http://www.ebay.com/itm/Original-Lawrence-Waldron-Fly-Tying-Vise-Not-a-Snowbee-Copy-/261329217695?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cd86f 689f
I saw this today and have no interest in bidding on it but I thought a few people here might want to.
Printable View
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Original-Lawrence-Waldron-Fly-Tying-Vise-Not-a-Snowbee-Copy-/261329217695?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cd86f 689f
I saw this today and have no interest in bidding on it but I thought a few people here might want to.
I can appreciate the workmanship, but my current hook-holding implement need not worry about being replaced.
Regards,
Scott
I had one and regret having sold it. It is like a sculpture.
One thing, though.
You see videos of well known tiers using one and you never see the tiers using the rotary feature in their tying.
The vise does not have an adjustment to maintain true rotary for different size hooks. As I recall, it is only in true rotary position for a hook in about a size 10 or so. Use a hook in 14 or 16 and you get terrible wobble as the hook shank does not maintain true rotary position.
This is even a bit annoying if turning just for inspection or trimming.
As a stationary vise, it is one of the two best vises ever made! In my personal opinion, that is.
I beg to differ, Byron. Review my videos - hook sizes by and large are in the 10-16 range and rotate pretty close in-line. Rotary tying is absolutely not a problem - there is max 2mm offset. What it is not - a lathe-style free spinning vise such as the Nor-vise, but then it was not designed to be spun - it is hand cranked.
The LAW jaws concept was an early design criteria - based on observing actual usage of in-line rotary vises across the board by experienced tiers. Let me ask you - when was the last time you saw a tier whip out an allan key, or a twiddle with screws, to achieve absolute in-line position of a hook shank with each change of hook sizes?
We are talking, IMNSHO, the difference between real world practicality versus theoretical adjustability. The LAW vise design is one with a relentless focus on simplicity and practicality.
Its philosophy and the translation into an actual tool appeals to some, and not to others :cool:
Cheers,
Hans W
Disclaimer - I wrote down the functional specifications for my perfect vise, and Lawrence turned a wish list into an actual product - the LAW Bench vise. He delivered, he deserves all the credit, and I have been in tier's heaven since 1989 :D
Hmmmm.
Here is an example of a vise which slides up or down on the curved stem to allow perfect hook shank in-line rotary position regardless of the hook size.
It is built into the design of this, and other vises, for a reason.
It is all about choices............and whether or not you often tie rotary...........
http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/...ps9d570f56.jpg
The purpose of a vise is simple: Hold the darn hook solidly in place. Of course the angle of the vise head and clearance behind it must aid in tying and add to your comfort. So if a stationary vise is all that's needed, you can get a lot better for a lot lesser. LOL, but serious nonetheless.
And the real world advantage is?
Byron, the only reason I decided to post is your statement:
"Use a hook in 14 or 16 and you get terrible wobble as the hook shank does not maintain true rotary position."
We all have our preferences - mine (and also Lawrence) was for simplicity and real world tying.
For you the ability to micro-adjust the shank position is a priority. You are of course entitled to your view - as I am of mine.
I think we best agree to disagree, and move on to other things :cool:
Cheers,
Hans W
It keeps the hook shank in a stationary plane. When rotating the vise head, the hook shank does not wobble.
I THINK this may be why Renzetti, Dyna King, and many others have an adjustment to allow the tier to maintain the hook shank in a stationary plane while the hook/fly is rotated....................
Whereas I think these makers will build what they think will sell more vises, add features. Lawrence was never interested in selling numbers, and built what he believes delivers the best experience.
Question - how many Renzetti, DynaKing, etc vises have you seen being resold for more than they originally retailed?
I rest my case.
Hans,
You can't really compare Renzetti or DynaKing as examples because they're still being manufactured. Just off the top of my head, Thomas, PH Young, Pamola Fly Lathe, Allcock's, and A.K. Best vises go for way more than their original cost when they go on eBay. The LAW vise is now in that group, no longer made and a thing of the past. The sad thing about the LAW vise now, is that it's attracting folks that don't even tie flies and they're buying them as some type of possible investment or must have collectable. Take a look at the bidders buying history on the current listing.
Regards,
Mark