Metalworking Vise for Woodworker?

Re: Metalworking Vise for Woodworker?

Michael Campbell

>Like so many of these things, the biggest you can possibly afford; be that by price, size, weight, SWMBO tolerance, etc.

You don't need a permanent mount, however. You can mount it on a bit of 3/4 ply, and when you need it, clamp the whole assembly on your bench between dogs, with clamps, etc.

Re: Metalworking Vise for Woodworker?

Dave (Arlington, VA)

>Hi Don -

I found a 4" Columbian machinist vise at a garage sale for $7. It's definately seen its share of use. When I bought it the jaws would close, but would not open (or at least had to be opened manually) when I unwound the handle. I fixed that problem with a $.25 washer.

So far the 4" has been fine for around the house and workshop things. I've even done a little peening with it (long story). I used it to fashion from scratch one of the metal wall braces that holds a towel rack to the wall (after someone in the family - I'm not saying who - lost it). This required a bunch of bending, pounding, sawing, filing and so forth - and the 4" was up to the task.

However, I'm not sure it would be up to the task of the holy grail of woodworkers -- the fashioning of one's very own infill plane (though it might do for a chariot plane). I've kinda had this in the back of my mind as I've worked with it though I'm nowhere near ready to tackle such an undertaking.

So, in part I think your question will depend, at least in part, on what task/tasks you envision using it for.

I attached the base of mine to a 10"x6" piece of plywood that allows me to store it out of the way on a shelf. Then when I need it, I take it out and clamp it to my bench top. However, in my case available workspace is at a premium. Perhaps you don't face that challenge.

Good luck and let us know what you decide.

Regards -

Dave

Re: Metalworking Vise for Woodworker?

todd stock

>Have the 4" - really should have purchased the 6" - bigger is more stable and better in vises. Also - you'll lose some between-jaws room with pads, so the 6" makes even more sense.

Re: Metalworking Vise for Woodworker?

Doug Reynolds

>Don: With the "fire" sale at the big box stores and LV, I got one of each size. I do the delicate stuff on the 4" and the Shepard infills on the 6". I also use the Record woodworking vise for carpentry work and save the bench vises for the cabinetry. The Record quick release design does take some getting use to though. Both vises are mounted on 1 1/4 high density board with laminate on each side. I just clamp them where and when I need them and store them out of the way the rest of the time.

4" will see you out 95% of the time

Andrew F in Australia

>But, echoing the calls, get a bigger vice if you can.

I prefer them bench mounted, but, where space is an issue, I've seen them mounted on a bit of 1 1/2" ply (2 x 3/4" glued together), with a 2 x 4" cleat bolted to the underside of the ply. The cleat goes into your wood vice.

Andrew

Maybe even 99%

Bill Houghton, Sebastopol, CA

>I do a pretty wide range of work, wood, metal, mechanical, automotive, plumbing, etc. I have a little 4" Wilton on my benchlet and a hulking Parker (about 75 lbs) from my uncle in the storage shed. I get the latter out and clamp it to the bench about once a year.

If you follow the vise-on-plywood approach, do NOT clamp it in your wood vise with any portion of the vise hanging over the edge of the bench. You don't want to damage your wood vise. I'm inclined to agree with Andrew that clamping it to the bench is better.

Re: Metalworking Vise for Woodworker?

Rob Lee

>Can't ever remember anyone complaining about a vise being too large....

I bought a 6", and two 4".... don't know why...but they were such a good deal. Perhaps you'll see at least one on eBay 50 years from now, NIB...

Cheers -

Rob