Look for a second hand Record – last forever

Look for a second hand Record – last forever
Just make sure you can remove the jaws as making your own set of soft jaws extends the utility considerably

My Record number 3 is worn to the point where it really ought to have a shim put in to take up the play…

I must admit I have a bigger imported vice (4" ) in much better condition that hasn't got jaw wobble (is that like Jah Wobble?) or an s-shaped handle, but I like the Record to much to junk it…

Neil

<executed unwarranted smiley>

Edited By Neil Wyatt on 09/09/2017 19:20:32

Consider keeping a watch on the gumtree site, there are usually dozens of bench vices listed, and perhaps some close by. More than likely you will find what you want, and for less than what you budgeted for.

Irwin Record Mechanics Vice with Swivel Base 4" (25180)

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Mechanics vice with integral anvil and swivel base and a jaw opening of 4" (102mm). Shock-absorbent grey iron for great strength under compression. Acme twin start thread for smooth and fast operation, and swivel base allows vice to rotate through 360°. Fully machined on all load bearing surfaces.

• Grey Cast Iron
• Swivel Base with 360º Rotation
• Replaceable Hardened Steel Jaws
• Twin-Start Rolled Acme Thread

More Info

Add to b

Also be aware that there are different models of record vice, there is a reason that a Record fitters vice sells for around £485 + VAT and the one linked to above does not!!

You can buy either type second hand so the same applies

Edited By JasonB on 09/09/2017 20:07:13

ChrisB

Interesting video.

Basically the same style vice as the Wilton venerated, nay almost deified, in certain American quarters. Theoretically the nicely fitting round ram and keyway makes for a more accurately moving device than the usual British square ram set to the very loose side of rattling good fit. British system allows a certain amount of self adjustment when the jaws close up on something a bit, but not a lot, out of square whilst that style follows its own guide bore and will grip only "on the points". Conversely the round ram, key guided style should make it easier to press things accurately together as the jaws should remain parallel giving a straight push if both components are properly butted up against the respective jaws. The slack fitting British style will happily push things together at a small angle if your initial set up is poor.

Fitters v Mechanics type I guess. Horses for courses. You pays your money and makes your choice over which advantages best suit your work and your pocket. In my view the round ram style needs to be in rather better condition overall than the square ram style if its to operate properly and retain its functional advantage.

Moi. I prefer British style for a one and only vice with a press for things that need to be pushed together accurately. But maybe I'm just a crude sort of fellow. My big Record 24 has been slack fit, gravity stabilised ever since I "obtained" it 35 plus years ago and seems none the worse for it. But I also have both an arbor press and hydraulic press for more accurate pushing duties.

In practical world worry more about finding a decent one at the right value for money than about design details.

Clive

Lathejack

Very encouraging comments about the Clarke version of the style of vice in the original link. Current price appears to be £90 and it weighs around 50 lb so its obviously pretty substantial. Looks like ChrisB could do a lot worse than one of those, especially if a fitters type work rather than hefty thumping is what he will be doing.

Wouldn't trust no name mail order for something like that. Too many ways for it not to be made good enough. But when you have proper recommendation from someone with practical experience of the brand from a real retailer….

Certainly Lathejack has convinced me that one of the Clarke ones would be worth a look when I periodically think that maybe a swivel vice of that style would be handy. Still wouldn't choose one as my one and only though. Had to do some serious walloping on a job earlier on tonight!

Clive.

Whatever you do, DO NOT get a cheap cast iron vice. At some time you will use it as a press, and if that doesn't break it, hammering at some other time will.

I was lucky and managed to get an almost unused, but rusty Record, ex industry.

Their strength and quality explain the price. If you can possibly afford it, even second hand, go for it.

Cheap and nasty will fail at the worst time, and could even injure you or the work.

Buy cheap, buy twice (at least), buy quality, buy once.

Howard