1. Introduction
This manual provides essential information for the safe and effective use, installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of your Wilton Tradesman Bench Vise, Model 1755. Please read this manual thoroughly before operating the vise to ensure proper function and longevity.
The Wilton Tradesman Bench Vise is engineered for demanding clamping applications, offering superior durability and performance. Its robust design ensures reliable operation for a wide range of tasks, from general purpose work to holding pipes, fittings, machined parts, and fabrications.
Figure 1: Front view of the Wilton Tradesman Bench Vise, Model 1755, showcasing its robust construction and main components.
2. Key Features
The Wilton Tradesman Bench Vise incorporates several design elements for enhanced performance and durability:
- 60,000 PSI Ductile Iron Body: Provides exceptional strength, making the vise virtually indestructible and offering twice the strength of gray casted vises.
- Enclosed Spindle and Nut Assembly: This design keeps debris out and lubrication in, ensuring smooth operation and extending the lifespan of the vise.
- 360° Swivel Base: Allows for versatile positioning of the vise, secured by double lockdowns for stability.
- Precision Slide Bar: Eliminates movement in the front jaw, maintaining consistent clamping force regardless of the jaw opening.
- Wider Jaws: Offers a larger clamping surface for improved grip and stability of workpieces.
- Integrated Pipe Jaws: Designed for securely holding round stock and pipes.
- Machined Anvil Work Surface: Provides a flat, durable surface for light hammering and shaping tasks.
Figure 2: Cutaway view illustrating the enclosed spindle and nut assembly, a key feature for durability and smooth operation.
3. Technical Specifications
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Model Number | 1755 |
| Jaw Width | 5-1/2 inches |
| Max Jaw Opening | 5 inches |
| Throat Depth | 3-3/4 inches |
| Material | Ductile Iron (60,000 PSI Tensile Strength) |
| Item Weight | 52 Pounds |
| Product Dimensions (L x W x H) | 14 x 7 x 8 inches |
| Swivel Base | 360° with double lockdowns |
| Included Components | Vise |
4. Setup and Installation
Proper installation is crucial for the stability and safe operation of your bench vise. Follow these steps for mounting:
- Choose a Sturdy Workbench: Select a workbench or surface that is robust enough to support the weight of the vise and the forces applied during use. The surface should be flat and stable.
- Position the Vise: Place the vise on the workbench, ensuring the jaws extend slightly beyond the edge of the bench if you plan to clamp long vertical pieces. Mark the locations for the mounting bolts through the holes in the vise's base.
- Drill Mounting Holes: Using an appropriate drill bit for your workbench material (wood, metal, etc.), drill holes at the marked locations. Ensure the holes are straight and of the correct diameter for your mounting hardware.
- Secure the Vise: Use heavy-duty bolts, washers, and nuts (not included) to securely fasten the vise to the workbench. Tighten all fasteners firmly to prevent any movement or wobbling during operation. For maximum stability, use through-bolts with large washers and nuts on the underside of the workbench.
- Test Stability: After installation, apply pressure to the vise in various directions to confirm it is securely mounted and does not shift.
5. Operating Instructions
The Wilton Tradesman Bench Vise is designed for ease of use and versatility. Always wear appropriate safety gear, including eye protection, when operating the vise or performing work on clamped materials.
5.1 Clamping Workpieces
- Open Jaws: Rotate the handle counter-clockwise to open the vise jaws to a width slightly larger than your workpiece.
- Position Workpiece: Place the workpiece firmly between the jaws. Ensure it is seated squarely and securely.
- Tighten Jaws: Rotate the handle clockwise to close the jaws until the workpiece is held firmly. Do not overtighten, as this can damage the workpiece or the vise. Apply only enough force to prevent movement during your task.
- Using Pipe Jaws: For round stock or pipes, position them in the integrated pipe jaws located beneath the main jaws. Tighten as described above.
5.2 Swivel Base Operation
The 360° swivel base allows you to rotate the vise to any desired angle for optimal access to your workpiece.
- Loosen Lockdowns: Locate the two lockdown handles on the swivel base. Rotate them counter-clockwise to loosen.
- Rotate Vise: Carefully rotate the vise to the desired angle.
- Tighten Lockdowns: Once positioned, firmly tighten both lockdown handles by rotating them clockwise. This ensures the vise remains stable during use.
Figure 3: Example of the vise in operation, securely holding a metal piece during grinding. Always use appropriate personal protective equipment.
Figure 4: The integrated anvil surface being utilized for light shaping with a hammer. Ensure the workpiece is stable before striking.
6. Maintenance
Regular maintenance will ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your Wilton Tradesman Bench Vise.
- Cleaning: After each use, wipe down the vise to remove dust, metal shavings, and other debris. Pay particular attention to the screw and slide bar areas.
- Lubrication: Periodically apply a light coat of grease or machine oil to the main screw and the slide bar. This will ensure smooth operation and prevent corrosion. The enclosed design helps retain lubrication, but external moving parts still benefit from attention.
- Jaw Inspection: Regularly inspect the main jaws and pipe jaws for wear or damage. Replace worn jaws to maintain optimal gripping power.
- Mounting Bolt Check: Periodically check the tightness of the mounting bolts that secure the vise to your workbench. Retighten if necessary.
- Storage: When not in use, keep the vise jaws slightly open to prevent rust from forming on the jaw faces due to prolonged contact. Store in a dry environment.
7. Troubleshooting
This section addresses common issues you might encounter with your bench vise.
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Jaws are stiff or hard to turn. | Lack of lubrication on the screw or slide bar; accumulation of debris. | Clean the screw and slide bar thoroughly. Apply a generous amount of grease or machine oil. |
| Vise wobbles or shifts during use. | Loose mounting bolts; unstable workbench. | Check and tighten all mounting bolts. Ensure the workbench is stable and securely fastened to the floor if possible. |
| Workpiece slips in jaws. | Jaws not tightened sufficiently; worn or damaged jaw inserts; incorrect jaw type for material. | Ensure jaws are tightened firmly. Inspect jaw inserts for wear and replace if necessary. Consider using soft jaw covers for delicate materials. |
| Swivel base does not hold position. | Lockdown handles are not tightened enough. | Firmly tighten both swivel base lockdown handles. |
8. Warranty Information
The Wilton Tradesman Bench Vise (Model 1755) comes with a Limited Lifetime Warranty. This warranty covers defects in material and workmanship under normal use and service. For specific terms, conditions, and claim procedures, please refer to the official Wilton warranty documentation or contact Wilton customer support.
Figure 5: Wilton's Lifetime Warranty emblem, signifying commitment to product durability.
Figure 6: The "Made in USA" emblem, indicating the product's origin.
9. Customer Support
For technical assistance, replacement parts, or warranty claims, please contact Wilton customer support:
- Website: www.wilton.com
- Phone: Refer to the Wilton website for regional contact numbers.
- Email: Refer to the Wilton website for contact email.
When contacting support, please have your product model number (1755) and purchase information ready.
10. Product Videos
No official product videos are available for embedding at this time.
