rigging vise

[chesnutt]

I'm finally planning on learning and producing a bunch of splices to gradually replace the standing rigging on our 1957 wooden schooner, and I need to equip myself with a suitable vise.

Current diameters in our 7x7 galvanized rigging are <=3/4" so I was looking at the "Little Beaver" on this site: http://www.beavertoolsales.com/wireroperigging.htm

I assume the Z2 (updated Z Vise) might also be an option based on the fact that Brion features it, but can't really tell. We have a schooner and I'll end up making quite a few splices, so I'd like to get something suitable.

Sorry to post about something so basic, but I've read alot of threads, and done a bunch of google searching, but am not finding alot of info about the options.

cheers!

[Brion Toss]

Hi,
The Beaver is a good tool, and far better for your purposes than Mr. Z's. One of these days we'll get past the logistical stickiness that is keeping our own vise out of production, but meanwhile, get the Beaver. And good on you for putting the right terminals into that boat.
Fair leads,
Brion Toss

[John Stone]

I bought an Elijah Webb #1200 aluminum vise last year. It was $200. I have been using it to splice 7X7 5/16" wire rope. It works fine and most importantly it got me started for a reasonable price. I have modified it a little as I have learned more about wire splicing. It is not a big bronze vise but it seems to do the job.

Here is the web site: http://www.elishawebb.com/SplicingVise.htm

Or you can see some pictures at my website: http://www.farreachvoyages.com/proje...ngrigging.html

Good luck.

[Brion Toss]

Hi there,
First, that is a great link to the vise source. The model you got looks like a fine, low-end tool. True, the side jaws need two handles, but the tool is a bargain. Looks like the others are good deals, too.
VERY nice work on those splices, as well as in how you describe the effort and concentration it takes to learn how to splice wire. Also the payoff in the finished product. I hope that you will serve as an inspiration to others. Nice plug for the book, too.
One quibble: a good splice doesn't "exceed the breaking strength of the wire." The wire can only be as strong as it is. What a good splice -- or any other 100% efficient terminal -- does is not to weaken the wire. Cable clamps, most mechanical terminals, badly-applied swages, and badly-made splice reduce ultimate strength.
Fair leads,
Brion Toss

[John Stone]

Thanks Brion for the correction. I believe I was referring to the info in your book and wrote exceed the "breaking strength" when I should have wrote exceed "rated strenght." Is that more accurate?

Anyway, thanks for the encouragment. I would like to try the 1x19 at some point but I have some more work to do before I am ready I think. At some point, early next year(?), the practice will be over and I'll be making the splices I will need.

Thanks again.
John Stone