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Bench Grinder and Vise

G

G6 at Snook, TX

Well-known Member
I normally frequent the 8N tractor section, but it was suggested to me by those fellows that I try out your collective knowledge.

I would like to add two bench tools to my shop:

1. A quality, preferably American, Vise. Is Wilton still the standard? As for money, I am willing to spend up to about $300-400 to get a good one that won't break when I crank down on it. What are your recommendations?

2. I am also looking to add a good bench grinder. Again preferably American made. What brands do you suggest?

Thanks.
 
Good luck finding anything made here now days. Yes Wilton still makes vises but $400 might be low end depending on what size you want. Most larger ones are $600-900. Beware Wilton sells foreign made homeowner ones too so stick with their larger mechanics or combination vises instead. Columbia and Starrett vises. Used vise recondition it with new jaws. Baldor bench grinders and same thing their smaller homeowner models may not be made here. mcmaster.com , mscdirect.com , wttools.com
 
Wilton certainly makes quality c clamps, I have four that are very well made. The shop I used to work in had Reed machinist vises which had withstood the test of time very well. I don't know how their price compares to Wilton. Some of Reeds' vises are lifetime warranty.

Here is a link:
Reed Vises
 
I agree with markiz41, buy older used, and as heavy as you can carry. Check industrial shop and farm auctions, military surplus etc. For the vise, check it operates smoothly, has no cracks or welds. Paint to the color of your choice it will look new.
 
Bench Grinder and Vise? Here in Bruce county, just add a pair of vicegrips and that's considered a fully equiped machine shop.
 
Dewalt big grinder is made in China.The wheels that come on it are soft so you need Nortons soon after purchase.I bought a grinder at a yard sale for five bucks that takes about ten minutes to stop spinning after shutting off.The Dewalt does not do that.I dont really trust the Chinese wheels as I feel they may kill me or take out my nice face.
 
If you don't have a liquidator like we have here in Ohio, [ HGR Industrial Supply]....Put an add in your paper under wanted...You might get a hit or two from it...I bought a Reed vise at a blacksmith auction nearby...It's friggin heavy.. I used my cherry picker to hoist it to my workbench...Don't get suckered into buying a cheapo bench grinder....I made that mistake once..After assembling it, I plugged it in..It took over 60 seconds to run up to full rpms..Then it rattled everything off the work bench...I'm still missing stuff......I have a nice 6" Mac Tool grinder that I've used for almost 30 years now..It's smooth but , too small..Thats when I got the brainstorm to get a cheapo 8" grinder...Not again....I ended up with a Ryobi 8" from Home Depot..Still Chinese , but better quality than the first attempt....
 
This is a 9" vise I recently picked up from a welding shop
here in Minneapolis. Found it on Craigslist for $30. The
photo is somewhat deceptive, but it's a beast to lift.

It was manufactured by Yost Manufacturing, Meadville, PA.
By the patina, I assume this was many, many years ago.

If you have a fairly active Craigslist, you're bound to find
something.

Colin, MN
YostMfgVise.jpg
 
I am not sure why folks think they need a monster vice for,,, I have mechanic ed for 35 years and my favorite vice is a Craftsman 3 1/2' made in Japan vice I brought in the 70's for 25 bucks,,, I saw its big brother a 4" made in japan vice on cracklist and snatched it up,,, its sit'n on a shelf for the day the small one gives up,,, I don't think it will ,,, I have a few other good vices that I hardly use mainly cause i don't like'em that includes the a nice Wilton and a Nice big arse Columbian # 60 4 1/2" (BTW I fell for a cheap Wilton a real Piece of chit) I would sell the columbian at a deal,,, and replace it with the Old Japan made 4" craftsman,,, I am not one to abuse a Vice,,, no need 2,, after you break a few you learn not 2 go their again,,, but cheap is cheap and not worth a chit most of the time

today I don't think theirs a good small vice
 
The only (new) American made bench grinder that I have found is a Baldor. They are extremely high quality and tough as heck. They are rather pricey new,but in my opinion they are well worth it if you use a bench grinder frquently. I have seen some used ones go fairly reasonable on different auction sites too. Good luck and Happy Holidays!!
 
On the vise;

Older is better in most cases. I've got an ancient COLUMBIA vise that's dang near bullit proof. I bought a Wilton vise a couple years back. The very first time I really cranked down on it, the jaw broke. No... I'm not impressed with Wilton.

I sharpen woodworking tools for a number of the carpenters who work for the same contractor I do. I spend a lot of time using a bench grinder. The best one I've ever found came from WW Grainger. (Dayton brand. That's Graingers "house brand") Cheap ones are a total waste. Another thing. Get a GOOD wheel dresser.
 
Thank you for all your comments. I think I will travel the used/estate/ebay/craigslist route first, but if nothing of quality and value materialize there I will go down the new route. Honestly, I had looked at a Craftsman and several other cheaper brands of grinders, but when it says "made in China" I thought I would ask about a better alternative. I don't recall if it is here on the tractor page, but I don't want to end up like the fellow who had his face smashed because of inferior or defective equipment.

Again thanks.
 
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