Bench Vises

Probably would help to know your budget, vises vary greatly between $60 to $400 on up.

SMP, you have a point there. I would have to say $100 – $200 staying in the mid range. Just needs to have good clamping power.

-- Eric, building the dream

I have one mounted on the long side of my work bench. Sorry can’t think of the name but I bought it on line through lee valley made in Czechoslovakia. All medal and quick release. Quick release is handy. And it holds quite well Good luck.

-- Cheers

I came across this video on You Tube and although it is about workbenches the speaker spends a lot of time going over every kind of wood working vise. https://youtu.be/8ZmHBquTDX8

-- Cheers

Thanks Dusty, neat video, different types of vises, thanks for the video link.

How’s your shop coming along?

-- Eric, building the dream

What bench design will this go into ? What projects will you be working on (these would help choose some vises over others)?

-- ㊍ When in doubt - There is no doubt - Go the safer route.

PurpLev,
Planning on a heavy bench made up of 2x stock, measuring 7’ x 3’6”. Having a 6” overhang from the base. I will be using 3/4 plywood topped with a piece of hard board, then band the edge. I have thought about adding a 2×6 across the top of the bench frame which would give me a full 2 1/2” along the edges. With a shelf on the bottom and drawers. I have built one similar in the past and it is sturdy.

I have some furniture ideas with mortens and tenons that I would like to build. Smaller projects with different types of joints. Teach myself how to use more hand tools. Ultimatly I would like to build a sailboat about 23’ in length.

But a good bench vise that can be used for a multitude of wood projects. I did see one not to long ago in a Woodsmith article, that elevated the piece which was being worked, either bolt on or it could be clamped to the bench. But that is a build project.

-- Eric, building the dream

If you have amazon prime, this is a good deal for the price. The Yost clone is pretty good too. But I find with the Yost products they are a little “rough”, but easily fixed with some wet dry paper and sanding all the edges of the vise screw etc.

https://www.amazon.com/Eclipse-Quick-Release-Woodworking-Vise/dp/B0043YHD4A/ref=pd_aw_vtp_469_1/137-2761186-8550936?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B0043YHD4A&pd_rd_r=914122c1-c86a-4fa6-b4d1-0a95d81a69b8&pd_rd_w=bPRgt&pd_rd_wg=bC0Qc&pf_rd_p=9bc007eb-f080-45bf-a7c4-f969cc4a41ce&pf_rd_r=XGKSR2NV8BN0B8K67B9T&psc=1&refRID=XGKSR2NV8BN0B8K67B9T

I have that 9inch face vise SMP put a link to, i have loved it. Never had to touch any surface up or anything, it came in good condition all edges broke etc. The quick release works great and will spoil you. It makes taking something in out fast easy, like planing a board and checking it for square etc

I finally have a wagon vise and as soon as I can complete the legs on my bench I will build a large maple leg vise. Plan on using the Lake Erie maple screw to draw it in.
https://www.lakeerietoolworks.com/collections/wooden-vise-screw-kits/products/2x-wood-vise-standard-kit

You would probably be well served starting with a face vise (long side) at the left hand side of your bench. (Assuming you ate right- handed) This will help you get all kinds of work done. Many people only have a face vise on their bench.
Later on, as funds permit, and you feel the need, you can add a tail vise to the right end of your bench.
WARNING: My universal advise for anyone about to build a workbench. Make it AT LEAST 36 inches high. Never less. Trust me, your back will THANK you for it every time you use it.

-- Barry, in Maryland

Eric what type of bench are you building? A custom or a Roubo?

I built my bench to suit my specific needs. I have a Jorgensen face vice it has a steel bench dog. I routed out a back plate to cover the back jaw of the vice to allow room for a shop made deadman or a clamps.

I also have a tail vice that I also made the jaws for.

I wish I used the Jorgensen type on the tail because the vice doesn’t close properly if you don’t have the same thickness piece of wood on the opposite side of the vice.

I left a 2-1/2” over hang on the sides of the bench for
space for clamping.
I hope this helps.

Best Regards
James Mc

-- James E McIntyre

WARNING: My universal advise for anyone about to build a workbench. Make it AT LEAST 36 inches high. Never less. Trust me, your back will THANK you for it every time you use it.

- Bearcontrare

It depends on what you are doing on the bench. If hand plane work is to be done 36” may be getting a little high but for dovetail work 32” is too low. I find a moxon vise a handy way to get the best of both heights. Still working on my bench but haven’t settled on the final leg height yet. I may need to start high and use repetitive cuts to arrive at a sweet spot. It also depends on other factors like how tall you are along with how long your legs are.

It depends on what you are doing on the bench. If hand plane work is to be done 36” may be getting a little high but for dovetail work 32” is too low. I find a moxon vise a handy way to get the best of both heights. Still working on my bench but haven t settled on the final leg height yet. I may need to start high and use repetitive cuts to arrive at a sweet spot. It also depends on other factors like how tall you are along with how long your legs are.

- controlfreak

Not really. Paul Sellers recommends 38” for all hand tool work. He says if you feel its too high, then your plane
Isn’t truly sharp:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=hJHrSmZQx10

Even though I’m barely 5’10” I also like taller benches. My back hates to be just a little bent for long periods of time. Love the Paul Sellers line, I’ll use that sometime.

-- Bob "jack of all trades, master of none"