Official Luthiers Forum!

I'm one of those unlucky souls that has a small piece of plywood mounted on some legs, and calls it a "workbench". I can't complain though, it gets the job done. However, I'm at a crossroad though because I really need a vise lately and that's when I start getting jealous of the guys who have those beautiful European style benches with 2 wooden vises built in!

So, my options right now are looking like this.... I can get one of those huge vises that mount to the side of the table, I can get a smaller one that can be moved around via a clamp on the bottom, or, I can get the "Parrot Vise" which I've heard a little about. They say it's handy for luthiers. Bench space is at a minimum, but I think I'd be able to bolt down one of those and still have enough room. I just need something that can dependably hold stock. Not huge pieces of wood, but what we luthiers work with.

I'm really interested in hearing from the guys that don't have typical bench set-ups. About a year ago I was almost positive a Sjoberg was in the cards for me, but things turned out differently. No big deal. Just trying to work with what I got now. So what do you guys do? One other problem I'm not sure how to solve yet..... My bench is bolted up against a wall. Thus, I have access only to the edge facing me. Which means I can't clamp things on both sides, only one. Would you suggest getting some hold downs to make up for this fact? I'd really appreciate any and all ideas from the masses here with more experience than I. Hope everyone is having a safe holiday season!
-John

Parrot vise is the ticket IMHO...might be others out there as good, but I don't know of 'em....one of my best purchases a few years back.....

When I was working in motion picture construction (I was the mill man) I had a couple of vises bolted to squares of ply, which we c-clamped down temporarily at any location, then shoved under the bench when we needed a clear top.

Dan

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Dan
http://www.acme-archtops.com

Dan, that's a great idea if mobility is the name of the game. But I think Doug's endorsement of the Parrot has encouraged towards that. Like I said, I don't mind setting aside a part of my bench if the Parrot is indeed a good buy. Doug, I see that the Parrot has holes in it for making custom cauls. Did you make your own, or did you buy the ones they sell for it? Thanks!
-John

John, I suggested the portable base so you could clear your limited bench top. Here's another (don't snicker, now): Workmate! Mine gets some limited light use, frequently just as another horizontal surface.

Dan

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Dan
http://www.acme-archtops.com

John- I went with the alum. and rubber jaws/caul and am glad I kicked out the extra $...NO dents or dings in any wood....you could make one, though. Have not had the need for any custom cauls. I, too, have a clandestine bench and it works just fine....can't see the benefit of a bench that costs hundreds of dollars...rather kick out the dough for fine tools (is a workbench a tool?).

The vise slides onto a post and as the vise is tightened, friction prevents the vise from swiveling....if you want to swivel it out of the way, no problem. If you want to remove the jaws (I don't), just loosen and lift off....haven't used my 'old vise' since.

Dan, I would be lying if I told you the workmate has not crossed my mind recently!! That's too funny. My bench will be just fine though. Just need to spend some time cleaning/setting it up. BTW, your acme laminates are very cool. I've looked at them many times.

Doug.... I just sprung for the Parrot. I've heard great things about it and your comment helped push me over (that's a good thing)! I too bought the magnetic cauls they offer. They were kind of cheap and it's one less thing I'll have to fabricate before working on the guitar!! Thanks for your input guys.
-John

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MidwayUSA has a patternmaker's vise on closeout for $42.44 was ($82.99). Sounds like it's slightly smaller than StewMac's (5" opening vs. 6"), but it's only 42 bucks.

I noticed that they also had the Parrot vise. They call it the Shop Fox gunsmith vise.


Wheeler Engineering Patternmaker's Vise:
http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.e ... mid=577167


Alan