Shopsmith Forums

I happened across a fascinating "fractal vise" (aka Mantle vise) repair and restoration video, and thought that some of you guys & gals might also enjoy it. I had no idea that such vises even existed, and their jaw mechanisms are pretty mind-blowing.

The video is long, but the 30-second intro scene demonstrates the jaws in action. I originally had no intention of watching the entire thing, but it turned out to demonstrate a whole lot of mechanical repair skills that I can only wish I possessed. So wound up watching the whole video, and enjoyed it thoroughly.

Fantastic. Thanks for the post.

I saw that video. Pretty cool. I've been wondering if I could make a lightweight version to use just as grabber/holder for parts.

…or order the real deal off Amazon.

Adam Savage bought a new one from some Chinese company and proceeded to tune it up a bit. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NUhrF0xkhhc

Interesting, but they are using the term "fractal" here in the absolute loosest interpretation of it.

DarrenDD wrote: ↑Tue Oct 03, 2023 5:13 pm …or order the real deal off Amazon.

Yikes!!! And thats for a DIY kit?

Just can not wait for mine to arrive.

I liked the vise and saw a couple of videos that made a wooden version. Not sure I would have the patients to make one.

thunderbirdbat wrote: ↑Tue Oct 03, 2023 8:40 pm I liked the vise and saw a couple of videos that made a wooden version. Not sure I would have the patients to make one.

I loved the video, Brenda. And couldn’t help but think that it would be pretty darned easy to make on my CNC router. Now if I could just figure out why I might need one!