Complete PanaVice workcenter at RadioShack (US) under $15! - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: SLJ
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 19, 2013, 10:21:32 pm
content: UPDATE - Now under $15!!!!Just a heads up, the complete PanaVice work center is on sale at Radio Shack for $19.95 right now. If you are looking for a good circuit board holder cheap nows your chance. On line is sold out but you can still grab them at some of the stores. I just found out and picked up one today.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 20, 2013, 04:24:09 am
content: FWIW, the324 Electronic Work Centeris Out-Of-Stock online.Potential buyers would have to check their local store/s to see if they have any (enter ZIP code & enter a distance in the "Find it Nearby" link on the product page).They did this previously with the 301 (same sale price), so perhaps they're in the process of clearing them out entirely.Might mean the 350 will also go on sale for this price if this is the case (have 301 & circuit board head already, but would like that 376 head if I can get it for $20).

author: TheBorg
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 20, 2013, 05:32:57 am
content: In stock locally here. How worth it is to get one of these? For general hobby use, some rework, all that boring stuff

author: Joule Thief
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 20, 2013, 06:39:53 am
content: The $20 is worth the price for the articulated base and the tray mount - even if you eventually end up finding the PC vise less than optimal for your work. Just detach the vise and attach a new style to complement the work at hand.They are sturdy. I have had mine for what seems like 30+ years.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 20, 2013, 07:19:48 am
content: Quote from: TheBorg on December 20, 2013, 05:32:57 amAbsolutely, especially at that price. Tray plate alone goes for $24, so you're getting everything else in the kit for free.

author: neslekkim
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 20, 2013, 12:57:04 pm
content: This is way too cheap, I have these, bought it pieces, but I use the tray on an Jr wise, and the 300 vise I mounted on an heavier base, but the tray actually are good enough on its own.the pcb holder is very good, but buy a couple of other heads for other uses.I like the 300 series better than the jr, since you get an extra joint that gives more flexibility.That solderiron holder I dont have, and dont need, but the tray have room for small items, very handy.

author: GreyWoolfe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 20, 2013, 08:29:12 pm
content: My local store was out but they found one in another store in the district. I should have it Tuesday. I agree with the overall sentiment. The price can't be beat and I have wanted a Panavise for a long time.

author: iampoor
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 23, 2013, 05:24:19 am
content: if anyone picks up an extra one, ill gladly buy it off you and send you a few bucks. need one of these badly and nothing local heh!

author: SLJ
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 23, 2013, 12:48:17 pm
content: Quote from: iampoor on December 23, 2013, 05:24:19 amDoes not matter what store it's in. They will send it to your local store for pickup. Just search on-line and then ask your local store to have the other store ship it to them.

author: GreyWoolfe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 23, 2013, 02:07:09 pm
content: As a side note, according to the person I spoke with on the phone, they can only transfer in units within the same district. They can't check stores out of the district.

author: iampoor
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 24, 2013, 01:16:00 am
content: Quote from: SLJ on December 23, 2013, 12:48:17 pmNothing in stock within 50 miles! I guess Ill go in and see what they can do heh.Otherwise I will gladly pay someone whatever it takes....seriously Im desperate!!! O0

author: xrunner
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 24, 2013, 01:21:21 am
content: Quote from: iampoor on December 24, 2013, 01:16:00 amSame here! Bastards.

author: iampoor
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 24, 2013, 05:08:51 am
content: Quote from: xrunner on December 24, 2013, 01:21:21 amYep! I was one day late too. I need one of these for some production runs Im doing and now dont want to shell out 60-80$! ll

author: creexpert
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 24, 2013, 03:27:00 pm
content: how much are these guys worth to you guys? I can get 2 or 3.. but they are 60 miles away

author: iampoor
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 24, 2013, 05:19:37 pm
content: Can you get them shipped to a closer store?I dont want to be a bother

author: GreyWoolfe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 24, 2013, 07:28:59 pm
content: Remember, if the stores are in the same district, they will overnight them at no additional cost. I went late Friday, was told it wouldn't ship until Monday and it will probably be in store on Tuesday (today). I called the store, it is in and I will be going to pick up my shiny new toy! I love shiny new toys!

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 24, 2013, 07:33:33 pm
content: FWIW, I can get at least 3x (one location), not sure on another the website shows stock (phone number listed was the fax machine). Not close, but I can have anything from either of these shipped to a store very close to me (would save me 120 miles of driving to fetch them).

author: GreyWoolfe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 24, 2013, 09:29:00 pm
content: Just picked mine up and put it together. Sex on a stick

author: iampoor
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 24, 2013, 10:16:13 pm
content: Quote from: nanofrog on December 24, 2013, 07:33:33 pmIf you do, let me know if you have any xtras and how much you want for one!

author: SLJ
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 24, 2013, 11:50:41 pm
content: I wound up with four. Three are going out as gifts and keeping one for myself. I already have the wide opening head and the regular vice with the vacuum base so this one will complete my Panavice set up.

author: TheBorg
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 25, 2013, 01:52:15 am
content: Anyone think this deal will last another week? Wasn't able to drive the 40 miles to get one locally, and am not able to make it out due to the holidays for a while... Hmm. Just realizing how much I could use one of these!

author: xrunner
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 25, 2013, 01:56:12 am
content: Quote from: TheBorg on December 25, 2013, 01:52:15 amIt might. They like to keep customers buying during the holidaze. I know I'm going to check again.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 25, 2013, 06:51:40 am
content: Quote from: iampoor on December 24, 2013, 10:16:13 pmHaven't purchased any yet. Just trying to find out if anyone is interested, and if so, how many to get, ...

author: iampoor
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 25, 2013, 08:42:19 am
content: Sounds like a plan. Sign me up, ill paypal you a deposit if necessary. Etc.Thanks!

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 25, 2013, 09:07:05 pm
content: Quote from: iampoor on December 25, 2013, 08:42:19 amPM sent.

author: TheBorg
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 25, 2013, 09:56:41 pm
content: Quote from: nanofrog on December 25, 2013, 09:07:05 pmHow bad is shipping on these? Wouldn't it be around $20?

author: marshallh
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 25, 2013, 10:36:18 pm
content: I'll pay cost and then shipping domestic US.. paypal, pm me

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 26, 2013, 05:03:58 am
content: Quote from: TheBorg on December 25, 2013, 09:56:41 pmClose to it (~$18 based on online pricing I've pulled up).Might be possible to repack the contents in one of the USPS's Flat Rate Boxes, but there's not one that the box it comes in will fit directly (kit comes in a 6"x9"x13" box according to Amazon).

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 26, 2013, 05:14:50 am
content: Quote from: marshallh on December 25, 2013, 10:36:18 pmPM sent.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 26, 2013, 05:21:50 pm
content: If anyone else is interested, let me know today. Will purchase them tomorrow (Fri. Dec. 27). Would be able to pick them up the following Monday, then get them packed and shipped.Two are spoken for, but there's another 4 units possible yet, so please let me know.

author: ZeroAviation
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 27, 2013, 12:17:31 am
content: Thanks for the tip guys! My local radioshack had 25% off clearance items. Picked up mine for $14. They only had 1 left after i got mine.

author: TheBorg
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 27, 2013, 05:30:59 am
content: Quote from: ZeroAviation on December 27, 2013, 12:17:31 amwhere at? Is it a chain thing or your store only? Saving another $6 on this would be awesome!

author: Radio Tech
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 27, 2013, 12:32:00 pm
content: I got mine on christmas eve. Could not believe the price, plus it was at radio shack!

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 27, 2013, 10:20:51 pm
content: Quote from: iampoor on December 25, 2013, 08:42:19 amPM sent.Quote from: marshallh on December 25, 2013, 10:36:18 pmPM sent.

author: george graves
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 28, 2013, 11:03:47 pm
content: Just came back form RS.None were at the store, but he found one inside of the 50 mile radius they can ship store-to-store. At first he told me that since it was a clearence item store-to-store shipping wasn't allowed, but I guess it punched at the keyboard long enough to make it happen.Paid $14.95. Woot! Thanks OP.

author: TheBorg
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 29, 2013, 03:21:33 am
content: Just picked one up today! This thing is awesome! Paid $16 for it, so 20% off clearance at the store I went to. Having a bit of trouble keeping the center post in the ball joint where it needs to be, but nothing else past that. Have a gigantic computer motherboard in it right now, this thing handles with 0 problems. Doesn't tilt over, nothing. It's great! Shout out to the OP, I've used panavises before but never got one because they were out of my price range. This is way better than balancing boards...

author: SLJ
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 29, 2013, 03:40:03 am
content: I thought some here might be able to use one and the price is right.

author: GreyWoolfe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 29, 2013, 07:32:38 pm
content: I was also one of the lucky one to get one, thanks! I was also at a ham tailgater and picked up a used 301 with the 308 base. For another $2, I got a replacement set of jaw pads. I am just planning to use the vise head on the 324 since they swap out easy and put the 301/308 combo on the shelf. I am with you Borg. I always wanted Panavise but the cost was out of reach. For $42 invested, I have a great setup.

author: SLJ
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 31, 2013, 12:12:19 am
content: One more came in to my local Shack from another store in the area. The price has dropped to $14.98. Scooped it up.They must be dying to get rid of them as the cost of the FedEx shipping from the other store had to be at least half the selling price.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 31, 2013, 01:48:18 am
content: Quote from: SLJ on December 31, 2013, 12:12:19 amAccording to a store manager I spoke with, they're getting rid of them entirely. If you recall, they ran the same clearance price on the Panavise 301 back in August, and that model is no longer on their website. So that explanation seems to be valid.I still have a unit available.

author: TheBorg
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 31, 2013, 02:28:07 am
content: Hoping the 350 goes on sale, nowthatis a nice vise. Not that I'm complaining about mine now

author: xrunner
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 31, 2013, 02:40:53 am
content: Quote from: nanofrog on December 31, 2013, 01:48:18 amUgh. That probably means that they are realizing they can't compete on hobbyist products, and will stock up even more on cell phones.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 31, 2013, 06:14:20 am
content: Quote from: TheBorg on December 31, 2013, 02:28:07 amThis is the one I'm still after as well (at least the 376 head), but I wouldn't turn up my nose at the rest of the parts. Especially for $20.Quote from: xrunner on December 31, 2013, 02:40:53 amNot sure on the hobbyist market entirely, but seems to be the case with the traditional Panavise products (perhaps not the security camera or cell phone mounts).But after seeing a $60 soldering iron kit with a fire stick in it, you might be right.FWIW, the boxes I picked up have dates printed on them. One is from March 2012, and the other two are from October 2012, so it seems they sat on a shelf for quite a while.

author: SLJ
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 31, 2013, 01:56:41 pm
content: Quote from: nanofrog on December 31, 2013, 06:14:20 amI checked ans all of mine are dated from 2012 also. Oldest box is Jan. 2012.I did notice in my local RS that they have started selling the new Weller entry level soldering irons with the built in LEDs and not the junk ones they were selling. That's a bit of an improvement. At least they are now selling something that has replacement tips available.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 31, 2013, 10:38:25 pm
content: Quote from: SLJ on December 31, 2013, 01:56:41 pmI wasn't paying that close of attention, but it may have been a Weller (was red FWIW, as Weller's consumer models I've seen pics of are these days).BTW, do you mean the ones with the LED's in the handle?

author: GreyWoolfe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 31, 2013, 10:42:50 pm
content: I just checked my box, it is from Nov. 2012. I think if RS discontinued the 350, I would probably get one. One cannot have too many toys after all.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 31, 2013, 10:48:24 pm
content: Quote from: GreyWoolfe on December 31, 2013, 10:42:50 pmGenerally I'd agree, but SWMBO might force limits. Otherwise, one's quality of life may go down the drain, or even shorten their lifespan.

author: robrenz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 31, 2013, 11:39:59 pm
content: I just got one at my local RS for $14.95thanks for the heads up

author: PedroDaGr8
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 01, 2014, 01:49:39 am
content: Lucky you guys, none available anywhere near me. Oh well!Sent from my EVO using Tapatalk

author: GreyWoolfe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 01, 2014, 07:13:45 am
content: Nano, you are right. My wife puts up with my peccadillos, but she does know where the gun is.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 01, 2014, 08:25:54 am
content: Quote from: PedroDaGr8 on January 01, 2014, 01:49:39 amHow far did you check distance wise on Radio Shack's site?I had to push it to 50mi. to find a couple of stores that had stock.Quote from: GreyWoolfe on January 01, 2014, 07:13:45 am

author: george graves
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 02, 2014, 04:30:09 pm
content: The employees seem to have a better system to find things. I'd go in to the store.BTW - picked mine up. I didn't realize how huge it is. It seems more at home for working on PC motherboards than something, say, the size of Arduino. I honestly can't think of what I'll use it for - it's just too big for my needs. The base is nice, so maybe I'll make/buy a different head.

author: Po6ept
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 03, 2014, 04:56:14 am
content: My wife shopped smart and bought me one of these for Christmas at the sale price. It was a pleasant surprise and I didn't even have to hint. It has already earned a firm place on my glad-to-have list.

author: kebogen
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 03, 2014, 05:57:54 am
content: Quotehmm,I agree with you, i just need one to help me with the shit work.

author: TheBorg
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 03, 2014, 06:17:20 am
content: Quote from: george graves on January 02, 2014, 04:30:09 pmIt is wonderful for working on computer motherboards, that's exactly what I'm using mine for nowJust slap another head on it and you are good to go

author: GreyWoolfe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 05, 2014, 11:21:15 pm
content: George, I know it looks too big and for PC motherboards, but I just put a little pcb project, a 9 volt regulator. The board is 1.25" or 30 mm according to my uRuler and it fits just fine along the short edge. I see no issue with holding almost any size project board.

author: Kohanbash
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 05, 2014, 11:41:23 pm
content: HiI use a panavise pcb holder at work all the time and was excited to get one for my home. I was lucky and able to get one for the good price. When I opened the box I noticed that the quality is not the same as the older ones.For anyone familiar with the old ones:- I am not sure how I feel about the little latch on the top of the PCB holder for quick release. The older version while it did not hold its position as well between clamps was smoother to use and could not come loose when working on a board.- This one is more lightweight (can be good or bad)- The ball pivot is not nearly as smooth as the older model we have at work. I am not sure if it is because the ones I usually use are worn in a bit or if it is actually a quality difference.

author: staxquad
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 07, 2014, 07:11:22 pm
content: Quote from: PedroDaGr8 on January 01, 2014, 01:49:39 amtusk tuskI have a friend who winters in Florida, but he was only going there Monday. I phoned a Radio Shack on Friday that had stock nearby to ship to his local store, but they don't do that, have to order at the store to pick up. So I mapped out all the Radio Shacks who still had stock and had some 14 of them, gave the list to my friend. As the days went by, 33931, 33511, 33704 and 32828 sold out. My friend got back to me today saying he secured one from Miami and will get it in 2 days, and me in April when he gets back. 32780, 33316, 33012, 33030, 33040, 33126 and 33155 still show having stock who are 200 miles or less from his location.So one Kanuk checking in having gotten one at $19.95 (or less, my friend didn't tell me the cost). In Canada on Amazon.ca it costs $105.49 plus $13.71 tax plus $19.10 shipping for a total of $138.30CAD (130.00US)(Newark Canada (Element 14) it only $123.75 plus tax and shipping, Digikey.ca $115.06 plus tax plus $8 shipping).But all that didn't matter,I checked today and there's stock ONLINE, I could have payed with Paypal and sent to his address without him having to go to the store and have to return in 2 days. Oh well!edit: well that didn't last long, out of stockhttp://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=12710563&prodFindSrc=cartput two in the cart just in case my friend couldn't get one to his storeIf Radio Shack got their stock replenished at that price, it must be Panavise clearing out their stock for a remodel.maybe not, probably put back in stock returns from people who paid full price recently

author: SLJ
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 07, 2014, 08:15:34 pm
content: Out of stock again on line here and at your link.