Beginners Vise?

[Supergumby5000]

Title really says it all. Im looking to teach myself to weld and would like to pick up a vise, or something else, to do some bending of lighter steel. Project #1 is going to be some rock sliders for my UTV. Project #2 will be a rack for it. Project #3 will be a welding table.

I've been watching craigslist and a few beat up vises have come up but nothing that seems like a good deal.

Anyways, I'm looking for some recommendations on a halfway decent affordable vise. I cant imagine I will be working with anything heavier than 1/8" flat stock/square/round tube for the time being. If I'm worth a D@mn on the welder then i'll invest in some good stuff! Maybe it would be wise to invest in a high quality "small" vise for these first projects then I can upgrade to something large when I start working with bigger metal.

I also picked up a Hitachi chop saw/grinder combo yesterday for $130. If it can survive these first two projects i'll be a happy man.

I've used buzz boxes before doing repairs. I inhereted a Miller 252 set up for aluminum and steel so I really would like to give an honest effort at becoming a halfway decent welder.

For the rock sliders, I'm just going to use some heavier gauge 1.5" square tube with 45s on each end at the wheel wells. I need to create some ears coming off the bolt points to weld into the square tube, hense the vise for bending.

 

[Muzzy]

Tekton.
Available from the Amazonian marketplace with prime shipping.

I have the 8" malleable steel version, and have used it fairly hard in my home shop for 3 years with no complaints.

 

[lafester]

If you use sears points there is still a pretty wide range of vises available through them.
They just drop ship from the vendor.
I know they have wilton and yost, not sure about tekton.

 

[PhysicsDude]

I have a 6" Bessey vise that I bought from Home Depot about 8 years ago that's served me well. Nothing fancy, but it certainly gets the job done. After 8 years it still looks and functions great. Weighs around 40lbs. It probably is made in the same factory in China as the Tekton one.

I don't think I'd go as cheap as a Harbor freight vise though... I've handled them in the store and they don't seem very sturdy.

 

[Mark in Indiana]

Supergumby

IMO: The problem with buying a beginners vise is that you will out grow it and buy a better one. Thus throwing good money after bad. Patience is the key. I don't know how many good vises are available in your area. However, Facebook marketplace, estate/ liquidation auctions and Craigslist are good places to search.

If you must have one NOW, I recommend a Ridgid F-60, sold by Amazon for around 450$. Yes, it's a lot of money. However, it's dropped forged, made in Germany and cheaper than a new Wilton Bullet of the same size. It will be the last vise you'll need to buy. Here's a link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001T9J68I/?tag=atomicindus08-20

They have smaller vises for less$$$.


Cheers.

 

[Tennessee Cattleman]

Check out the Yost industrial line that's made in the USA. Good vises for the money.

 

[Adk Mike]

I have 3 vises in my small shop. A small Wilton on my work bench , a blacksmiths Post vise on a stand and a import from Sears good size on my welding bench. The Sears is the only vise I use to weld on.
It’s good no worries with weld spatter or anything else. The other two I never get near with a welder.

 

[crewchief888]

i have a used and abused POS in my garage.

i saved it from the scrap pile at work when 2 of the jaw insert screws got broken off, and the insert went MIA
i've had a brand new set of jaw inserts for it laying in my toolbox... for 5 or 6 years

i dont think ive ever owned a brand new vise..

 

[Lelandwelds]

No such thing as a "beginner's vise". First vise until I get something I like better? You bet. That just means your four incher gets moved from the work bench to a post on a plow disc, brake drum, or a heavy plate. It is now portable and will probably still be the vise you use the most.

Bending posts, Hossfelds, or tubing benders are often better for parts to be welded. Square tubing crinkles when you bend it.

A later version MM252 is one helluva welder. You are a lucky man.