Face vice for mini bench

[Tim Whitley]

Going to build modified mini bench FFW Steve Latta takeoff. Which face vice would be best spending around $150.00.

Thank you for advice in advance

Tim

[David Eisenhauer]

I am not familiar with the S Latta bench you mention, but believe that Yost (available via Amazon) vises have been praised here in the past as well-working, inexpensive vises. If the Latta bench requires something different than what I call a face vise, my apology for jumping in without knowing what is required.

[Derek Cohen]

I would think that the obvious face vise for a mini bench would be a double screw, which will then behave as a Moxon dovetail vise.

Here is a mini bench I made for demonstrations at wood shows and clubs. It has a wagon vise and a double screw vise, both shop made.

https://i.postimg.cc/xT7JWGV9/1a.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/d0Rhkzk0/7a.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/DZBm5Lck/3a.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/sXVvpw74/6a.jpg

Regards from Perth

Derek

[Joshua Lucas]

If you want wooden screws Acer-Ferrous Toolworks has a kit designed for a mini workbench (https://redrosereproductions.com/tools/Acer-Ferrous-Milkmans-bench-screws-p96794489) similar to Derek's for $85 plus a $39.90 tap (sold separately). I recently bought a pair of full-size screws from Paul and had a great experience.

[Marinus Loewensteijn]

I posted this in the thread: 'Cost of building a bench':

===== paste =====
I'm in the acquiring stage for making a benchtop workspace. I looked at the one from Derek Cohen and at the milkman's. Came across Mike Siemsen with the viseless workbench.

I'm going to make a "Swiss cheese butcher block" <wink> (have not come up with a good name yet, he he) that I can plonk down on a strong table or on some other support.

It will be simlar to the Sjoberg new elite clamping platform # 33467 except it will be larger and with a 2" thick beech top and 4½" high sides. There will be some cross bracing underneath that will help preventing the unit from tipping over. I have not yet decided on the length and width and am strongly considering 45" long by 16" wide. Suggestions are welcome but I have to work with a 86½" long, 23½" wide and 1-1/32" thick beech panel. (double thickness top)

The vertical corners will be rounded - I'm for ever bumping into things and have enough of bruises. (Which is why developped an adversion to vises over time.)

There will be an area in the bottom with a sliding lid. It will be holding clamping parts: a mixture of Veritas, Bessey F-clamps and wooden pegs.

Total projected weight (if using all the timber without any waste) is 66 pounds and some grips will be made in the narrow ends.

When I do not need the workbench for a while then I will store it out of the way. Total projected cost at this stage is 260 USD for the bench and the Veritas parts. I'm not counting the Bessey clamps since I already had those.

edit: The size is based on the Sjoberg bench top # 33110 as used in schools. Initially I considered using a Will Myer tail vise but the additional cost put me off.

=====end=====

Since posting the above I have decided on making it shorter and wider, it will end up being about 810mm x 530mm or in inches: 31 ½" x 20 ¾". I am not going to have a vise but I can always add a Moxon to both ends should I want to do so (or if a new owner wants to do so). It will have plenty of 20mm holes, just like Swiss cheese and it will be solid like a butcher's block. Attached a picture of the Sjoberg's bench add-on (600mm x 480mm).

I've worked for years without a vise then made a bench with a vise and discovered it ws rare that I used it and even on those occasions I could just as easily have done without it. So back to a vise less bench.

[Marinus Loewensteijn]

Going to build modified mini bench FFW Steve Latta takeoff. Which face vice would be best spending around $150.00.

Thank you for advice in advance

Tim

Just had a look at the suggested workbench.

Personally I would be very tempted in getting a smaller vise and the Veritas inset vise comes to mind and at Lee Valley it is around a hundred US.