Setting a stone, filing a case back, soldering a tiny joint, checking a movement under a loupe – small hand work goes better when the work turns toward you instead of you twisting around it. That is what a rotating bench vise is for. Here is what to look for.
What makes a good small rotating vise
- It turns and it tilts. A base that swivels a full circle is the minimum. A head that also tilts lets you lay the work over toward you instead of bending over it.
- It locks where you leave it. If it creeps while you file, it is not a vise, it is a turntable.
- Real material. Solid stainless steel keeps its shape and does not rust from flux or skin oils. Painted cast iron with a chrome cap chips and wears.
- Jaw size that matches your parts. For rings, watch parts, PCBs and model parts, jaws around 30 mm (1.2 inch) are plenty. Bigger jaws just get in the way.
- Weight. Heavy enough to stay put on the bench while you work.
Our pick: Rotating Bench Vise, 1.2 inch jaws
The ARVONELLE Rotating Bench Vise ($139) is made of 304 stainless throughout and weighs 400 g. The round 60 mm base turns 360 degrees, and the vise head rides on a horizontal pin between two brass balls, so it also tilts toward you.
- Jaw width 30 mm (1.2 inch)
- Opens to 30 mm
- Clamping depth 17 mm
Until December 2 it comes with a free 6-piece anti-static tweezer set for picking up the small parts you hold in it.
Rotating vise or drill press vise?
A rotating vise is for hand work. When a bit is spinning, you want the part fixed to the machine: use a drill press vise or a brass vise on an XY stage under your mini drill press.
FAQ
Will it mark my work?
Grip firmly, not hard. For finished or soft metals, put a strip of leather or thin rubber between the jaws and the part.
Is it good for jewelry and watch repair?
Yes. That is the work it is made for: small parts held at a comfortable angle under a loupe.
Free tracked shipping to the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, usually one to two weeks. 30-day returns from the day it arrives.
– Bob, ARVONELLE