Forward CR40A 4.5 in Bench Vise Heavy Duty - Swivel Anvil

In this review the Forward CR40A 4.5 in bench vise is evaluated for home shops and light professional use; the bottom line is that it delivers durable clamping power and flexible positioning without needless complexity. Built from upgraded PSI 60,000 ductile iron and rated for roughly 6600 lbs of clamping force, this vise is aimed at users who need a tough, stable workholding solution with a large anvil and a 210 degree swivel base. It stands out when a reliable, heavy-duty vise is required for metalworking, woodworking, or general repairs.

Key Features

• Heavy duty construction: The PSI 60,000 ductile iron body offers rugged durability for repeated workshop use and resists fracture under heavy loads.
• Strong clamping force: With about 6600 lbs (30 kN) of clamping force, the vise holds stock securely for cutting, filing, and drilling tasks.
• Versatile jaw options: Two sets of replaceable jaws plus built-in pipe jaws expand clamping choices for flat, slotted, and round workpieces.
• 210 degree swivel base: The lockdown swivel lets you rotate and lock the workpiece into a practical orientation without remounting the vise.
• Large anvil surface: The integrated anvil provides a handy striking and shaping area for light hammering and forming operations.

Who It's For

The CR40A is well suited to hobbyists, small shop owners, and tradespeople who need a compact but robust vise that can handle metal and wood tasks with dependable clamping and a useful anvil surface. Its combination of weight, jaw options, and swivel base makes it a strong choice for bench-centric work where repositioning and versatile holding are common.

Users who need very large jaw widths, industrial-scale vises for heavy fabrication, or precision woodworking vises with specialized face materials should look elsewhere; this model favors general-purpose strength and flexibility over ultra-fine milling bench work.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Sturdy ductile iron construction provides long-term durability and a solid feel under load.
• Multiple jaw types and built-in pipe jaws increase usable clamping scenarios without extra purchases.
• The 210 degree swivel base makes angling and locking workpieces quick and efficient.

Cons

• At this size, the 4.5 in jaw width and 5 in opening limit capacity for very large stock or heavy industrial use.

Specifications

Jaw Width	114.3 mm (4.5 in)
Jaw Opening	127 mm (5 in)
Throat Depth	66 mm (2.6 in)
Clamping Force	6600 lbs (30 kN)
Material	PSI 60,000 ductile iron
Swivel Base	210 degree lockdown swivel
Pipe Jaws	Built-in 1/2 in - 3 1/2 in

Our Verdict

The Forward CR40A 4.5 in bench vise is a worthwhile buy for users who want a robust, versatile vise that balances clamping strength, jaw options, and a rotating base at a good value. It is especially attractive for home shops and small professional setups that need reliable holding and a usable anvil without upgrading to a larger industrial vise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the jaws be replaced?
Yes, the vise ships with replaceable serrated flat jaws and slot jaws to suit different clamping needs.

What size pipe can it grip?
The built-in pipe jaws accommodate pipe from about 1/2 in up to 3 1/2 in diameter.

Does the base rotate and lock?
Yes, the 210 degree swivel base rotates to position workpieces and can be locked down for stable clamping.