It's vice week here

[bobpal]

It seems like it must be vice week where I live. I have never seen three available at the same time.

These vices are available on CL right now. I'd like to hear your thoughts on the vices and the asking prices. My current vice is a old foreign vice that is not very precisely made.

#1, $50, Wilton 4" vise in good condition with pipe clamps

#2, $85, vintage Columbian non swivel bench vise (model 503-1/2), jaws are 3-1/2" wide and the vise opens 6+", "price is firm"

#3, $50, no brand info given, says 5 on the other side.

Thanks of your help.

 

[jumbojak]

Pass on three, I'd want to look at the Wilton to see how firmly the swivel holds. If the swivel is loose, I'd go with the Columbian.

 

[Bill C]

#3 is likely made in Japan. Not a bad vice, but with a Wilton also avail for $50, I'd choose the wilton first.

#1 & #2, at those prices id just pick up both.

 

[jason n]

I have 5 of the Columbian's like you have pictured. Though I think mine are 504 M2. I seriously can hardly give em away. I like the one I kept and it works great. just my .02

 

[Richard Cranium]

the Wilton all the way. No other choices.

 

[ken w.]

I'd go with the Columbian. I very rarely swivel a vise.

 

[dumper]

I'd go with the Columbian, IF it was a 4-1/2" or bigger jaw. That 3-1/2" size goes for well under $50 around here. So, I would pick none of them.

 

[bobpal]

Thanks for all the input gents.

 

[bobcatdan]

The Columbian is a little steep at $85, but it's the best of the 3. Don't let 3 1/2" jaws fool you, it opens just shy of 6" which is more then that Wilton will. I'm probably bias since I have a 503 1/2, but it's a great all around vise. Use at least 2 to 1 compared to either of my 6" jaw vises.

 

[1982fxr]

The Columbian is a little steep at $85, but it's the best of the 3. Don't let 3 1/2" jaws fool you, it opens just shy of 6" which is more then that Wilton will. I'm probably bias since I have a 503 1/2, but it's a great all around vise. Use at least 2 to 1 compared to either of my 6" jaw vises.

This

 

[Carla]

The Columbian is an actual 'industrial grade' vise, whereas the others shown are the cheaply built 'home-owner' or 'hobbyist' grade, with quite a difference in useful gripping power.

The choice there is that of 'real' v. 'imitation'.

cheers

Carla

 

[ndnchf]

I smoke a cigar now and then.

 

[Cope]

Thje Columbian is the only way to go. Remember that prices vary with availability.

 

[welder4956]

I smoke a cigar now and then.

Only during vice week?

 

[ndnchf]

Cigars - a weak vice of mine. Last week was my vise week. I picked up a real nice 5" Craftsman vise by Columbian.