Vise Recommendation

[vsavatar]

I recently ordered my RV-10 tail kit, and I'm in the process of setting up my workshop. I've never really had need for a vise before, but I'm told one is essential for this project. The problem is that I don't know what size or type I should get. I don't want to but a $50 model and have it not work for what I need it for (sounds like it's required for longerons. But I don't want to spend $300-$400 for one unless I need to. Any suggestions on size, type, and/or brand?

[1001001]

I have several different vises, but for doing the longerons on my RV-10, I used my 4" vise and just c-clamped it to an EAA table (I built the tables with a 1-1/2" to 2" overhanging edge so I could clamp things to them).

I think you could do pretty much everything that requires a vise with a 4" bench vise. Harbor freight has some decent ones. Don't cheap out on it, however--you want one that slides smoothly and with a good screw that doesn't bind and a handle that is beefy enough not to bend. Some of the really cheap ones that have swiveling bases won't hold up to you whacking on the workpiece and will slip--so get one that clamps well.

If you happen to have a used tool store near you, sometimes you can get a great deal on an old, good vise.

[Mikeyb]

My feeling is the more you spend on a vise the more you will like it. And once you have a good vise you will wonder how you got along without it.

That being said I bought a inexpensive 4” Capri vise from Amazon for the hanger that is impressive. It’s forged steel rather than iron and has adjustable gibs.

[Mike S]

Get a set of soft jaws for whichever vice you end up with.

[Draker]

This was what became of my el-cheezeo vice while doing the great longeron-bend:

[wirejock]

Yep. I had a forged steel 3" for 30+ years. Unfortunately it died a horrible death when I replaced the six "U" joints in my 4X4. I was really bummed. They are worth the cost. I replaced it with a 4" but it's a cast-iron vise.
Watch Craigslist. Sometimes they get sold.

[9GT]

Hard to beat a Wilton, but they are pricey $$$.

[Everwild]

I purchased an 8" Wilton for $80 at an online machinery auction. Cost $100 to pack and ship it but it is the last vice I will ever need. Formed the tailcone longerons recently and it worked great. The more solid your vise is the more control you will have over the workpiece.

[TS Flightlines]

Wilton 6" is my choice. Yep alittle pricey, but I think worth it.

Tom

[kentlik]

Originally Posted by 9GT

Hard to beat a Wilton, but they are pricey $$$.

I agree. Wilton. Craigslist.