Workbench Vises - all the different ones in the same thread - contributions please
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Gunnaduit
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The HNT tailvise - it kind of looks little. Maybe it doesn't need to be all that big, so I stand to be corrected there. But with all the beefy stuff around, it's out there making a stand for the little stuff. Good on 'em, I guess.
Y' know, some of us might have to put off actually making anything from wood even longer, while we figure out how to make appropriate bench hardware with typical home metalworking equipment. Because to be honest, I just don't see anything right out there on the market. Either it's too over-polished and expensive, or it's just not up to requirements. Where's the workman-like stuff?
I just picked up my HNT tailvise. I thought from the webshots it was small... Nope its beefy and solid! Its certainly got more heft than needed for clamping, and a beautiful piece of engineering. Its quality stuff and clearly made to hold work well for a very long time.
I think I'm tempted to lop off half the length of the handle, to save my nuts, but no need to install a handwheel. Terrys option of rolling the knurled 'nut' is spot on and no more is needed. For sizing reference the the dog hole is 14mm in diameter. Plenty beefy enough when the dog is brass. The handle is around 25mm diameter, beefier than it looks and just right for rolling on your palm to open the vice fast. Any larger and it'd be slow to open, and smaller and it, just feel too small.. As an added bonus the price for the HNT Tailvise is really low for what it is.
I also happened to pick up an MCW face vice - another sterling piece of precision machining. Beefy, precise, smooth, superbly finished, and made from chunky billets of aluminium. Its more than plenty strong enough. The screw is silky smooth and nipping it up with two fingers is more than enough for any work holding task. ( First thing my 6 year old said when played with it was ' wow thats SOOO smooth' )
Quite simply the two locally made vices are mighty fine to behold - and they're real workman like vices. There's no spare bling on them either, just pure beef and silk spliced into the same tool.
Lastly, personally I'm stoked that my money goes to supporting real aussie toolmakers rather than feeding freight companies and overseas manufacturers. ( no fancy schmansy websites or marketing - just pure function with a tiny dash of style)
Workbench Vises - all the different ones in the same thread - contributions please
ah on the hovarter that makes sense. ..