The Eli woodcarving vise question?

[carvingbarn]

I looked in search but did not see any post about the Eli vise. I have been looking at the one at Smoky Mountain woodcarving. If you have one I would like to hear any pros or cons on it.
Thanks

[DiamondWillow]

The Eli Carvers vice

Is where you will find the info on the Eli Vise, although I do not own one because I do not do that type of carving, I have seen it and have seen it used and I will guarantee you that you will NEVER break it. Very sturdy and well designed, it is heavy material and if you are going to carry it around alot it is a little heavy. But, if you are going to use it in your shop I don't think you could buy a better built one... Nancy is first class so you do not have to worry about dealing with her.

Good Luck
Gene

[chisler10]

Randy, I have had one for about a year now and can't say enough good things about it. As I mentioned in an earlier post. I mounted mine to a 2x6 which is long enough to clamp it to anything that will hold it. Everything Gene said is bang on, just that I don't think it is that heavy....well maybe a little but that just adds to its stability. In my opinion it's 1st class and the 2 different sized heads come in real handy.
Patrick

[carvingbarn]

Thanks Gene and Patrick. It looks like it was real substantial. I think I will invest in one.

[DiamondWillow]

If you send a note to Nancy, tell her Gene in Parkers recommended her vise to you, and she is to send my commission check right away I have Christmas bills to pay. LOL I know Nancy quite well and she is a fun gal and a good carver.

Gene

Oh yes, I don't make a thing off of her sales.

[carvingbarn]

My new Eli vise came today mounted it on board that I place in me jaw horse. It is a really nice vise. I can not wait to put it to work.

[DiamondWillow]

Good for you, have fun with your new vise......

Gene

[davidinsarasota]

Congrats on the new vice Randy. I use a Veritas carving vice in the Jawhorse. Height is excellent, also forward tilt is stable because the whole weight of the Jawhorse counters the seeming imbalance, it that makes any sense.

[Christine]

I just got the Eli vise for Christmas and am trying it out. I'm having trouble getting the vise to clamp down tight enough on the ball to keep it from slipping. Any suggestions?

[Claude]

I don't have one, but just looking at the photos that Gene provided a link to suggests 3 immediate solutions:
1) write or call Nancy and tell her your problem
2) use a "persuader" (12 inch long piece of pipe) slipped over the end of the tightening lever so you can get more leverage on it.
3) go over the shiny ball with some coarse sandpaper to scratch off the mirror finish - lots of scratches will let the clamp grip better.

Number 1 is highly recommended; the other two might work, but then again, they might not - both are in the "brute force" category of help...

Claude