Vices (the tying kind)

kmudgn · #1 03-10-2005, 09:43 AM

I have Thompson rotary vise that I have used for years and years. The jaws are slipping so I decided to look for a new vice. Needless to say, I was astonished at the prices of new vices. Does anyone have suggestions about rotary vices (I need a pedestal).

I am an "experieced" tier and do not tie for show, but to fish. I tie several dozens of flys each year, almost all for fresh water.

THANX

flytire · #2 03-10-2005, 09:49 AM

I use a Renzetti Traveller I bought in the late 1980's and havent had a problem yet.

That is my biased opinion and others will have theirs.

Best bet is to go to your local fly shop and try out what they carry. Only you can decide what right for you.

Heres an excellent article on the subject: http://www.flyfisherman.com/ftb/hwvise/index.html

Vermonter · #3 03-10-2005, 10:24 AM

kmudgn - I would recommend the Peak vice, rotary, pedestal, no frills and reasonably priced (at least by today's standards!). I've had mine for a couple of years now and am very happy with it. Made in the USA!

Bob

fessiewig · #4 03-10-2005, 10:34 AM

I'll suggest the E-Z Rotary Vise.

I've heard a lot of good things about this vise, some of it from a professional tier.

http://www.hookhack.com/vises.html

Scroll down near the bottom of the page.

For $60 you can't go wrong!

LearningInVT · #5 03-10-2005, 04:02 PM

I have the DanVise a tru rotary vise that I bought on Ebay. Works really good for me.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...139578987&rd=1

mer · #6 03-11-2005, 04:36 AM

Can you just get new jaws for it?

If you don't "need" a rotary, take a look at the new HMH. I'm extremely biased towards HMHs (I got rid of a Regal for one), so keep that in mind

Sorry, if you don't need a Renzetti-style of rotary vise, take a look at the new HMH. Yes, it rotates on the axis of the shaft, no the hook shank doesn't stay in a single plane if you do, but you will be able to look at both sides of a fly.

I was not trying to start a philosophical war over vise terminology. I simplify the vise categories: Renzetti-style rotating (true or full rotary if you wish) and others. Others include ones like a Griffin 2A that does not allow one to "spin" the shaft, others like the HMH that do allow you to spin the shaft.

troutscout · #7 03-11-2005, 04:49 AM

I'd also have to throw a vote in for the Danvise. I'm smitten with mine.

fessiewig · #8 03-11-2005, 05:41 AM

The HMH vise is a rotary vise, just not a "true rotary" of "full rotary".

petegas · #9 03-11-2005, 06:55 AM

love the DanVise, inexpesive, durable, and travels well, i think a lot of cataglouges are carrying it now , like orvis i believe.

Flyfish99 · #10 03-11-2005, 07:25 AM

I'd recommend the Dan Vise as well, but AFAIK, it only comes in a clamp model, and the shaft is an odd size which makes it difficult to adapt to a generic pedestal.

A bit of heresy here.....I recently have had the opportunity to try a Renzetti Traveler, and IMHO, the Dan Vise is far superior at half the price. The Hook & Hackle rotary looks like a good deal, but off the top of my head, I don't know if it is available with a pedestal.