Mounting bench vise flush with the table

[visedog]

I am thinking of mounting one of my old 8" bench vises such that its jaws are flush with the table top (like a woodworking vise). It will rest on a pillar support, and the rear jaw will be buried 1" into the side of the table.

I am just wondering if anyone has tried it.

 

[Packard V8]

Obviously, it could be done and would be functional for some operations, but just asking, this would be a good idea why?

FWIW, working with wood by hand; planing, sawing chiseling, are different operations than most of the general metal fabrication and planks are different shape and size than most metal stock.

Try it, use it and report back.

jack vines

 

[Oregon rock crusher]

I have one of my vises mounted top flush to the top of a big fab bench. I'm not sure I would want it to be my only vise height but for taller items and many other tasks this old low mounted Prentiss works really well and sees a lot of use. 6" and bigger vises are pretty tall for me when mounted at full bench height. I do have at least three other vises nearby and all are mounted higher. Ed.

 

[CNGsaves]

^ ^ ^ OR Rock Crusher . . MORE Pics please of that sturdy table/vise setup.

Does that big pipe support rotate ?? Is it removable ??

 

[2oolhound]

Oregon rock crusher that's a calendar shot right there. What a fabulous table!

 

[Oregon rock crusher]

I don't have too many pics of that Prentiss vise mount CNG but here are a few that are in my file....The 8" flanged elbow is welded solid to the bench leg and does not rotate but the vise is a swivel base / swivel back jaw so it swings clear of the bench both ways. The table is 14' x 5' and was originally part of a portable bridge. Large H beams run the length about 8" apart. that's a full 5' x 5' platen table on heavy casters stored under the big bench. Ed.

 

[LXCam]

Holy hell Oregon that table is bad to the bone!. And OP I could understand why you as well as Oregon would want it like that. Like he said, there's times when it's just too tall.

 

[CNGsaves]

^ ^ ^ x1000 . . . . ****, that's a ready-made tornado, hurricane or earthquake shelter !!!

 

[royce]

I am thinking of mounting one of my old 8" bench vises such that its jaws are flush with the table top (like a woodworking vise). It will rest on a pillar support, and the rear jaw will be buried 1" into the side of the table.

I am just wondering if anyone has tried it.

I think it is a great idea.
The standard of elbow height does not lend itself well to drilling or side grinding.
I find 24" high for drilling about right and 36" good for grinding for me.

Royce

 

[LXCam]

I think it is a great idea.
The standard of elbow height does not lend itself well to drilling or side grinding.
I find 24" high for drilling about right and 36" good for grinding for me.

Royce

So says the man who has a vise and stand for every occasion.

 

[visedog]

Thanks for the replies, especially Oregon Rock Crusher (man, what a setup!). I am going ahead with the idea, and will post pics when ready.

 

[visedog]

This is what I got done today (all in a day's work ). The old 8" vise that was knocking around the workshop now finds a place as a dedicated woodworking vise (much sturdier than the regular WW vises). I selected a 10" dia mulberry log to mount the vise on, and made a 3'x4' woodworking area on a corner of my bench with 3/4" plywood. The screw is protected by a plastic bag until I can find a better cover for it. The height of the front jaw lining has to be raised a bit (maybe 1/2").