quality mitre vise

[Mark Rogers]

I just bought a superior brand mitre vise (3538) from United. The sales person said it was the same as another vise (5715) but cost less. I would like a vise with a smoother tilt and swivel. Any recommendations?

Mark

 

[David Waldmann]

The more expensive one has nicer jaws, but the tilt/swivel part seems to be the same.

 

[PAckerman]

Mark,
Please call me and we will work out something to satisfy your requirements.

 

[Bob Doyle]

The three work horse vises the previous owner had were ancient, and probably from United. They held up well, but I wanted four instead of three. I got two from Woodworkers warehouse for less than $40 each. They were much better than the ones I got from United.

My only complaint about the ones I got from United, over two almost three years ago, is that the jaws were held together with a cotter pin through a regular washer, instead of a lock nut while the older model. When I "cranked" down on the handles I snapped the cotter pin instantly. United took them back, great company that way!

The ones from Woodworkers, probably could get from Home Depot as well, have lasted since. I have to tighten the locknuts once in a while, but they are solid.

BTW whats wrong with getting a v-nailer?

Rarely use the vises anymore but am sure glad that I have some good ones!

 

[Mark Rogers]

I contacted Peter Ackerman at United and I have to say they have great customer service. They are taking full responsibility for this and bending over backwards to help me even though they did nothing wrong.

Bob,

I have the v-nailer...the vise is just for trouble joins.

 

[Bob Doyle]

Mark,

Same here. I use the v-nailer almost all the time, and the vises when I have that difficult frame. Also United is great to work with, I hope you didn't get hte wrong impression from my previous post. The vise I got from them wasn't up to my standards and they took it back. I'm sure the vise was adequate for most, or United wouldn't sell it!

If I were to buy a back-up vise I think I would go for the bigger jawed version. Meaning get the ones that can take a 6" moulding. They weren't in the catalog when I got the 2 vises (I don't think they were at least!).

But I do stick by my caveat, if the jaws are held in place with cotter pins I woldn't buy them! I'm too tough on my equipment and I know it so I have to buy with that in mind!

 

[FramingFool]

The cotter pins are indeed a drag .... I think I'm on my third or fourth set of heavy duty finishing nails in 'em ....

Hey, United ...! ... is there a retrofit available??

 

[Bob Doyle]

Framing Fool,

I don't think it is so much the cotter pin as it is the washer. The older model has a bigger washer, almost a bearing, that's like 1/4" thick. I think if you could put a nut between the cotter pin and the washer (not threaded on just stuck on) it might do you better.

Good luck Framing Fool.

Peter what say you? Send her a bigger washer from the Stanley 400 Vise? See if that solves the problem! If it does you could sell a repair kit!

Thanks Peter.

 

[JFeig]

I had a cotter pin break once. I did not have one the same size (only larger) so I drilled out the hole a little bigger and it was fixed (stronger). I was too laze to go to the hardware store for the $.10 part.

 

[FramingFool]

HER????

Nothing against against the softer gender, but I ain't one of 'em...

BTW, my vises DO have the nut .... but the cotter pins still bite the dust...

 

[Rick Granick]

I had to replace my old Stanley 400 and wasn't happy with what I found at first. Ended up with one I got at Rockler Woodworking for about $50 or $60. It has a large nut at the far end of the handles, not a cotter pin. The problem I have with currently available vises is the quality of the castings. Even the one I have is a little crude compared to the old Stanley. Although it's better than my first replacement, it just doesn't seem as true and accurate as the Stanley was in its day.

Rick