Stationary or swivel base vise?

[bmwpower]

Why would I need a swivel base vise? I currently have a stationary and haven't found the need for a swivel base. Plus, all the swivels I've used in the past were really loose.

 

[Katbird]

I use the swivel with the long stuff like a drive shaft. my bench is against the wall and I can swevil the drive shaft across the work bench.

 

[MXtras]

All I currently have are swivels but I use rigids at work and plan to get at least one rigid for the shop. I prefer the swivels for most stuff. They are loose when you are swiveling them but once you crank them down they don't move around for most work. The rigid based vices take more abuse without giving you a fit if they are mounted to a good, heavy table. The swivels are nice for reasons mentioned above - adjusting to hold larger stuff or positioning to accomodate an awkward job but can be a PITA if they move when you don't want them to!

What a wishy-washy post, huh? Sorry....

Scott

 

[Uncle Buck]

If you have a premium quality vice, Wiltom, Columbian, Reed, Yost and you lock the swivel down, you should experience no movement whatsoever. At least that has been my experience in the past, but again, I have not used import vices. (at least not in my shop) The swivel base vice is made for corner mounting on a bench and when needed, may be the only way to fit your part in the vice, so the swivel base is usually a very important part of a quality vice.

 

[eschoendorff]

If you have a premium quality vice, Wiltom, Columbian, Reed, Yost and you lock the swivel down, you should experience no movement whatsoever. At least that has been my experience in the past, but again, I have not used import vices. (at least not in my shop) The swivel base vice is made for corner mounting on a bench and when needed, may be the only way to fit your part in the vice, so the swivel base is usually a very important part of a quality vice.

What he said. The swivel bottom on my Chas. Parker (relic) vise doesn't move at all when it's tightened down. I love the swivel.... wouldn't have it any other way.

 

[Uncle Buck]

eschoendorff: I have only seen and used one of that brand vice, it was good stuff, that brand is a moldy oldy to be sure!

 

[W-Cummins]

Swivel all the way, if the swivel base turns you have a pos vise. Chas Parker are the real deal I wouldn't trade mine!

 

[Uncle Buck]

W-C That's the kind of vise I am preachin about!!

 

[MXtras]

Swivel all the way, if the swivel base turns you have a pos vise.

I have a Wilton I bought new in about 1978 with a swivel base - it moves when I really crank on it and it's not exactly a pos.....worn a little, but not necessarily a piece of ****. Unless you have a huge swivel base vise like in your pic, the thing is going to move if you are using it hard. A rigid vise will not - one benefit of the rigid base. I still prefer swivels though.

Scott

 

[Big_John]

I have an old swivel vise that I have mounted near the corner of my bench. When I'm not using it, I swivel the vise 90 degrees. My bench is on the side of the garage, parallel to what ever car I happen to be working on. Swiveling the vise gives me a little bit more "hip" room if I have a bigger car parked in the garage.

 

[kartracer55]

Swivel base! You wont always need it but you will sometimes have oddball pieces that you NEED to be able to rotate the vise for. I Have a swivel base, and it has been a life saver more than once.

Jim