Looking at getting a Panavise, right choice?

[Wiggle]

I'm thinking about picking up a Panavise 301, here's what I was going to use it for:

Modifying lights
Circuit board work
Some small electronics panel work (hold while drilling holes etc...)

Is this a good choice for my uses?

 

[gadget_lover]

I think most serious hobbiests have a panavise or something like it. They are very handy.

For larger circuit boards, they make an accessory (Model: 315 Circuit Board Holder) to replace the normal vise head. It grips from the sides without crushing components. ( http://www.panavise.com/index.html?pageID=1&page=full&--eqskudatarq=25 )

I don't generally use mine for drilling operations. I use it more for holding parts while I solder, dremel or paint.

Daniel

 

[precisionworks]

Another option is to mount any vise of your choice on an old bowling ball - often $5 at bowling alleys or on eBay. You can then either saw a hole in the work bench that's slightly smaller than ball diameter, or use a rubber toy tire as shown below.

 

[DaFABRICATA]

Another option is to mount any vise of your choice on an old bowling ball - often $5 at bowling alleys or on eBay. You can then either saw a hole in the work bench that's slightly smaller than ball diameter, or use a rubber toy tire as shown below.

Awesome idea!!!!

Might have to try that!

 

[darkzero]

That's genius! How do you mount the vise on the bowling ball. I have no idea what a bowling ball is made of, can it be drilled & tapped?

 

[gadget_lover]

Yep, they can be drilled and tapped. The local pro shop at the bowling alley uses a mill that looks like a RF-35. They have nice big drill bits and a custom ball vice on the table, but it's the same mill/drill that many people use.

You can also saw them.

Daniel

 

[precisionworks]

what a bowling ball is made of

Most are either polyester plastic or urethane ... and either one is easily drilled, tapped, milled flat, etc. As Daniel mentioned, there are specialized vises at pro shops, but a "ring jig" would be fast & easy to make in the shop.

Find the diameter of the ball slightly above centerline & band saw or jig saw a hole that diameter in 3/4" plywood - Baltic Birch ply works better for this because it has twice as many laminations & is stronger. Saw the outside of the circle about 2" larger on the radius. Use regular T-nuts & threaded rods from the clamping set to go through holes you drill in the rim of the jig. For as little force as will be needed to drill & tap, one hole on either side of the ball should hold it securely.

Or get really fancy :devil:

 

[QtrHorse]

That bowling ball idea is genius.

Will turned me onto the Panavise products and the little pin vise that a lot of the modders use. You can get both cheap on Ebay. I have picked up a few different Panvise models from Ebay. I purchased a 301 with a 308 base for $41 shipped and then just a 301 for $31 shipped, one was very slightly used and the other was new.

 

[Wiggle]

The more I look, I'm leaning towards splurging a bit and getting the 350, 303, circuit board holder combo at amazon. Actually, the 350 on its own might be good enough for circuit board use by the looks of it.

 

[wquiles]

That bowling ball idea is genius.

+1

Will turned me onto the Panavise products and the little pin vise that a lot of the modders use.

Always glad to help somebody else spend their money on this hobby

 

[Wiggle]

Just an update, I shelled out for the Pana 350 it looked capable of everything I needed. In the future I may also add that circuit board holder that was mentioned. The 350 should arrive on Tuesday, I'll update with my impressions.