dusty
If you don't already have one of these, I highly recommend that you get one. I have had mine for years and I tend to take it for granted; using it only as a simple bench vise. That changed yesterday simply because we bought a new TV and a DVD/Video Cassette Recorder.
In the way of explanation - the VCR would not work and I had to spend some time relearning up the system. To do this, I took an old, old VCR off the shelf to use. I chose an old demo tape so that if I screwed up nothing would be lost. The demo tape just happened to be one for a Zyliss Vise. Now the attached video is not the same one. In fact, I believe the old one is a much better sales pitch than what is now on the web.
To make this long story short, I ended up watching that entire demo and decided that I needed to share.
Here is what I found online for the Zyliss.
If you get one, I guarantee that you will not be disappointed HOWEVER beware. There is more than one imitation out there. I can not declare one any better than the other but I do like my Zyliss.
JPG
Where does one get the 'English' version! :D
Hey folks this software makes video links(youtube) soooo eeeeasy, we really need to use that feature.
roy_okc
Dusty,
Do you know if the bench clamps can go out to 3"? I think one of these would be a great addition for me; however, the place I envision using it has a 3" deep surface without adding on some sort of adapter (which would take additional minutes to put it on & take it off plus take up additional storage when not in use).
joedw00
I have had one of these for years, it came in a cardboard box. I have not used it very much.
dusty
joedw00 wroteI have had one of these for years, it came in a cardboard box. I have not used it very much.
If you want to get rid of it and clear up some space in your shop just let me know. I am sure arrangements can be made. :) :rolleyes:
If it came in a card board box, are you certain that it is Zyliss? Mine came in a plastic suit case.
benush26
Hi Dusty,
I bought mine in 79 or 80 and it came in a heavy cardboard box. I didn't use it much so sold it to a friend who used it to work on bicycles. One thing I remember when I sold it to him was his concern that it was genuine. I presumed that there was a knock off / counterfeit market. As far as I know he still uses it, though he no longer runs a bike shop.
Be well,
Ben
joedw00
That is about when I got mine. Dusty I think I will keep it, I found that I can buy the molded carrying case for $39.95 + shipping seems a little high.
dusty
roy_okc wroteDusty,
Do you know if the bench clamps can go out to 3"? I think one of these would be a great addition for me; however, the place I envision using it has a 3" deep surface without adding on some sort of adapter (which would take additional minutes to put it on & take it off plus take up additional storage when not in use).
No, they do not. I have a work bench that is made from two sheets of 1" MDF and they will not open far enough to clamp on that.
damagi
heh, i have ended up with a few of these in the boxes that come with buying a shopsmith. I wasn't surprised when i saw that the same guy who does the shopsmith demos in this area (and previously did them at the fairs and such) is the one who sells the z vise.
joedw00
I was at Habitat for humanity restore and they have one that is older then mine, still in the cardboard box.
Ed in Tampa
I had seen demo's of this vice probably 20 years ago or so but I haven't seen one lately.
Where can you buy one? What do they cost today?
I saw a warning on the Fine Woodworking forum (google search for Zyliss Vise) that said the jaws on the new vise are a different material and are breakable???????
I find only advance machinery sells them but names like "Advance Machinery" gives me pause.
dusty
There are knockoffs that you want to be weary of but if you get a Zyliss I believe you will have a good vice.
I bought mine at a Home Show many years ago. It has been worked hard and is still being used almost daily.
damagi
Ed in Tampa wroteI had seen demo's of this vice probably 20 years ago or so but I haven't seen one lately.
Where can you buy one? What do they cost today?
I saw a warning on the Fine Woodworking forum (google search for Zyliss Vise) that said the jaws on the new vise are a different material and are breakable???????
I find only advance machinery sells them but names like "Advance Machinery" gives me pause.
At least in my area, the rep who does the shopsmith demos (Mike Young) also happens to be the local Zyliss rep. He still does the Zyliss show at home shows, fairs, etc. You might try pinging him on facebook to see if he is still selling for them:
https://www.facebook.com/shopsmithatLowes
rlkeeney
I have an older one I bought off eBay fairly cheap. It clamps good on my solid core door bench top.
JPG
rlkeeney wroteI have an older one I bought off eBay fairly cheap. It clamps good on my solid core door bench top.
1 3/8 or 1 1/2?
dusty
dusty wroteroy_okc wroteDusty,
Do you know if the bench clamps can go out to 3"? I think one of these would be a great addition for me; however, the place I envision using it has a 3" deep surface without adding on some sort of adapter (which would take additional minutes to put it on & take it off plus take up additional storage when not in use).
No, they do not. I have a work bench that is made from two sheets of 1" MDF and they will not open far enough to clamp on that.
Serious misstatement: I misspoke when I answer your original question. The clamp will not accommodate a 3" thick bench but they are considerably larger than 1".
roy_okc
dusty wrote
Serious misstatement: I misspoke when I answer your original question. The clamp will not accommodate a 3" thick bench but they are considerably larger than 1".
Thanks for clarifying and showing that, Dusty. I've started looking for a used system and will figure out how to make a quick(ish) way to mount to my current workbench; other things I might clamp it to would be well within that capacity.
Roy
rlkeeney
JPG wroterlkeeney wroteI have an older one I bought off eBay fairly cheap. It clamps good on my solid core door bench top.
1 3/8 or 1 1/2?
1 7/8" Including the 1/8" hardboard top. There is plenty of room to spare.
roy_okc
Yesterday I received a Zyliss "Profi-King Plus" that I bought off ebay. I'm unsure of how old it is, but the tool itself is in great condition, even the cardboard box (no plastic box) is in reasonable condition for what must be a decade or two or more old. This came with all the main pieces that appears to be sold with the current Z-Vise system (to include the portable drill holder, the adjustable positioning dohickey, and a couple different sets of plastic pads). I'll have to look again, not sure this came with all the same jaw pads.
I didn't measure yesterday, but the clamps appear to have a max opening of between 2-1/2" and 2-3/4". Now to figure out how to adapt to where I want to primarily use the set (3" top) so it will be quick and easy on and off.
Aside from the mounting clamp being too small, which I already knew thanks to Dusty, I like how the tool operates and am sure I'll make great use of it. Thanks, Dusty for starting this thread. I've been looking for something to give me this kind of capability for quite some time.
dusty
Did you receive a CD containing instructions on how to use the Zyliss.
