need a splicing vise
 

I just bought a 32' steel Colvin design Pinky schooner that needs a lot of love including new rigging all around. I don't want to use compression or swage stud turnbuckles or Nicopressed eyes (and I only mentioned ugly Nicopress 'cause I own swagers)....the look of spliced wire appeals to me. In addition to finding it aesthetically pleasing I'm an experienced stage rigger and would like to add splicing wire to my set of professional skills. I need to buy a vise.

I'm open to all opinions on brand and models and offers to sell. Money is always an issue but here probably not enough of one to keep me from buying the right tool. I would like it to be compact enough to stow onboard as I have this fantasy about a floating rigging shop.

....oh, and just to serve notice all y'all prepare to be pestered to death through my headlong leap into yacht rigging. They say (whoever the hell "they" are) there are no stupid questions. Well, "they" are wrong and I'm probably gonna ask a real lot of them over the next few months.
Sorry and thanks.

jeff
vancouver.bc.ca

check out http://www.wireroperigging.com/

Also, consider using sythetic line for the rigging of that boat. Especially if money is an issue.

Which particular colvin 32' pinky did you get ? (what name?)

Thanks Brian. Of all I've seen those vises seem to be my best bet so far....I'm just not sure I've seen all my options. Like all tools there are going to be pros and cons in any comparison. When I said money was an issue it really isn't, not for a tool I'll own the rest of my life. I just don't want to spend more than I need to. A tool that is a joy to use though is almost always worth every penny it costs.

I want to use spliced wire because not only will this boat be my home it's a piece to further my skills as a rigger and the art mastered and evident on your boat is a calling card of sorts. I do hundreds of Nicopress eyes a year and even if professionally I would rarely splice an eye in wire it's still a skill a master stage rigger (and certainly a master yacht rigger) possesses and tell the truth I'm getting kinda old not to take those last steps from journeyman to master.

It's the Storm Petrel II in Ganges, Saltspring Island, BC. Earlier this year I loaned Tony Lattimer a chainfall and helped lift the engine in Forbes & Cameron to redo the motor mounts and I was quite taken with the design. At this point Storm Petrel II is pretty much a hull and an engine...rigging, sails, deck trim all need replacement. On the plus side the steel hull and deck and aluminum masts and spars are excellent and the interior is tight and dry. Unless a better spot comes up I'll probably do the refit at fisherman's wharf in Vancouver starting in May or June. I'm hoping to have it mostly done in three months....which means I need moorage for at least a year. :rolleyes:

you are spot on- with the right attitude wire is a blast to splice, not nearly as hard as it was made to seem. At first I used a modified wooden jorgesen clamp and wedge of wood in lieu, although recently i received a wire vice and it is easier

goodluck

Hey, what about me?
 

Hi,
I hate to whine, but did you guys know that we sell the best portable rigging vise in the world? It is so good that we are out right now, but should be getting some more soon. Contact the shop for pictures.
Fair leads,
Brion Toss

ps,
Any friend of the Latimer's is a friend of mine.

That vise was my first inclination but I saw you were out and started fishing for an alternative. I'll call the shop and put my name on one.