When it comes to mounting a bench vise, there are several different bench vise mounting ideas to consider. The most important factor is the type of work you’ll be doing with the vise. Normally, bench vises are either mounted to the workbench itself or to a wall near the workbench. The following sections detail a few common methods for mounting a bench vise.
One of the most popular methods for mounting a bench vise is to do so directly to the workbench. This provides a very sturdy hold and keeps the vise close at hand while you’re working. It’s important to make sure that the vise is mounted securely, however, as it can be dangerous if it comes loose while in use.
Whether you’re a professional woodworker or an enthusiastic hobbyist, having access to a quality bench vise is essential for doing quality work with your hands.
In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the different ways you can mount a bench vise to your workbench, as well as the know-how to install it properly.
Table of Contents
Vise Location And Selection
The name of a vise is determined by where it’s placed on the bench. Vises are placed on the bench’s face or front; end vises are attached to the end. Two are usually present together in the finest benches, but if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, I’d start with a face vise.
Right-handed carpenters should place a face vise on the far left of the bench’s front edge and an end vise at the end of the bench in its most immediate right corner. Left-handers should for the opposite of this. If you’re building on top of a previously built foundation, make sure the vise system won’t obstruct the bench legs and, if necessary, move it to the top.
As a face vise is used for both rough and fine work, I recommend going for a larger vise that is at least 10 inches, and because it’s primarily used with bench dogs to hold boards for face-planing, a smaller end vise is sufficient. I favor a small (7″) model, because the dog is only 31⁄2″ from the front edge of the bench, making it easy to clamp workpieces for face-planting and other work.
How to Mount a Bench Vise in Simple Steps
In order to ensure the longevity of your bench vise, as well as to create a safer work environment, it is important to learn how to properly mount your vise. By following these simple steps, you can easily and securely install your vise in no time.
Materials
You will need the following materials in order to mount your vise:
- Workbench or other work surfaces with sturdy legs or foundational structure
- Bench vise mounting hardware, such as screws, nuts, bolts, and washers with locks for both the top and under
Tools
Next, you will need to gather the following tools:
- Cordless Drill to make holes
- Pencil or marker to mark the workbench surface
- Drill Bit to match the size of your holes
- Wrenches to tighten the screws or bolts
- Socket wrench or socket set to tighten nuts and bolts
Step 1:
To begin, measure and mark the mounting holes. Place the vise where you want it, then insert a pencil in the mounting holes to mark them. Some vises come with a mounting template, so be sure to check for one before you purchase. In the case of templates that come with the vise, make sure they match up correctly with the vise base because they frequently don’t.
Step 2:
Drill the mounting holes using an appropriately sized bit and when working with plywood, be cautious not to apply too much force, as this may cause the bottom to splinter when you breakthrough.
Step 3:
Fit a washer over the vise holes on your base. If the washer is larger than what is required, you may simply use a bench grinder or metal file to narrow down part of the edge to make it sit better.
Step 4:
Place the bolt (with a washer) into each hole while aligning the vise over them. If you had a sizing problem, be sure to use the revised washers. Then place a washer, lock washer, and nut on the underside of a hole beforehand tightening and continue to do this for all bolts.
Step 5:
Use a socket wrench on the bolt and a standard wrench (to grip the nut). Then proceed to tighten all of the bolts. When working with any sort of wood, you’ll want a tight fit, but don’t clamp too hard when doing so. Check the bolts for tightness on both sides. Use a wrench to tighten them in small increments rather than turning them all at once.
How to Mount a Bench Vise without Drilling Holes in your Workbench
The following is a guide on how to mount a bench vise without having to drill any holes in your workbench:
Materials
You will need the following materials in order to mount your vise:
- Workbench or other sturdy work surfaces
- Industrial-strength adhesive
- C-clamp
- Screws, nuts, bolts, and washers
Tools
Next, you will need to gather the following tools:
- Drill (for the wooden block)
- Begin by choosing an area on
- Table or Hand Saw
- Pencil or marker
- Ruler or Measuring Tape
Step 1:
Lay the workbench flat on the ground. If it is wood, you may want to sand down its surface for a more even finish and increased adhesive grip.
Step 2:
Cut a piece of wood that is slightly wider than your vise using a table or hand saw. Then measure and mark the mounting holes on one end of the board, ensuring they line up with those on your bench vise. Be sure to check this against the template that came with your vise if applicable.
Step 3:
Apply an industrial-strength adhesive along the bottom of your vise in an even layer before placing it onto one end of your block and allowing it to dry for at least 24 hours according to instruction labels.
Step 4:
After the adhesive has dried, apply a layer of adhesive to the top of your block where it will make contact with the workbench. Then place the block onto your desired location on the bench and allow it to dry for another 24 hours.
Step 5:
Once both the adhesive on your vise and block has dried completely, you can now proceed to use screws, nuts, bolts, and washers to secure them in place. Begin by attaching a washer to each of the holes on your vise, followed by placing the vise onto the block and lining up the holes.
Step 6:
Use a screw or bolt to go through each hole and secure everything in place before tightening them with a wrench. You may need someone to help you hold the vise in place while you do this.
Step 7:
Once all screws or bolts are tightened, your vise should now be securely mounted to the workbench without the need for drilling any holes! You can now proceed to use it as usual for any woodworking or DIY projects you may have.
Removable Bench Vise Mount System
This features using a vice mounted to a plywood board in a similar manner mentioned above which is then slid into a slot cut in your workbench. Then simply clamp it down for a secure hold.
The board can be easily removed and stored away until needed again when not in use. This is a great option if you don’t use your vise often or if you need to be able to move your workbench around frequently.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are a few different ways that you can go about mounting your bench vise without having to drill any holes. Ultimately, it just depends on what materials and tools you have available as well as what will work best for your particular situation. Be sure to experiment and see what works best for you!
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I am a woodworker with over 21 years of experience crafting everything from furniture to ornamental pieces. I take pride in my ability to bring out the beauty of the wood I work with, creating unique and lasting objects. My passion for woodworking has been a life-long pursuit and I strive to push myself further and further with each new project. I am dedicated to the craft and take great satisfaction in the final product that I create.Read More.
