Regal appears to have come out with a rotary vise - the Regal Revolution. I called them and they said it’ll be available at the end of next month. MSRP with the wooden base is 400 bucks. Ouch. MSRP for the clamp model is 315 bucks. Anyhow, here’s a pic. Handsome lil’ devil. Alec
Regal Revolution
looks like regal’s entering the true rotary game.
nice vise. I can see why it’s as costly as it is.
Alec,
I am confused. As far as I know, Regal have had a rotary for years. Is this new Regal vise supposed to be an in-line rotary? If so, based on what I can deduce from the picture you provided, it will either not work, or work poorly at best.
Am I missing something?
Cheers,
Hans W
does it have any new features
Warm Water
Yes, the new vise is Regal’s entry into the true rotary market. I’ve seen a prototype but have not had a chance to tie on it. Same hook holding capability as in the traditional Regal vises but this one is set on ball bearings to provide the smooth rotary function and has a larger head (not clamp portion) in order to provide the offset needed to keep the hook shaft centered during rotation.
If speed and smoothness of rotation is something you value, you’ll be impressed with this. Some of my initial, untested concerns are what looks to be a lack of hand space in the area behind the hook and, while the wood base is nice to look at, I’m concerned that it won’t provide the weight I’d like for stability. They do provide a method of clamping the base to your table but that seems to defeat the purpose? I’m anxious to try it as it does appear to be well made and worth a look.
-ParaHopper
It looks like there MAY be some type of clamping mechanism on the front of the base in the picture. I have a similar clamp on a trying lamp that involves sliding an “L” shaped bar into the base which then goes into a clamp.
But I have to concur with Hans. I can’t see that working as a TRUE 100% in-line rotation with the hook axis on all size hooks, vise. Unless there is a way to create an offset in the head that I don’t see in the picture.
Good vise, good company, made right here in Western MA (Royalston).
They are also good citizens, donating to events that help educate and encourage new fishermen.
jed
ParaHopper,
has a larger head (not clamp portion) in order to provide the offset needed to keep the hook shaft centered during rotation.
Thanks Para. While not immediately clear from the posted image, I would imagine that this vise features the redesigned Regal jaws, with offset point, side view like this? (image from the manufacturer web site http://www.regalvise.com/)
The picture shows the Regal Big Game jaws, but might the rotary vise jaws follow a similar offset design?
If so, then in-line hook shank positioning becomes more feasible, I suppose.
As you mentioned in your post, I too have to express serious reservations regarding access to the back of the hook, due to the very horizontal nature of the Regal jaws assembly design.
I am looking forward to have an opportunity to play with this vise, and really any new vise entry on the market, as soon as possible 8)
Cheers,
Hans W
Hans-
My understanding is that it will be similar to the image you posted. I only saw a prototype and this was a modification that they were planning before releasing the vise so I can only guess.
And I’ll second Jed’s comment… Regal has been great in supporting all things flyfishing/tying - in particular getting kids involved. They are definitely community minded.
-ParaHopper
Para,
…but this one is set on ball bearings to provide the smooth rotary function
Is it your understanding that the design intent is to spin the vise jaws, or whether it is envisaged to be strictly hand-cranked?
I suppose the bottom line of my head-scratching is that I am not sure what the design criteria were which underpin the final product. Which problems were the designers trying to provide a solution to with this new product? This is a question I tend to ask myself and with this Regal vise the answers are (to me) not self evident.
Thanks,
Hans W
Man of Many Vises
PS I am sure the Regal folks will be happy to hear of the positive comments on their level of service and community mindness, and I applaud them for this attitude. My questions and comments limit themselves to their products 8)
Hans-
Yes, the entire head/crank assembly spins within the collar on the upright. And, it spins smoother than any vise I’ve ever seen - just give it a flick and it wants to go forever. When it does stop, it’s balanced such that it will always stop in the upright position (lever in the rear, top of the hook up). As primarily a trout fly tier, I’m not sure that this offers any advantages but ???
You’re question about ‘what design problem was trying to be solved?’ is a hurdle that I see as well. I tie on Renzetti rotaries now and don’t know that I see anything in the Regal design that will make my tying better or more enjoyable.
Still, once you sit down and actually use it, impressions can change so I’ll withhold judgement.
-ParaHopper
Para,
Yes, the entire head/crank assembly spins within the collar on the upright. And, it spins smoother than any vise I’ve ever seen - just give it a flick and it wants to go forever.
Seems balanced…
When it does stop, it’s balanced such that it will always stop in the upright position (lever in the rear, top of the hook up).
Hang on! Seems unbalanced now, based on that last comment :?:
There would appear to be a lot of metal outside the axis of rotation, and that means mass. Unless balanced well, spin will tend to end up as wobble.
Also, a spinning design (The Nor-vise, with the straight jaws, is a prime example of a vise which was designed to be spun) only really works with ‘perfect’ alignment of the hook shank in the axis of rotation.
While I will hold final judgement back until I have had a chance to play with this vise, I have to say I am at present rather sceptical regarding this vise if used in a spinning capacity.
We’ll see 8)
Cheers,
Hans W
Words deleted. Of no value to anyone.
Gemrod
Bluntly, it does not appear to be a true Rotary.
I don’t see how the hook shank can be made to line up with the axis of rotation.
To me they’re trying to suggest that it is something that it isn’t. :evil: