I want to put--not permanent, to take on and off--a vise for light work. To attach to a Workmate portable style bench. Not to small, not to large a vise. Do you use such a vise? Can anybody recommend?
Workmate Portable Folding Workbench--Vise Wanted
- Thread starter Mikegtr
- Start date
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Record Marples RM 2075 might fit the bill.
Small but handy on a rotary base. It will hold metal for filing, etc
You could drill the workmate top for mounting bolts and use large wing nuts or kipp handles to make it easily removable. I have one mounted to a square of 18mm ply and just fix it with quick clamps when I need it.
They are no longer made so head to ebay for a used one and spare polymer or metal jaws
Otherwise a 3 or 4 inch metalwork style but I still think a swivel base is a good idea. Your workmate will fail before the swivel base.
Workmates aren't strong enough to hammer on. I assume you don't want a vice to hold parts while you beat on them.
Small but handy on a rotary base. It will hold metal for filing, etc
You could drill the workmate top for mounting bolts and use large wing nuts or kipp handles to make it easily removable. I have one mounted to a square of 18mm ply and just fix it with quick clamps when I need it.
They are no longer made so head to ebay for a used one and spare polymer or metal jaws
Otherwise a 3 or 4 inch metalwork style but I still think a swivel base is a good idea. Your workmate will fail before the swivel base.
Workmates aren't strong enough to hammer on. I assume you don't want a vice to hold parts while you beat on them.
HamsterJam
Let’s take it apart to see what’s inside….
I inherited an Axminster clamp-on wood working vice from my father which I have attached to a few things including a workmate. Not sure if they still stock them.
I also have a metal working vice which used to be bolted to a wooden base board with a offcut of 2x2 attached underneath so it could be clamped in a workmate. That got a lot of use until it was attached to a proper workbench.
I also have a metal working vice which used to be bolted to a wooden base board with a offcut of 2x2 attached underneath so it could be clamped in a workmate. That got a lot of use until it was attached to a proper workbench.
Many thanks for your replies so far. Some good ideas above. I want the vice to hold small metal parts to grind using my Dremel drill.
Lons
Established Member
You can use virually any metal or modellers vice for light work like that, even a cheapie will do though you should get a better one on facebook market place. Just attach the vice to a wood base that will clamp into the jaws of the workmate. I'd suggest extending it forward of the workmate for convenience, pretty simple to do with a short lenth of 2x2 ( or whatever ) and a scrap of ply or MDF
EDIT
Lidl have an alloy clamp on swivel vice for £9 at the minute, at least in our local shop as I was poking around only an hour ago while the missus had her hair cut, looks pretty decent for light work.
EDIT
Lidl have an alloy clamp on swivel vice for £9 at the minute, at least in our local shop as I was poking around only an hour ago while the missus had her hair cut, looks pretty decent for light work.
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peter-harrison
Established Member
There's the Zyliss vice like this one Vintage Zyliss Vice with Zyliss Bench Clamp - Swiss Made | eBay
Probably lighter than a metalwork vice and larger capacity
Probably lighter than a metalwork vice and larger capacity
Stanleymonkey
Established Member
Stanley make these - very useful
https://www.amazon.co.uk/STANLEY-MA...=1660916545&sprefix=stanley+vis,aps,76&sr=8-1
https://www.amazon.co.uk/STANLEY-MA...=1660916545&sprefix=stanley+vis,aps,76&sr=8-1
Richard_C
Established Member
I used a top off an old washing machine (but anything similar would do) to give me a 60x60 flat white table. Bit of 3x2 screwed across the middle which gets gripped by the jaws. To that I have fixed a small cheap unbranded vice, I know its rubbish quality but fine for holding stuff for soldering and fine work. Good for assembly and circuit board work and so on, any small parts I put on the surface won't fall through holes.
I’ve found an old Stanley 702 vice quite handy for use with a workmate.
I’ve also got a Silverline Multi Angle Vice and have been quietly impressed with it (about £13 I think).
I’ve also got a Silverline Multi Angle Vice and have been quietly impressed with it (about £13 I think).
Just bought this beauty earlier after reading this thread. 
Seascaper
Established Member
Looks nice. Not much wear on the plastic jaws and pretty much as good as new.
The front jaw unscrews completely and can be inserted from the back to hold wider pieces. That comes in handy once in a while.
It is also good to put a rotating strap on the bottom of the piece that clamps in the workmate jaws so the metalwork vise cannot tip forward if you open it too far or have something overhanging the front.
Sean Hellman
Established Member
I can recommend this vice, works well and as with a lot of my vices and some machines, attached to a hardwood or ply base that can be clamped to any surface. Saves worktop space.
