I have built a couple of fireball-style vises and am eager to learn about the clamping forces they can exert. Unfortunately, I don’t have an effective way to measure this, and it’s not something the average person can easily justify spending a few hundred dollars on for a pressure tester. While the exact number might seem arbitrary and not particularly significant, what truly matters is whether the vise can hold securely—and that’s the key factor at the end of the day. However, measuring the force is a fun exercise, and it’s fascinating to know an exact value or at least a reasonably accurate estimate.
I believe I may have devised a method to construct a vise that delivers even more clamping force than his while using a 8 inch handle—at least, it certainly feels that way compared to any vise I’ve ever used.
I was thinking it would be great if Jason could conduct a benchmark test similar to the one he did with the 1/2-inch rod and the belt sander. He could use common materials, like a piece of 1x or 2x 1/8-inch wall tubing, and maybe a 1/2-inch ball bearing or rod placed between the tubing and the vise jaw to measure the force on a specific area. For example, if the vise can crush a 3-inch long tubing, it could exert 3,000 lbs; if it can crush a 4-inch tube, it could exert 4,000 lbs. how do soft jaws impact clamping strength? Do they impact clamping strength? Do pipe jaws clamp harder?
I know this might not warrant an entire video on its own, but perhaps it could be included in a forum post with pictures or in a future update video to his line of vises. This approach could also help generate more interest. Just look at all the great magicians and performers on stage and in the streets; the audience loves to get involved.
What are your thoughts on this? Does something like this already exist, and am I just unaware? Is it a good or bad idea? Can we generate enough interest in this post to make it happen?