Est. 1998 — 27 years of woodworking knowledge
Hank Knight Re:6/19/05 Post
Robert L.
>Hi Hank,
I just re-discovered your post from June 05, that vise would be a great addition for my simple bench.
What size hardware was used and where did you find it? Is there anything that you would change if you had to do it over?
Would you consider using threaded inserts in lieu of the T-Nuts?
Thanks
Re: Hank Knight Re:6/19/05 Post
Hank Knight from SC
>Robert,
I have been very happy with my "face vice." Having used if for a year, I don't know of anything I would change. I ordered the components from MSC Industrial Supply. Here's the list: as many as you need Machinist's stainless steel T slot nuts (MSC # 06819304), two 1/2 X 13 X 8" stainless steel threaded studs (MSC # 86778081) and two aluminum speed handles (MSC # 82404237). Depending on how you configure your bench top and how you place the T slot nuts, you may need different length studs. Studs are available in various lengths up to 8" or you could use threaded rod instead. I'm sure the components can be purchased elsewhere, but you can order them online from MSC at www.mscdirect.com. They are very nice to do business with and shipment/delivey is very fast. My orders are shipped from Atlanta and sometimes I get next day delivery.
I suppose you could use threaded inserts, but my tendancy is to over-engineer everyting I build, so I used T nuts. My thinking was that the flange on the T nut would give me a lot of bearing surface and would never pull out if I really cranked down on them. If you decide to use T nuts, be aware that most T nuts are not threaded completely through. This prevents the stud from being overtightened and damaging the bottom of the T slot in a machine table. I cut the threads all the way through with a 1/2 X 13 tap so the stud could thread through the nut and into the bench top behind it. It wasn't difficult. (Note, the MSC Part # I gave you above is for stainless steel T slot nuts that- I think - have the threads tapped all the way through). I also used oversized, thick washers to spread out the clamping force from the speed handles. This too was probably unnecessary, but it works great. If you need more information, e-mail me.
Hank
Re: Hank Knight Re:6/19/05 Post
Robert L.
>Thanks very much Hank...now to MSC...