I am preparing to build a new 6′ workbench with a Benchcrafted Leg Vise and a Front Vise mounted as an End Vise.
Your comments on the Lee Valley Quick Release Front Vise or any other similar vise would be appreciated.
Your comments on the Taylor Toolworks Holdfast or any other Holdfast would also be appreciated.
Thanks for the comments and suggestions.
Replies
I've had an older Record quick release face vise, and a new-ish Jorgenson large quick release that I use on the end of a bench. I like the Jorgenson better.
I don't know anything about the Taytools holdfasts specifically. But they look exactly like those that have been around for decades, and I wouldn't buy one again. I had two that shattered. They were made from simple cast iron. The Taytools might be great. But I wouldn't do it, personally.
I have a couple of holdfasts from TFWW that work perfectly. And a couple from Peter Ross that work fantastic and are beautiful to boot.
Completely agree on the Gramercy holdfasts from Tools for Working Wood. They are formed rather than forged and less likely to be brittle as a result. And quite affordable, too.
3rd thumbs up for the Gramercy holdfasts. I'd go for a tail vice for the end of the bench.
Another vote for the gramercy holdfasts. They're affordable and hold work with tenacity.
Quick-release on a vise is a must, just get the biggest you can afford. You can increase capacity by burying the rear plate in the bench and adding a wider face to the front chop. I suppose some sort of breadboard end will be needed.
I use the Record #145 holdfasts with the acme screws for leverage and the cast collar sunk into the bench. I have 3 collars in mine. It took a while to decide where to put them...one at a time over about 2 years to fully commit to the positions. Veritas makes something similar that can go in a standard dog hole:
https://www.leevalley.com/en-us/shop/tools/workshop/workbenches/benchtop-accessories/31149-veritas-hold-down?item=05G1401
Another thumbs up for Grammercy
+1 for Gramercy. I did have to scuff mine up a bit to get them to hold.
Experience shows that when making a carpenter's workbench with your own hands, it is more expedient to purchase a ready-made glued shield, which will become a blank for the lid.
Do you have a sketch up model of one of those?
I installed a quick release front vise as my end vise and have regretted it ever since. I would much prefer a wagon or tail vise. I bet I use the end vise just a few times a year, but have wished for a tail or wagon vise many times.
I also installed a Benchcrafted leg vise and am very happy with it.
Lastly, I am another happy owner of Gramercy holdfasts.
Since we went there…. I looked at the Benchcrafted for a leg vice. Instead ended up with a Yost screw off of Fleaby an X / St. whoever cross from Len Hovarter for my leg vise which I love. Also bought Hovarters wagon vise for the tail which works super for me. I’m retired and a hobbiest. Your mileage may vary. What works for one may not work…
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