Woodriver Pattern Makers Vise

Discovering the Incredible WoodRiver Pattern Makers Vise

As an avid woodworker and craftsman, I understand the importance of having quality tools that stand the test of time. My latest obsession has been finding the perfect pattern makers vise to add to my shop. After extensive research, I’ve concluded that the WoodRiver Pattern Makers Vise is hands-down the best option for furniture building, pattern making, instrument crafting, and all other precision woodworking needs.

In this comprehensive buying guide, I’ll share everything I’ve learned about the WoodRiver Pattern Makers Vise to help you determine if it’s the right addition for your workshop. We’ll explore what makes this vise so unique, how to use it properly, comparison to other brands, where to buy, dimensions, reviews, installation, best uses, maintenance, costs, discounts available, and more. Let’s get started!

What Exactly is the WoodRiver Pattern Makers Vise?

The WoodRiver Pattern Makers Vise is a heavy-duty, high precision woodworking vise engineered for accuracy. As the name implies, it’s ideal for pattern making, allowing you to securely grip wood, plastic, metal, and other materials to shape detailed patterns with ease.

The vise features a large 9 inch x 6 inch cast iron jaw that opens wide and provides maximum clamping versatility. The jaw is paired with a heavy cast iron body weighing over 60 pounds to limit vibration. The front jaw rotates 180 degrees and has graduated degree markings for angled clamping precision.

Other key features include a built-in dog for gripping irregular shaped workpieces, smooth-operating quick release mechanism, and oversized anvil work surface for tapping, hammering, and flattening. The quality materials and thoughtful design make this vise highly rigid, stable, and able to apply extreme clamping pressure.

How to Use the WoodRiver Pattern Makers Vise

Using the WoodRiver Pattern Makers Vise is straightforward. The large hand wheel on the front controls the jaw opening, allowing you to dial in the perfect pressure for holding your workpiece securely without crushing it.

The quick release lever makes it easy to rapidly open and close the jaw with one hand. You can use the graduated degree marks on the front jaw to angle it precisely where needed. The vise’s height is also adjustable.

To get started, mount the vise to your workbench at a comfortable working height. Open the jaw and place your workpiece on the anvil surface, using the built-in dog as needed. Turn the hand wheel to apply clamping pressure, taking care not to overtighten. You can now saw, chisel, plane, or sand your workpiece with confidence that it will remain steady.

Be sure to utilize the quick release lever periodically to check for squareness and readjust as needed. And always keep an eye on the workpiece for signs of crushing or slipping. A light touch is best to avoid damaging delicate materials.

High Quality Materials Sets It Apart

The WoodRiver Pattern Makers Vise stands out for its premium materials and rock-solid build quality. Both the body and jaw feature a durable gray iron casting. This provides vibration dampening mass and stability under pressure.

The oversized steel anvil gives an ideal work surface for metalworking too. The steel quick release mechanism is built to last through years of regular use. And the ductile iron hand wheel turns smooth but won’t flex.

Small details like the brass jaw nuts and oil impregnated bronze bushings showcase the vise’s high-end construction. Simply put, the WoodRiver vise uses heavier duty materials than competitors for unmatched dependability. This is a true heirloom-grade tool.

How It Compares to Other Popular Brands

The WoodRiver Pattern Makers Vise stands tall when compared to other top vise brands like Yost, Ridgid, Irwin, and Wilton. The most obvious advantage is size – its 9 x 6 inch jaw capacity is massive, trumping the smaller jaws found on most competitors.

It also provides exceptional rigidity thanks to the 60+ pound gray iron body. Few others come close to matching this stability. Build quality is another high point, with thoughtful touches like the ductile iron hand wheel, oil bronze bushings, and brass jaw nuts.

Price is the only downside. The superior materials and precision engineering make the WoodRiver vise cost 2-3 times more than basic imports. But serious woodworkers agree that the premium quality is well worth the investment.

Where to Buy the WoodRiver Pattern Makers Vise

The WoodRiver Pattern Makers Vise is sold exclusively through Woodcraft stores and their website at woodcraft.com. With over 70 store locations nationwide, you may be able to view the vise in person before buying.

Online purchases ship directly from Woodcraft’s warehouse. Expect to pay around $499 for the vise alone. Various vise packages with items like bench dogs, planing stops, and hold downs generally range from $600-800.

Woodcraft has an excellent return policy, so don’t hesitate to send it back if the vise doesn’t meet your needs. Used/open box models can sometimes be found at a discount on eBay and other secondary markets. But new directly from Woodcraft is recommended to get the full warranty.

Key Specs and Dimensions

Here are the key specifications and dimensions to know before purchasing the WoodRiver Pattern Makers Vise:

• Jaw Width: 9 inches
• Jaw Height: 6 inches
• Jaw Opening: 8 inches
• Body Weight: 62 pounds
• Overall Height: 18 inches
• Overall Width: 11 inches
• Overall Depth: 11 inches
• Base Dimensions: 5 x 9.5 inches
• Anvil Size: 7.75 x 5.5 inches

With its hulking footprint and 60+ pounds of gray iron, this is clearly no lightweight vise. Make sure your workbench can handle the weight before buying. The wide 9 inch jaw capacity is the real star, able to clamp large workpieces other vises simply can’t handle.

Reviews Praise Its Heavy Duty Performance

The WoodRiver Pattern Makers Vise earns consistent 5 star reviews for its uncompromising quality and versatility. Owners praise the “massive” jaw size and “beefy” build that “won’t budge under pressure”. They love the 180 degree front jaw rotation and precise angle adjustments possible.

Accuracy is another common compliment, with the vise allowing for “intricate control” on delicate projects. The quick release lever provides a “smooth action” for rapidly securing workpieces. There are some complaints about the high cost, but most agree the quality justifies the price. If you want a big, burly vise, the reviews make clear the WoodRiver model is a top choice.

Installation Tips to Mount It Securely

Installing the WoodRiver Pattern Makers Vise is straightforward, but its substantial weight calls for careful planning. You’ll need a sturdy workbench, ideally with thick hardwood construction and beefy leg joints. Mount a stout wooden jaw plate to the bench with lag screws, keeping it perfectly flush with the benchtop.

Center the vise on the jaw plate and use all four mounting holes for maximum stability. The vise’s base has pre-drilled holes for bolting down. Use grade 8 bolts and washers to prevent any shifting while clamping. Having an assistant help with lifting during mounting is also a good idea.

Take your time to dial in the vise position so the jaw sits square and flush with the benchtop edge. This ensures optimal clamping accuracy. Allow the bolts to fully tighten before placing any weight on the vise. Make sure it doesn’t wobble or rock at all when force is applied.

Ideal Uses for the WoodRiver Pattern Makers Vise

Thanks to its big jaw size, precise adjustability, and 60+ pound rigid base, the WoodRiver Pattern Makers Vise can handle a wide range of demanding jobs. Here are some top uses that allow it to really shine:

• Clamping large pattern boards for scrollsawing, bandsawing, or rasping into 3D shapes
• Holding guitar or violin bodies for carving and contouring the surfaces
• As an extra set of strong hands for gluing up panels and wide tabletops
• Sanding or planing long boards evenly without any jitter or slippage
• Bending and shaping wooden chair parts to precise angles
• Building sturdy timber framed joints – the vise keeps pieces perfectly aligned
• Holding small metalworking projects like jewelry and model parts

The versatility of this professional grade tool makes it useful for nearly any application where rock-solid precision is required. The WoodRiver vise really shines when clamping big or irregularly shaped workpieces.

Maintenance Tips for Long-Term Performance

To keep your WoodRiver Pattern Makers Vise running like new for years to come, just follow these simple maintenance practices:

• Keep the jaw channels and Quick Release mechanism lightly lubricated with machine oil. A few drops every couple months is perfect.
• Brush out any wood chips or debris periodically to prevent binding.
• Check for any loose bolts or connections and tighten if needed.
• Wipe down the body/jaw with a light coat of paste wax to prevent rusting.
• Inspect the bronze bushings for wear and replace if excessive sloppiness develops.
• Avoid hammering directly on the jaws – use extra jaw covers or the anvil surface for metalworking.
• Re-tighten the main center bolt if the vise ever starts to loosen from heavy use.

By keeping it clean, lubricated, and inspecting for wear, your WoodRiver vise will continue clamping flawlessly for decades on end. Proper care really maximizes the value of this premium woodworking tool.

Affordability and Value of This Professional Grade Vise

Considering its premium quality and high capacity, the WoodRiver Pattern Makers Vise is very reasonably priced at around $499. That’s comparable to other professional grade vises with similar jaw size, material quality, and features. It may be 2-3 times more than basic import vises, but you’re getting a massive upgrade in durability, rigidity, and precision.

The value becomes even better when you consider this is a true heirloom-grade tool that should outlast you with proper care. Spending more upfront is worthwhile to get a vise your kids and grandkids will still be using.

For serious woodworkers, the capabilities and precision of the WoodRiver vise make it well worth the investment. There’s simply no better option for flawlessly securing big and heavy workpieces. The price reflects the outstanding quality you receive.

Finding Discounts on the Premium Vise

Though already reasonably priced for its tier, you can sometimes find deals on the WoodRiver Pattern Makers Vise :

• Watch for periodic sales at Woodcraft – they run promotions like 10-15% off a few times per year. Sign up for their mailing list to be notified.
• Check eBay or Craigslist for used models at discount pricing. Be sure everything functions properly if buying used.
• Consider open box/scratch and dent vises direct from Woodcraft for potentially steep savings on cosmetic defects.
• Buy it as part of a vise package to get the vise itself at a bundled discount. The accessories add functionality.
• Time your purchase with seasonal sales events like July 4th or Black Friday for additional savings opportunities.

With a bit of patience and smart shopping, you can likely save $50-100. But this vise holds value well, so drastic discounts are rare. Focus on getting the best functional condition within your budget.

Using the Vise for Metalworking Projects

The WoodRiver Pattern Makers Vise may be marketed for woodworking, but its overbuilt design makes it ideal for small metalworking projects too. The thick 7.75 x 5.5 inch anvil surface provides the perfect foundation for tasks like jewelry making, model building, and machining.

The vise’s considerable 60 pound mass also comes in handy for metalworking, absorbing vibration and keeping the jaws movement-free. The 180 degree jaw rotation allows for angled clamping on odd shaped objects. Just be sure to use extra jaw covers or soft pads when grabbing anything with teeth to protect the jaw faces.

While best suited for small, precision metal tasks, the vise’s brute rigidity can handle heavier jobs within reason. Just keep an eye that the steel isn’t deforming under extreme pressure. With the** WoodRiver vise’s** quality materials and smart design, metalworkers can feel right at home too.

Satisfaction Guaranteed by Woodcraft’s Return Policy

One great perk of buying the WoodRiver Pattern Makers Vise directly through Woodcraft is their customer-friendly return policy. If the vise doesn’t meet your expectations or needs for any reason, simply contact Woodcraft within 30 days for a full refund.

For phone/mail orders, you’ll need to cover return shipping costs. But for online purchases, Woodcraft provides free return shipping with an RMA. They’ll send you a prepaid return label to slap on the box – no questions asked.

Once received and inspected at their warehouse, you’ll be issued a refund for the purchase price excluding original shipping fees. This takes the stress out of making sure the vise is the right fit for your workshop before fully committing.

Adjusting and Tuning for Flawless Accuracy

Out of the box, the WoodRiver Pattern Makers Vise should clamp fairly square and true. But you may need to make minor adjustments to get that flawless precision. Here are some tips:

• Make sure the jaw plate sits perfectly flush against your bench. Use shims if any gaps.
• Loosen the main center bolt slightly if the jaws don’t close tightly parallel. Re-tighten once aligned.
• Utilize the Quick Release lever to realign workpieces periodically as you tighten down.
• Add thin shim washers to either side of the center bolt to take up any slack or play causing slop.
• Ensure the movable front jaw rotates smoothly but with no wiggle. Tighten the lock knob if needed.
• Verify the screw threads are lightly lubricated so the hand wheel turns easily without sticking.

Take the time to tweak and true up your vise for your particular bench setup. This upfront tuning allows for years of dead-on accuracy in every project.

Buying Vise Accessories and Upgrades

Woodcraft offers a range of accessories to expand the usability of the WoodRiver Pattern Makers Vise:

• Bench dogs fit into holes in the anvil for securing workpieces from below. This allows clamping without marring the surface.
• Planing stops position in the dog holes to provide an edge to run wooden boards against for perfect planing.
• Shop-made jaw covers protect delicate workpieces from marring or damage. Ideal for softer metals and plastics.
• Hold downs utilize the dog holes for applying downward clamping pressure. Great for carving violin neck angles.
• Anvil plywood cover protects your benchtop from blows while metal hammering on the vise.

The thoughtful design allows integrating tons of upgrades down the road. You can build your own custom solutions too. The sky’s the limit!

A Legacy Brand Delivering Premium Quality Since the ’70s

The WoodRiver brand is the in-house tool label of Woodcraft Supply. Started in 1928 in Boston, Woodcraft has grown over nearly a century into America’s premier supplier of woodworking tools and education. Their retail stores offer expert training plus quality tools.

The WoodRiver brand launched in the 1970s to provide an affordable lineup of woodworking tools sourced from top manufacturers globally. Today, the brand focuses on delivering premium, heirloom-quality tools that stand out from the import pack.

The WoodRiver Pattern Makers Vise exemplifies this dedication to no-compromise quality. While costs are higher, woodworkers trust the WoodRiver name as a proven leader set apart by unmatched materials, thoughtful engineering, and robust build quality.

Keeping the Vise Looking Like New

To maintain the good looks and corrosion resistance of your investment, keep the WoodRiver Pattern Makers Vise clean by:

• Brushing away any accumulated wood dust/chips after each use
• Applying a light coat of quality paste wax to the body and jaws every few months
• Tightening the jaws firmly to check for any developing jaw rust once a year
• Wiping down with a oiled cloth after any metalworking use
• Avoiding excessive moisture exposure that could promote rusting
• Lightly sanding then re-waxing if any rust spots do develop
• Lubricating the quick release and screw threads to prevent rusting internally

This simple routine will keep everything moving smoothly while looking great for decades of use. Proper care yields generations of enjoyment from this heirloom workhorse.

Accessorizing the Vise for Enhanced Functionality

The basic WoodRiver Pattern Makers Vise is capable on its own, but adding accessories expands its usefulness:

• Bench cookies made from wood/plastic help protect delicate workpieces
• Step blocks provide an adjustable jaw height for quick clamping
• Shop-made vise handles give better grip/control for maximum clamping force
• A rubber jaw cap adds grip to keep round objects from spinning
• Parallels support the work when clamping thinner pieces
• An anvil plane stop makes planing full boards quick and consistent

Little things like a handmade maple jaw cap or custom handles tailored to your hand size go a long way towards customizing the vise to suit your needs. Take time to accessorize it for the work you do.

Investing in a Future Heirloom

As a lifelong woodworker who has seen my share of flimsy vises come and go, the WoodRiver Pattern Makers Vise stands apart as a truly special tool. The thoughtfully engineered design paired with premium materials throughout deliver a vise that’s accurate, flexible, and built to withstand generations of constant use.

While the $499 price tag gives pause initially, the value becomes clear when you experience how beautifully it performs. This is a vise that will outlive you with proper care. The capabilities allow you to work on projects otherwise impossible on lesser vises too.

For artisans who rely on their tools daily, the WoodRiver vise is that rare investment that returns unlimited dividends in the decades to come. Both professionals and hobbyists alike can appreciate having a big, burly, high precision beast permanently holding court on their bench. This is the last vise you’ll ever need.