Workbench vise recommendations

[Prashun Patel]

I'm looking for a good economy bench vise. I'm a hobbyist, so I don't need something killer, but I don't want to be cursing everytime I try to open and close it.

Any recos?
Thanks

[whit richardson]

I'd look for a decent imitation of a Record vise should be a good option. Check Woodworker supply, ebay (not so great) or craigslist.

[Tom Cross]

Fine Woodworking (#205) published a comprehensive test of bench vises. Here is a link:

http://www.taunton.com/finewoodworking/ProjectsAndDesign/ProjectsAndDesignPDF.aspx?id=32302

[whit richardson]

hey Tom that link requires membership in FWW.

[Jim Eller]

I read the FWW article and decided on these from LV.

http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=109871

I am very satisfied with them for what I do.

Jim

[John Thompson]

If I were looking for something economical.. I would go with front vise hardware and build my own wooden jaws. I have one on each side of my bench with a Veritas twin screw on end. The heavy duty ones as the one LV sell are good from what I can tell.

I did see some knock-offs made in China of the ones I purchased years ago that are made in Germany that the acme screw is not as well machined and caused the jaws to not come together perfectly. But even that can be remedied with a modification to one of the wooden jaws.

Good luck...

[Prashun Patel]

Thanks, All.
I settled on the Rockler front vise hardware. I'll make my own jaws. I've heard good things about the Lee Valley, but the Rockler was a quick release, is on sale, and gets reasonable reviews.