I just posted on http://www.metalworking.com/ 4 pictures of a foot operated vise owned by Richard Heinicke in Mich. He is trying to get some info about it. If anyone can help he can be contacted at ranvilh.com (his site) or post here :roll: The pictures are listed below.








Edit: photos added

I have seen them called shoeing Vices, the tapered swage blocks were for forge welding the toe caulks on horse shoes.

Here is what is commonly called a Bolt Makers Vice used by Alice James in her shop. They are similar but different.

we'll see if I can post an image. This is a pic of my foot vise in the shop here at home. Same brand, different dies. I'd like to find another for the trailer shop. I use it most days. Twisting the most or just to grab for a third hand. I also use mine for distance marking (bends) of up to 1/2 square or rounds. Ash tray sets on it too. Mine ain't bolted down and in my small shop, it can be moved around as needed.

Edit: photo added

i had the chance to use a vice like this once and fell in love with the tool. we called it a 'kick vice'. id love to have one built or found for reasonable (read that as cheap)price.
they are nice to save yourself from losing to much heat when cranking a regular vice to hold your work.

hi jerry, didnt get any photos of yours and couldnt find them on the site you mentioned. Jr's photo doesnt (to me ) make it clear how it works, got any pictures that more clearly show pivot points etc. with a view to makin one?
Your quote does me good everytime i see it, cheers, geoff

Geoff, the posting are still there, "Rich-s vise 11.jpg" posted 10-15-05. Look under "Drop box files" in the "R's" bout 3/4 way down the page. If you still can't get them email me and I'll send them. Put "Rich's vise" as the subject so's you don't get spamed out.