Armed with a large cup of coffee, several plans printed off the internet
and a copy of "The Workbench Book" I proceeded to shamelessly steal and mix a bunch of ideas together to create my future bench
this morning. As of now, the base for the new workbench is roughed out and dry fitted. What really needs to happen next is I
have to make some decisions on the vises before I build the top. I've done some research here, but would like to get some
opinions to help with the final decision. So far, the Veritas twin screw looks good for the tail, (unless anyone has another
suggestion to look into), so the dilemma is mainly on the front vise. The "Tucker" vise from Lee Valley looks like the cadillac
of vises, but also has a cadillac price of $550, there are imported knockoff patternmakers vises for less, but I'm unsure if I
need a patternmakers vise anyway. I prefer hand cut joinery, and am learning to carve so the vice should be able to accommodate
those tasks. Also, I'm not against just buying a screw and building the jaws. Anyone have a suggestion or preference I can look
into? Any input appreciated. --dave
If I couldn't find a proper QR Record or the antique I have I would buy one
of these (larger for me):
http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.a...659,41661&ap=1
There are QR ones like the LV ones that are made in Germany at Woodcraft
too. I bought two of these, tail vise screws:
http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.a...64&cat=1,41659
The acme type threading on these is the kind you want as opposed to that
shallow slanted Chinese threading so I imagine their vise is as good. Made
by the same people in Slovakia. SOLIDLY made too.
Mine was made by American Scale Co. KC. MO. model 204, I think in the
1800's. The size of the iron jaws are 4" down by 7" wide and about a 12" -
14" opening without wood jaw faces. Has a quick action that disengages the
lead screw from the 1/3 nut (1/5 - 1/4 nut?) by a certain position of the
handle, all the way to the right. 28 lbs. of iron and it definitely don't flop
around like any fish out of water. $20 with a spacer from a junk shop. If you
do that just make sure it has the ?/? nut inside.
Vises just like this are still made by
http://www.milwmal.com/home.htm
under the Morgan brand name, and something close by Wilton (I think).
Vises in woodworking are a lot to think about so good luck!
--
Alex
cravdraa_at-yahoo_dot-com
not my site:
http://www.e-sword.net/