Lawrence A. Waldron, of Seisdon, England, is a precision machinist who produces a limited line of fly-tying products that includes three models of vises. Two of which are reviewed here and are available by individual order.

The LAW Bench vise is an on-axis rotary model with lever-type jaws. One jaw is held stationary on the rotating arm , while the other moves on a fulcrum. There is no adjustment required between hook wire diameters, the jaws are simply closed on any hook by a star-shaped thumb screw. Lock-up is straightforward and secure for the entire range of hooks and is achieved by less than half a revolution of the star wheel. The jaws incorporate two hook pockets behind the lightly scored jaw tips. On large saltwater irons, placement of the hook into the appropriate pocket may take the hook shank slightly off axis but perfect alignment of hook shank is rarely required.

For added clearance behind the jaws for small hooks, the vise body can be tilted upward, though moving the angle from horizontal renders the vise non-true rotary.

The barrel of the vise is machined Delrin®, which also serves as the bearing for the vise's rotation. Disassembly is accomplished by removal of a single brass fitting at the rear of the vise, which also serves as the adjustment for rotary tension.

The vise comes with either pedestal or C-clamp, or both at additional charge. The pedestal is sufficiently heavy with a footprint of approximately 6" x 8". The bottom is lined with closed-cell foam. The pedestal incorporates a depression for hooks or other small materials. The C-clamp is a machined aluminum, hard anodized piece, with a gap of 2 3/4", leather lined to protect furniture. The vise comes standard with a bobbin holder that is articulated at mid-shank so it can be folded out of the way when not in use. At additional cost, a profile plate of machined Delrin® can be ordered. The profile plate has a mirrored top half that offers a view of the back of the fly during the tying process. The lower half is white - good for dark flies but offering less contrast for light flies.

The vise also comes with a two-piece standrod. Standard length is used with the pedestal base, and a 4" screw-in extension is added for C-clamp use.

This is the finest all-around vise available today. It performs its function with an elegance and simplicity that no other vise matches. At £400 (about $700), the vise is within the highest price range of those currently available, but you get what you pay for.

(The original LAW Bench vise was made by Lawrence Waldron to my functional requirements and specifications in 1989. Lawrence turned a detailed wish list into a tangible product and all credit for the result is his. While I have no commercial interest in this LAW product other than a very satisfied user, it would not have been proper for me to review it for this article. Hans Weilenmann)

Previous Next

On-Line Catalogs
A.A. Outfitters Full service, fully stocked flyshop located in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. Allen Brothers Quality Fishing Flies Quality is more than just a word. We use Daichii hooks and all our beadheads are tied with tungsten. Check out unique variations on a lot of the classics, plus our original patterns! Angler's Pro Shop The finest products the fly fishing industry has to offer. Bighorn Fly and Tackle Shop Montana's premium fly shops, lodging and guide service. We're dedicated to helping you experience the best Montana has to offer. Bob Henley's TIE-A-FLY 19 traditional patterns. TIE-A-FLY kits have all materials needed to tie them, instructions/illustrations, a pre-tied fly to use as a model. Gary LaFontaine's "The Book Mailer" Every angling book & media in print—10% off 3 or more. LaFontaine fly patterns & materials. FREE anti-catalog. Crystal Fly Shop Online Store Quality products at reasonable prices from Winston, Elkhorn, St. Croix, Galvan, Solitude, Idylwilde, Chota, etc. Many items 15-35% off. Custom Fly Rod Crafters Fly rod building components, tools & supplies. Dan Bailey's Online Fly Shop Outfitting fly fishermen since 1938. Equipment & information to make your next fly fishing trip be a memorable one.		Fly Fishing Flies & Gear Shop RiverBum.com for premium FLIES and GEAR from Simms, Sage, Fishpond & more ... Free Shipping on orders over $25! FlyShack.com High quality, hand-tied flies. Assortments from $.60/fly. Great selection and excellent service. Free Shipping. FlyShopCloseouts.com Now—new and expanded—with much more brand name fly fishing tackle and gear at huge savings. Save 30-50% on quality brands you will recognize in an instant. Galloup's Slide Inn Online Fly Shop Full online store offering cutting-edge flies, equipment, and the best streamer selection found anywhere in the U.S. Hills Discount Flies Fly shop quality flies at wholesale prices. Over 1,000 patterns. Check out bargains in "Hot Deals" section. Hooked On Flies 65¢-69¢ a fly. That's 3 flies for less than the retail price of one fly. 450+ Trout Fly Patterns! Madison River Fishing Co. Spring is coming! We have TONS of new gear this year. Cloudveil, Simms, Sage, Under Armour, Vosseler Reels and lots more. Click or call 800-227-7127 for catalog. **Reelflies** - Fly Fishing Flies Offering incredible prices on top-quality Trout Flies: $0.49 - $0.79. Our flies have great fly illustrations . . . what you see is what you get! www.ShopUltimateAngler.com Your steelhead and smallmouth specialists featuring Simms, Sage, Patagonia, Orvis, guide services, local fishing reports and more!