My problem with quick release vises like the cheaper ones Woodcraft sells is that the quick release mechanism wears out. Must be cheap cast iron. I replaced my old one about a year ago with Rockler's version and that seems to function better than my original. However, I'd say that, it you really want a great vise try the Veritas twin screw vise or their quick release vise. There is also a fantastic looking vise sold by Andrew Klein (at Twin Turbo Vise (in-kleind.com ). These are much more expensive and Andrew Kein's vise may be a bit more complex to install. However, they are certainly more like life-time vises than anything else on the market. The other possibility is a moxxon vise. Hardware for these is sold by a number of companies, including Lie-Nielsen (whose vise I think is already together). However, moxxon vises may not serve all of your needs.
As for putting too much stress on the quick release mechanism, I suppose that's possible although I've cranked mine quite a bit and have never broken it.
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