Vises are a diverse group of tools that can be defined, according to the dictionary, as having two jaws to hold work and a mechanism, typically a screw device, for opening and closing those jaws.
Vises are categorized by their usual position on the woodworking bench, for convenience. Vises designed for the right-hand end of the bench differ in shape from those typically attached to the front of the bench. However, like many tools with long histories, not all vises can be neatly divided into simple categories.
Certain vises that are fixed to the front of workbenches are not considered true face vises, such as the leg vise and shoulder vise. Additionally, the engineer’s vise is typically positioned on the benchtop rather than on the face or tail of the bench.
In summary, a face vise is highly valuable to most woodworkers, and those who do not already appreciate a tail vise would soon discover its advantages. Moreover, the sturdy engineer’s vise is crucial for anyone working with metal, which also applies to almost every woodworker, particularly in terms of sharpening and handling hardware and other components.
Each vise possesses specific benefits, but ultimately the decision is up to you. Additionally, consider yourself fortunate compared to your ancestors from around a century ago when it comes to manufacturing vises. Nowadays, the market offers a wide variety of vise types and sizes. While it is possible to create your own vise if desired, unlike your ancestors several generations back, it is not a necessity.
Types of Woodworking Vises
1. Bench Vise
Bench vises have the ability to perform a variety of woodworking tasks and offer versatility. They are commonly attached to a workbench and possess two adjustable jaws that securely hold the workpiece. To prevent any harm to the workpiece, the jaws can be padded with different materials, such as wood. Bench vises are available in different sizes and styles, including models with quick-release functionality that enables rapid adjustments.
2. The Face Vise
Face vises are meant to be used specifically for securing wooden workpieces during tasks such as drilling and sawing.
The traditional material used for a wood face vise is wood. It is made up of a movable front jaw that is attached to a broad, square beam. This beam slides in and out of a matching channel. The beam ensures that the jaw stays steady and in the correct position, while the jaw itself is operated by a wooden bench screw. The entire mechanism is secured to the benchtop from underneath.
Woodworker’s vises, which are modern variations of the wooden face vise, are commonly mounted flush to the front of a bench. These vises are predominantly made of metal, with the exception of wood jaw liners that serve to protect wooden workpieces from damage that may occur if the metal jaws were tightened onto them directly.
Woodworker’s vises are meant to be fastened underneath the front part of a woodworking bench. The vise is composed of iron jaws along with steel components such as slides, drive, screw, and handle.
Similar to wooden face vises, the inner jaw remains stationary, while the outer jaw is controlled by rotating the handle located at the front of the tool.
The screw mechanism of the vises will tighten and bring the jaws together when rotated in a clockwise direction, while rotating in a counterclockwise direction will open the jaws. Typically, these vises are positioned above or in close proximity to a leg in order to prevent excessive force on the benchtop. They are secured using lag screws or carriage bolts.
Hybrid face vises, which incorporate both wooden and metal components, can be purchased. Many woodworkers who opt to construct their own workbenches often create corresponding vises, utilizing a combination of readily available metal drive components alongside homemade wooden jaws and attachment points, such as blocking and guides.
The size of woodworker’s vises varies greatly, with jaw widths ranging from six inches to ten inches or more and maximum opening capacities ranging from approximately four inches to fifteen inches or more. Your choice of size will depend on the stock sizes you commonly use for your projects.
If you choose to purchase a factory-made woodworker’s vise, it is likely that you will need to add lining to the jaws. This is necessary to safeguard your wooden workpieces from getting damaged due to the unlined iron jaws when clamping.
Begin by affixing jaw liners to each jaw using the provided holes on the face of the jaws. These liners should have a nominal thickness of one inch (measuring three quarters of an inch in actual thickness). If you primarily work with softwoods, pine liners will be sufficient. Nevertheless, you may opt for a sturdier hardwood liner.
The front jaw likely has holes with threads made for flathead machine screws. You will need to countersink the screwheads so that they are slightly embedded into the wood liner. Wood screws driven from the inner jaw’s face into the workbench’s face can be utilized.
3. The End Vise
The end or tail vise, also known as the bench’s flush-mounted end vise, is located at the end of the bench, usually the right-hand end. It can secure workpieces between its jaws by clamping them to the bench. In this type of vise, the benchtop serves as the inside jaw, and the movable jaw is tightened against it by the bench screw.
The end vise may seem less flexible at first, but it is actually a versatile tool. What sets it apart from other vises is the presence of a rectangular hole on its top, which aligns with several other holes on the front of the benchtop. When working on a workpiece, it is positioned against the front of the bench and flush with a bench dog in the vise’s “dog-hole”.
First, the other end of the piece is connected to another dog that is inserted through the nearest dog-hole. Immediately, the tail vise quickly tightens up and transforms the majority of the benchtop into a massive vise. This ability to secure work between bench dogs is why the tail vise is considered a defining characteristic of a cabinetmaker’s bench.
4. Leg Vise
Leg vises are a type of woodworking vise that have a large wooden screw and a movable jaw. They are attached to the leg of a workbench and are effective for applying strong clamping pressure during various woodworking tasks. Leg vises commonly have a parallel guide system that ensures the jaws stay parallel while clamping, thereby preventing the workpiece from twisting or sliding.
5. Carving Vise
Carving vises are designed specifically for securing workpieces during detailed carving tasks. They commonly possess a ball-and-socket joint that enables a complete 360-degree rotation and can be adjusted to different angles, ensuring that the user has the best possible access to all sections of the workpiece. Carving vises can either be attached to a workbench or utilized with a portable stand.
Uses of Woodworking Vises
Woodworking vises have a wide range of applications, encompassing various tasks.
Clamping Workpieces Securely For Sawing, Planing, Sanding, Or Carving
A woodworking vise ensures a steady and reliable surface, enabling you to concentrate on the job without concerns regarding the workpiece’s stability or displacement.
Holding boards or panels for edge planing or joinery work can be done by following a step-by-step process.
When dealing with big boards or panels, it is important to have a reliable and steady way of securing the workpiece. For these types of tasks, a face vise or tail vise is perfect since their broad jaws ensure maximum contact with the workpiece, resulting in a firm grip.
Securing long or wide workpieces by utilizing bench dogs.
Bench dogs, small pegs, can be placed in holes on the workbench surface to add more contact points for securing a workpiece. When combined with a tail vise, bench dogs allow secure clamping of long or wide workpieces.
Providing Stability And Support During Intricate Carving Tasks
In order to achieve precision and control when carving intricate details or patterns, it is necessary to use a carving vise. This tool provides the stability and support needed for such work by securely holding the workpiece and allowing it to be rotated 360 degrees and tilted at various angles. As a result, every part of the workpiece can be easily accessed, ensuring that carvings are accurate and uniform.
Tips for Choosing the Right Vise
- Consider the types of woodworking tasks you perform most often. This will help you determine which type of vise is best suited to your needs. For example, if you frequently work on large panels or boards, a face vise or tail vise may be more suitable than a bench vise.
- Choose a vise with high-quality construction and materials. Look for vises made from durable materials such as cast iron or steel, with sturdy screws and clamping mechanisms that will provide years of reliable use.
- Select a vise with the appropriate jaw width and opening capacity. The size of your vise should be determined by the size of the workpieces you typically work with. Larger vises can accommodate larger workpieces, while smaller vises are more suitable for delicate or intricate tasks.
- Opt for a quick-release feature if speed and convenience are important to you. Quick-release vises allow you to rapidly adjust the jaw opening, making it easier to switch between different workpieces or tasks.
Side notes
Woodworking vises are essential tools for individuals who enjoy DIY projects, those with handyman skills, or professionals in the field of woodwork. Different types of vises are available, including bench vises, face vises, tail vises, leg vises, and carving vises, ensuring there is a suitable vise for every task related to woodworking.
By comprehending the various kinds, applications, and upkeep recommendations, you can select the ideal vise for your requirements and guarantee its durability.
When using a woodworking vise, it is important to prioritize safety and protect your workpiece. By using the appropriate vise and taking proper care, you will have the necessary tools to confidently and precisely accomplish any woodworking project.
