Vice Dimensions?
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Hi All,
Haven’t been active around here for a while, hope all is well.
I am nearing completion with my bench – finally – and need some advice on the vice installation.
There is 4″ from the top of the apron/benchtop, to the bottom of the benchtop. I am looking to install an Irwin Pro Vice, or similar, but they don’t state the dimensions from the bottom edge of the vice jaws, the underside of the vice (threaded portion).
I’m not sure whether it will sit under the benchtop if I install it through the apron? I’ll post up a pic soon.
Thanks.
9 October 2014 at 9:14 pm #119275Hello Franco,
the thickness of my benchtop was only 70mm and I’ve installed – through the apron – a vise that requires at least a 90mm thick benchtop.
You can add an extra layer (according to the dimensions of the vise) to have enough thickness and to make your vise sit under the benchtop.https://woodworkingmasterclasses.com/discussions/topic/workbench-emilio/#post-58212 (here the extra layer is a laminated board which covers the entire benchtop; but you can also add the extra layer to the bottom of your benchtop).
Thanks emilio. I think that helps me out then. Although, my concern was more whether the long spindle would hit the bottom of the benchtop, but that seems like it won’t be an issue. If it was though, I would have to take that portion out of the benchtop, is how I saw it, rather than adding to the bottom of it? I think I may be getting a bit confused.
10 October 2014 at 10:42 am #119289Hi Franco,
I have an Irwin Record 52 1/2. The threaded spindle is under the level of the iron plate you use to screw the vise to the bottom of the benchtop (http://www.toolstop.co.uk/components/com_virtuemart/shop_image/product/Irwin-Record-52.12ED-Woodworking-Vice-2.jpg – here you can see that the main screw is under the iron plate). So, no issues with the space between the threaded spindle and the bottom of the benchtop.
I think that (front) vises usually have the threaded spindle (main screw and guides, actually) under the level of the iron plate you use to screw the vise to the benchtop. Here, another model: http://www.leevalley.com/US/shopping/Instructions.aspx?p=44580 (you can also see how the optional spacer could be installed). Maybe someone else can confirm.
Btw, the Irwin Record 52 1/2 is very solid and works very well. And it’s easy to install.IF you use the bench well, and IF you notch it out to sit on the legs by 1/2″ or so, the vice spindles may interfere with your wellboard depending on the width of you top that you are mounting the vice to. It did on mine, and so a few rough chops to the underside created a space for them easily. I have one of the vices from lee valley.
Brian.Thanks for the links emilio. It looks like it might just work, or if it does touch the bottom of the workbench, it will be by mm’s. Irwin show the height of the jaw as 75mm (where it meets the mechanism). My benchtop is 100m, although I have to reduce this by 4-5mm to be level with the top of the apron. That gives me 20mm or so to play with. So the distance between the bottom of the jaw and the mechanism needs to be more than 20mm, which looking at their brochure, it isn’t. Hard to tell from the pictures.
Thanks for the input Brian. I hadn’t considered the Lee-Valley ones, I’ll have a look.
P.s I’ve included the link I was looking at to make it clearer.
http://www.irwin.co.uk/pdf/IR_Workholding_Clamping_Brochure_2012_UK.pdf
10 October 2014 at 5:05 pm #119315Some images, just to clarify what I tried to explain in my previous post.
The red line I traced on the surface of the apron – img #1 – is the projection of the bottom of the benchtop: the bottom edge of the rear jaw and all the mechanism are below the red line.
In img #2 you can see that the main screw and the guides don’t touch the bottom of the benchtop; the space between the threaded spindle and the bottom of the benchtop is ~17mm (the thickness of the vise body).
The height of the rear jaw (~95mm) is not equal to the thickness of the benchtop (~108mm) and you can see the gap (~13mm) over the top edge of the rear jaw, where the apron surface is still visible.Attachments:
You must be logged in to view attached files.Right, I see. So the top of the jaw doesn’t necessarily have to be level with the apron. You have made the wood that lines it level instead. I didn’t think of that. I notice you made it wider too. The measurements are reall handy actually, as I can measure up and get a better idea. Essentially, I don’t think it will be a problem with the vice I have intended to get. I can simply mark where it won’t touch the bench, and go from there. Makes complete sense now. (If I’ve understood it all correctly).
Thanks for taking the time. I’ll be sure to add some pic’s as and when I get this (long overdue) bench completed!
Thought I’d add some pic’s of the bench. The top is yellow pine, which smells lovely I might add, and adds a fair amount of weight. Just needs a well-board, vice, and oil-finish.
edit – and some planing, of course.
Attachments:
You must be logged in to view attached files.15 October 2014 at 12:28 pm #119546That looks like a very nice solid bench Franco I am sure you will love it when completed, a good solid bench is I think a prerequisite to all wood working projects
Thanks Dave.
One more question for you guys who have built benches.
Is it essential to glue the benchtop to the front apron? I notice Paul screws it in place as well, from the underside via the bearers, and through the front apron itself.
I’m just thinking in case of having to move and dismantling it. It will be less awkward to carry if it isn’t glued at a right angle to the apron. Plus, that top is plenty heavy on its own!
Thanks.
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