It’s show #481 For August 19th, 2020, and today we are talking about workbench vises and workbench alternatives.
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Rockler also sells a Heavy Duty Quick Release Front Vise which features sturdy dual guide rods which eliminate racking, while the quick-release feature lets you slide the vise all the way open or closed with an easy 1/4 turn.
In addition to vises, t-track can be another good clamping solution for workbenches. Rockler’s Universal T-track features a unique “stacked” T-slot that accepts both 5/16″ T-bolts and 1/4″ T-bolts, as well as 1/4″ Hex-bolts. Rockler also sells t-track intersection kits, hold-down clamps, auto lock clamps, stops, and more. And as part of Rockler’s customer favorites sale, select t-track and accessories are 20% off this month.
Kickback
- Elliot asks why its not a work table instead of a work bench
- Adam’s workbench looks like poo but he’d rather build furniture than a workbench
- Erin like casters on her workbench so she can sand in the fresh air.
Workbench Vises
What vises have we used on our workbenches over the years and what are we using now? We discuss our evolution from then until now and all the various vises we have used, and replaced. Twin screw vises, front vises, cheapo big box machinist vises, holdfasts, planing stops, surface clamps, quick clamps and now leg vises and end vises for all 3 of us.
We also talk about some of the cool work holding solutions out there now:
- Pattern Maker’s Vises
- Andy Klein’s Twin Turbo Vise
- Vacuum Clamping
- Wood Screw Vises
- HNT Gordon Vises
- Veritas Inset Vise
Workbench Alternatives
Sometimes we don’t have the space or time to build a fancy workbench and there are a lot of alternative options to the traditional workbench. We talk about some of the options we have used and some novel ideas when a 500 lb hardwood behemoth isn’t in the cards for you.
- Sawhorses
- Black & Decker Workmate
- Kreg Workcenter
- Festool MFT
- Armor tool Benches and Shop Stands
- The Paulk Workbench
- Shop Made Torsion Boxes
Ask Us a Question
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Finally you can find us individually on Instagram at mattcremona, woodwhisperer, and renaissancewoodworker
Social Media Homework
Send us a picture of your very favorite vise in your shop and tell us why. Use the hashtag: #woodtalk481.
9 replies on “WT481 – Pinch that Thing”
Hey guys. A combination that was sort of mentioned for securing your work piece to your bench was the Veritas Wonder Dog/Pup. The quick release version http://www.veritastools.com/Products/Page.aspx?p=719 combined with their adjustable planing stop works great in the Paulk Bench/MFT style benches. My bench top is only 3/4″ ply and I use these two to hold my pieces for hand planning and other work. They work great. The quick release is excellent for quick changes – even quick enough to satisfy Shannon. A lot of people have a variation of this style of bench and this is a great combination for anyone that wants to do some hand tool work.
There are modern made reproductions of the Emmert K1 patternmakers vice:
https://www.workshopheaven.com/pattern-makers-vice.html
Hi Guys –
Speaking of workbenches – I am building my first real workbench, a Shaker style. Your discussion on bench vises helped me pull the trigger on going with a 20″ Twin Turbo vise from Andy Klein; I placed the order today. Thanks!
A question – I am wrapping up my build of the laminated white ash top (whew, what a project). 3-1/8″ thick. And now it’s time for the normally simple task of flush-cutting both ends of the top to final length. But what’s the best way to do that with such a thick top? My circ saw has a 2″ depth of cut. The Festool 75 track saw has 2-3/4″ depth. Should I do a partial cut from one side, flip it over, and cut the rest of the way through, then clean up the imprecision with a router flush trim on end grain? Or go to my local rental store and see if they have a big honking construction circ saw with more than 3-1/8″ cut depth? Or…
Suggestions please!
Thanks much, Tom G
ummm…is it a snarky answer to saw use a handsaw and do it in one cut?
I bought a bench-top years ago from a guy, and he threw in this thing called a Tucker vise. I think Veritas made it. I looked super complicated, so I have it in storage. Is that like the pattern maker’s vise you mentioned? Maybe I’ll dig it out.
Hey Guys,
greetings from Germany. We don’t consider ourselves to be Eastern-European but I guess from where you are a lot of Europe is east 🙂
I just mentioned this because Shannon used german terms to avoid the table/bench discussion. But as a matter of fact we have the very same terms: “Hobelbank” is plane BENCH and you would get puzzled looks if you would use a plane table (“Hobeltisch”). And funny sidenote: We use a “Bankhobel” (bench plane) on a “Hobelbank”…
Love your show, keep on going.
Niels Gödecke (here’s one for you Matt!)
P.S.: Could you ask Rockler to open a shop over here?
For leg vises- Not sure why anyone would bother with criss crosses or other complicated/expensive anti-racking guides. Jay bates demos the use of a wedge on his work bench- at 13:45 https://jayscustomcreations.com/2018/02/hickory-workbench-leg-vise-and-dog-holes/
Ridiculously simple, functional, and basically free.
In another video he mentions where he got the idea- I’m too lazy to look that up so I’ll just say Jay invented it while building a cutting board that Marc invented.
Hey if you like that system go for it. But there are lots of reasons someone would opt for a more expensive (more elegant) solution. You don’t need to think about the criss cross. It just works. Personally, kicking a wedge and getting it just right would get old after a short while, just like the old parallel guide system. So hey, no one’s saying there aren’t less expensive and simple ways to solve some of these problems, but the reason people would want a criss cross is simply because it’s better in every way, except cost.
Fair enough Marc. I am just re-reading my comment now, a week later and realize that came out pretty dickish. I should have phrased my comment as “For leg vises- another budget friendly anti-racking solution can be….”