bbaley 0 Report post Posted March 26, 2016 Hi all, Just starting to browse my options. I haven't bought a new vise in 15 years. But it's time to upgrade as I have the dedicated room and time to tie more and the old vises just aren't cuttiing it anymore. I have a rotary vise but the calmp mechanism is accuated by two knobs. So specifically I;d like to have a lever actuated clamping mechanism. Also the rotation friction control on mine just plain sucks. I mostly tie small stuff - and I have vises I can use for bigger hooks so I don't ned something that will handle everything from size 32 through 5/0. Since the eyes have gone south I tend to stick between a size 18 and up. I tie a lot of chironomids, buggers, nymphs of all sorts, some drys. I like a heavy base with no clamp or permanet mount. Can I find something decent for around $200 US ?? your suggestions and ideas to start the search would be most helpful ! Thanks Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mikechell 0 Report post Posted March 26, 2016 $131.00 Anvil Atlas (buy it now) http://www.ebay.com/itm/Anvil-Atlas-Rotary-Vise-Made-In-The-USA-Fly-Tying-/201399949281?hash=item2ee45f57e1:g:zEwAAOSwLVZVv1SU Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mikechell 0 Report post Posted March 26, 2016 Peak rotary $154.95 (buy it now) http://www.ebay.com/itm/PEAK-Rotary-Fly-Tying-Vise-PRVC1-package-with-C-Clamp-/351682513494?hash=item51e1e94a56:g:hGUAAOSw1ZBUrWlF Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bbaley 0 Report post Posted March 26, 2016 $131.00 Anvil Atlas (buy it now) http://www.ebay.com/itm/Anvil-Atlas-Rotary-Vise-Made-In-The-USA-Fly-Tying-/201399949281?hash=item2ee45f57e1:g:zEwAAOSwLVZVv1SU mikechell - thanks - would you mind elaborating on why you like it ? the pedestal base in the picture looks a little wimpy. Do you own/use one ? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mikechell 0 Report post Posted March 26, 2016 No, I have a Griffin Odyssey Spider vise with cam jaws. $116.95 http://www.ebay.com/itm/Griffin-Odyssey-Spider-Cam-Fly-Tying-Vise/201399837190?_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D36188%26meid%3D7f3d1a2fdbdc4db0b45e12bdb3564849%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D4%26rkt%3D6%26sd%3D191651564984 I really like mine, but I don't use the rotary function that much. I was just giving suggestions ... as requested. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Philly 0 Report post Posted March 26, 2016 I've been using a Danvise for the last 20 years. Actually two. Price is around $100. There is a pedestal available. I've found it a decent vise. I've tied size 32s on it but those days are past and up to a 6/0. It's not a fancy looking vise but they've served me well. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
colotyer 0 Report post Posted March 26, 2016 RENZETTI traveler. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GC59 0 Report post Posted March 27, 2016 I 2nd the anvil atlas I do ty saltwater flies on it the base does not move. There is nothing wimpy about the vise either. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fishingbobnelson 0 Report post Posted March 27, 2016 Been using a Danvise that I bought from Al Beatty: http://btsflyfishing.com/ Since Al and Gretchen use it in their commercial tying, I figure it is good enough for me. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
utyer 0 Report post Posted March 27, 2016 The Wolff Atlas vise is the same vise as the Anvil Atlas those on Ebay are older models. I have been teaching veterans and our project has about 9 of these. They come with both the C clamp, and the Pedistal base. I can say that they are excellent products, and the base is substantial enough. The adjustment and lever action for closing the jaws are simple, and easy. The vise will hold a hook as well as most good quality vises. None of our students have that much background in fly tying, and they all have no trouble working on these vises. They are backed by a lifetime warranty. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flyguy613 0 Report post Posted March 27, 2016 I recommend the Peak vise, been using it for over a year now and it's just a great vise for the price. Pros - Large heavy pedestal base, does not move or rock / tilt Affordable price Comfortable to tie with, good rotary Made in usa Cons - They have some cool accessories like material clip, rotary accessory, brass knobs (??) but they are all sold separately which is just silly I say they raise the price slightly and include the accessories. Jaws could be better, but are still great Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kimo 0 Report post Posted March 27, 2016 I recommend the Peak vise, been using it for over a year now and it's just a great vise for the price. Pros - Large heavy pedestal base, does not move or rock / tilt Affordable price Comfortable to tie with, good rotary Made in usa Cons - They have some cool accessories like material clip, rotary accessory, brass knobs (??) but they are all sold separately which is just silly I say they raise the price slightly and include the accessories. Jaws could be better, but are still great Peak vise packages. I also recommend the Peak vise. I happen to like their C-Clamp which has the largest surface area for clamping to a table. They also really stand behind their product. Kimo Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
epzamora 0 Report post Posted March 27, 2016 I have a Wolff Atlas vise. I don't think anything about the design has changed from Anvil to new company Wolff. I've tinkered with tying size 20 and 22 flies, and lately, size 1/0 Clousers for bass, and usually 12-18s, so it can handle a wide range. The base does not move with my tying the bigger flies but then i'm not putting much pressure to it. One criticism is that the vise is not as nicely machined everywhere as other much more expensive vises are machined. non-critical portions are left a satin finish. The designer of the vise, easily reachable by phone, explained this is is why it can be sold cheaper than the more expensive vises. He also explained that the rotational drag is controlled from the left end knob, not the lock screw near the head. this was a misunderstanding on my part when i first received the vise last summer. Duh. the lock screw at the head either fully locks the rotation, or you back it out all the way for free rotation. again, the amount of drag for rotation is controlled by the end knob. one nice thing is that the price, i think less than $120 from a forum member who represents Wolff, included both pedestal base and c-clamp. there is also just one set of jaws for a wide range of hooks. no need to buy bigger or midge jaws. one con to the vise is it does not include a bobbin cradle, but the seller i bought mine from sold me one of his own design (as an option) and it works really well, but any standard bobbin cradle will fit the standard stem of the vise. i rarely use the true-rotational feature of the vise, but it was there when i wanted to use it. I was strongly considering the Peak myself but i fell for the styling of the Atlas. It has a cool mid-20th century/space race/futuristic form factor to the outward design AND holds the hook securely, which is what it needs to do. I think this vise is a where I bought minegreat deal. Here's where I bought mine: http://www.southwestcustomrods.com/products/fly-tying-related/wolff-indiana-vises eric fresno, ca. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
retrocarp 0 Report post Posted March 27, 2016 Yes I own one of the Atlas vises and they are well worth the money Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dave G. 0 Report post Posted March 27, 2016 I won't get involved in another one of these numerous threads. Everything you could possibly need to know is in one of them. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites