Axminster front vices

[TomB]

Hello,

Does anyone have first hand experience of any of the Axminster front vices?

Are they any good? They look very similar to those sold by Veritas and Rutlands, are they all produced by the same manufacturer?

Thanks,
Tom

Axminster Trade Vices Quick Release Vice Guides

These two European made vice guides are fitted with an ingenious quick release feature for rapid re-setting of the jaws. The mechanism is hidden underneath so it is difficult to work out exactly how it operates but take our word for it, it does work...

www.axminstertools.com

Axminster Trade Vices Plain Screw Vice Guide

Made for woodworkers wanting to make their own vice assemblies, with strong precision rolled threads, twin guides and a cast iron handle socket with a 30mm hole. Exceptionally sturdy, very easy to use and totally distortion free, these vice guides are...

www.axminstertools.com

 

[jvc26]

Yes, I have the quick release one. I was led to believe the Axminster ones are made by York.

Been happy with mine.

 

[msparker]

Yeah I'm pretty sure they're York vises (and are sold under more banners also). I think if you ever see 'Made in Europe' (rather than Germany or something) or 'Made in Czech' then its York. I've just bought the german made one from Dieter Schmidt fine tools and whilst I dont have the York comparison, it seems rock solid! The threads are massive as well, so even though its no QR its very quick.

 

[TomB]

Yeah I'm pretty sure they're York vises (and are sold under more banners also). I think if you ever see 'Made in Europe' (rather than Germany or something) or 'Made in Czech' then its York. I've just bought the german made one from Dieter Schmidt fine tools and whilst I dont have the York comparison, it seems rock solid! The threads are massive as well, so even though its no QR its very quick.

Ah that’s good to know, I wasn’t aware of that website. The vices look ace.

After I made the original post I came across an old Parkinson’s Perfect Vice (1930s?) in a junk shop in Louth at handy money, so for the time being I have fitted it to my bench. I’m not exactly enamoured with it though as there’s loads of play in the mechanism. I quite like looking at it though (picture below).

Once Christmas is out of the way I’ll probably fit a new one, either an Axminster job or one from Deiter Schmidt.

Thanks to both of you for replying, it’s much appreciated.

Tom