Author Topic: Versa vise adapter  (Read 15789 times)

Offline gumboman

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Versa vise adapter
« on: September 15, 2015, 10:45:19 PM »
I just bought a Wood River Universal Vise from Woodcraft which is a cheap knock off of the Versa Vise. Seems to be made fairly well.

I want to get one of the right angle adapters that will allow the vise to pivot back an forth as well as around in a 360 degree circle.

Does anyone know where I can buy one of those? Or is there anyone who can make it? Seems like I read on this forum in an old thread that a forum member could make one.

Offline Telgan

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Re: Versa vise adapter
« Reply #1 on: September 16, 2015, 12:18:34 AM »
Pretty sure Mike Lea has them. I have seen them on his table at Dixons and the CLA show. Not sure if they will fit the knock off you have. He will Know the answer to that. Last phone # I have for him is 614-291-4757   Columbus, OH

Offline Joey R

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Re: Versa vise adapter
« Reply #2 on: September 16, 2015, 12:42:41 AM »
He's at Friendship or was Sat.
Joey.....Don’t ever ever ever give up! Winston Churchill

Offline WKevinD

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Re: Versa vise adapter
« Reply #3 on: September 16, 2015, 01:01:24 AM »
I have one that I no longer use. It requires a hole to be drilled and tapped (I also have the drill and tap) to "lock" the vice in position.
I am open to trades or figuring out a price.
Let me know.
Kevin
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Offline gumboman

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Re: Versa vise adapter
« Reply #4 on: September 16, 2015, 04:15:48 AM »
Kevin,
PM sent to you this PM.
Gene

Offline Chris Treichel

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Re: Versa vise adapter
« Reply #5 on: September 16, 2015, 05:55:38 PM »
Very interesting idea... also add a swiveling top jaw and how to make the base.
http://www.americanlongrifles.com/Workshop_Modifying_a_Versa_Vise.htm

Boatman53

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Re: Versa vise adapter
« Reply #6 on: September 17, 2015, 03:07:40 AM »
Well now, here is a thread I can contribute to. I like the versa vise and have the short jaw and the long jaw also. I found an inexpensive vise because it was missing the base, but I wanted versitility so I had this made up. I can drop it in any dog hole on the bench or a hole in the workmate top if I want to be outside.







I also later put this together. I took a while to find the Power Arm at the right price but I'm happy with it. It will be mounted on an old dentist chair base so I can adjust everything up and down.











I'm not sure I would cut up a vise to make the swivel jaw but it looks good. There are adapters for that that luthiers use but I don't have any photos (yet).
Jim



Boatman53

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Re: Versa vise adapter
« Reply #7 on: September 19, 2015, 02:52:53 AM »
Wow tough crowd, anyway here is the angle adapter I was talking about. I made two up, one with 10° and the other with 15° on each side. I think the 10° one will handle most needs. If the taper is really extreme I could use one on each jaw. They are just a piece of maple glued to 1/4" plywood, glued up square then the angles cut in. I've got some aluminum I wonder if it would be worth the time. I might also glue on some white rubber I have for padding. This idea also works with a regular machinist vise.









Jim

Offline gumboman

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Re: Versa vise adapter
« Reply #8 on: September 19, 2015, 05:53:09 AM »
I have a set of similar angle adapters made of aluminum with cork padding. They work quite well. Because aluminum is tough, they are very thin. I have found they help a lot in holding wood stocks around the wrist, panels, tang and stock. Purchased from Woodcraft. So far they have worked very well.
http://www.woodcraft.com/product/823371/tilting-jaws-for-wr-universal-vise.aspx

Offline gumboman

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Re: Versa vise adapter
« Reply #9 on: September 19, 2015, 05:57:19 AM »
Boatman53, those modifications you made to the vise mount are awesome. You are giving me lots of good ideas. I really need to befriend a good machinist. Have lots of things like your modifications I need to have made.

Boatman53

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Re: Versa vise adapter
« Reply #10 on: September 19, 2015, 03:23:42 PM »
I had no idea one could actually buy those tilt plates. For $17 bucks it's not worth turning on the milling machine.
If you need any other photos or dimensions just let me know. One thing I did that might not be evident is the screw that holds the adapter to the Power Arm is located to support the vise in relation to the top of the hole on the vise. I still need to drill and tap for a locking screw in the vise base. Unlike the right angle adapter I can have something clamped in the vise and still rotate and change any orientation because the ball of the Power Arm moves.
Jim

Offline smart dog

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Re: Versa vise adapter
« Reply #11 on: September 19, 2015, 05:01:05 PM »
Hi Jim,
Those Versa-Vise adaptions are terrific!  I also have a Versa-Vise and a heavy power arm.  I am going to try something similar.  I really need something like that so I can hold gun barrels for engraving.  Thanks for sharing.

dave
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Offline Telgan

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Re: Versa vise adapter
« Reply #12 on: September 19, 2015, 08:03:13 PM »
Jim and Dave - What exactly are we looking at with the "power arm"? Never seen one before. Where can I find one and who is it made by? Thanks, Tom
« Last Edit: September 19, 2015, 08:05:34 PM by TELGAN »

Offline smart dog

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Re: Versa vise adapter
« Reply #13 on: September 19, 2015, 09:40:27 PM »
Hi Tom,
It is that base in Jim's photos that has the ball and socket joint. The arm holding the vise can then be tilted and turned.  Many woodworking supply stores have power arms they sometimes call carving bases.  Grizzly Industrial probably sells some version.  However, do a google search and find a fairly heavy duty one.

dave
"The main accomplishment of modern economics is to make astrology look good."

Offline Telgan

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Re: Versa vise adapter
« Reply #14 on: September 19, 2015, 11:18:37 PM »
The only ones I can find are those that go with "Pana Vises". Quite small compared to the one shown here. I'll keep looking. Tom

Boatman53

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Re: Versa vise adapter
« Reply #15 on: September 19, 2015, 11:48:52 PM »
It is called a "Wilton Pow-R-Arm" officially. The one shown is a hydrolic model, a twist of the hand knob locks it up. They make mechanical ones also but they are not as rigid.
Jim

Offline Telgan

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Re: Versa vise adapter
« Reply #16 on: September 20, 2015, 12:40:48 AM »
That's what I was lookin for. Not for the faint of wallet though. Thank you Jim.
« Last Edit: September 20, 2015, 02:02:48 AM by TELGAN »

Bear62

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Re: Versa vise adapter
« Reply #17 on: September 20, 2015, 04:45:15 PM »
Garret Wade sells a kit but you'll have to drill and tap a few holes.

Offline flehto

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Re: Versa vise adapter
« Reply #18 on: September 20, 2015, 08:21:57 PM »
The Versa Vise pictured below is the 2nd vise purchased...the first was returned because the screw and nut didn't engage...the jaw didn't move at all.

This Versa Vise has the angle attachment which allows the vise to be tilted front to back. It came w/ a palm screw that didn't tighten enough to hold position, so I bought a hex head bolt tightened w/ a wrench that works. It's in the back.

Bought this vise for light duty clamping and it barely does the job. The screw has to be turned 3 times before the jaw  moves which is irritating  and the clamping force is minimal.

The only really good thing about this vise is that it has smooth jaws.. I'm on my last LR so won't be using the Versa Vise very often.....Fred

 


Offline gumboman

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Re: Versa vise adapter
« Reply #19 on: September 20, 2015, 11:57:58 PM »
I just ordered one of those. Should be delivered next week. Will post a review with my opinion on quality and usefulness for gun builders. From my novice perspective of course!!!!!

Boatman53

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Re: Versa vise adapter
« Reply #20 on: September 21, 2015, 12:20:28 AM »
Im sorry to hear that Fred. I had high hopes the the Parrot would be a good vise. I've done a lot of testing on all kinds of vises but didn't own a Parrot to test. My Versa Vise show a respectable 1000 pounds PSI.



Jim

Offline gumboman

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Re: Versa vise adapter
« Reply #21 on: September 23, 2015, 05:56:35 AM »
Ordered the Garrett Wade Versatile vise. Received it yesterday. Returned it today. Too poorly made for my purposes.

I have the Wood River Universal vise by Woodcraft which is the same style as the Versa Vise.  It is better quality. Ordered a right angle adapter from Mike Lea. That is a great accessory. Works very well for carving stock as it allows vise to pivot fore and aft as well as rotate 360 degrees. The angle adapter is very good quality and is made in the USA.

Offline Joe Stein

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Re: Versa vise adapter
« Reply #22 on: September 24, 2015, 04:59:01 AM »
You guys asking about the Wilton Power Arm, take a look at this Youtube video.  The guy takes one apart and repairs it.
 

Offline delivered

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Re: Versa vise adapter
« Reply #23 on: October 07, 2015, 05:40:35 AM »
Did you ever find a tilt adapter?
I was the one that was selling the "Gun Builders Vise"  in the beginning.
I may have one to sell if you are still looking.
Also I have plans for modification of the jaws if you would like them.
Thanks
Steve Wright   
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Offline gumboman

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Re: Versa vise adapter
« Reply #24 on: October 07, 2015, 02:26:16 PM »
Found a tilt adapter made by Mike Lea. Works great. No need for another. Thanks.