well, as can be seen, there are a lot of differing opinions here, regarding
rotary vises. Taking into consideration that the OP was a pure beginner, I
used to echo the advice given by another to learn on a non-rotary vise.
However, if one can afford a decent true-rotary, I would now advise to learn
from the start on it. The Renzetti traveler is a solid true-rotary to learn
on. I would very much differ from my friend Frank R, who feels the Danvise
to be superior. It isn't, to my mind. I know a couple of pros here in PA who
had, and discarded Danvises because of their clumsiness in use. They are,
IMO, poorly designed for free hand movement, and the Renzetti design is
VASTLY superior.
As for the Nor-Vise, Frank is correct here, it is not a vise for beginners.
I don't really find it a comfortable vise for me at any point in time. When
I bought my Renzetti Presentation(21 years ago), I had a choice of that one
or a Nor-Vise. I watched a demo of the latter, and was allowed to tie on it
for a few days at home, and returned it for the Renzetti. As for
long-lasting, bang-for-buck issues, I have had the Presentation since 1986,
they still honor the warranty, but I never need it. Other than replacement
jaws, I have never had anything wear out, and this includes a 10 year period
of tying 1200-1500 dozen flies per year, and at least 300 dozen every year I
have owned the thing. They are tough buggers......
Tom