Guitar Repair Vise

I bought this vise because I needed an extra pair of hands finishing my latest guitar. Bodging along trying to hold odd-shaped objects is tolerable once, annoying twice, and not worth trying the third time. I'd read the other reviews, some very negative, but my own experience of Stew Mac service made me order it anyway. Ordered Sunday PM arrived in England Wednesday AM. Keeping the negative reviews in mind I checked this vice over thoroughly before fitting it to my main work bench. Everything works smoothly and just as it should. I am more than happy to have an extra strong pair of hands to hold awkward shaped pieces. Now I can put the finishing on my 000 neck without compromising!

I purchased this item end of Feb, installed it immediatley, and have constantly had various guitars in it ever since. Sure is nice not to have to clamp or wedge a guitar down so it doesn't shift during delicate work. My current project is reconstructive surgery on a severly severed neck/head. After fitting and glueing, I decided to install mahogany splines for addl support. Instead of recreating an old jig, I leveled the tops of the vise jaws, clamped the glued guitar neck in the vise and leveled the fretboard (from underneath). Then measured and marked the truss rod channel and marked the router channel placements. Then I simply used the level top of the vise jaws for my router "platform" that was now level with the fretboard, adjusted the router bit depth and routed away. Made the job more accurate, quick, and simple!! This vise is great just for clamping, too:)

this vise is a life saver. It works great and is super easy to set up and take down as needed.

I have been woodworking for years but recently acquired the StewMac guitar vise while trying to build my first guitar. I now use it for other work beyond my guitar building. A great buy for my shop.

This is a tool that, once you have one, you can't imagine ever being without. It's heavy. It's strong. It's well-built. Actually, it's amazing the jobs it can do. It's like having an extra helper in the shop with you. StewMac gear is expensive...but, this is the best bargain they offer. You need one of these vises in your shop.

I've got two of these. I've got one in my shop in Nashville and one @ my home shop in Mount Juliet, TN. I can't imagine not having one. It's a second pair of strong but gentle hands when you need it. Sure, the crank doesn't spin freely but so what? It does the job. On my bench at home, I've drilled holes on each end of my bench so I can move it around if needed. And, I've attached a thick piece of leather between the jaws to catch a guitar if it slips while cranking the jaws. Ignore the negative reviews and order one!

This vise is a must have for serious guitar making and repair. It made such a huge difference carving my first neck with it, compared with the necks I made previously. It is so easy to secure the neck in any position, and to quickly change clamping spots. It doesn't matter if the surfaces are flat or curved; it holds them secure without damaging the wood.

Hi everyone have not had a chance to use the vice as yet but on inspection it looks a well thought out and sollid peace of gear i would say that my grandson will enjoy it some day when his dad finishes with it

it sure makes life a lot easier around the shop with this vise. a little tweaking, & it works great. couldn't do without it

I was a little concerned about manufacturing quality control issues upon reading some of the earlier reviews of this vise. The fact is, quality control in Asian manufacturing operations can be spotty until you get proper procedures in place and have appropriate supervision. Judging by the vise I received a few weeks ago, any earlier manufacturing issues have been rectified.

Careful inspection of this vise reveals careful assembly and close tolerances. Mechanical action is smooth and tight. Nor worries about this vise. It's a useful, high-quality shop item.