HMH St Vise Pedestal Model
HMH St Vise Pedestal Model is a complete fly-tying vise supplied on a freestanding base and fitted with the versatile Omni jaws. The ST combines a conventional fixed head angle with smooth 360° rotation. HMH’s disc-drag mechanism lets you tune the rotary resistance, from a light setting for inspecting the fly to firmer resistance when the head should remain in a chosen position. Rotation provides convenient access to the underside, far side and head of a pattern. Because the head angle is fixed, this function is primarily intended for positioning and inspection rather than keeping the hook shank precisely aligned with the axis for in-line rotary wrapping.
The Omni jaws cover a useful hook range of 20–2/0, accommodating many dry flies, nymphs, wet flies and streamers. An adjusting knob presets the grip for the hook-wire diameter, while the substantial cam lever closes the jaws with a quick movement. Once correctly set, hooks of similar wire can be secured and released with one hand without readjusting the mechanism each time. The precision-machined stainless-steel collet and adjusting knob support smooth, repeatable operation. HMH’s interchangeable-jaw system also allows a different compatible jaw to be installed when most of your tying falls outside the Omni range; alternative jaws are separate accessories.
The Pedestal version uses a powder-coated freestanding base, so it does not need to be attached to the edge of a tying table. This makes the vise easy to reposition, allows the entire workstation to be turned and suits tables that cannot accept a C-clamp. Its stand rod has a universal 3/8-inch diameter. Set the base on a flat, stable surface, leave comfortable clearance around the cam lever and adjust the grip to the wire of the hook being used. Place the hook so the jaws support it securely while leaving the shank and tying area accessible. After closing the lever, apply light finger pressure to confirm that the hook neither slips nor twists, increasing the setting only as much as required for stable tying.
Key features of the ST Pedestal model
- Omni jaws for hook sizes 20–2/0
- Smooth 360° rotation with disc-drag resistance control
- Fixed head angle and interchangeable HMH jaw system
- Cam lever for fast one-hand operation
- Freestanding base and 3/8-inch stand rod