Garrett wade versa vise

[scottmc]

I mounted the subject vise today that my wife bought me 3 years ago for christmas(at my request of course).  After mounting, i was a little disappointed to find that it didn't lock up tight tight on the vertical or horizontal post that allows it to rotate.  It has a cam lock that is supposed to lock it up when the jaws are closed tight on an object or against themselves.  I'm a little worried that as I work on a rifle, that it will rotate some if I apply even a moderate amount of pressure.  Just wondering if anyone has one of these visas and what your experiences have been.

[DGB]

the vise should have an adjustment screw below the front jaw.
Try tightening it and recheck the tightening force on the workpiece.
Regards,
DGB

[J. Talbert]

I bought one of those vises years ago, not sure what brand it was but the same design.
I never really used it to any great extent for the same reasons you describe.
I even tried drilling and taping for a locking screw but it just never panned out… too many moving parts and not secure enough once it’s tightened down.

On the other hand I now have a pattern makers vise from woodcraft that I find quite handy for a number of applications, but even it is not ideal for everything.

Jeff

[TommyG]

Been using one for years.  Personally, I think it's a trade-off.  Most likely not as rigid/sturdy as a pattern makers vise, but very versatile as far as positioning your work goes, which I like especially for final stock shaping.  I have a pic below of mine.  I simply drilled and tapped a 3/8-16 hole in the back and inserted an all-thread stud with a handle.  Turn or grind off the first 1/4" of threads where it contacts the trunion so your threads don't get mashed up when tightening.  The stud basically only needs to be tight enough to maintain the vise position until you tighten your work.  The clamping action built into the vise keeps it in that position from there.  Maybe as DGB mentioned above, it might need an adjustment as it should lock up tight when the work is clamped.

[Randall Steffy]

I use two of the old, original Versa vises in my gun work. You can so easily lift the one off of its base and set the other one on. The versatility is evident with the ease of turning adjustment, and the one has been modified to grip a taper and has leather glued to the jaws. The one with the original, fixed, and parallel jaws has 70 shore D urethane jaws poured in place. I love these vises but they cannot replace a heavy-duty, swivel base, forged steel bench vise. I have that mounted on a separate bench. Opposite the versa vise, and out of view is an adjustable, padded post to support the far end of the gunstock. As to the adjusting screw below the front jaw, I see that as the way to set the jaws in full vertical contact when clamping force is applied, and once set, never needing further adjustment. The rotational locking force is proportional to the clamping force applied.

[scottmc]

Thanks everyone for your insights.  I was hoping this vise would replace my standard swivel base but am now realizing I better remount the swivel base back on the bench as well for heavier duty work.  If I don't find this vise to my liking, I may try the woodcraft pattern makers vise.  I remember smart dog using one at dixon's a few years ago while he demonstrated stock shaping.

[Ron Scott]

The Pattern Makers Vise works very well for me I have five in my workshop.

[StevenV]

I have one and really like the versatile positions. Yes I agree it is not as strong as other vises but that's when you use  your "strong" vice. I put up with the "dropping " of the vice before it is clamped shut/tight .Scott see Paul, he has a fix for the "dropping". So far as the spinning very easy to spin and lock in any position. Steve       

[delivered]

I was the guy selling the old (Gun Builders Vise) Versa-Vise years ago @ Dixion's, Kalamazoo and Conner Prairie and was demonstrating how it worked and the benefits it had.
If you attend any of the gun building classes at Bowling Green KY. you will see several that I sold!
In Peter Alexander's first book he gave my vise a good plug!
Mike Lee out of Columbus Ohio is now selling them with my modification's!
The Garrett Wade is a good take off of the original vise! I have modified and sold several of them.
Been using mine for over 25 years now
If anyone has any questions about the vise or modification just email or call me any time.
savedwright1@gmail.com- 419-680-5442

[flehto]

Bought a Versa Vise and after correcting the problems, always  used it as a light duty vise. Would I buy another?.....No.....Fred

[James Rogers]

I have a chi-com parrot vise and use it some for engraving but not for gun making (two pattern makers vises for that). I have a ball under the parrot vise to locate it in any position I need.


 

[Dphariss]

Wilton Power Arm.
This one is now about 40 years old. Has been in 4 different shops and one factory over the years. It will hold a pretty heavy rifle easily.
They just work. The only part that finally failed was the plastic headed bolt used the tighten/loosen the ball. But a 3/8 bolt screwed right in the hole.
But they are not cheap. And I hope are still made in the USA.
And unless intentionally mounted low I don't have to bend over to use it.

[Birddog6]

I don’t know who made mine ( from Woodcrafts) but they are Chinese copies. They do
Ok with a offset feature. I have used them for prob 50 builds I guess. I build on 2 vices
almost all the time. The modified knockoff Woodcraft vice & a big Wilton vice. The knockoff
I have Teflon jaw inserts & leather over them. The big Wilton I have just leather over the jaws.
It’s worked well for me.  I like to o do almost all my work with the barrel in the rifle too.
I want the lock in & barrel in & pinned ASAP.









I built over 50 rifles on a little red 4” craftsman vice & a 2x4 sticking out from the workbench holding the forestock up.
It doesn’t matter, it is what you get used to.

I think Jerry Crawford made the offset for me.  It works well. 

One might notice I have a piece of 2x4 or 2x6 under the front base of each vice.  That is to get the vice out off the bench, so I can mount something long (as in a barrel) in a vertical position & not be restricted by the work bench top.   
If I want to work on the buttplate area, I can tip the stock muzzle down in the green vice & have the muzzle sitting on the floor or a bucket, and have the buttplate just above waist level.  If the vice is not offset on the bench, you can't clear the bench top & do this.