Long ago, I drooled on the Tucker vise page of the Lee Valley catalog. Seemed really nice; seemed really expensive. So I punted and got a typical quick-release vise. Works great, for flat stuff.
Recently, I took a class from Michael Fortune and had him over to my shop. Showed him my projects and he recommended these two vises from WoodRiver.
The Pattern Makers' vise is an Emmert vise-like vise (as was the Tucker, which is no longer made). The Gunstock vise is a different style vise, but has a lot of uses.
In this review, I'll show you what they do and how I used them on some curved and tapered table legs I'm working on right now.
They aren't cheap so getting a chance to see them swing around and how you can use them is likely a good thing.
Sunday, September 14, 2014
Review of Two WoodRiver Vises: Pattern Makers' and Gunstock
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Naturally, I like woodworking as a hobby, but an ice hockey tournament will easily get me out of the shop :)
Posts
Hi Paul-Marcel,
As a owner of a Tucker vise, I've wondered about the quality of the Woodcraft version. I'm not about to trade you, but it looks good, and has the extra floating jaw on the right side, too.
Can the rotation of the gunsmith vise be locked?
And you're going to have that table done by, say, mid-October, right?
Chris
HI Paul Marcel
Great review as usual. If you have any time left would you like a challenge?
That is... to fit the Pattern Makers' Vice with the inside face of the rear jaw flush with the front of the work bench. I have one ready to be installed onto my bench and would love to see your method and approach.
Here are a couple of fitted versions:
http://www.marcfish.co.uk/docs/F&C181%20P4-9%20Man's%20Best%20FriendVD.pdf
http://cornishworkshop.blogspot.co.uk/2011/02/i-wanna-tell-you-story.html
Richard
P-M,
Great review, I've been thinking about vises and planning on building myself a bench in the near/distant future (a few years probably) I might have to get one of these vises. Very nice.
Brian
The rotation of the gunsmith vise can't be locked as delivered. Probably could be modified easily enough, though.
I don't think I'd want the vise fitted, Richard. Seems like it would lose some of its degrees of freedom, like rotating the head around. Granted, you should be able to flip it up then rotate, but rotating it while the faces are vertical seems like the most common pivot I'd do.
I'm going to use Paul Schürch's scheduling method for the table: it will be done within 7 years.
Sounds like its time for a visit to… see how you're doing?
I'm hanging out at a shop now with an Emmert vise and that thing is sweet.
Does your continuing silence mean you've done an "Alice Frampton", Paul?
I hope not.
C'mon!...
I don't know who Alice Frampton is, so can't really answer to that :)
Yeah, I disappeared for a bit; many things going on and needed a break as I got into circus arts. Been cleaning the shop today, have a box to complete for my uncle, then will be back at some projects and videos.
I check in once in a while to see if you're back. I was pleased to see your response from 10 days ago.
Glad to hear that you will be back sometime in the future.
It's almost a year since we heard from you. Hope you get the urge to make a post soon.
one year ago today....lol
it seems the angle madness really did drive you mad. makes you wanna swing around from ropes like a monkey... remind me to not make anything with that much complexity. :)
Hi Paul-Marcel, do you ever work with reclaimed wood? If so, do you have any tip/tricks you'd be willing to share? I've been working on a guide for picking wood type, working, and caring for reclaimed wood - in the context of furniture. If you're interested, I'd love to pick your brain for a bit and add your feedback. Thank you for your consideration!
well
Hmmmm, so is your blog dead now? No posts in almost 2 years :(
Paul-Marcel, come back!
This looks great. Thanks for sharing this.
Great review as usual! I'm planing to get it.
This is a great review! As usual :)
Hi Paul-Marcel,
Wondering if we can expect a return ep anytime soon?