Replies

1. 
   dstevick | Oct 28, 2022 01:44pm | #1

   Here are the handles I ordered for this project from Global Industrial:
   Ball Handle - Zinc-Plated Cast Iron - 3/4-10 Thread - 6" Wide
   https://www.globalindustrial.com/p/ball-handle-zinc-plated-cast-iron-3-4-10-thread-6-inch-wide

   Note that when I got them they measured more than 8 inches across. Not sure how they measured 6 inches but I decided to keep them. I haven't built the vice yet. Hope yours turned out well.

1. 
   user-7622195 | Oct 28, 2022 06:10pm | #5

   Thanks so much. Greatly appreciated. Turned out great. Used 2x and just worked around the imperfections

2. 
   _mj_ | Oct 28, 2022 03:02pm | #2

   I went with Acme rods & hardware when I built mine:

   https://www.mcmaster.com/threaded-rods/acme-lead-screws-and-nuts/

   https://www.mcmaster.com/threaded-rods/acme-lead-screws-and-nuts/component~handle/

   I went with the ball-end handles but I cut the balls and an inch of the arms off.

   
1. 
   john_c2 | Oct 28, 2022 03:52pm | #4

   Cutting the balls off is harsh.

1. 
   user-7622195 | Oct 28, 2022 07:09pm | #6

   Love this

2. 
   _mj_ | Oct 29, 2022 02:06pm | #7

   I was wondering who would swing at the low-hanging fruit!

1. 
   john_c2 | Oct 29, 2022 05:29pm | #8

   You can count on me.

3. 
   mrchuck2000 | Oct 29, 2022 07:21pm | #9

   OWWW!

2. 
   lauriamc | Nov 01, 2022 02:48pm | #15

   I used the same handles. I was very disappointed in the quality of the casting though. I called McMaster and they said that is all they can get these days.

3. 
   jharveyb | Oct 28, 2022 03:50pm | #3

   You can also mortise in a 3/4" nut into a home-made wood handle (on the outside of the handle) and glue it in with epoxy. I would use a 3/4" flat washer between the handle and the vise face.

1. 
   user-7622195 | Nov 01, 2022 02:06pm | #13

   And that is what I did. Thanks jharveyb

4. 
   Mike_H3 | Oct 29, 2022 10:00pm | #10

   I really like mj's solution but with McMaster's shipping charges to Canada I didn't spend much more buying Benchcrafted's kit: https://www.benchcrafted.com/moxon

5. 
   _mj_ | Oct 30, 2022 08:03am | #11

   I looked at that kit because I liked the handwheels. In the end I thought 8 inch screws were too short. My moxx will open to 8" between the jaws so I can clean up asseembled drawer corners.

1. 
   jharveyb | Oct 30, 2022 11:23am | #12

   If I find the time to make one, I intend to have the threaded rod attached to the handles, so that the excess sticks out the back instead of the front. That makes it more convenient to use longer threaded rod for more opening capacity without them getting in the way in front. I expect to use nuts at each end, with the front nut mortised into wood handles, and the rear nut into the back of the back jaw. I already have some nice bushings to guide the rods.

1. 
   3steers | Nov 01, 2022 04:14pm | #17

   The Tools and Shops issue Winter 2020 has a woodworkers tip that uses old hand screws. The handles are on the front and the screws run out the back in that design. I have the old handscrew parts on my bench and have sorted through construction sequence for a modified version. It will have about 8" opening. The old hand screw was cheap, $10 for all the working parts of the vise. Finding one in good shape with solid screw threads took a while though. Now to get in the truck and drive 30 miles to get the 8/4 stock for the jaws.

6. 
   _mj_ | Nov 01, 2022 02:36pm | #14

   JHarveyB... I split the diff on mine. I tested what you describe and having the screws spin with the handles was really slow; you could not spin the handles at all because of the weight of the moving jaw and the screws rubbed on everything front to back. I wound up recessing a square brass nut into the face of the stationary jaw and using a jam nut in the rear. I can access the full screw when I need it (infrequent), and hide it to save my hips when I don't.

   
1. 
   jharveyb | Nov 01, 2022 03:41pm | #16

   I like your creative solution!

7. 
   fregosi | Jan 05, 2023 11:49am | #18

   I found these at MCS Industrial for 5.85 each, and they work great.
   https://www.mscdirect.com/product/details/02582542

   Not sure where the author lives, but the big box stores in Tucson not only do not carry the handles, but I found no one that even knew what they were.

8. 
   DRBWWing | Jan 05, 2023 12:01pm | #19

   Wheel type handles work much better.