Bench Vise Recommendations

[dcbullet]

I'd like to get a bench vise. I'm interested in recommendations as far as size of the vise and type of vise for general automotive repair type work. For example, I've seen there are "machinist" vises that in addition to the regular jaws, have a set of jaws beneath for holding pipe. I don't know if that would prove useful to have or not.

Any suggestions are welcome.

[flyboy2610]

http://underbid.com/merchant/garagetoys ... l?ref=base
This is the one I have. It is very well made, and sturdy. Be sure to bolt it down to your workbench. The pipe vise is something I haven't used a great deal, but it sure was useful when I needed it!
You could probably find it for less than this, though.

[DMiller]

Make sure your workbench is solid and stays put also.

[1971fordcustom]

This is mine! its from 1939,

Go find a old one from the 40s or 50s! Last 4 ever

[BRUTUS_T_HOG]

i say get a big machinist vise. the rotating function really helps on some jobs.

i work full time as a mechanic and use both types and i like the rotating one a lot more.

[Mancar1]

The big one on the right is a old Wilton Cadet it opens to 8".Made in Chicago, USA. The one on the left was my Uncle's, (He is gone now). It opens to 5 1/2", and is a AC #460 with the inside pipe clamp. The little clamp on one opens to 3 1/2", and is a Black and Decker. Good for small on site clamping. My favorite is the Wilton Cadet, it is pretty much bullet proof, and USA made.

[BobbyFord]

What you want is a U.S. made vise, not any over-seas made crap.
Check out Yost vises: http://www.yostvises.com/products.htm

[robroy]

Bobby, those look really nice, and are actually a lot less expensive than I figured they'd be! $260 doesn't seem like too much for a vise that could last for generations. (I need a vise too, which is why I'm so interested!)

Robroy

[averagef250]

The primary vise in my shop is Yost, same one they show on thier website front page, but mine came off a decommed 1960's Frigate.
Really good vise. It's taken plenty of abuse and use and actually does look like brand new. The original hardened jaws are still so sharp that they're covered with aluminum most of the time to keep from marring work.