Swindens vice

[MattF]

You're not alone. Even I think it looks a bit of a dog, and still haven't got used to it visually. It's a lot sweeter to use than a normal vice handle though, IMHO. That's why I'm in two minds over it. I like the feel of it, but like you, I don't think it looks right. I did consider using a smaller shackle to see if it might just be with that one being so large which makes it appear so weird, but it would've required too much metal taking off the inside faces to make it feasible. I'm thinking we might be stuck in our ways about how a vice should look too.

It's very functional though. Swing it straight out or thereabouts and it makes wheeling the handle easy, and then swing it to either side to apply a bit more grunt if necessary.

 

[TAITSIE]

If you are the only person using it and you find it easier to use then stick with it . It must be hard to design something that looks as if it was an original fitting

 

[TAITSIE]

What about a larger version of this ? I suppose it would depend on tight you need the vice to clamp objects

 

[MattF]

If you are the only person using it and you find it easier to use then stick with it . It must be hard to design something that looks as if it was an original fitting

I don't think there is owt original looking with regards a vice handle barring a standard vice handle. The normal handles have always been a pain though, IMHO. The Parkinson vice, for example. I have that set up on a little bench but set back from the edge so that I can use it for holding larger pieces for filing and such without the swarf/filings going all over the floor. With it being set back from the edge though, the normal type of handle is a pain. Half a turn, push through, half a turn etc.

Spent days trying to think of how to go about this handle without actually altering the vice itself in any way or form, and then remembered I had some rusty old D shackles shoved away after I'd got peeved with the finish which citric acid left on them when I tried that with derusting them. So, dug that one out, whacked it in the fire 'til it started glowing then just left it in the ashes overnight. It cleared the surface of crap, and a few hours in the electrolysis vat got the new rust removed and brought the finish up properly. Wouldn't like to use the shackles for any load bearing application as I've no idea where I collared them from or how they've been treat in the past, so something like this seemed a perfect opportunity to use one for something.

 

[MattF]

View attachment 41754 What about a larger version of this ? I suppose it would depend on tight you need the vice to clamp objects

Did consider a handwheel, but it was the fitting which made me drop that idea. I'd either have to completely alter the ball, hence removing the ability for it to be returned to original condition, else make an adaptor up to sleeve the ball, which would end up making it stick out from the front of the vice a fair way.

 

[TAITSIE]

Go for the shackle I imagine it would be a lot easier to use and easier to work round compared to a handle

 

[MattF]

It's definitely more comfortable to work with. Do you think it would be worth me trying it with that smaller shackle, to see if that looks a bit better? It'll take a fair bit of filing to get it to fit the ball, but it could be that something which isn't quite so large as the current one might suit it better. Else is it just the shackle shape itself which makes it look so out of place? Not been able to put my finger on exactly why it looks so weird, as yet.

 

[TAITSIE]

It might be better looking if the eyes of the shackle were smaller than the ball of the vice , be nice to have someone elses opinion

 

[MattF]

Sounds like we're both on the same train of thought with that one. I'll have another look at that other shackle later and see if I can get that up to size to fit the ball.

 

[MattF]

How's this one look? It's only test fitted in the photo. No pin or anything and still needs a bit of tweaking. I've put the first one at the side to show the difference in size between the two.

 

[madkayaker]

I like the shackle idea and I bet it's lovely to use

 

[Big Pete]

I would be tempted to weld a bit of drilled bar or similar to the top of the shackle, so if you need some extra grunt (and Swindens are made to cope with it) you can stick a length of bar in and give it a good heave ho.

 

[TAITSIE]

That looks better , more in proportion than the first

 

[MattF]

I like the shackle idea and I bet it's lovely to use

Not had chance to test it properly as yet, with that vice still needing finishing off and bolting down, but when I was playing with the first shackle, it definitely seems a vast improvement over a standard vice handle. You can spin the screw so easily, and the shackles have enough meat on them so as to be able to grip them well and you can apply a fair bit of pressure too. That large shackle will be going on the Parkinson vice in the very near future, as I honestly think shackles will be my choice of handle from now on, judging from the initial play around with it session I had.

I would be tempted to weld a bit of drilled bar or similar to the top of the shackle, so if you need some extra grunt (and Swindens are made to cope with it) you can stick a length of bar in and give it a good heave ho.

That's one thing I'll not be able to do. What I know about welding you could fit on the back of an eyelash. Did think about that scenario though, and realised that it'd be easy enough to just shove a rod or bar through the shackle itself for some extra leverage, if necessary.

That looks better , more in proportion than the first

Good to hear. My thumb is killing from all of the filing. Would hate to think it had all been in vain. Even the best of files seems to cut like a bit of a girl when you've filed a decent amount of smooth, flat surface. Several hours of filing is definitely not on my list of fun things to do in future. I'll be getting the files on it again tomorrow though, to finish shaping it and give it any final fettling it needs.

One other plus point with the smaller shackle is that I'll be able to use the pin as is. It'll need a fraction taking off the diameter, but not enough to really affect the thread, so I'll not have to split that one into two pieces.

 

[TAITSIE]

Good job , take a rest now and have an early night lol

 

[MattF]

I should be so lucky. The young un has collared me for helping him on Borderlands in a bit.

 

[Epicyclic]

How's this one look? It's only test fitted in the photo. No pin or anything and still needs a bit of tweaking. I've put the first one at the side to show the difference in size between the two.

At least you won't pinch a bit of skin when the bar slides down and traps it between the bar end and the end of the screw end it goes through

 

[MattF]

Funnily enough, that was the reason I ended up taking the handle off whilst I'm restoring it. Still got the blood blister on the little finger from when it caught me. Oily hands and smooth handles ain't a good mix. Wasn't going to let it catch me a second time.

 

[MattF]

New handle finished and fitted.

Left it a bit of a tight fit for the moment so that it has to be physically swivelled rather than flopping about of it's own accord. Not sure whether that'll be the best way, but easy enough to change later if not.

 

[TAITSIE]

Looks good Whats your next project ?