Help buying a bench vise

Bdubbs

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Hey guys,

I'm trying to figure out what bench vise to get and what size?

I've found some vintage Craftsman ones that have been redone. I like the looks of it, but at only 3 1/2" I'm not sure if it would be good enough?

I don't do a crazy amount of heavy work with them. Plan on mounting it on this workbench on the front right corner.

Any advice and experience with good ones is appreciated!
IMG_20210523_065348155.jpg
IMG_20210523_071000339.jpg
Screenshot_20210526-084744.jpg


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mariusvt

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I have a hand me down Wilton Machinists vice, I think 5 1/2" or 6" width that's a really nice piece. This image is about the vintage of mine, but mine is well loved and looks no where near this nice.
IMG_3169.jpg


I have another, that come to think of it may also be a wilton but I can't remember at the moment.. that is similar footprint to that craftsman you linked above.
 

MDShelby

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No way you are a car guy with a garage like that.... lol!

Keep your eye out for a good American made one someone is getting rid of and not necessarily a vintage one unless you see one you really like and are oaky paying the going rate.. Lots of China these days, stuff that isn't worth the effort.
 

Bdubbs

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No way you are a car guy with a garage like that.... lol!

Keep your eye out for a good American made one someone is getting rid of and not necessarily a vintage one unless you see one you really like and are oaky paying the going rate.. Lots of China these days, stuff that isn't worth the effort.
LoL thank you!

I definitely want a made in USA one. I'll keep my eyes open. I've also thought about a vice stand so I don't have to drill into the workbench.

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CobraBob

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Brady, I have an old Craftsman swivel vise from around 1975. I'm about to toss it because I don't need/use it. If you were local, I'd just give it to you.
 

AustinSN

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That's a fun watch, and gives decent info on the strength of some of them.

FWIW, I have a new Wilton WS8. I like the size and I don't treat my vises like that guy does. It works for me.
 

coposrv

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I have Wilton, reed and Columbia bench vises and, Kurt and a Bridgeport for my mill. All ranging from 5-3.5” they’re awesome, old as hell and work great but no way I would pay the prices guys seem to be getting for them. For a larger 6” bench vise on the cheap I’d try a harbor freight. For the price of a similar new Wilton you can replace it a quite a few times. In my opinion if your looking to hold fairly tight tolerance on a machine yup you get what you pay for but for a bench vise.....eh


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Junior00

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I bought a Yost FSV-7 off Amazon Warehouse for $130 when they phased them out. It’s been great, still tight and alignment true, adjustable gibs are a plus. Ridgid had essentially the same as well but don’t know if they swapped over to cast iron like the Yost ADI series did from the FSV. I prefer the forged, easier to repair if something does ever break.
 

Great Asp

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I have a hand me down Wilton Machinists vice, I think 5 1/2" or 6" width that's a really nice piece. This image is about the vintage of mine, but mine is well loved and looks no where near this nice.
View attachment 1705223

I have another, that come to think of it may also be a wilton but I can't remember at the moment.. that is similar footprint to that craftsman you linked above.
Yup!

E
 

Junior00

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I never knew you could drop north of a 1k on a vise until recently

Glad i have my 70 year old beast still lol

They’re like anvils, for quality US built you’d better be expecting $2-3 per pound minimum.
 

PhoenixM3

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I have a hand me down Wilton Machinists vice, I think 5 1/2" or 6" width that's a really nice piece. This image is about the vintage of mine, but mine is well loved and looks no where near this nice.
View attachment 1705223

I have another, that come to think of it may also be a wilton but I can't remember at the moment.. that is similar footprint to that craftsman you linked above.
Wilton is now made in Chy-na. I’m looking for a vice to hold my gun jig.
 

mariusvt

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Wilton is now made in Chy-na. I’m looking for a vice to hold my gun jig.
Yea, I definitely wouldn't buy a new one from china, but op was looking at vintage Craftsman so plenty of good made in the USA vintage vices out there for reasonable prices.
 

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