Does anybody use something like this:
I have an older electric drafting desk that I am going to convert into somethinglike this. The table will be much bigger like 48" by 30". The desk make a nice base because it raises and lowers with a motor. And it goes high enough to stand at. The table tilts with a lever. This is a good option because checkering is slow work and it is nice to change positions one and a while.
I work on gunstocks. I have a checkering cradle clamped to the desk now but having a new top with holes for hold downs will give me more options.
I am going to build the top out of LVL material. I made a bench that I posted on the projects thread called concept to share. The top will be made the same way. I have already cut my peices.
I guess your holdown needs differ based on what you do. Since a gunstock has no place for holes a carvers vise doesn't seem to apply. Woodcraft has a nicelooking vise that mounts in a 3/4" hole. I will probably get one and add it to my arsenal. I'm thinking of a tray to organize my checkering tools too. They get mixed up easily because there are so many of them and the cutters are so small that one you set one down you spend ten minutes finding it again!