Ball setting vise

[Petal]

Perfect timing Sheena, as I'm looking for one too, to complement my coolmorph purchased before Xmas, ready for stone setting.

Which one would be most durable
https://cpc.farnell.com/stanley/1-83...gle/dp/TL12890 or this
https://cpc.farnell.com/modelcraft/p...5mm/dp/TL16613 or this
https://www.axminstertools.com/axmin...16875642147ba9

I had one years ago and it just didn't hold things steady without them moving slightly and would be interested to hear your thoughts..

[Sheen]

Hi Jules, this is what I was thinking of buying. Ball vises seem to be popular for stone setting.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/386300887481

[Petal]

Thanks Sheena. Silly question, how does it fix to the bench??

[Sheen]

It doesn't, the rubber base stops it from moving. At least, that's what I'm hoping.

[Petal]

So, another probably silly question.. would this vice enable a hands free type of operation, once you've fixed the piece to be set, or do you have to hold it to make it work properly?

[ps_bond]

Most of them have a screw to stop them rotating, but if you're considering thumping something then the larger balls are more resistant. I wouldn't use a small one for hammer & chisel work, for example (standard engineer's vice on a post, walk around it is easier)
My usual way of working is one hand manipulating the vice, other hand has the graver/micromotor/hammer handpiece/whatever.

[Petal]

So, if I'm using a hand pusher type, I'd still need to hold the ball with one hand and push with the other, as only having one screw to stop them rotating is not enough, surely?