Reel Repair by Alan Tani

General Maintenance Tips => Tools and Lubricants => Topic started by: SoCalAngler on February 09, 2017, 05:25:17 AM

Title: Vacuum Base Vice
Post by: SoCalAngler on February 09, 2017, 05:25:17 AM
Where I live now I have no workshop all of a sudden :( the garage has been converted into a living area, so my normal man cave/work space is non existent or very limited to outside work.

I find myself needing a vice from time to time, nothing large like a bench vice but something decent sized say 2 1/2" to maybe 2 3/4" vice in size . I was thinking about a vacuum/suction base vice. I'd like something larger but with my living arrangements now the vacuum base vice seems like the best fit. I don't want to just leave a vice sitting outside in the weather that I may only use 2-3 times a year and not for bigger projects. My neighbors and friends will let me use their larger vices anytime I ask but I do not want to be "that guy" any time I need a third hand.

I was wondering if any of you use them? What features you look for and if any of you think there are some models/brands I should look at?

I was just checking some out on line but before I buy one I thought I would ask what you guys like.

Thanks in advance.
Title: Re: Vacuum Base Vice
Post by: philaroman on February 09, 2017, 04:29:34 PM
same situation; don't trust the suction cups; permanently mounted a small vise on a board, that I pull out & secure w/ C-clamps, when needed
Title: Re: Vacuum Base Vice
Post by: mo65 on February 09, 2017, 04:49:24 PM
   I have a little vacuum base...it works great for most light duty reel servicing. If i'm going to put serious pressure on something I use the bench mounted vise. 8)
Title: Re: Vacuum Base Vice
Post by: theswimmer on February 09, 2017, 04:58:35 PM
I have left my big vise outside in all weather for 20 years now.
Wirebrush every 3 years or so and a can of Rustoleum ::)
I also have no room inside for a dedicated vise area.

All my work areas center around that vise.
It was my Grandpas of course...
Best,
JT
Title: Re: Vacuum Base Vice
Post by: Tightlines667 on February 09, 2017, 07:14:21 PM
Quote from: philaroman on February 09, 2017, 04:29:34 PM
same situation; don't trust the suction cups; permanently mounted a small vise on a board, that I pull out & secure w/ C-clamps, when needed

I have my vice mounted to a board as well.  Thiscworks well in a small workspace, and frees up precious bench space.
Title: Re: Vacuum Base Vice
Post by: oc1 on February 09, 2017, 07:23:48 PM
There are a clamp-on vices that work much better than suction.  This one is cheap and very versatile for light work:
https://www.riogrande.com/Product/Tabletop-Swivel-Vise/113147 (https://www.riogrande.com/Product/Tabletop-Swivel-Vise/113147)
-steve
Title: Re: Vacuum Base Vice
Post by: Dominick on February 09, 2017, 11:51:42 PM
I have a couple of vices but I can't talk about them because of the 12 year old rule.  :D ;D Seriously the clamp on Vise looks like it can work for a lot of stuff.  Dominick
Title: Re: Vacuum Base Vice
Post by: oc1 on February 10, 2017, 01:45:57 AM
Works fine Dominick until you have to start pounding something.  Anything more than a tack hammer and you will pound it to death. The jaws are not precision either but they hold tight enough for use with small hand tools.
-steve
Title: Re: Vacuum Base Vice
Post by: thorhammer on February 10, 2017, 01:00:55 PM
I have a clamp on in one shop; fine for light work and mobility is nice.
Title: Re: Vacuum Base Vice
Post by: Dominick on February 10, 2017, 10:14:54 PM
Hey Steve you're looking a little grungy.   ::) ;D Dominick
Title: Re: Vacuum Base Vice
Post by: oc1 on February 11, 2017, 07:46:14 PM
It's Saturday so I scrubbed up.
-steve