Show us your bench vice(s)

[MattF]

First time I've ever heard anyone refer to a Fortis as having very good castings. They're good vices, but definitely seemed to be in the same camp as Swindens etc., in that form most definitely was a secondary consideration.

 

[UncleAl]

First time I've ever heard anyone refer to a Fortis as having very good castings. They're good vices, but decinitely seemed to be in the same camp as Swindens etc., in that form most definitely was a secondary consideration.

Yes Matt, I have seen pics of the older squarer types looking very rough and ready, but the two I have seem to be much better. Ill have a better look and comparison tonight, but my impressions are these two at least seem to be as good as the Records, maybe a result of better quality control on the later models perhaps?

 

[MattF]

Possibly. Must admit, I've only had one in my hands so far, so haven't got much overall experience of those.

 

[winchman]

Is yours the square blockier type?

Not sure I will move the crap off it and take a photo.

 

[winchman]

Possibly. Must admit, I've only had one in my hands so far, so haven't got much overall experience of those.

My Fortis casting is not as good as a Record casting but it works well and it was £10 fromtwo Polish gents at the car boot, I wish I hadnt painted it as it looked better all colours, but it works well, it also has smooth jaws so doest damage stuff as easily

 

[Viceman]

I have a very large Fortis quick release but it says Unbreakable on the side? It looks really old and not quite as refine as a Record but I do like it.
I should really have a vice clear out!

I have a few Fortis vices mainly No 10s but this Unbreakable No 6 is a beast and the build quality and the casting very much on a par with Record. The No 10s I have the castings go from rough through to ok

 

[Farside]

Gotta admit though; the word 'unbreakable' cast into the body of a vice must have seemed like a challenge to some monkeys users.

 

[UncleAl]

I have a few Fortis vices mainly No 10s but this Unbreakable No 6 is a beast and the build quality and the casting very much on a par with Record. The No 10s I have the castings go from rough through to ok

Very nice! The inbreakable definately looks beefier. Also reinforces the possibility that they might have been a deep green from the factory yours looks the same as the underside of my 8

 

[Turbo]

Picked this up last week.

It looks like an all steel fabricated vice. The end of the slide has been battered but not cracked so it must be fairly malleable.

No markings at all apart from 14 stamped on the bottom. It has a quick release fitted but everything is seized up. Hopefully a few days in the electrolysis tank will free things up!

Does anyone recognize this vice?

 

[MattF]

Record Leader.

 

[Viceman]

Does anyone recognize this vice?[/QUOTE]

Should look like this

 

[Turbo]

Now I know what to look for I found a thread on here about a record leader vice!
https://www.mig-welding.co.uk/forum/threads/record-leader-vice-any-info.32658/

There's not much info online about them but they seem to fetch good prices, I'm guessing they were quite rare due to their original price? I know mine is missing its name plaque but it has the 14 stamped on the bottom & I'm hoping that I will find the model no stamped on top.

I was going to refurbish this & sell it but now I think it's going to be a keeper, I'll likely never see another one & it only cost me £16!

 

[Viceman]

I know mine is missing its name plaque but it has the 14 stamped on the bottom & I'm hoping that I will find the model no stamped on top.

If it has 6 inch wide jaws it is a No.14 and the registered design no. is 893512. At £16 thats a great buy!!

 

[optima21]

this will make you guys with a vice for vices cringe......an Aldi vice in a Clarke Vice

but when you're filing tiny parts

its easier to raise the part you're filing higher rather than bending down to see it clearly

 

[MattF]

I've said that before. In fact, I believe I once had an argument with Kent over it. The general height for vices isn't always the best height. For some tasks, a far higher position is much better. Your task being one perfect example.

 

[Arc Tourist]

I find my elbow height to be the most comfortable for hand filing.

 

[MattF]

I find my elbow height to be the most comfortable for hand filing.

General filing, yes. Doing something like Optima' is doing, you want the piece higher for a good visual on it.

 

[Arc Tourist]

General filing, yes. Doing something like Optima' is doing, you want the piece higher for a good visual on it.

Good visual is not a problem, I have 5 telescopes.

 

[The_Yellow_Ardvark]

My 2 new vices.

Well the red Clarks has already bean earmarked for a new home. Bench and all.








Now, new to me another Parkinson. Teach me not to sell the first one I got.









The wood was wood screwed and glued on. So a gentle attack is planned.

I thought it was fully free, nope. Half way open and it jams.

 

[God mode restorations]

This monster vice is my latest find.