Carvers set up - vise/holding device

[daveathome1]

Hello there
A quick question from Ireland! I just joined the forum and really enjoy it! Has anyone got an idea of the best vise to buy for carving?? I have seen the Veritas vise and it looks good but am told that the Spencer Franklin is the best. Any thoughts?? ( I carve pieces no bigger than say 8 or 10" high by say 4" thick) and also some relief carvings. Also, any thoughts on carving in the home at the kitchen table(very cold in my garage!!).?
Thanks in advance
Dave

[Riverman]

Hi Dave, welcome to the group!
I carve ever thing in my hand.
I am like you I carve in the kitchen, because it is cool in the garage ( studio )!
Bob

[chuckbolton]

i have carved with a vise-- and unless the piece is large ( 4 X 12 X 18) i dont care for them. that ofcourse is a personal opinion-- if you were close id let you try one out-- i have several and use only one-- occassionally -- i cannot imagine using a vise on a piece of relief work. i use a flat slightly raised piece of plywood with a solid corner to hold my relief pieces.

[Mark Dellinger]

Dave,
Like Bob I also hold most of my carvings in my hand. But I have seen dozens of different vices. Do a search under "vices" using the search button at the top in the green bar. Also try google. Good to have you with us and welcome.

Safe Carving and God Bless,

Mark

[Donsexton]

I am a big fan of this big old machinist vice. I have a fancy work positioner that was expensive 20 years ago. The good thing about the vice is it can be used for other things.

[Mitchell]

Best???????

There is no "best" for a group of individuals......

I changed the title to allow reference to similiar titled threads. You can also use the search function for find older threads.

I rarely use a vise - instead holding or bracing against my work bench.

[Curly Early]

Our club uses whats called a bench hook. They recommend using 1/2 or 3/4 plywood 12" square. I made mine just a bit larger, about 16 wide x 14 deep. Using 3/4" square stock or scraps of wood, fasten one on the top and one on the left side if your right handed or on the right side if your left handed, now one on the bottom of the edge nearest you. You can lay this flat on the table and putting your relief board you want to carve into the corner created by the strips, it will now hold your carving while holding itself to the edge of your table. They're very handy to work off of. Hope this helps. I drew a picture but I can't load it, if interested, send your e-mail address and I'll send it to you. Earl

[Kenny_S]

The least expensive vise is the hand. I would rather spend the money on additional tools and wood. But then, that is JMHO!

[davidinsarasota]

Veratas all the way

[North Wind]

I have the large Franklin and I love it ,but I use it for logs or half logs 5"by 10" or bigger. The rest of the time I hold in my hand. It is costly but it is one solid Vice.My 2 cents.Vince