The Hub

I am a relatively new ”looth”…an amateur/hobbyist at this point, but have recently retired and plan to do much more in retirement. One thing that I am needing at this point is to equip my shop with some better vises and other work-holding equipment. So far I have just used a parrot vise, which has been okay (but not great) for the work I have done so far.

I was about to invest in StewMac’s classic Guitar Repair Vise, but one thing I’m really needing is some equipment that will allow me work in a more erect position whenever possible, due to some back issues. I have been watching all of the various videos (mainly by Doug Proper) about the Total Vise products, and I’m pretty convinced that that’s the way I want to go. HOWEVER, there are so many options, I’m getting confused about which exact vise (and related accessories) I should order.

For example, based on some of Doug’s videos, I had been trying to decide between the #10 (Craftsman Vise B) and the #7 (Guitar Repair Vise). I kind of like that the #7 opens wider (6”) than the #10 (4.5”), and I wasn’t sure I liked how in the #10 your work seems to rest on those springs (unless I’m mistaken?)…however, I realize that in the #10 the work rests, I assume, on the solid metal of the sliding base (which I guess I could pad with something). And I was thinking about the Crossover Mini, but wasn’t sure which vise I needed it with, since some are pivoting and some aren’t, etc. (Looks like the #7 is fully pivoting, and the #10 comes in either a pivoting or non-pivoting version.)

I also like the flexibility of having both the "Quick Docking Station" and the "Telescoping Pedestal"...and if I go with the pedestal, I'm wondering if I can get by without mounting it permanently into my floor, and therefore whether the ”Pedestal Base Extensions” they offer would be enough.

And finally, all that being said, I'm wondering if I might want to just go with the "Proper Workstation"...but then, even if I did, would I still want one of the other vises to supplement that?

SO...those are my basic questions...if anyone has made it to the bottom of this LONG post, I'd appreciate any guidance and advice! Thanks!