Comment . . . .
Forgive a question from a newbie to this forum and someone who is anxiously awaiting delivery of my first pen-making supplies. I've spent quite a bit of time researching supplies and tools used in pen-making. One item I looked at is a drilling center vise, but decided to wait until I "get the fever" to order one. PSI has a beefy looking vise for $49.95; CSUSA has one for $39.99. What is the difference between your vise and the others that makes it cost so much more?
WELL, LET ME TELL YOU . . . . I ALREADY HAVE THE FEVER ! ! ! !
I have not put my hands on one of Paul's yet . . . But I would think it's the brass bushed jaws, the side holding method, the thick aluminum used for the base and jaws. The fact that it is being built completely by hand by a professional machinist is worth something.
Oh yea, one other thing, the 6 month waiting list by the most experienced pen turners on earth . . . . . . uuuum, I bet they have a good idea why it is worth the few extra dollars . . .
Personally I do not find the price of a tank of gas too much for a tool that will be the heart of your new chosen hobby.
( That comment nowdays applies to about everything . . . . GAS $$$$$$$$ . . . . . .)
By the way I already purchased a vise from Rockler, the nice one with provisions for a drawer and everything . . . . It was on sale . .
But yes the Rockler will do until my PH Design from Paul makes it in . . . actually, I may use the Rockler as to not get scratches on the PH Design Vise . . . . LOL LOL LOL
Forgive me if I seem a little excited about a well made American Made Tool . . . .
If you really want to save money on a method to hold your blanks, I saw a system that consist of two "V" notched boards with a hinge . . .
One side is mounted to a flat board & the other is allowed to swing . . . place your blank in, close, C-Clamp & drill. This is what I was going to do until my PH Design vise got in, but the wife insisted I buy a "nice" now vise NOW as to not prolong our new hobby . . . .
You will find several like the one Harbor Fright offered but even they pulled it from stock . .
Also you can use a regular screw clamp & "V" notch the jaws & then C-clamp it to the drill press table . . . .
http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=11476&filter=pen blank vise
http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=18062&filter=pen blank vise
The one directly above is what I bought as an interim vise . . .
P.S. I am a "newbie" pen turner, but a MASTER of buying quality tools . . . .