If money were not a consideration what vise would you select?
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Vise
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 alpom |
Vise |
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Posts: 307 03/05/2009 15:23 |
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Marty |
#1 | |||
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Posts: 39 03/05/2009 15:44 |
I went through several vises after the Thompson I learned on. I ended up about 10 years ago with an HMH Spartan. Not cheap but not stratosperically
expensive either. I have all 3 jaws but use the midge and std 99.9% of the time. The super jaws are however great for salmon flies ..the serrations reall
hold a little scrap of leather nicely to avoid marring the hooks.
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 corlay.fiberglassflyro... |
#2 | |||
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Posts: 30 03/05/2009 16:07 |
Marty wrote:I'll 2nd that recommendation, and add this: If you have no interest in head-angle adjustment, you can go even cheaper and get an HMH 'SX' model (had for around $90 (or less) if you search out a deal...) The jaws are the same as the Spartan. There are a few short-cuts however: The base attachment is with an allen wrench, vs. the knurled brass knob on the Spartan. And the adjustment to the rotation resistance is not quite as nice. But still a very serviceable vise., quite excellent for the $$$. Another make for a non-rotating vise that people seem to really like is Dynaking. Particularly the 'Kingfisher' and 'Squire" models.
"From my observations I think that most of us spend too much time worrying about our tackle and too little time
learning the intimate characteristics of the fish and streams we fish most."
- Ray Bergman
Trout, New York: Knopf 1938 |
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Eric Peper |
#3 | |||
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Posts: 178 03/05/2009 18:43 |
I guess I'm pretty simple in my needs from a vise -- only one -- HOLD THE DAMNED HOOK securely. To this end, I would like to have two top of the line
Regals: one with C-Clamp and one with a pedestal. My first Regal Inex lasted 30 years before needing a jaw replacement. That's a pretty good testimony to
quality.
EP |
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CtKenC |
Regal ? | #4 | ||
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Posts: 311 03/05/2009 18:59 |
Glad to see this topic ... I was just about to post a question asking about the Regal Vises and their various models and Jaw options.
My HMH Standard, with Midge and Regular Jaws has been a little annoying of late in that hooks seem to slip down (or up) with the pressure of the tying thread being pulled tight. This is a recent occurrence, at least I think it is as I recall the past 5-6 years I've had this vise. Most years I tie probably 100-200-250 flies, maybe a little more so I'm not a big production guy ... this year, with all the snow I've tied a little more. I crank the lever down really tight ... so tight I'm afraid I'll crush or weaken the hook, but if I don't do that, too often the hook slips. I'm tying on size 12 to 18 hooks and using 06 or 08 thread so I cannot be applying any unique amount of pressure. Also tie a few of the larger size 6 Bass flies ... big Yuk Bugs and Streamers. Don't tie much (basically none) Salt Water stuff any more. In a Fly Shop today, looking at other things, the Manager, who is also a Pro- Tyer, showed me the Regals and touted their virtues. 
Wondered what you guys thought of them? One of the models is even a true rotary ... I have never tied on a rotary but it seems like it would be handy to be able to see both sides of the fly conveniently while in progress. There does not appear to be any way to add a "Spring Materials Clip" like my HMH has to hold the thread, tinsel, wire, etc out the back until you are ready to tie it in ? Ken
Last Edited By: CtKenC 03/05/2009 19:52.
Edited 3 times.
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pittendrigh |
Regally speaking | #5 | ||
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Posts: 230 03/05/2009 22:56 |
I have three vises: Renzetti Traveller, Nor Rotary and a Regal.
I use the Regal the most. Mine was at least 20 years old. I don't know how long they've been for sale, but I bought one as soon as I became aware of them, way back when. The Regal jaws did eventually get chipped. Regal didn't fix it. They gave me a new vise. I know they don't always do that. I was told it would cost me 40 bucks to have the jaws replaced. But it eventually came back with a bill for the shipping only. And when I opened the box it wasn't my old vise repaired, it was a brand new vise. That makes me a loyal follower for life. If I had to choose one of those three, I'd definitely go with the Regal. But fortunately I don't have to choose. I use them all and like them all. I like the Renzetti best for itty bitty teeny ones (wasn't that annoying R&B song in the sixites?) and there are some things the Nor does well, like for Palmer hackles and for winding perfectly even rows of wire ribbing. But I do like the Regal the best. Regal makes good foot release anchor systems too. And smart-looking oar locks too, with Delrin bushings and extra-long shanks, so you can height-adjust your oarlocks. Good stuff. I see you can spend 800 bucks on a hand machined Law vise. I'm sure they're good tools. But I'll never spend that much on a fly tying vise. Not when what I already have for so much less, is so good.
/** salmobytes >--O0>
have code, will travel **/ |
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gmflyfish |
Vises | #6 | ||
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Posts: 1139 03/06/2009 08:41 |
Still have and tie on a Thompson A when I travel - use the regal on the bench at home. No problems with the regal other than a jaw replacement. Like the way
it holds the hook and you can pinch down the barb on hooks with it prior to tying the fly...
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CtKenC |
Regal with Stainless Steel jaws | #7 | ||
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Posts: 312 03/06/2009 09:28 |
Thanks guys .... I looked at one of the Regal Vises with Stainless Steel jaws, the whole head/jaws assemble was made of SS, which, I am "assuming"
would mean it would not be subject to "chipping"
 ... anyone
know if that is the case?
Ken |
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Eric Peper |
#8 | |||
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Posts: 180 03/06/2009 09:32 |
CtKenC wrote:If you follow the instructions that come with the vise for seating the hook, chipping won't ever be a problem irrespective of the jaw material. When mine chipped (after 30 years of use), it was definitely "pilot error" when I tried to get a bit more "finger room" out in front of the jaws while tying a 22. EP |
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Akroyd |
#9 | |||
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Posts: 44 03/06/2009 10:34 |
I have two vises, but since I tie Atlantic salmon flys, often one of them is holding one of those for weeks at a time, hence the second fully functional vise.
I use the Renzetti Presentation 4000, and the DynaKing Barricuda. I like the 4000's smooth jaws for vintage hooks, it does not mar the finish as much, although it's recommended that you don't put too big of hook in the jaws. The DynaKing is perfect for tying bass bugs/streamers, I do not recommend it for the really small stuff unless you buy the midge jaws. The other thing about the DynaKing is that it holds hooks tighter than any vise I have ever seen, but it's a pain to adjust, so if you are tying a lot of different size hooks in a single sitting, use a different vise. On the subject of stainless steel jaws, that's nothing more than a gimmick as far as I am concerned. They won't rust, that's all the stainless gets you. Any vise's jaw must be properly hardened and tempered, and any tier can quickly destroy their vise by overtightening the jaw on the hook. One of the things I am always astounded by is people who will spend $1000s of dollars on rods and reels, but they spend more time tying flies than they do fishing, and they are using a $100 vise. Tying allows us to be involved in fishing when we can't fish, why not tie on a vise that offers the most useful tools for your tying style? I don't think $300-$500 is too much for a vise, $800 is getting to be a bit silly for the LAW, but think how much you use it, and the way you use it. |
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CtKenC |
#10 | |||
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Posts: 313 03/06/2009 16:19 |
I was able to exchange (trade in) my HMH on a Regal with the SS Jaws and from first impressions and a little experimental tying, I couldn't be happier.
It is not the "Revolution" model, which is their Full Rotary version, it is just their regular style but it "Rotary Enough" for me and will meet all of my needs, and no more hook slipping. 
Ken
Last Edited By: CtKenC 03/06/2009 16:23.
Edited 1 time.
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Ken M 44 |
#11 | |||
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Posts: 2787 03/06/2009 18:48 Immoderatus Britannicus |
I presently use a Dynaking Barracuda pedestal at home and take a Squire clamp with me to tie flies when I am stuck in a hotel on business, but I sold my ATH
DeLuxe (which had become too 'collectable' to just use and ignore the value) to pay for an LAW which should be with me before too long and will replace
the Barracuda. I also needed the midge jaws in the Dynaking for smaller flies - a point already made - but would still recommend the Dynaking's.
imho the LAW is the best there is (if you can justify/afford one) but if I live long enough it will be more than worth it and will probably be worth more when I am gone anyway....
Last Edited By: Ken M 44 03/06/2009 18:51.
Edited 1 time.
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16 pmd |
#12 | |||
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Posts: 674 03/06/2009 20:07 |
I'm with Eric. The overriding purpose of the vise is just to hold the hook securely, and that's about it. To me, simplicity is better, as the more
full-featured or complicated ones seem just too fiddly to me. The vise doesn't tie the fly, you do. I've used a Dyna King Professional since they first
came out about 20+ years ago. I've tied midges and billfish flies on it and many thousands of others. I've also owned other vises, but if I were going
to buy another it would probably be a Regal for it's no-brainer simplicity and powerful grip on the hook.
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alpom |
#13 | |||
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Posts: 308 03/08/2009 18:27 |
Who is selling Law vises in US?
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birddog |
#14 | |||
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Posts: 14 03/09/2009 11:13 |
Chris Helms of Whitetail flytying in Ohio can get one for you, but a regal with stainless jaws and a hmh with midge jaws has more clearance around the hook
and along barrel to rest your hand on imo.
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Eric Peper |
#15 | |||
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Posts: 187 03/09/2009 11:51 |
birddog wrote: . . . not to mention you could have three of 'em for the price of one LAW. Also, there might be A LAW for sale here http://outdoorsbest.zerof...com/zerothread?id=842125 EP EP |
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hopkintoncane |
#16 | |||
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Posts: 346 03/09/2009 13:18 |
Regal, there's just nothing better
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creakycane |
#17 | |||
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Posts: 2112 03/09/2009 19:28 |
I own a Dynaking Voyager and an older HMH full size with numerous jaws, and both hold hooks very well. I have heard of some of the HMH vises slipping, but this one seems OK - no trouble. I really like this smaller Dyna-king; it is great for any trout size hooks and even all but the largest salty flies and bass flies. Well made.. |
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PA Limestoner |
#18 | |||
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Posts: 77 03/09/2009 22:12 |
For 20 years or so I have used the older style Renzetti Presentation with the interchangeable jaws. Have even had a set of the midge jaws ground down to a
point for an even smaller set which works better on micro patterns. I copied this from the tiniest jaws for the HMH. This vice was Andy Renzetti's personal
recommendation for Pennsylvania fly tyers.
Most pro tyers I have seen use Regals, for the superb jaws and the large flat surface which serves very well for a palm rest. For tying vice trivia, HMH is an acronym for Hunter's Mad House - the older German machinist that prototyped the vice remarked about the salmon fly classes at Bill Hunters residence "the place is full of weirdos", hence HMH was adopted. |
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Flyman615 |
#19 | |||
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Posts: 3119 03/09/2009 22:18 |
I've also been a Regal guy for over 25 years, but recently I was endowed with a Xuron (i.e. Angler's Roost or Bedford Sportsman) vise and I REALLY like
it...for trout patterns. When I need to tie "big'uns", I'll go back to my faithful old Regal.
But the Xuron--well, it's got karma galore! Regards, Flyman 
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uniphasian |
#20 | |||
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Posts: 1976 03/10/2009 09:06 Moderator |
I started out with a Regal and never had a good reason to change. I have experimented with other (way more expensive and more complicated) vices when they are
getting some buzz, but I alway go back to the Regal. It's just a great no-fuss hook holder.
- Uni
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- Members Corner
- Forum Announcements
- Collecting Bamboo Fly Rods
- Fishing Bamboo Fly Rods
- Rod making, restoration, repairs and discussion on those related topics concerning bamboo rods.
- Rod and Reel Makers Forum
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- Appraisals & Identification of Bamboo Fly Rods
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