Living in my small western town has a lot of perks, but unfortunately, a great bow shop isn’t one of them. It’s over an hour to get to the closest shop, constantly stressing me to beat their closing time. The final straw that pushed me into acquiring my own equipment was being closed on Sundays. As an aspiring home tech, I definitely wanted something quick, easy, and reliable to use. To do it right requires a proper set of tools, and the bow press is the foundation for good work. I was either making do with what I had on hand for a press or hoping a buddy might bring his over. It was time to do it right with a professional press. I watched the discussions on Rokslide and asked around. Ultimately, I chose the Howard’s Total Vise Legacy Bow Press here.
Howard’s Total Vise Legacy Bow Press
The biggest feature is its ability to press any bow without having to purchase additional accessories. All of Howard’s Total Vise products are made in the heart of Montana and include a lifetime warranty.
The “fingers” are what set the Legacy Bow Press apart from other presses on the market. They are designed with ample amounts of rubber padding to hold the bow securely without marring the bows finish.
Thumb screws can adjust the finger angle to press even beyond–parallel limb bows like a Matthews.
Versatilitity
Using the crossbow attachment, the fingers can relocate to an inner post. Now it can press something as tiny as this 21 ¾” axle to axle Nuclear ICE. A quick swap back will accommodate any longer bow like my 34” PSE Mach 34.
Another notable feature is the ability to quickly transform into a draw board. Simply insert the two included adaptors into the press arms and extend the press to draw the bow.
Rotate the draw board by installing a press knuckle, available for purchase separately here
This allows for checking compound features, including a sight’s 3rd axis. Additionally, the provided safety arm ensures the bow stays securely in place throughout the entire process.
Heavy Duty Drive Screw
A huge ¾ inch drive screw provides the Legacy Bow Press with worry-free lifetime performance. Attach a ⅜ inch battery powered drill for quickly making big adjustments or use the supplied hand crank for those precision adjustments.
The Howard’s Total Vise Legacy Bow Press spin and lock design can rotate the press up and out of the way. This feature leaves the bench top clear for those other projects.
Portable Mount Option
Want to bring the Legacy along to archery shoots or hunting trips? Howard Total Vise offers this quick hitch pedestal.
Just insert the pedestal and secure it quickly in a standard receiver hitch. The design allows the tailgate to fold down into a workstation. The hitch will not interfere and still allows adjustment to the optimum working height.
Conclusion
The Howard’s Total Vise system’s interchangeable pieces allow for the most ergonomic and efficient positioning of your work. Designed to let you swap out tools, positioners, vises, and plates with ease. This system saves space and adds versatility to your benchtop. If you’re in the market for the do-it-all system, check it out here.
Have Sam answer all your questions in the Rokslide review thread here.
