Leslie Massey
Dawn Tools Australia manufactures a wide range of vices, including bench, fabricated, pipe, offset, and drill press vices. The company has been making vices in Australia since at least the 1920s, when they presented a carpenter's vice and an engineer's vice to a technical school. Dawn's Australian-made products are cast in three locations within Australia: Ajax Foundry in Silverwater, Trigg Brothers in Adelaide, and Whites in Dalby, Queensland. In addition to their Australian-made units, Dawn has expanded its product line to include vices made in China.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Country of origin | Australia, China |
| Types of vices | Bench, fabricated, pipe, offset, drill press, carpenter's, engineer's, woodworking |
| Materials | Cast iron, steel |
| Weight | 16kg, 19kg, 33kg |
| Jaw width | 200mm, 225mm |
| Max jaw opening | 300mm |
| Number of pieces | 1, 2 |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
History of Dawn Tools Australia
Dawn Tools Australia, previously known as Dawn Manufacturing Co., has a long history dating back to 1917. The company was founded in the Melbourne suburb of Coburg, Victoria, by four brothers named Blake, all of whom were engineers. The first products they manufactured were vices, and the company grew significantly after the First World War, selling its products across Australia. During the Great Depression, each employee worked 60-80 hours a week, and during the Second World War, Dawn supplied vices and clamps to the Australian Defence Department and the munitions industry.
Over the years, Dawn has changed hands several times. In 1959, the company was acquired by the G.N. Raymond Group. Then, in 1973, it was taken over by Siddons Ramset Limited. In December 1991, Dawn became a part of the United States-owned Stanley Works Pty. Finally, in 1998, Dawn returned to 100% Australian ownership.
Throughout its history, Dawn has been a prominent manufacturer of vices and clamps, with a focus on quality and innovation. The company has also diversified its product range, offering various specialty tools such as industrial fans, lifting jacks, tyre rim tools, and more. In 2020, Dawn expanded its product line to include vices made in China, while continuing to produce Australian-made units. Today, Dawn Tools and Vices Pty Ltd prides itself on manufacturing premium-quality vices, clamps, and associated hand tools, servicing trade and heavy industries in Australia and beyond.
Converting South African Rand to Australian Dollars: A Quick Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Are Dawn vices only made in Australia?
Dawn Tools manufactures a wide range of vices, including bench, fabricated, pipe, offset, and drill press vices. The company was founded in Australia, and for a long time, it ran its own foundry in Coburg. However, as of 2020, Dawn has expanded its product lines to include vices made in China in addition to their Australian-made units.
The company's Australian-made products are cast in three locations within Australia: Ajax Foundry in Silverwater, Trigg Brothers in Adelaide, and Whites in Dalby, Queensland. Dawn's general manager, Evan, stated that the company has expanded its product line beyond what they make in Australia by adding less expensive vices made overseas to their specifications.
Historically, Dawn has been associated with manufacturing in Australia. For example, in 1928, the Sunshine Advocate (Victoria) reported that Dawn had presented a carpenter's vice and an engineer's vice to Sunshine Technical School. In 1929, an ad in The West Australian promoted "Boans Australian-made carpenters' VYCES (sic), Dawn manufacture."
Today, Dawn continues to manufacture vices in Australia, as evidenced by online classified listings for new and used Dawn vices in Australia, specifically mentioning that the vices are Australian-made. However, with the expansion of their product line, it is important to note that not all Dawn vices are exclusively made in Australia, as some are now also manufactured in China.
Ammonite Hunting in Australia: Where to Find Them
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Types of vices made by Dawn
Dawn Tools manufactures a wide range of vices in Australia. The company was founded in 1921 and has since become a prominent manufacturer of vices and other tools.
Over the years, Dawn has expanded its product line to include various types of vices, catering to different needs and applications. Here are some of the specific types of vices that Dawn manufactures:
Bench Vices
Bench vices are one of the most common types of vices offered by Dawn. They are designed to be mounted on a workbench and provide a sturdy base for clamping and holding workpieces. Bench vices are versatile and can be used for a wide range of tasks, such as woodworking, metalworking, and general repair work.
Fabricated Vices
Fabricated vices are another specialty of Dawn. These vices are typically made from steel or cast iron and offer high clamping strength. Fabricated vices are often used in industrial applications and can handle heavy-duty tasks. They are known for their durability and ability to securely hold workpieces.
Pipe Vices
Pipe vices, or pipe clamps, are designed specifically for clamping pipes and tubular objects. They are commonly used in plumbing and mechanical applications. Dawn's pipe vices are known for their adjustability and ability to accommodate pipes of various sizes.
Offset Vices
Offset vices, or swivel vices, feature a unique design that allows the jaws to be offset from the main axis of the vice. This configuration provides greater flexibility in clamping irregular-shaped objects or accessing tight spaces. Offset vices are often used in engineering and automotive applications.
Drill Press Vices
Drill press vices are designed to be used with drill presses or milling machines. They provide precise and secure clamping of workpieces during drilling or machining operations. Dawn's drill press vices are known for their accuracy and ability to handle a range of drilling applications.
Other Types of Vices
In addition to the above, Dawn also manufactures a variety of other vice types, including chain vices, woodworking vices, carpenter's vices, engineer's vices, and quick-action vices. Each type of vice is designed for specific applications and is known for its durability and performance.
It is worth noting that, as of 2020, Dawn has expanded its product line to include vices made in China, in addition to their Australian-made units. This expansion allows them to offer a range of products at different price points while maintaining the quality and specifications that Dawn is known for.
Mud Crab Diet: What Do These Australian Crustaceans Eat?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Reviews of Dawn vices
A review of the Dawn 5SP 125mm cast engineer's vice on MotoFaction notes that it is a "very solid vice" weighing approximately 24kg. The reviewer also notes that the vice has a well-protected and replaceable nut, and that the screw is well-hidden, reducing the likelihood of swarf or chips falling onto it. After cleaning, degreasing, and lubricating the vice, the reviewer notes that it moves "smoothly and evenly with minimal slop".
Another review on MotoFaction of the Dawn 150mm fabricated engineer's vice notes that the vice is "very strong and sturdy, with smooth movement (especially after fresh grease) and very little slop". The reviewer also notes that the jaws mate perfectly and the vice clamps tightly.
However, some reviewers have expressed concerns about the quality of more recent Dawn products. One reviewer on Woodwork Forums notes that they have heard "mixed reports" of Dawn equipment made in the last few years, including reports of weak castings. Another reviewer on the same site notes that the Dawn pivot vice, which is not made in Australia, feels "sloppy and roughly made".
Overall, reviews of Dawn vices suggest that they are well-made and long-lasting, particularly the older models. However, there may be some concerns about the quality of more recent models, especially those that are not made in Australia.
Australian Citizens: University Education and Its Costs
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Where to buy Dawn vices
Dawn vices are available for purchase on eBay Australia and Total Tools.
On eBay Australia, Dawn vices are available in various types, including bench vices, woodworking vices, chain vices, bar clamps, drill press vices, and toggle clamps. The prices for Dawn vices on eBay Australia range from under AU $230 to over AU $540.
Total Tools also offers a wide range of Dawn vices, including the DAWN 150mm Multi-Purpose Vice, DAWN 150mm Engineer Vice, DAWN 225mm Woodwork Standard Vice, and DAWN 125mm Multifunctional Vice. The prices for Dawn vices on Total Tools vary, with some options offering free delivery.
It is worth noting that Dawn has expanded its product line to include vices made in China, in addition to their Australian-made units.
How the UK System Influenced Australia's Government
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, Dawn vices are made in Australia.
Dawn vices are cast in three locations within Australia: Ajax Foundry in Silverwater, Trigg Brothers in Adelaide, and Whites in Dalby, QLD.
Dawn previously ran its own foundry in Coburg. However, the company now also offers vices made in China in addition to its Australian-made units.
Dawn manufactures a wide range of vices, including bench vices, pipe vices, offset vices, and drill press vices.
Yes, vintage Dawn vices are occasionally available for sale, including restored and repainted models.
