Question on Moxon vise using Benchcrafted Hardware

[Tony Wilkins]

I am finally seeing the light about building my own tools. One of the first things I want to do when I'm able to get back to the workshop is do a moxon vise with the BC hardware. I have some questions about doing it...

1. It looks like the plans call for 8/4 Maple; what other woods would be a good choice (in case I want to make it pretty)? I'm guessing it would need something hard and straight grained.

2. To make sure I've got the tools I need (since I have so few), besides saws to get the stock to the right size:
a) a 3/4 inch bit
http://www.woodtalkonline.com/public/style_emoticons/default/cool.png a chisel to chop out the nut mortice - what size would I need to make it hexagonal?

3) What sort of joinery connects the two pieces on the back?

[Adam Petersen]

I think you can make it as complex or as simple as you want. It is my understanding that Benchcrafted has their instructions online for the buyers to use instead of printed. I'd check their website if you are going to use their hardware specifically. Perhaps the answers you seek are there.

[Tony Wilkins]

I think you can make it as complex or as simple as you want. It is my understanding that Benchcrafted has their instructions online for the buyers to use instead of printed. I'd check their website if you are going to use their hardware specifically. Perhaps the answers you seek are there.

Alas no, unless I just missed it.

[Andrae Covington]

Alas no, unless I just missed it.

Instructional PDFs can be downloaded from their Downloads page (http://benchcrafted.com/Downloads.html). :)

Other than maple, any reasonably stable hardwood should do.

[Jim Matthews]

The captured nut in the rear of the vise can be inset with an undersized Forstner bit to get the bulk of the waste.

I think each flat for the nut was under 1". It just needs to jam in place, it doesn't need to fit like line and berry inlay.

Make sure the FRONT face of the vise has plenty of clearance to allow racking; that is one of the hidden features
of this design - it can handle irregular shapes up to where the clearance hole contacts the acme screw.

I used one board for the front and back chops - same orientation.
Theoretically, they will cup the same over the seasons.

I used 8/4 white oak.

Were I to do it again, I would just buy from Alan Turner and Mario Rodrigues.
It has some clever features, and doesn't cost much more than the hardware I bought.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8l24idkG1mU
http://www.toolsforworkingwood.com/store/item/MS-MOX

[Charles Bjorgen]

Based on your comment below, Jim, I ordered the Moxon version from Tools For Working Wood and it arrived yesterday. I originally planned to order the Benchcrafted hardware only and build the wood parts but the appeal of having a turnkey vise all set to go was very appealing. Very satisfied. Thanks for the tip.


The captured nut in the rear of the vise can be inset with an undersized Forstner bit to get the bulk of the waste.

I think each flat for the nut was under 1". It just needs to jam in place, it doesn't need to fit like line and berry inlay.

Make sure the FRONT face of the vise has plenty of clearance to allow racking; that is one of the hidden features
of this design - it can handle irregular shapes up to where the clearance hole contacts the acme screw.

I used one board for the front and back chops - same orientation.
Theoretically, they will cup the same over the seasons.

I used 8/4 white oak.

Were I to do it again, I would just buy from Alan Turner and Mario Rodrigues.
It has some clever features, and doesn't cost much more than the hardware I bought.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8l24idkG1mU
http://www.toolsforworkingwood.com/store/item/MS-MOX

[Tony Wilkins]

Based on your comment below, Jim, I ordered the Moxon version from Tools For Working Wood and it arrived yesterday. I originally planned to order the Benchcrafted hardware only and build the wood parts but the appeal of having a turnkey vise all set to go was very appealing. Very satisfied. Thanks for the tip.

Don't know why I didn't look closer at the TFWW version earlier. I guess I can live with out playing with the subarine wheels on the Bench Crafted -- dive dive. However, what does make me wonder is that the BC hardware looks beefier and the 'release button' on the TFWW looks like a possible fail point. How is the Tools for Working Wood moxon working for those who have it?

[Jim Matthews]

I've met Mario.

He builds things to last.
I expect the Benchcrafted version (which I built) closes more quickly.

Beyond that, they're both credible takes on an excellent appliance.
It's the most frequently used tool, in my shop.

Jeff Miller's take (http://www.finewoodworking.com/FWNPDFfree/011176038.pdf) on the design has some particularly useful features, particularly for making out pins and tails.
I intend to add a "back bench" to my Moxxon rear chop to emulate the secondary top.

I need to finish my long overdue lumber rack, first.
(I have established a path through my stash, into the shop...narrow, winding, dusty and poorly lit - more Gollum than Bilbo.)

[Randy Karst]

Adding my .02¢: I've had the TFWW Moxon vise for several months and have been pleased with it, as Charles said, there is appeal to a turnkey vise. I must admit the adjustable handle feature on the TFWW Moxon vise, while not as cool as the "submarine wheels" of the BenchCrafted has been more useful than I at first envisioned. Even with a $20.00 price increase since I purchased mine, the TFWW Moxon vise gives a lot of "bang for buck" when compared to the BenchCrafted.

[Tony Wilkins]

After watching the Schwarz Moxon episode on The Woodwright's Shop - "Two Screws to You" - there was one modification I was going to make to the BC design. The BC design has a 'lip' on the stationary chop to secure it to the workbench. After seeing some of the uses on top of the bench, I think I'd remove that lip to be able to use it that way.

Does the Mario/TFWW vise have that lip as well?

Thanks again for all the input. Went back and watched the video again on the TFWW one and the hardware looks life it has some use features. Can you use the release button on the front to make the handle into sort of a rachet?

[Derek Cohen]

Hi Tony

If you are looking for ideas, there are a few original ones on my website:

Developed here ... http://www.inthewoodshop.com/ShopMadeTools/MoxonDovetailVise.html

... and completed here ... http://www.inthewoodshop.com/ShopMadeTools/ModsfortheMoxon.html

Regards from Perth

Derek

[Dale Coons]

Search for 'Joe Moxon' on this site--it shows how I built my benchcrafted and how I made the holes for the nuts. I've really enjoyed mine.

dale

[Randy Karst]

Tony,
The TFWW Moxon vise has "ears" (what I believe you referred to as a "lip") on both ends of the vise, along with a little tab that can slide down if desired to align the vise with the edge of your bench (check the picture out on the TFWW website). The BC Moxon vise, has a lip on the backside that can be used to clamp it to the bench. If you look at the links Mr. Cohen posted above, you will see his version has a lip that runs completely across the backside of the vise extending beyond leaving "ears" on both ends (best of both worlds?). Also note that Mr. Cohen wisely attached what appears to be suede leather to the inside faces of the vise, vastly improving grip.