hi everyone,i am looking for an stand up vice for hammer&chisle work.something like they use in belgium or italy.please help asap.thanks,mike.tundratrekers@mtaonline.net

mike ladan
10/29/2008 7:34:27 PM

Hi Mike,

Almost any heavy machinists vise will work for hammer and chisel.
The vises (morsa) they have in Italy and also Belgium are mostly center opening and a little better than a regular machinists vise.
They are very hard to find in the USA and quite expensive.
Grizzly now has a center opening vise at a reasonable price that should work well.
Like the Belgiums, I mount my vise at breast height, no bending.
And mine is on a heavy post that allows me to walk around it.
Best regards, John.

John Barraclough
10/30/2008 12:05:54 PM

hi john!thanks for the reply.i have tried the standard bench vice,but the swing is to big.the fixed jaws are at the extreme front edge of the base,way off center.would you happen to know how to obtain a real european vice?thanks,mike

mike ladan
10/31/2008 12:55:43 AM

Hi Mike,

I don't know how to to get a European style vise but I think a Google search of tool makers in Italy and/or Belgium might dig up a contact.
Did you look at the Grizzly Company vise?
They are in the US and a Google search will bring the up.
It's center opening. Enco also has one for a little more money.

Best of luck, John.

John Barraclough
10/31/2008 3:31:26 PM

hey john,thanks so much for the help i will continue to look.do you feel a ray letourneau vice is stout enough to handle the stresses of chissle work.or will it cause premature wear?

mike ladan
10/31/2008 9:44:14 PM

Mike,
I bought one of the first of Ray's vises years ago and it works well.
No problem with wear what so ever and I use it with H&C a lot.
I think I've had it about 20 years and it will out last me for sure.
They are nice and hold odd shaped items too because of the pins and swing jaws. Most European vises don't have this.
Best wishes, John.


John Barraclough
11/1/2008 12:26:42 PM