Reddit reviews PanaVise 381 Vacuum Base PanaVise
We found 6 Reddit comments about PanaVise 381 Vacuum Base PanaVise. Here are the top ones, ranked by their Reddit score.
Single knob controls head movement through 3-planes: 90 Degree Tilt, 360 Turn & 360 RotationJaws are 2.5-Inch (63.5mm) wide, 0.5 (12.6mm) tall and open to 2.25 (57.1mm)Base accepts all 300 series Heads and any 5/8-Inch (15.9mm) diameter shaftPad footprint measures 5.125 x 4.25 (130.2mm x 108mm). Height: 6.125 (155.6mm), Weight: 2.8 lbs. (1.3kg)Limited Lifetime Warranty!
Those are really cheap. They are mostly used to solder wires since they can't support much weight. I would get him something better like this or this if you wanted to spend a little more. I have all three of these, so I know what is good :)
How about a tabletop vise? Lots of options in different price ranges, but something like this will let him clamp the lock in place and pick it hands-free vs having to hold the lock and tension wrench in one hand and pick with the other.
PanaVise 381 Vacuum Base PanaVise https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000B63276/
Vise, like this one
PanaVise 381
In my experience, the helping hands tools are too flimsy to do any real work on a board with them. I've always preferred to have a solid table clamp similar to this. You will be able to hold a board, solder on it, probe around on it with a scope or multimeter, etc. I haven't seen many helping hands tools that allow you to do that.
Separately, I would recommend a Weller or Hakko. I have a Hakko FX888D that works well and was relatively cheap (about $100). A good soldering iron will have good options for tip sizes AND provide heat to the tip making your soldering work nice and easy.
I use a Panavise 381.