Bench Vice for Lost Wax

If you’re getting started with lost wax jewellery making, one tool that I can't live without is a bench vice. Whether you’re wax carving or setting stones, a vice is a must-have for all lost wax jewellers.

Why You Need a Bench Vice for Lost Wax

When you’re working with wax, especially using a build-up sculpting method, you're going to be moving your mandrel around, A LOT. So it's important to add a vice that adds a bit of height to your bench, and gives you the option to move your work around while you sculpt and carve.

A bench vice allows you to:

• hold your ring mandrel steady while shaping designs
• work more comfortably at your desk (added height)

The Two Vices I Use for Wax Carving and Stone Setting

I personally use two different vices in my setup, but you only need one to start.

1. Desk-mounted Stanley vice (best for setting stones)
   This affordable vice has soft jaws and is clamped directly to my desk. I use it mainly for setting stones in my lost wax jewellery designs because it does not produce as much recoil when I tap with my hammer.
   
   
2. Moveable Craftright vice (the best all-rounder vice)
   This heavy little vice sits in a baking tray on my bench. I use this one pretty much every day to:
   • hold my ring mandrel while sculpting wax
   • shape and refine organic designs once cast in metal
   • stamp jewellery using the small anvil on the back
     

Best Vice for Wax Carving (Beginner Recommendation)

If you’re just starting out, you absolutely do not need two vices. The best vice for wax carving as a beginner would be the Craftright Blue Bench Vice from Bunnings or Amazon. It's just a great all-rounder to start with while you find your feet in the wonderful world of wax carving.

It’s a good starting point because you can use it for: 

• wax carving & sculpting
• metal refining & polishing
• simple stone setting techniques
  

I used a setup with only one vice for a long time before upgrading. But i'll say this, I wish I upgraded sooner. 

Bench Vice for Setting Stones in Lost Wax Jewellery

When it comes to setting stones in lost wax jewellery, stability makes a huge difference. I was kicking myself for not having the Stanley vice on my bench sooner because it made the whole stone setting process so much easier.

A basic Craftright vice can work, but upgrading to a more solid, desk mounted setup like the Stanley can make stone setting noticeably easier, especially as a beginner. 

Watch: Bench Vice Setup for Lost Wax Jewellery

Here’s a video where I show the two vices I use for wax carving and setting stones.