What bench vise due you use? Show us a photo!
06-25-12, 05:17 AM
#1
Still learning
Thread Starter
What bench vise due you use? Show us a photo!
Dealing with old freewheels C + V bikes is a pain, even with the proper breaker bars etc. Since I'm in the process of planning a new work area, would like to know what the bike forum veterans use and recommend in the way of bench vises?
Any other bench tools you find invaluable? No, I am not getting into frame building.
Any other bench tools you find invaluable? No, I am not getting into frame building.
06-25-12, 05:44 AM
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go to estate and yard sales. find a nice old vise. expect to pay about a 1$ a pound for a good vice. price varies. wilton is a classic but parker, reed, columbian, yost and starret/athol are good
07-14-12, 01:12 PM
#3
Still learning
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Sometimes You Get Lucky - A Vintage Versa Vise 90% off
Our town had its first ever community wide garage sale, with over 80 households participating. Not quite like those Kentucky highway sales, but a huge turnout. Anyway, I only made it to half the homes, looking for C & V bikes, picking up only one 24" Univega MTB for $2.
However, when I put this thread up 3 weeks ago, I had been looking months for a bench vise. Today, I picked this up, 1/2 through the 40 stops. I offered $5, but the seller wouldn't budge off his $10.00.
Anyway, they typically sell on ebay for $90-$193, so it's $10 well spent. I'm not a vintage tool collector, but I could learn to like it if I find treasures like this.
Also, in NJ found a mint looking Athol M & F 3 1/2 inch in NJ for about $45.00.
No more trips to the LBS!
However, when I put this thread up 3 weeks ago, I had been looking months for a bench vise. Today, I picked this up, 1/2 through the 40 stops. I offered $5, but the seller wouldn't budge off his $10.00.
Anyway, they typically sell on ebay for $90-$193, so it's $10 well spent. I'm not a vintage tool collector, but I could learn to like it if I find treasures like this.
Also, in NJ found a mint looking Athol M & F 3 1/2 inch in NJ for about $45.00.
No more trips to the LBS!
07-14-12, 02:20 PM
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Here is my 6" FPU vise from Poland. Purchased on Ebay a while back for $200. Weighs about 80#. Don't regret it at all. I have a Wilton at my work (I've got a machine shop there). I really like Wilton machinist's vises, but they are pretty pricey. I like the FPU I've got because it has an adjustable gib, you can take out any play in the jaws. The only thing I don't like about it is the jaws, but I'm going to make some smooth ones for it. It is a little different, as the movable jaw is in the rear. I've seen this style on German Leinen vises.
I've also got a 5" Chicago Morgan, that is a nice vise too, but the movable jaw has a good bit of play in it. Not really a big deal once you clamp your workpiece down well. Nice thing about the Morgan, the company is still around so I was able to get replacement parts for a 60-70 year old vise. They are in Milwaukee now.
Good money for a good vise is money well spent.
I've also got a 5" Chicago Morgan, that is a nice vise too, but the movable jaw has a good bit of play in it. Not really a big deal once you clamp your workpiece down well. Nice thing about the Morgan, the company is still around so I was able to get replacement parts for a 60-70 year old vise. They are in Milwaukee now.
Good money for a good vise is money well spent.
Last edited by krome; 08-10-13 at 11:32 PM.
07-14-12, 02:26 PM
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As far as freewheel removal is concerned, a vise is a vise is a vise.
Where some people have issues is with swivel vises, which can slip (the swivel, not the jaws) when removing tight freewheels. The remedy is easy, loosen the swivel locks and swivel the vise all the way counterclockwise to the dead stop before removing the freewheel. Or modify the vise by replacing the T handle swivel locks with Allen head cap screws, then slip a spring over the end of a long arm hex key, and tie it to the vise so it's always there to change the swivel if needed.
Either way will end the swivel slippage that can be annoying (but doesn't matter otherwise) when removing a freewheel.
BTW- for really tight freewheels the issue isn't the vise, but the bench. If you can, secure the back of the bench to the wall on the end where the vise sits. (or both ends)
Where some people have issues is with swivel vises, which can slip (the swivel, not the jaws) when removing tight freewheels. The remedy is easy, loosen the swivel locks and swivel the vise all the way counterclockwise to the dead stop before removing the freewheel. Or modify the vise by replacing the T handle swivel locks with Allen head cap screws, then slip a spring over the end of a long arm hex key, and tie it to the vise so it's always there to change the swivel if needed.
Either way will end the swivel slippage that can be annoying (but doesn't matter otherwise) when removing a freewheel.
BTW- for really tight freewheels the issue isn't the vise, but the bench. If you can, secure the back of the bench to the wall on the end where the vise sits. (or both ends)
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An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
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FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
07-14-12, 02:49 PM
#6
Still learning
Thread Starter
Here is my 6" FPU vise from Poland. Purchased on Ebay a while back for $200. Weighs about 80#. Don't regret it at all. I have a Wilton at my work (I've got a machine shop there). I really like Wilton machinist's vises, but they are pretty pricey. I like the FPU I've got because it has an adjustable gib, you can take out any play in the jaws. The only thing I don't like about it is the jaws, but I'm going to make some smooth ones for it. It is a little different, as the movable jaw is in the rear. I've seen this style on German Leinen vises.
Good money for a good vise is money well spent.
Good money for a good vise is money well spent.
07-14-12, 03:44 PM
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Where some people have issues is with swivel vises, which can slip (the swivel, not the jaws) when removing tight freewheels. The remedy is easy, loosen the swivel locks and swivel the vise all the way counterclockwise to the dead stop before removing the freewheel. Or modify the vise by replacing the T handle swivel locks with Allen head cap screws, then slip a spring over the end of a long arm hex key, and tie it to the vise so it's always there to change the swivel if needed.
Either way will end the swivel slippage that can be annoying (but doesn't matter otherwise) when removing a freewheel.
BTW- for really tight freewheels the issue isn't the vise, but the bench. If you can, secure the back of the bench to the wall on the end where the vise sits. (or both ends)
Either way will end the swivel slippage that can be annoying (but doesn't matter otherwise) when removing a freewheel.
BTW- for really tight freewheels the issue isn't the vise, but the bench. If you can, secure the back of the bench to the wall on the end where the vise sits. (or both ends)
A bench should be fastened to the wall or floor or both, in my opinion. Immovable object is the goal. I don't like wasting energy moving the bench around.
07-14-12, 03:54 PM
#8
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Our town had its first ever community wide garage sale, with over 80 households participating. Not quite like those Kentucky highway sales, but a huge turnout. Anyway, I only made it to half the homes, looking for C & V bikes, picking up only one 24" Univega MTB for $2.
However, when I put this thread up 3 weeks ago, I had been looking months for a bench vise. Today, I picked this up, 1/2 through the 40 stops. I offered $5, but the seller wouldn't budge off his $10.00.
Anyway, they typically sell on ebay for $90-$193, so it's $10 well spent. I'm not a vintage tool collector, but I could learn to like it if I find treasures like this.
Also, in NJ found a mint looking Athol M & F 3 1/2 inch in NJ for about $45.00.
No more trips to the LBS!
However, when I put this thread up 3 weeks ago, I had been looking months for a bench vise. Today, I picked this up, 1/2 through the 40 stops. I offered $5, but the seller wouldn't budge off his $10.00.
Anyway, they typically sell on ebay for $90-$193, so it's $10 well spent. I'm not a vintage tool collector, but I could learn to like it if I find treasures like this.
Also, in NJ found a mint looking Athol M & F 3 1/2 inch in NJ for about $45.00.
No more trips to the LBS!
Way cool vise, and deal of the year on that price! I have several vintage vises, along with some vintage tool boxes and tools. Can't just have vintage bikes...
__________________
Please don't confuse ebay "asking" prices with "selling" prices. Many sellers never get their ask price. some are far from it. Value is determined once an item actually SELLS. Its easy enough to check SOLD prices.
Please don't confuse ebay "asking" prices with "selling" prices. Many sellers never get their ask price. some are far from it. Value is determined once an item actually SELLS. Its easy enough to check SOLD prices.
07-14-12, 04:04 PM
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My bench vise is a 3-1/2" Sears Craftsman. It's one of their better models since the lead screw is covered by the shank of the movable jaw which keeps the chips, etc. out of the adjustment screw. I have it fastened to a very heavy work bench with two 3/8"x3" lag screws and one 3/8"x4" hex head bolt with a fender washer and nut on the under side of the bench. It has NEVER moved while removing any freewheel or other job. AS FB noted, swiveling it to one of the stops is useful when you want to apply a lot of torque to something clamped in it.
I've made some smooth, non-marring jaw liners from two 3-1/2" long pieces of aluminum 1" angle stock.
I've made some smooth, non-marring jaw liners from two 3-1/2" long pieces of aluminum 1" angle stock.
07-14-12, 04:20 PM
#10
Still learning
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May have to start a show us your tool chest thread! I found one Kennedy machinists for free, it was my Cub Scout Master's, and I paid $10 for the plumbers model at a garage sale.
All of my dad's tools fit in a one tray fishing tackle size box. LOL
07-14-12, 05:17 PM
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I have a sturdy old Wilton 4 1/2", but I can't figure out how to photograph it without showing my incredibly messy workbench!
07-14-12, 05:26 PM
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08-09-13, 02:18 PM
#14
Still learning
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Man Cave Garage Sale Finds
Scored two vintage Columbian vises, made in Cleveland OH, today. The big one has 10" wide jaws. Anyone know the model number?
Also, the ultimate headset and bb adjustable wrench, 16"!
Also, the ultimate headset and bb adjustable wrench, 16"!
08-09-13, 03:26 PM
#15
Mechanic/Tourist
Below is what we had in the shop I worked. What's important in a vise used for heavy work (frame/fork alignment, fixed cup removal, etc.) is the following:
- Solidly mounted to a base that is also rigid and anchored.
- Forged is better than cast - if you can afford it. Cast vises are more likely to fail, but a good one is still likely strong enough for any bike work. Absolutely do not purchase a vise made of grey cast iron (different than ductile iron that is cast, which is fairly strong.
- Built to maintain the jaws in a parallel alignment, both horizontally and vertically, when clamped.
- A bonus is a slide that allows forks blades to straddle it, such as the rectangular one on the Craftsman.
- Another bonus with the Craftsman were the pipe jaws, used for cutting fork columns.
Last edited by cny-bikeman; 08-09-13 at 03:54 PM.
08-09-13, 03:52 PM
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08-09-13, 04:03 PM
#17
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08-10-13, 06:48 PM
#18
Junior Member
Great thread. I never thought that much about my vises, much as I like and use them. I didn't even know who makes them, but here they are: The one in the garage, with the pedal next to it for perspective, is a cute little device, with a clamp to hold it to the bench, making it kind of portable and very useful. There is no make or brand anywhere on it. The big one is in the basement, and is a great vise and anvil. The base swivels and the fixed jaw rotates. It is a Rock Island 851 if that means anything to anyne.
Sorry - I have no idea why they came in upside down, and I'm not smart enough to fix it.
Sorry - I have no idea why they came in upside down, and I'm not smart enough to fix it.
Last edited by graycenphil; 08-10-13 at 06:52 PM.
08-10-13, 07:22 PM
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It is the bike equivalent of calling a bike size 26" when they are really talking about the wheel size.
08-10-13, 07:31 PM
#20
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Bear in mind, vises are sized by the width of the jaws, not how far they open. I have not heard of a 10" Columbian. They might exist, but 8" is the usual "biggest one". The blacksmith crowd pays big money for big vises.
It is the bike equivalent of calling a bike size 26" when they are really talking about the wheel size.
It is the bike equivalent of calling a bike size 26" when they are really talking about the wheel size.
08-10-13, 07:35 PM
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Edit: Nope, not a patternmakers' vise. Probably a sheet metalworkers' vise. Nice vise, just the same.
Last edited by krome; 08-10-13 at 07:51 PM.
08-10-13, 08:15 PM
#22
Still learning
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sheet metal workers' vise. The thin jaws allow for bending sheet past 90º. But it has a really large opening, so it may be a vise for another specialty. Maybe a patternmakers' vise? I'm involved in the machining trades, so outside of mechanics' and machinists' vises, I'm not as knowledgeable.
Edit: Nope, not a patternmakers' vise. Probably a sheet metalworkers' vise. Nice vise, just the same.
Edit: Nope, not a patternmakers' vise. Probably a sheet metalworkers' vise. Nice vise, just the same.
08-10-13, 08:21 PM
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I'm pretty good at machining though. Wouldn't say I'm expert. Decent bike mechanic too. Not yet into framebuilding, but working towards it. Just to do it, mind you.
08-10-13, 08:31 PM
#24
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https://www.techshop.ws/Floor_Plan.html
I am thinking of signing up to use their lathe, but I need a copier to make stair spindles.
08-10-13, 08:54 PM
#25
Senior Member
I've got a record vise model SQ5. It's a beast of a vise and it's got a quick-release which is pretty handy. There's also a pipe clamp on the fixed jaw side. Unfortunately it's not in a proper workshop at the moment and is serious overkill for my apartment-based shop. It's got a swivel base as well... plan on using it for a lot more than just popping off freewheels. I only have it barely photographed in the background of this shot. I should weigh it tomorrow.