HMH Standard Bench ModelAverage Rating: 9
Retail Price: 239.00
Manufacturer Description
This is the vise that started the revolution in precision-machined rotary vises nearly 30 years ago. We've updated it with an improved chassis/bearing system for better collet support, better rotation, and infinite head angle adjustment. All parts are precision-machined and carefully finished using top-quality stainless and tool steels and brass. Each vise is individually hand fitted and tuned for maximum performance.
Reader Submitted ReviewsSubmitted by Hairstacker
Pros
Vise came with a 4 lb pedestal, a spring material clip, two allen wrenches, and a neoprene case. Very sturdy, solid vise and am very happy with it. Holds hooks solidly with very little effort and is styled in a traditional configuration that is easy to get used to and comfortable with if you learned to tie on a traditionally-styled vise, like a Thompson A. Very nicely machined with very smooth rotary function (although not "true" rotary) and adjustable head angle. Good access to the hook from the rear and underneath, and plenty of room to comfortably rest the left hand on top while holding materials being tied in. I also like how you just unscrew the jaw to substitute other jaws that are available as an option – very quick and easy process to make jaw substitutions. Have tied spun deer hair poppers on this pedestal version and have had no problems whatsoever with stability. All in all a very nice vise that I expect will outlast me. If you're in the market for a solid vise with lifetime warranty and aren't looking for "true" rotary capability, I highly recommend this vise.
Cons
The screw you turn to adjust for different hook sizes spins very freely once you release tension on a completed fly. So, you often have to re-adjust for hook size when you start a new fly even of the same size. Not a big deal to me but could be irritating to some.
Submitted by MJ
Pros
I bought my HMH vise when they first came out (late 70s, early 80s?). I'm an amateur tyer but I've put a lot of hooks through the vise and it's never given me any grief. I tie flies from 20 up to 3/0 including deerhair bugs and saltwater. I haven't had to replace either set of jaws and they are very quickly and easily exchanged. Because of the solid brass base it's heavy to travel with but the stem fits my old Model A clamp. With the jaws in the horizontal position they can be rotated to tie materials on the underside of the hook or to inspect the far side of the fly but this isn't really practical when they are angled up to tie on smaller hooks and it can't be used as a "true rotary" vise.
It's probably been the best flytying investment I've ever made.
Cons
Not a true rotary, but it doesn't claim to be.
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