Ad-Vice

[Wingy]

Hi All,

I wonder if I may seek some advice, I have just finish my new bench and was going to refit my old vice, but to be honest it is tiny and not at all substantial. So after reading through this forum I have come to realise that a decent second hand vice could be the way to go, but haven't a clue with regard to all the different models and numbers.

I want it for various small woodworking tasks, i.e. making toy boxes, coffee tables, shelf units and that type of thing. I have seen a second hand "Record 52 1/2 p" for £35 and wondered if anyone could advise if this is an OK sort of vice?

Thanks for your time, Wingy

 

[Rhossydd]

A great vice, but a big one, look up the size on Google. Sounds like a good price, if it's in good condition.

For a bench mounted vice I don't think anything can be too big. My 52½ is precise at small opening, but has huge capacity that's often useful.

 

[KevM]

Hi Wingy,

I've got a Record 52 1/2 - it's a great vice, very substantial, good capacity and the quick release is superb. I understand that the more recent Irwin Record copies aren't so great, but I can't comment personally. I'm sure my Record (which is older than me) will also outlast me. I paid £10 for mine in rotten condition, so if yours is fairly tidy and clean for £35 it's not a bad price for a lifetime tool.

There's a great guide on this forum for fitting a Record to your bench - the punchline is to clamp a piece of timber into the jaws to act as a temporary leg to take the weight during installation.

Cheers, K.

Edited to add: I think the jaw screws are 5/16" BSW, I was able to pick up 4 countersunk allen head screws for a couple of quid from a local fastening specialist, many people just screw through from the outside, but as the threads were in good nick I decide I'd rather bolt my jaw liners in.

 

[RogerP]

++++ for 52 1/2

 

[Paul Chapman]

If it's a "52 1/2 P", then it will have a plain screw and no quick release. That might be good in that there is less to go wrong. Unless, of course, you particularly want a quick release one.

Cheers :wink:

Paul

 

[woodpig]

I believe that since Irwin bought out Record Tools production was stopped in Sheffield and switched to China?

 

[AndyT]

You should definitely check whether the vice on offer was made in England (=good) or not (=might be good but less certain).

This thread has some useful discussion and a great link by Wizard leading to Flickr photos of good old vices with nicely curved end pieces:

https://www.ukworkshop.co.uk/forums/post793442.html

 

[Wingy]

Thanks for all your help chaps, better informed now ta.

I suppose I should view it before buying just to be sure it is a good'un

Cheers, Wingy