and relatively vibration free state and help you make smoother saw cuts, more steady plane strokes, or even get your sanding done faster.
How thick is a 9" vise?
A 9" capacity vise with 3/4" thick pads will give you 7-1/2" to work with, which is plenty in most situations. But the odd occasion does arise when more would come in handy. A 13" opening capacity vise should have you covered for just about anything you run into.
Why do Rockler bench vises tilt?
Also, it's important to note that Rockler bench vises, and most other quality vises, use a toe in design, meaning that the outer jaw tilts inward slightly to account for outward flexing and to apply the greatest pressure at the top of the jaws where it is most needed.
How many jaws does a cast iron vise have?
A cast iron front vise has two jaws made of you guessed it cast iron and a steel screw to move them closer together and further apart. Most also have two steel rods to keep the jaws aligned and help to prevent flexing inward of either side of the outer jaw when only one side of the vise is used.
What is the purpose of an end vise?
Typically, the primary function of an end vise is to hold material flat on the surface of the bench, pinched between one or more "dogs" sticking up from the top surface of the vise's jaw and corresponding dogs fitted into holes in the bench surface.
Where is the front vise on a work bench?
A front vise, like the Rockler 9" Quick Release Workbench Vise , is most often stationed at the left corner of the long edge of the work bench. A front vise is great for holding a drawer side upright while you cut the tails of a dovetail joint, or holding a board edge-up horizontally for hand planing, or for any number of other tasks that require a solid hold on the workpiece and for both of you hands to be free.
Can you put off buying a bench vise?
Even though many woodworkers would rate a bench vise as an indispensable tool, it's an easy one to put off buying. You can get by reasonably well with an arrangement of handscrew clamps and c-clamps for a while.
What are the features of a bench vise?
There are some bench vises with unique features that set them apart from the competition. Some features to note when making a selection include the anvil, swivel and quick release, but the most critical element is the jaw of your bench vise.
Where is the bench vise located?
The bench vise is installed through its adjustable clamp, located underneath and above the bench top. This method is straightforward and the most common practice found in many fasteners.
What is a Tekton 4 inch bench vise?
The Tekton 4-inch swivel bench Vise is an all-purpose, medium-duty unit that is well suited for the repair of vehicles, assembling of parts as well as all your metalworks. It is a safer unit as compared to the competition, and is engineered to help you work faster and better, knowing that your workpiece is securely in place. The level of confidence you receive from using this unit cannot be experienced with any other brand or model. It is the best bench vise around, and an essential unit your shop or garage cannot function without.
What makes a bench vise sand faster?
Sanding: bench vises make the process of sanding quicker by offering stability in times where the pressure is needed.
What is an anvil in a bench?
Anvils protect your tools, materials and workbench from experiencing extreme damage associated with your works. Mount Type - If you're planning to use significant clamping pressure, the mount is an essential feature needed in your bench vise. It is a heavy-duty way of fixing your unit.
What is MV8 vise?
The Performance Tool MV8 Hammer Machinist Vise is a heavy-duty, well-engineered bench vise, made specifically for heavy-duty works. It is a durable unit with increased longevity, made possible through its chrome plated hardware and durable powder coat finish. At first glance, this workbench unit may seem intimidating, but it is one of the best groups in the industry, recommended for both DIY beginners and professionals who want to amen larger items. The heavy-duty nature of this unit makes it highly resistant to wear and tear from regular use.
What is an Irwin bench vise?
The Irwin bench vise is ideal for your workshop and can be a great gift option for individuals who love fixing and building their units. It is economically friendly, offers high-quality service and enhances safe operations at all times. Keep it always handy on your portable workbench.
What is bench vise?
Think of a bench vise as a tool that’s as essential to your success as a hand plane, router, or tablesaw. Although clamps might substitute in some situations, they tend to get in the way, and a vise gives you freedom to do almost any type of work.
How much does a metal vise cost?
Metalworking vises usually mount to the top of a bench. Woodworking vises vary in price from about $30 to as much as $400. Generally, once you decide on a particular style of vise, the more you spend, the better the quality and effectiveness of that vise. Now let’s take a look at the most common types of vises for woodworking.
Why is a shoulder vise used?
Because the outer jaw has a tongue that slides in a groove on the fixed arm, it has enough play to let you clamp uneven-shaped workpieces. A shoulder vise gives you floor-to-ceiling clamping space between its jaws. A threaded bushing mortised into the vise shoulder (unseen) keeps the screw on track. Things to know:
What is a tail vise?
A traditional tail vise [ Photos H and I] consists of a rectangular or L-shape block of wood (the jaw) fastened to a steel or cast-iron fixture that slides back and forth in a cutaway corner of the bench.
Where do front vises mount?
Front vises. As the name implies, these mount to the front (long edge) of the bench, typically on a left-hand corner. Left-handed folks usually prefer a front vise mounted on the right corner.
What is a pivoting jaw vise?
The benchtop’s edge or apron typically serves as the inner jaw. A pivoting-jaw vise holds irregular-shape stock without racking the jaws. You also can remove the pivoting jaw for parallel-jaw clamping. Magnet-lined wood jaw pads stay in place without screws. A cast-iron-jaw vise can be recessed into the bottom of a bench for maximum strength ...
Bench vise recommendation? Jaw size, brand, features..
I'm looking to buy a bench vise for gunsmithing duties. I plan to use this vise for AR-type rifles. How large of a vise do I need (jaw size), what features would I find useful for gunsmithing and what are some good brands to check out? Thanks!
Re: Bench vise recommendation? Jaw size, brand, features..
Im looking for one too. The ones at lowes and depot have terrible reviews.
Re: Bench vise recommendation? Jaw size, brand, features..
Well, after doing some preliminary research, most vises are made out of either cast steel, cast iron, or ductile iron. Out of the three listed here, ductile iron vises are the preferred material as they offer superior strength. Here's some info that I picked up during my research:
Re: Bench vise recommendation? Jaw size, brand, features..
Maybe I'm been naive , but how strong and tuff a vice do you need to do a AR build. From what I've seen only torquing barrel would put any stress on the vice, and most of the torque would be absorbed by the actual vice block.
Re: Bench vise recommendation? Jaw size, brand, features..
Maybe I'm been naive , but how strong and tuff a vice do you need to do a AR build. From what I've seen only torquing barrel would put any stress on the vice, and most of the torque would be absorbed by the actual vice block.
Re: Bench vise recommendation? Jaw size, brand, features..
It's the last vise you'll buy.Been using/abusing for 30 years, You'll be giving one of these to your grandson who will be giving it to his.
Re: Bench vise recommendation? Jaw size, brand, features..
Well, from the way you guys are talking, I don't really need a big vise for the gunsmithing I will be doing. In that case, what is everyone's opinion on drill press vises? Do these vises have enough strength to hold in place vise blocks for AR rifles?
How big is a vise for a woodworker?
Woodworkers, machinists, and welders need a work-specific vise that probably isn't the best option for most homeowners. For general household DIY, a 4- to 5-inch vise is large enough to handle most tasks.
How much does a woodworking vise cost?
This kind of tool will sit flush with the workbench, and the jaws are made of wood so as not to mar finishes. This woodworking vise from Rockler is $85 and bolts directly to the workbench.
What is a vise tool?
A vise is simply a tool used to secure an object while you work on it. There are two parallel jaws that, when squeezed together via a threaded lever, hold the workpiece still. Vises are used in metalworking, woodworking, electronics, model-making, and in any situation that requires keeping your hands a safe distance away from the workpiece, ...
How long does a vise last?
A quality vise can last for years, and can be a great used tool purchase. Remember to buy a vise based on what you need it for and the size of your work bench and you can't go wrong. This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses.
What is a vise in a workshop?
They aren't the sexiest tools and the basic designs haven't changed in centuries, but when you need a solid helping hand, a vise is irreplaceable. A vise is simply a tool used to secure an object while you work on it.
Can you use a vise as an anvil?
Compare two vises and you may find that while the jaw length is the same, one vise may look and feel much heavier than the other. If you're going to use the vise as an anvil and pound on it, you want to know it can take the abuse. Note: Your workbench must be able to handle the weight of a larger vise, so buy accordingly.
What size vise do I need for AR-15?
For AR-15 Building, I have yet to have a need for anything larger than a 4" Vise.
Is a 4" vise heavy duty?
4" is fine. I got the "heavy duty" 4" vise from Home Depot for $50 but I wish I spent $20 more for the 6" one as mine feels flimsy.
Do you need a vise for barrel work?
Whether new or used, you need a vise this size to do barrel work, IMHO (or at least make it much easier), and a strong solid work bench to mount it to.
