Replies

1. 
   HoustonHeights | Apr 10, 2007 05:18pm | #1

   I splurged on one about a year ago.  Not only is it as good as an Emmert, I'd venture to say that it is better (gasp).  LV does not have nearly enough detail on its web site, but it is one damn fine vise, well made with lots of great features.  It is expensive, but in my opinion worth every penny. 

    

1. 
   mvflaim | Apr 10, 2007 06:54pm | #2

   Is it better because it's easier to install or does it have more features?

   thanks mike 

2. 
   RickL | Apr 10, 2007 08:06pm | #3

   I can't see it being better  much than the Emmert. I have the full size Emmert and it definitely is better. I know of folks with the LV Tucker vise and the small Emmert clone. The fit and finish is better on the Tucker but the Emmert clone is not junk by any means. The real difference is the Tucker is aluminum which is lighter and cheaper to ship. I don't see the Tucker being worth double the price of  the Emmert clone. I've never paid more than $250 for a full sized Emmert anyway. I'm down to three of the newer style Emmerts. They are on ebay all the time.

1. 
   mvflaim | Apr 10, 2007 08:25pm | #4

   "I've never paid more than $250 for a full sized Emmert anyway"

   Have you bought them on eBay? I keep watching Emmert's on eBay and they seem to be going for over $600. Is the Emmert better because it's made out of cast iron and therefor more durable than the Tucker? I'd like to make a new workbench next year and I'm debating whether to buy an old Emmert or if I'd be better off with the Tucker that I may be able to get replacement parts for if the thing ever broke.

   Thanks mike

    

     

1. 
   RickL | Apr 10, 2007 10:30pm | #7

   Bought mine locally from old pattern shops. I wouldn't say the iron is more durable than the zinc alumium alloy of the Tucker. The cast iron is more brittle. I have a source for parts for Emmerts and I can always make my own. I also have the ability to weld and braze cast iron if need be. Emmert made two sizes. The larger one has 18" wide jaws and the smaller one is what the clones and Tucker are patterned after. $600 for a used full size Emmert is a better deal than $599 for the smaller Tucker. Have you really looked at the Emmert clones selling for $200?

1. 
   mvflaim | Apr 10, 2007 10:39pm | #8

   I've seen the clones but I thought they might be crudely made and I would be better off paying more for the real Emmert or get a Tucker. 

1. 
   HoustonHeights | Apr 11, 2007 02:03am | #9

   I originally ordered the clone from Highland Hardware to put on my bench (mostly because it was less expensive than the Tucker).  But after receiving the clone I was generally disappointed.  The fit and finish were rough and the manufacturing looked sloppy.  So, I returned the clone and ordered the Tucker.  I was very pleased with the switch.  The tucker is an excellent vise.  And I disagree that it is light weight.  It is very substantial -- much more so than the pictures on LV's web site let on.  In fact it may have been even heavier than the clone, it certainly wasn't noticeably lighter.  I also recommend that you take comments such as, "you can always find an old Emmert at a flea market for $5" with a large grain of salt.  If you do, good on ya.  But it is extremely unlikely.  I also watched ebay closely for several months looking for a good condition Emmert.  I saw some, but all the Emmerts that were in good condition and would not need a substantial overhaul fetched prices well above the Tucker.  And even then you'd likely spend a significant amount of time tracking down parts and rehabbing it.  Also, the Tucker does have features that the old Emmerts don't.  It is made from a less brittle alloy (notice that lots of Emmerts on ebay have cracks).  It also has the handy quick release feature that you can rig up to a foot pedal.  That in itself is a huge improvement when you are working on something (like shaping cabriole legs) that need frequent repositioning in the vise.

   Good luck.

   (I have no affiliation to LV or the Tucker, just a happy customer).

2. 
   mvflaim | Apr 11, 2007 03:12pm | #14

   HH, thanks for your post. You reaffirmed some of the feelings I had on purchasing an old Emmert vs buying a new Tucker. I'll buy a Tucker when the time comes.

   mike 

2. 
   furndr | Apr 11, 2007 01:15pm | #11

   I'm interested in your source of parts for Emmerts.  I have one of the old large size vices that is in great condition but is missing the trunion (for lack of a better word) that goes under the bench to allow the vice to pivot vertically.  Is this piece available?

1. 
   RickL | Apr 11, 2007 02:41pm | #12

   Used Emmert Vises, parts and more...William Kerfoot sells used patternmakers vises and will soon manufacture his own. He keeps a dozen or more Emmert  patternmakers vises in stock, ($450-$800), as well as 3 new Kindt-Collins, ($2000). He manufactures replacement parts for Emmerts also. Direct inquiries to: [email protected]

   It wouldn't be too difficult to make...at least for me.

2. 
   furndr | Apr 11, 2007 02:54pm | #13

   Thanks. I'll check out the site you referred to.  I really appreciate your help!

2. 
   Frozen | Apr 10, 2007 10:05pm | #5

   FWIW the Tucker is not made of aluminum, but an alloy that Veritas says is 80% of the weight of cast iron, but less brittle.

1. 
   RickL | Apr 10, 2007 10:22pm | #6

   The Tucker is made from ZA 12 alloy which is a  Zinc Aluminum alloy. http://www.graphicast.com/about-us.htm

3. 
   BruceS | Apr 11, 2007 02:19am | #10

   My time to gloat,  I picked up a type II  turtle back Emmert at an antique store for $ 85.00.  It's restored but not installed.   Wouldn't trade it for any new version.

   Work Safe,  Count to 10 when your done for the day !!

   Bruce S. 

    

1. 
   Napie | Apr 11, 2007 05:31pm | #15

   I paid $50.00 for my large sized turtle back Yost in out of the box condition, that was a great day.  I do not see how the new ones could be as good.

1. 
   BruceS | Apr 11, 2007 10:26pm | #16

   Isn't it great to sometimes come out smelling like a rose.Work Safe,  Count to 10 when your done for the day !!

   Bruce S.