I personally like Littco (Littlestown, Pa), as it is local. Will look for Reed (Erie, Pa) if the price is right. I like pulling them apart and restoring them. I just finished with a Wilton and will post some pics tomorrow. They seem to be quality.

Hern, just picked up a Littco #198 carpenter's vise last week and plan plan on cleaning it up and using it to work on axes primarily. Like to see how folks mount them, thanks for the pics.

Like those "torpedo" vises. They look sharp.

Here's a Wilton I just finished. Forgot to take a "before" pic

Here you go, lol. I'm not redoing mine. I use it too much.

Been keeping busy. Can't get enough of the LITTCOs

Those are nice

This is a patternmakers vise I've had for twenty years. Both jaws swivel and can be locked in place so you can hold about anything regardless of shape.

I took this picture about ten years ago in my garage to show the clutter. At the time I had a rifle stock and a bunch of box calls in the works.

Pete

I can't show mine, they are Menards specials.

Trapping is my vise......jk

I got my first carpenter's vise last year. Added another one. . . .

Before



After



I use mine to rehandle axes, but plan on using this one for putting up fur.

I've spent most of my money on women and alcohol. The rest I just wasted....

oneoldboot, Nice job. They are beauties.

Is the carpenter's vice mounted low for a reason?

Here's my Columbian I use in the little Smithy in my shop.

Crap, the rotating button didn't work! Sorry about that.

Is a 4 1/2" vise considered big? Found a Littco that side for $40.
Also a blacksmith vise and anvil for $375.

4 1/2 would be in the middle of the road. It may be the Littco No.450, as it has that jaw size and weighs 39 lbs. That is a good size for doing a lot of work. Most "household" vises are <20lbs and have smaller jaws.

If the jaws close evenly, is missing no parts, has no cracks, and the base is there, I would feel okay pulling the trigger on a 450 for that price. The last one i picked up was $35. Restored, I would put a price of about $55-60. Even that is pushing it. . . I can't compete with harbor freight.

Hern : if I was to be honest, it's because I am lazy and didn't feel like doing the extra work.

J Morse I haven't come across an affordable blacksmith vise, but enjoy the pursuit. I have no experience with anvils, but know they are getting expensive!

I know where there's an old blacksmith vise in a shed...didn't know what it was until now!!!

Picked up this vise from Nittany Lion at the PTA rondezvous. One of my favorites!




An advertisement for this vise I found online:



After

Another awesome job!