Vise advice please

[Rstark18]

I currently use a Heinrich GM4 daily for work in my garage. It is very specific in it's task and I don't like using it for general use (although I have been).
I really need to setup a small (4in) general utility vise on another bench. It won't get too much use but I want one handy for odd jobs.

I've been looking around and like the Wilton 744 (4" Mechanics Vise). The problem I have is that the table I need to mount it on is actually a tool cabinet with a butcher block top. The top doesn't overhang so that means the closest I can drill the mounting holes is 2.75" from the front and 2" from the side. I'm pretty sure this will align the static jaw over the table in either direction which wouldn't be optimal. Are there other reasonably priced vises that have a bigger offset from mounting hole to static jaw?

 

[drivesitfar]

there might be vises like you are asking about, but i'm not aware of any off hand.

one option might be is to make a bigger top for your cabinet that extends out in front of the box. that way you can bolt that new top either butcher block or plywood to the cabinet and then mount the vise as you would like to so the static jaw is out over the edge of the new top.

good luck

 

[454ragtop]

Was thinking about this earlier out in the shop looking at different vises, and you may have better luck with an older USA made vise that is not a Wilton. Wiltons use 4 bolts to mount, most of the other vises in my collection seem to have 3 bolt mounting pattern in the swivel base, 1 at the back, and 1 to either side about in the middle of the base, versus 2 front and 2 rear for the Wiltons. Another option may be an adapter plate between the vise and the cabinet top, to allow mounting the vise farther forward.
HTH, Jim.

 

[Rstark18]

there might be vises like you are asking about, but i'm not aware of any off hand.



one option might be is to make a bigger top for your cabinet that extends out in front of the box. that way you can bolt that new top either butcher block or plywood to the cabinet and then mount the vise as you would like to so the static jaw is out over the edge of the new top.



good luck

Unfortunately the location won't allow for a bigger top.

 

[Fretters]

A photo of your existing setup and the top would be handy. Makes it easier than trying to visualise mentally for proffering suggestions.

 

[p0lar]

Unfortunately the location won't allow for a bigger top.

There's an outside chance that an FPU vise might fit the description of what you need. Its interesting feature is that, apart from being Polish, the dynamic jaw is not the forward-facing one that traditionally hangs over a bench. I'm not sure how much clearance it offers, but it the design may lend itself as a solution to your space issue.

You might also look at some of the European vises from Schlegel, Leinen and Boley, IIRC, but those could be a wild shot.

 

[Rstark18]

What do you think about this solution?
I was thinking to use some threaded tapped inserts into the butcher block. This will allow me to mount it fairly close to the edge. Is this an adequate way of mounting the vise?
The inserts I see are 3/8. Should that be okay for a small 4" vise?
Next, what is the best 4" general utility vise in the $100 range? Or at that price am I not going to find anything? How is the Craftsman 4"? Would I see any difference between that and a Wilton WS4 with the WS4 being twice the price?
I guess another way to put it is what is the lowest priced good quality 4" vise?

 

[Rstark18]

Anyone?

 

[Fretters]

Inserts could be ripped out with little effort. Again, a photo of what you have, bench wise to work with, would help.

 

[drivesitfar]

RS: one of our members used two pieces of inch plywood on the top of his toolboxes to mount Craftsman block grinders on it. i think he just used 1.5 inch lag bolts, or he might have drilled a hole in the bottom piece to make room for a bolt so the grinder could be bolted to the upper piece.

are you able to post a few pictures of your toolbox and maybe the space you are working with so we can maybe make some other suggestions that might work?

there are many choices of great vises. what will you be using it for? a couple things not to use a vise for would be as a press or an anvil so buy those tools for those jobs and since Anvils are rare or not cheap a nice piece of RR track is a good option.

 

[Rstark18]

Here is the tool box I would like to mount it on. The top is 1.5in thick. The tape indicates where I could drill all the way through to use a bolt and nut but any closer to the edge and it would hit the metal frame. I don't want to use lag bolts because I might have to remove it every once in a while. I do want it right in that corner. I was thinking the two back mounts could go straight through while the two front ones I could use inserts.

I am looking for a small general utility vise that will last my lifetime and I can transfer to different benches as I change setups. I will use it maily for clamping things that need to be cut and other general holding tasks. Nothing industrial.

The last pic is my daily driver that gets used A LOT.

 

[drivesitfar]

i know you haven't decided on a vise yet, but since you have a very nice box with a butcher block top this mounting idea comes to mind. i have a butcher block work bench I might mount a vise on it like this because i think the butcher block might split apart with a good yank on the vise and the plate will help prevent that.

I'm also looking into a trailer hitch type mount on the side or underneath it so i can remove it or change vises as needed. i haven't worked out exactly how i'll mount the hitch one so just posted a picture of a nice Wilton on one mounted so you can kinda get the idea.

you can PM me with your budget and needs for a vise and i'll see if i might have one for you or check the local Craigslist and EBay for some that might appeal to you.

 

[Rstark18]

Love that Ridgid. I'd like to do something like that but I can't justify the price of a Ridgid.
I thought about the receiver hitch setup but really don't need it that removable.

 

[DXN1EL]

I am looking for a bench vise also, the Chincon **** I bought at Harbor freight is just junk. The back jaw kaput
How is that RIDGID? is it really German built? I mean for $210.63 seems like a good deal? http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001VY07LQ/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Fretters]

Love that Ridgid. I'd like to do something like that but I can't justify the price of a Ridgid.

Does it have to be a new vice, or is old metal a valid option too? I could take some measurements from mine to see if any is likely to fit those clearances, but I'm guessing English vices are a bit thin on the ground compared to your native iron.

Your other option, which would give you complete flexibility on vice choice, would be a variant on DIF's metal plate. You could easily make a base plate up to fit the bench out of something like 5/8"+ steel and then put recessed bolt holes else studs in the plate, so that the bolts/studs wouldn't foul the worktop surface, for fitting your vice of choice.

 

[theknurl]

vise on a tool box?

are you kidding?

I'd flip it over

I have an Athol 614 1/2 vise on a 28" x 10' 3/8" steel plate topped work bench and it moves too much....its rimmed with 3" x 5" I-beam with 4 1/2" pipe legs....when it gets moved to the other wall.....Titens to the wall and floor

my Father's Athol 615 has 5/8" x 4" x 4" angle iron bracing to the floor and a column in the wall it does NOT move

not even grabbing onto something with a 4' Stillson with a 3" cheater on it, that's clamped in the vise