Another Wilton 600 thread

[ShawnAM]

Hello all! I have been a lurker for a while but this is my first post. I am considering buying a wilton 600. Not sure if I really need one this big but price is about the same as people around my area are asking for smaller 4- 4 1/2 in ones so I figured why not . . . Before I pulled the trigger I did want to get some input from you guys. Got price down to 400 on it from what the guy was originally asking.

 

[larry_g]

I have that vise and also other 3-4" vises. I use the smaller ones more than the big one. You size the vise to the work you do. Just like crescent wrenches, one size will not do it all.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[ShawnAM]

Thanks for the reply Larry!

Another option I have is a 500s but the guy wants about the same price as the 6 in. Any input on which is more versatile? I don’t weld but am building an aluminum airplane kit (vans rv7) So really not a lot of heavy lifting but several extra hands needed. I already have a Record 4 in. It just seems a little light to be my primary vise

 

[larry_g]

. I already have a Record 4 in. It just seems a little light to be my primary vise

Well then it sounds like you've answered your own question. I agree that Wilton vises are top line but there are a lot of other vises that are that size and just as capable without name tax.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[zkling]

If versatility is your goal, you can get a brand new milhoff for around that.

https://www.milhoffmachine.com/services.html


I'm not a huge fan of the steel slides on the modern 600 bullets

What record do you have, and how is it not cutting it right now?
The wilton bullets were never desigmed as a super heavy duty vise. If you are just lookinf for mass/damping then you might be happy with the weight of the 600.

As a former KR2 builder, I won't hold your RV7 against you

 

[larry_g]

Another thought on that 600. You can get it and use it to find out whether it will suit you. If not then you can sell it again for what you paid for it, maybe a small profit..

lg
no neat sig line

 

[ShawnAM]

Thanks for the replies! Sorry I have not been able to get online all day. The Record I have is the R40S. It’s nice and seems to work most of the time. I mean I am not beating on it or anything. More to hold parts that I am grinding/drilling/riveting. It has not failed me but as I am progressing from tail kit to wings the parts are getting bigger and I have to be much more creative in how I clamp them into the vise. It just seems like something bigger might make it easier.

I have not seen a 600 in person yet so I guess I am really just trying get input on if it’s usable day to day or really just a gigantic vise for more industrial use.

The guy selling live 2 hours from me but is coming to my area tomorrow. So he is pressing for a decision. I do like the idea of buying it just to see if it works out.

 

[LXCam]

I paid five for mine and I'd do it again without hesitation. It's an excellent vise.

 

[larry_g]

Something to think about in your situation, and what I did. I have my 600 mounted on a portable stand and it is mounted near the same (jaw) height as my bench vise. This allows me to grab both ends of a long part or hold two parts for fixturing. I would not think the 600 is to big for your use but it is large for delicate work. I wouldn't want it for my main vise but it is put to work often when larger projects are in the shop.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[ShawnAM]

So I pulled the trigger and got it yesterday. I am happy with the purchase and really appreciate all your input!

It is in good condition and does not appear to have been beat on too hard. Just missing dust cap and swivel lock nuts.

I was at a family event in the afternoon and talking about the vise. Well turns out my parents neighbor has almost all sizes of Wilton vises. Most look pristine. Only one has was interested in selling was a C3. Wow and I thought the 600 was big. That thing is King Kong but he wants way out of my price range. Plus it looks so good I would hate to use it and scratch haha

 

[kenc184]

The 600 is a killer vise, lucky you!

 

[LXCam]

So I pulled the trigger and got it yesterday. I am happy with the purchase and really appreciate all your input!

It is in good condition and does not appear to have been beat on too hard. Just missing dust cap and swivel lock nuts.

I was at a family event in the afternoon and talking about the vise. Well turns out my parents neighbor has almost all sizes of Wilton vises. Most look pristine. Only one has was interested in selling was a C3. Wow and I thought the 600 was big. That thing is King Kong but he wants way out of my price range. Plus it looks so good I would hate to use it and scratch haha

Congrats bud. Reach out to KMSCOTT here for those missing parts. He's the man when it comes to vise parts plus you'd be supporting a guy that brings a great deal of value to this forum. My vise came with smooth jaws and I bought my serrated ones from him at an excellent price. After three years of heavy use they still don't show any wear.