Replies

1. 
   Eef | Jun 11, 2009 05:37pm | #1

   hey mark,

   pilot holes are usually drilled as deep as the screw is long. 

   is your bench top mdf?  if so, you may not want to hang too much weight from it.  maybe machine screws with nuts and washers, pre-drilled and recessed in the bench top.

   eef

2. 
   ffhair | Jun 11, 2009 06:21pm | #2

   I agree with eef.  Drill the pilot holes to match the lag bolts.  I drilled the hole to full depth with a smaller bit to match the smaller end of the lag and followed with a large bit for about the top half of the hole.  A vise and a bench made all the difference in the world.  Enjoy your new bench!

3. 
   davcefai | Jun 11, 2009 10:03pm | #3

   Mark,

   Can I suggest that you do not screw the vice into MDF? The racking forces while tightning it will sooner or later cause the thread to strip.

   If you are using a vice like that shown in the video then it resembles my Record. I attach 2 photos of this vice bolted to a top made of 2 sheets of laminated pine. The bolts go all the way through the top, spacers and the bottom of the vice.

   The holes in the benchtop don't get in the way. You'll just need to blow out the sawdust before you post any photos :-)

   
4. 
   Jfrostjr | Jun 12, 2009 12:07am | #4

   I agree. Bolts with flat washers and nuts are the way to go.

   Frosty

   "I sometimes think we consider the good fortune of the early bird and overlook the bad fortune of the early worm." FDR - 1922

1. 
   mkalpacas | Jun 12, 2009 12:46am | #5

   Thanks for the responses.  Bolts, washers and nuts seem to be the best way to go.

   Mark

5. 
   roc | Jun 12, 2009 06:48am | #6

   My first thought was to through bolt it as recommended but I have two second thoughts

   • There are special screws with thread that helps hold better in MDF etc.

   • You could use these and if/when they get loose then you could drill all the way through and bolt and nut it.

   I know, I know . . . they will wait to strip out during a big project with a deadline. Hey, it is all part of the fun.

   roc

   Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe. Abraham Lincoln ( 54° shaves )

1. 
   davcefai | Jun 12, 2009 11:28am | #7

   "I know, I know . . . they will wait to strip out during a big project with a deadline. Hey, it is all part of the fun."Now that's what I call a realistic approach!

6. 
   Ray | Jun 12, 2009 06:39pm | #8

   I drilled thru and countersunk carriage bolts in the top on my bench.