I am planning to build my version of Tage Frid’s workbench which calls for a shoulder vise and a tail-vise.
The plans call for a 20″ tail-vise screw and suggest purchasing the hardware first in case dimensional adjustments need to be made due to different sized hardware.
I can order a 21″ 1-1/8 tail-vise screw from Lee Valley or purchase an 18″ 1-1/4 screw from my local Woodcraft store.
I’m leaning towards the 18″ version because it is thicker and because I think that I can fit the 18″ version into the tail-vise without adjusting the dimensions, but that the 21″ version from Lee Valley would require adjusting the dimensions of the tail vise (or cutting off the end of the screw).
The only downside to the 18″ version that I can see is that I would lose 2″ of travel, meaning that my vise would not open quite as far.
Comments please.
Monte
Replies
Monte
Wouldn't the 21" version simply just stick out an extra 1" by not closing all the way? Also, if you build alot of drawers, you may want that extra 2", so consider that before making the compromise. I don't think the thickness of the screw is going to have that much of an impact on it's holding capabilities. You're not trying to "crush" the wood into place, are you?? <g>
Walnutz
Walnutz,
I should admit that I have zero experience working with a bench vise, hopefully soon to be rectified.
It sounds like length matters more than diameter when it comes to bench vise screws.
Monte
I don't think that the length is all that important, as long as it's long enough to provide you with the proper amount of space for clamping the items you plan on building.
Walnutz
I built Tage's bench some 15 years ago (solid cherry) using the woodcraft screw. It has plently of travel and I can not think of a time when I required more travel. I use it mostly with the bench dogs for holding items for planing, carving, etc.
David Turner
Okay, so now with your encouragement David and with Walnutz' second reply, I'm leaning back towards venturing over to my local Woodcraft store on Saturday morning for 15% off the 18" bench screw.
I like to build furniture for family and relatives (beds, bookcases, tables, etc.) and I am getting tired of working on my countertop. I even cut my finger pulling a Japanese dozuki through a cut while trying to hold the piece of wood stable since my Rube Goldberg clamping contraption was loosening up. That convinced me that I need a proper workbench with proper vises, and I've settled on Tage Frid's version.
Thanks to both of you for your comments.
BTW, that all cherry bench must be beautiful.
Monte
You know, I did not go to the lumber supplier wanting cherry to build a bench. I actually asked for 16/4 maple, birch, or beech. The gentleman that ran the operation said he was all out of those three species but he had some 8/4, 12/4, and 16/4 cherry that just came out of the kiln. Better yet he said he would give it to me for the same price as maple (I had been a good customer for years). Needless to say I purchased the cherry and built the bench. Now anyone visiting my shop tells me the bench should be upstairs and used as a piece of furniture. I, on the other hand, could care less. It is a bench to be used and beat on (not abused though). Good luck with your bench. David Turner
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