Vises are handy in woodworking regardless of your skill level. They free your hands from holding the wood so that you can concentrate on drilling, screwing, or carving. Yet, if you want to secure the wood, you have to find the best bench vises. If you don’t know how to choose them among the various models available on the market, this article will help you. Read the helpful tips and pick the most suitable vises for your work.
Types of Vises
It is highly important to choose the right instrument for your woodwork. There are different types of vises in the stores around the world. It is better to find the perfect match for your projects. The basic types of vises are:
- Pivot jaw vise. This model is required for gripping small workpieces, like carved chair seats. It reliably holds even the tiniest parts;
- Front vise. The name points to the location of the vise. Front or face vises are placed on the forepart of the workbench;
- Plain screw vise. It can be made of cast iron. These vises help to improve the precision level. There is a sliding motion that helps to easily attach any material you need;
- Cabinetmaker vise is usually attached to the cabinetmaker’s bench. It is made of heavy-duty steel and offers a strong grip. It is perfect for different types of work, including carving and screwing;
- Swivel head vise provides quick adjustment. If you have a big project and constantly change the wood, you can try this universal model;
- Quick release vise. This model totally matches its name. You can easily release the vise by opening its split nut. Twist the lever, and you will release the material you work on. If you need to repeat the procedure several times, quick release is your option.
Each of them has its own unique features. To decide which one you need, you have to think about the projects you will have. Think about the possible needs and make sure that your wood is fixed reliably to the bench.
Tips on Choosing the Woodworking Vise
If you didn’t make an order, don’t rush with the decision. The wrong model does not hold the wood tightly, can fall off, or simply wouldn’t get attached to the bench you have. This is why it is essential to pick the right product. Follow these tips with important criteria to choose wisely:
- The thickness of your bench. While many newcomers believe that vise has nothing to do with the thickness of the bench you already have, on the contrary, you have to pick the instrument based on the thickness of the woodworking bench. If you have a standard bench, you might need 1-1/2 inches of the bench and 8 inches or 12 inches of free space under it. If your bench is not thick enough, you can add an apron to its edge for the extra support of the vise. Yet, it is better to think about the size you need in advance;
- The space under the bench. You have to make sure that there is enough free space under your woodworking bench. If the bench is already there, and it is smaller, you have to find the appropriate vise for it. Yet, if you are planning to buy one, you have to think about providing your vises with additional space. Usually, vises are attached under the bench, and you have to make sure that screw supports do not touch your legs. The perfect option is to keep measures of the vise in mind before choosing the bench. There has to be at least 2 x 4 inches of support;
- Precise mount. You have to make sure that the vise is securely attached, and that it does not move anywhere. It must be on the appropriate level with the bench’s surface, attached by reliable bolts and screws so that it doesn’t shift. You need to use all the mounting holes;
- The bench must not be too heavy. You might want to install the vise by flipping the bench upside down. It is always easier to attach the vise under the surface if you can flip the bench and see what you are doing. It can save you from numerous problems during work.
Features to Consider
There are lots of models on the market which might confuse you. To pick the best of them, you have to pay attention to the next features:
- The reputation of the brand and its position on the market: It really matters. If you want to buy the tool from a no-name organization, you have to deal with numerous risks. If you don’t know the brand, you can google it in advance;
- Performance of the product. The best way to find out more about the item’s capability is to read the reviews from the customers who have already bought this tool. The more comments below the product, the more chances for you to find out the truth about it;
- Quality of build and durability. Make sure that the tightness of the vise is strong and that the metal will not get rusty in a few weeks. Read the description notes about the item quality, this data is usually provided by the manufacturer. Sometimes, they add quality certificates;
- The ability to quickly release the wood. You might need it for your daily work. Find out whether you can release the claw in a few moves;
- Perfect match for your bench. The new vise must be tightly attached to the bench you already have. Pay attention to its size.
Perfect Woodworking Vise
You don’t have to limit yourself to one woodworking vise. Moreover, it is always better to have different types of vises for different occasions and materials. Read this article to pick the most suitable models for your work. Pay attention to the features you require.
Have you ever fixed the wood with the vise? Which type do you prefer during work? Express your thoughts about the tool in the comments below.