Wooden Vise Jaws . . .

[Steven DeMars]

Hello . . . .

I am in the process of designing a self-centering vise for drilling of pen blanks. Since I am not a machinist, I will be making my jaws with wood.

I need suggestions as to which type of wood would be the toughest from a structural standpoint. These jaws will not be supported by metal jaws like a woodworker's vise.

My vise jaws will be about 3" wide by 3" deep . . . . I will have a "V" groove in them to help with centering . . .

The acme threaded travel screw 1/2" and the guides including brass bushings will be 5/8" diameter . . . . .

Thanks in advance,
Steve:)

[Mike Lipke]

Hard Maple

[Bill Huber]

+1 for the hard maple, it is great wood for things like that.

[Tom Esh]

Maple is an obvious choice for strength, but I would not want it (or anything else that hard) for the outer faces. If something's going to give or dent, I'd rather it be the jaw faces. Best bet is to make up and attach some replaceable faces / liners from a softer wood.

[Mike Lipke]

Poplar would be softer, and easy to work.