sheet metal vise: why?

[carbon]

There are about 4 posts on GJ, not counting the classifieds, about sheet metal vises. Does anyone know why they are designed as they are?

Here's one post speculating about them. Also the next post after that (#326).

Here's the only currently made one I could find.

They just look cool to me.

 

[bgott]

They are deep so you aren't clamping right on or close to the edge and the jaws are designed to distribute the clamping load on the thin material.

 

[stonewellmark]

I have a REED model# 224.5 looks identical to the one in your link. I havent found much info on it, but BGOTTs' info makes sense.

 

[carbon]

Thanks for the info, guys.

 

[bgott]

You're welcome!