Gramercy saw vise ordered

[Matt Stiegler]

Today I decided to order a pair of the often-praised Gramercy holdfasts from SMC'er Joel Moskowitz's Tools for Working Wood, and of course I'm way too "clever" to pay shipping for just two holdfasts, so I ended up also ordering their new saw vise (http://www.toolsforworkingwood.com/Merchant/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=toolshop&Product_Code=GT-SAWV&Category_Code=CGT) and some saw files too.

The Gramercy saw vise (which doesn't seem to have been mentioned here at SMC yet, surprisingly EDIT: yes it was, as noted below) is listed on their website at $120, but when you add it to your cart its still only $100, the intro price. (Presumably production delays mean good news for late-deciders like me. I've read elsewhere that these vises were expected to begin shipping out a couple weeks ago, but apparently haven't yet.)

For those even newer than me, saw vises are used to hold the saw while you hand-sharpen it. Of course you can get a saw vise used for cheap or make your own (google "saw vise blacky's boy" for an impressive example on woodnet, and see threads here (http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=59301)and here (http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=40315)) but I figured learning saw sharpening and rehabbing rusty Disstons were time-consuming enough. Those who've gotten a look at the new Gramercy report being impressed, here (http://www.norsewoodsmith.com/content/saw-vises-old-and-new) and here (http://hocktools.wordpress.com/2009/10/11/brooklyn-vise-squad/).

Holdfast thread here (http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?referrerid=5960&t=124076), Schwarz blog entry on the Gramercy holdfasts here (http://blog.woodworking-magazine.com/blog/Ask+And+You+Shall+Beat+The+Snot+Out+Of+Something.a spx), and FWW capsule review here (http://www.finewoodworking.com/ToolGuide/ToolGuideProduct.aspx?id=26929).

[Don C Peterson]

The Gramercy saw vise was the subject of at least one earlier thread: http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=121112&highlight=vise

When it shows up, please post a review.

[Matt Stiegler]

The Gramercy saw vise was the subject of at least one earlier thread: http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=121112&highlight=vise

When it shows up, please post a review.

Thanks for the correction, Don. I'd seen that thread but forgot it. I will post my impressions, but I suspect it may be awhile before I work up the courage to put file to metal.

[David Gendron]

I have the saw vise on order as well and files and.... anyway, when it shows up I have a lot of work for it!! So hoppe it shows up sooner than later, maybe if Joel read this thread he can update us on the mather!!

[Tom Godley]

They had one at the Valley Forge show last month with a special intro price.

I though it was a very good price for the amount of work that obviously went into the design and construction. I am just getting into the hand stuff and thought it was a little over the top for me --- but I gave it long look :)

[David Gendron]

I just looked at "Blacki's" saw vise, and it is impressive, look great and sturdy!

[Dominic Greco]

I just looked at "Blacki's" saw vise, and it is impressive, look great and sturdy!

Yeah, that's me. :D My handle on WoodNet is "Blacky's Boy".

You can find it also by looking on WoodCentral and WoodNet by searching on the phrase "Shop Built Saw Vise".

Keep you eye out for an article on this appearing in a Email newsletter soon!

[Matt Stiegler]

Yeah, that's me. :D My handle on WoodNet is "Blacky's Boy".

You can find it also by looking on WoodCentral and WoodNet by searching on the phrase "Shop Built Saw Vise".

Keep you eye out for an article on this appearing in a Email newsletter soon!

Excellent work, excellently explained, Dominic. Have you been happy with it in use? I was really on the fence about whether to get the Gramercy or shamelessly copy yours.

[Joel Moskowitz]

I have the saw vise on order as well and files and.... anyway, when it shows up I have a lot of work for it!! So hoppe it shows up sooner than later, maybe if Joel read this thread he can update us on the mather!!

We are about 3 weeks behind. Like many new products it has turned out that producing them in mass quantities has production issues that needed to be overcome before we could reliably make them. But that's all been resolved and the production line is humming. In theory sometime late next week several tons of saw vises will arrive in Brooklyn. Then all we have to do is test 100% of them. Pack them and get them out the door. We even destroyed one vise when we tested the packaging to destruction. (pack vise in shipping box, play catch with the box letting it slam into a concrete floor a few dozen time, stop when either the box falls open or the saw vise comes through the sides of the box - repeat until we think it can be dropped off a loading dock without damage). Then write up packing instructions for the packing department.

[Eric Brown]

I for one am willing to wait for the vice. it's better to be late than to send them with any problems.

One question: The vice handle looks like it has a couple of holes in it. Is this for wood grips? It would be a nice touch. Any chance of saw handle split nuts fitting?

Thanks, and have a good Thanksgiving everyone.

Eric

[Joel Moskowitz]

I for one am willing to wait for the vice. it's better to be late than to send them with any problems.

One question: The vice handle looks like it has a couple of holes in it. Is this for wood grips?
It would be a nice touch. Any chance of saw handle split nuts fitting?

Thanks, and have a good Thanksgiving everyone.

Eric

Yes on the holes for wood grips.
Sort of I guess on the split nuts - they would be a little small. The holes are for cutler's rivets. never thought of using split nuts - good idea tho.

[Dominic Greco]

Excellent work, excellently explained, Dominic. Have you been happy with it in use? I was really on the fence about whether to get the Gramercy or shamelessly copy yours.

Matt,
Thanks for the compliments! I haven't had a chance to use it yet. I have to finish working on my family room first. But I will thoroughly test that vise, and SOON! :D

[Eric Brown]

Its everything you would expect from TFWW. Thick steel, self locking nuts, good welds, feels solid.

To things to be aware of. First, its regular steel, so either coat it with oil or maybe paint it. Second, Joel said the holes in the handle were for wood grips. These are not provided but the instructions also suggest other attachments (like a knee pad).

Now all I need to do is get it mounted (after Christmas) and start using it.

Eric

[Matt Stiegler]

I canceled my order -- saw vise, saw files, holdfasts, mortise chisel, and sharpening stone set -- today.

I recognize that many others have gotten great service from Tools for Working Wood, as this (http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=90795)thread attests, but my first experience with TFWW on this order was frustrating. Repeatedly unreliable when they told me they'd ship my in-stock items out, and repeatedly unresponsive to emails about my order. Totally unlike any experience I've had with any woodworking retailer.

They acknowledged their mistakes, and Joel called me personally to apologize and explain why it happened, which I appreciated. I don't doubt this experience was an aberration, and I plan to give them a try again sometime down the road.

[David Gendron]

Matt that is to bad, I think that what made your order take some onplan time is the delay they add with the saw vice production. they called me on saturday to informed me that the order was on it's way. I don't know any company that take the time to actualy call a customer about back order issus and shipping update!
I realy hoppe you give them an other chance, they are realy good people!
p.s., I sure don't have any affiliation, just an happy customer!

[Matt Stiegler]

Matt that is to bad, I think that what made your order take some onplan time is the delay they add with the saw vice production.

Thanks, David. No, the saw vise delays were not the source of the problem here, it was just disorganization on their end about the rest of my order.