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Looking to get a new Bench Vise

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Alpine View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Alpine Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Looking to get a new Bench Vise
    Posted: 28 May 2018 at 3:39pm
Are there any good new vises under $150. I am looking for basic work in the garage but one that wont break. It seems kind of hit and miss on whether or not you get one that wont break easily. I have looked on craigslist but it seems difficult to find one that the seller doesnt think is the greatest vise ever made and wants $500. 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote WeeWilly Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 28 May 2018 at 4:37pm
High quality vices are expensive.  I went with the cheaper  Harbor Freight 5" about 18 years ago and broke the threaded part that tightens the jaws a short time after using it.  I replaced the part and have been using it since with no problem.  By the way I am not easy with it either.  Sometimes I wish I would have went with a 6" though.

    Jim
47 CJ2A (Ranch Hand) 48 CJ2A, 48 Willys truck, T3C 3782, M274 (Military Mule)
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47 deuce alpha View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 47 deuce alpha Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 28 May 2018 at 4:52pm
Buying vises for drilling rigs over the years I had the best luck with Wilton. The Wilton Bullet Vise is about as good as it gets, pricey if you can find a good used one. The new Wilton's are affordable, don't know about the durability but I would try one if I needed a vise..    
1947 CJ2A 90419
1947 CJ2A 127735
1949 Ford 8N
1955 Kaiser Willys Pickup
Half the distance takes you twice as long.
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Mark W. View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Mark W. Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 28 May 2018 at 8:23pm
33 years ago I bought a 4" Chinese Vise "Swordfish Brand" with a large 4" square flat surface on the back. It was Blue it was like $35.00 I used it for 4 years and right before the shop that sold it to me I bought a second. I spent 14 years as a Custom Knifemaker and used the Crap out of those two vises. Ripped on of them clear off the Bench 3 times so far using cheater pipes and I beat and I pounded and the only thing I have had to do to them in the 33 years I have had them is clean them and about every 10 years lube them.

I have no Idea if its the same or if the metallurgy or heat treating changed but this one on eBay looks just like them

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Bench-Vise-Swordfish-Brand-4-Jaws-TBV-304-Swivel-13-Long/253650354563?hash=item3b0ebd4183:g:mNkAAOSwepla6f9s
Chug A Lug
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote ndnchf Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 28 May 2018 at 8:28pm
I have probably have half a dozen vises in the garage, workshop, and on the welding table. Every one is a good old American made vise that I picked up at a yard sale, swap meet or craigslist. There are a lot of them out there. Keep your eyes open, you'll find one.
1948 CJ2A - It goes nowhere fast, but anywhere slow.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote RSR_MK Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 28 May 2018 at 8:50pm
I have a few lower cost vices that are ok for most things but my go to vice is one I picked up when my wife’s grandfather passed. It’s a Wilton and is a much better vice then any of the others. 

Mike

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Ol' Unreliable View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Ol' Unreliable Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 28 May 2018 at 8:59pm
Get the biggest vise you can fit on your table.  In vises, bigger is better, if it's made well.
There's a reason it's called Ol' Unreliable
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote leecarr Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 28 May 2018 at 10:15pm
The big old one I have on my bench is probably 100 years old, the ears that fasten it to the bench finally cracked. I've had it welded a couple of times but it's no use. A comparable one now would cost almost $1000.00,this thing gets some serious abuse, I've been looking for one for years but no one will part with it. I have an antique long arm blacksmith's vise that someone gave me but I'm not sure I want to use it. Good luck in your search, I've found some online but the one I want is still $$300.00. 
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