Panavise 400

Never seen this before...would work well to use for carving on bowls and hollow forms too. Added one to the wish list...
 
Never seen this before...would work well to use for carving on bowls and hollow forms too. Added one to the wish list...

Make note that there is only one attachment for it listed as a 4XX, which has a rectangular head. The others listed are for the 3XX series vise. Hopefully they come out with some more for the 4xx series.
 
I have the 303 head and base, as well as the 366 head. These have the 5/8" shaft. They work very well for small parts, circuit boards (the 366), etc.
 
I've seem some long threads on some of the carving forums about various carving vises. The reviews are decidedly mixed although I haven't actually sprung for one myself (analysis paralysis - it would certainly make my back happier).

Generally the GW parrot vise is thought of as well designed http://www.garrettwade.com/ultimate-versatile-vise.html - the main complaint seems to be that its a bit lightly made so there were a few folks who broke a jaw. Also sometimes (depending on the build quality) there can be some challenges to get it to lock down well. The older parrot vises seem to be universally loved, although the GW has better rotational capability.

Some folks had similar complains about the newer panasive builds in regards to reliability and stability although I can't recall specific model/version issues.

I've seen a number of people going the DIY route with some success, do a search for "trailer ball carving vise" and you'll get lots of hits. The most popular (and robust looking) is the two pipe flange and a ball hitch design, although those would be a LOT easier to make super nice with a metal lathe, it looks pretty doable without. (BEWARE: www.woodcarvingillustrated.com is now a spam site).
http://woodworkerszone.com/igits/showthread.php?t=15217&page=4 is where I got most of my ideas for that from.

I assume you're planning to put a checkering cradle on top of it? That's a fair bit of weight and leverage out at the ends..
http://forum.gon.com/showthread.php?t=470150
https://rickaverill.com/projects-past-and-present/checkering-cradle/
 
I have a Panavise, not sure the shaft size.

Nice little vice, for nice little work holding.

It's not a heavy duty thing. You just need to consider how you use it. Not so sure it would be great to hold something while carving. It may be OK for dremel tool work.
 
Cool, thanks for the feedback. Looks like the manufacturer is stating 75 lbs max on the 400. That would be close, but as Ryan mentioned the rifle cradle being torque around, that may not be enough.

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I'm kind of thinking the best setup for what you're doing is probably a parrot vise and a cradle. I think that probably gives you the best combination of stability and flexibility from what I know of (if anyone disagrees with this please do holler).

Either the gw from above

The grizzly
http://www.grizzly.com/products/Parrot-Vise/D3125?utm_campaign=zPage

The yost
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B015KP2F5M

Or maybe something like the woodriver
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0035Y5Q0M
Although I can't find a lot of what consider unbiased reviews on that one.
 
I'm kind of thinking the best setup for what you're doing is probably a parrot vise and a cradle. I think that probably gives you the best combination of stability and flexibility from what I know of (if anyone disagrees with this please do holler).

Either the gw from above

The grizzly
http://www.grizzly.com/products/Parrot-Vise/D3125?utm_campaign=zPage

The yost
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B015KP2F5M

Or maybe something like the woodriver
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0035Y5Q0M
Although I can't find a lot of what consider unbiased reviews on that one.

Thanks Ryan, I decided to order the shopfox version above (grizzly link), but also ordered the panavise and the rectangular head. I got all from Amazon, so will do some testing and return what doesn't work or I don't feel I need.
 
Thanks Ryan, I decided to order the shopfox version above (grizzly link), but also ordered the panavise and the rectangular head. I got all from Amazon, so will do some testing and return what doesn't work or I don't feel I need.

Looking forward to the usage report!!

Interesting note, I just saw that the shop fox is what midway sells - I see the reviews there are (as usual) mixed but most of the complaints seem to be pro's who worked it pretty hard. Ordering from amazon is both cheaper and has better returns though :rolleyes:
 
The Panavise arrived today, seems to be a pretty stout little ball, but will have to see how it does with a cradle mounted to it. BTW, the stamping says it's made in Reno, NV. :thumb:
 
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