Vises for the blacksmith shop - tool of the day

While the classic vise for use in the blacksmith shop will always be the leg or post vise, there are a few other vises that are quite common in most shops. We will also look at machinist vises.

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The following list provides just a few resources to help you find supplies and equipment for blacksmithing.

Blacksmithing and related activities can be hazardous. These videos are not a substitute for competent professional instruction. Your safety is your sole responsibility. Always use appropriate safety equipment including eye and ear protection when working in the shop. Follow manufactures safety guidelines for the use of all equipment. In the event something shown in one of these videos seems unsafe, it is up to you to make the appropriate changes to protect yourself.

[JacksonDunnoKnows]

I just recently got my first post vice a couple days ago. 4¹/² in. I got a great deal on it. Its missing the spring and wedge(which I can easily make both new, ) and got it for 80 bucks! And its in great shape. Only some surface rust. The center screw is still shiny and greased up. The arm only had a slight bend. Super happy on the find. Here in the ohio area we have whats called the 127 garage sales. Its a super sale that goes along st rt 127. From Michigan all the way to Tennessee, and probably further. The guy who had it, his grandpa was a farrier and had alot of stuff. The anvils were already sold, and some of he top tools, but I found the vice hidden in a corner almost covered by a tool rack. Also got an old 48 oz ball peen. 3 bucks and had a decent face on it still. His grandpa definitely took care of the tools he once had. Rip to him!

[paulhedman]

Thanks, I just picked up a 4'' post vise at a small auction sale for $5. I also picked up a 40oz Plumb blacksmith hammer and a bunch of chisels and punches (Enders ans Dasco) for another $5. Some assorted files, prybars, clamps and such for a total of $20. After finding a single burner forge that someone was giving away last week I'm begining to think that Maybe God wants me to try out Blacksmithing.

[NDC]

That tall jawed vise is a 1920s Prentiss "Coachmakers" vise

[jamesfalvey]

I just purchased a post vise from a buddy. Excellent condition and a excellent price. I didn't want it at first, but now I'm in love

[allanhorne]

Thanks John. I’m only 65 so really appreciate your bed-time stories. Something to think about as I go to sleep and then ‘make something’ the next day.

My main vice is an old 6” engineers vice and so well worn that the handle which is heavy drops quite quickly when you let it go. I found this out today when pinky finger was in the way. No serious injury but sensitive for the rest of the day. I have now put rubber O-rings about 1/4“ behind the balls to stop it travelling all the way and if pinky gets in the way again it is a metal / rubber pinch rather than the metal / metal. I guess even rubber bands would do. I just thought I would pass this on for anyone else with seriously vicious vices.

Regarding buying vices. I find that the ones with a release trigger that disengages the screw are good where you want to get things into the vice fast and don’t want the metal to cool too much e.g. when twisting Although of course the sensible people set the vice for ½ a turn off tight before they start heating the metal. My vice was given to me; most ‘normal people’ don’t want a vice that large and are happy to get rid of them

I moved my vice to the corner of the bench as suggested and it is so much better. Not just for access but every time I clamped or unclamped something in the past there was always a file handle, piece of metal or similar overhanging the bench and in the way of the handle swing. It was much easier to move the vice than it was to train myself not to put things down where they would be in the way.

I think that is one of the fundamental laws of the universe. Wherever you put something down from job A it will be in the way (or lost) for job B.

[michaelandersen]

I have been using a striking anvil as my anvil and now I'm waiting for delivery today of my first real anvil. A post vise will be something down the road. but people like you, Alec Steel and Neels Van Den Berg have made me want to forge at my golden age of 66

[BlacksmithTWD]

Loved the vice puns at the beginning and end of the video. Good information as usual, but those puns make it more entertaining without distracting from the subject too much.

[tanksoldier]

Nice video I really like the corner mounting idea, my friend built a shop . He put square stock like receiver hitches in the floor at different places and built stands for vices, grinders, rollers , etc . He could move things as needed .

[andromedajacobson]

I had the same problem regarding falling tools. My vise is mounted on the end of a heavy i-beam stuck 4 feet in the ground. The end has a plate welded to it that is about 8×11 inches. I took a piece of 3/4 inch plywood (about the thickness of the mounting bracket) and cutout the outline of the bracket. It bolts onto the end of the i-beam and lays flush with the bracket creating a neat table. I made mine about 2 feet square for a convienent table.

[rs]

Thanks I needed a way to mount a post vice that the bracket was missing a u bolt is a good idea . Thanks 👍

[monsterbash]

Dang. I figured the only advantage to post vises was that you could walk all the way around them. I wanted to be cheap and just get a little vise. At least you saved me from ruining a cheap little vise and having to buy a post vise anyway.

[dibackdraft]

Very helpful I am picking one up for about 60 bucks here ❤

[felixf]

I restore/refurbish and work on quality vises. The 'tall' vise you have is usually called a sheet metal vise. Looks like a Prentiss. Your Reed - another killer vise - is an early version of a 104R. Totally agree; a post vise is the thing for a blacksmith shop. Enjoyed the video very much.

[bentoombs]

I love my leg vice!! it looks like the same one that's on the corner of your workbench. I have mine on the corner of mine but I couldn't do the 45 because I have some lockers right there that house all my Steel. I seen it but now that you pointed out that's a good idea I might have to do some rearranging. 👍 🔨On!!

[bobgore]

Great video, John! I recently purchased my first Leg/Post Vise. I got it at a Trashing Show Swap meet for $80.00, and except for some surface rust, it's like brand new. I'm thinking about cleaning it up to look new, but I also love the patina, so maybe I'll just brush it off and run with it as is! Thanks for sharing your knowledge, and educating the rest of us! 😎👍🏻🔨🔥🗡️

[markmoreno]

Hi John, I think I mentioned it before, but there is a 4 legged post vice made by Ponderosa forge. With 4 legs it needs no stand but it should be bolted to the floor. It may not be as beefy as some of the behemoth leg vices, but it takes a beating. It does not use the plane of a screw but has a plane to wedge the work. You need to see it in use to understand how it works. Obviously even if it was still in production (but it is not) it would not be a vice for everyone. A video on YouTube shows its being used to help make pigtails.

[Maestro-AL]

Wow John, I didn't know you so many vices! LOL It nice to know that there are an assortment of vices available. I like the older style of vices. I find them stronger that the ones you get today. Great video. Take care my friend.

[ianryan]

I am impressed by the leg vise on the corner of the bench, it makes a lot of sense, having that 180 degree access, thanks.

[fabiandaroca]

I'm not a Blacksmith but really enjoy the craftsmanship that goes along with what you all do. Thumbs up to your video!!!

[jackdawg]

I had a bright idea last week, gee that drill press vice looks just the ticket to punch that hammer eye on, holds it nicely, well supported, hole right through in the middle, 2 hits later and I was holding two bits of broken cast iron and looking for a new drill press wont do that again!