There are 3 Main Important factors when it comes to picking a good Bench Vise and those are knowing the Throat Depth of the Vise for vertical measurements, knowing the Jaw Width of the Vise for better pressure clamping, and lastly the Use of the Vise for proper application.
Having a bench vise is like having an extra pair of sturdy hands, to help you with your metal and woodworks. And, finding the right bench vise offers you not only better outputs but also helps you complete the work with precision.
What Does a Bench Vise Do?
When connected to a stable workbench, the bench vise aids in keeping the workpiece steady and free of vibrations while being worked on. Consequently, you will be able to experience more consistent plane strokes, smoother saw cuts, and superior sanding results. Despite the fact that bench vises are considered an essential tool by the vast majority of industrial workers (both metal and woodworkers), they are one of the most underappreciated equipment on the factory floor.
The use of incorrect bench vises has a negative impact on the quality of the job. By investing in the proper bench vise, you will be able to keep your work more stable and finish it more quickly. Now that you understand how important the modest bench vise is to your woodworking and metalworking projects, it’s time to choose the best bench vise for your shop’s needs.
How do You Pick a
Good Bench Vise
Throat Depth of the Vise
This is one of the most important things to take into consideration. When choosing a bench vise, it is important to consider the throat depth, which is the distance between the top side of the jaw and the top of the slide below the jaw on the other side. Bigger throat depths allow you to handle larger workpieces in your hands.
The Jaw Width of the Vise
Jaw widths of bench vises differ from one another. Bench vises with greater jaw widths are required for working with larger items.
Use of the Vise
At long last, you must determine how you will use the bench vise. What are your plans for putting it to use? Depending on the application, you may choose a bench vise that is designed to perform a particular function.
For example, if you often remove and hold different-sized workpieces, you should seek for vises that have a fast release mechanism for opening and closing. You will not have to manually wound and unwind the lead screw every time you change the workpiece since you will be changing the workpiece.
Henry is a long time Trade Instructor at Dunwoody College of Technology. Henry has been teaching the trade of carpentry for over 15 years and is excited to share his knowledge with the next generation of builders. With his posts you will explore some general terms, tools, and techniques that are helpful for the beginning DIY Enthusiast!. He’ll also provide a list of all the best tips needed to start your building journey right away!
