Replies

1. 
   RalphBarker | Mar 17, 2010 02:30am | #1

   The vice in the photo appears

   The vise in the photo appears to be a conventional "woodworking vise" - perhaps a Groz brand (from Woodcraft) by the shape. I'd assume that it's described in detail in the plans. Similar to a "front vise", but with metal jaws (which can be faced with wood). In contrast, wooden jaws must be added to a front vise. With a thin top, you may need to add spacer blocks to align the top of the vise jaws with, or slightly below, the bench top surface.

   A few things to consider: the depth of the jaws (top edge to the screws), rapid-action (slide it out to approximate opening, then tighten), presence of a built-in front-jaw dog, and total jaw travel. Wider jaws will grip better for edge planing, deeper jaws will hold wider stock more stable. "Rapid action" means you won't be spending "days" moving the jaw in and out. Front-jaw dogs allow you to clamp boards between the vise and dogs inserted into the bench top for surfacing and similar operations.

2. 
   Leeco | Mar 17, 2010 05:13am | #2

   Thanks for the reply Ralph, the plans say absolutley nothing about the vise except adjusting the top for different sizes.

1. 
   RalphBarker | Mar 17, 2010 11:45am | #3

   Among the cast iron woodworking vises (like that in the photo), I like the Jorgensen, as opposed to the Asian copies.Personally, I think the difference in price is well worth the expense. But, lots of folks use the less-expensive vises.

   Once you have the vise in hand, and examine how it is intended to be attached to the bench, and measure the dimensions, everything becomes pretty obvious.

3. 
   jonnieboy | Mar 18, 2010 11:18pm | #4

   FWW Comes Through Again

   Welcome to Knots, Lee.

   If you're a member of the FWW website you can check out this Tool Test:

   https://www.finewoodworking.com/ToolGuide/ToolGuidePDF.aspx?id=32302

   Happy benching!

   --jonnieboy

4. 
   Leeco | Mar 19, 2010 05:16am | #5

   Thanks for the links, I appreciate all the help.  Lee

5. 
   WillGeorge | Mar 19, 2010 03:15pm | #6

   I would suggest that you look into a pattern makers vise if you have no set ideas. OK, so th standard vises are best to start off with.

6. 
   Leeco | Mar 19, 2010 10:03pm | #7

   I checked out the link and there was all kinds of good info. Everything I would have asked about was in there. Thanks Jonnie

1. 
   jonnieboy | Mar 21, 2010 11:41pm | #8

   Vise-President

   Lee,

   I'm glad you found the link useful. After more than a year on this site I still run acrossall sorts of great articles. It's fun.

   Let us know what you decide on.

   --jonnieboy