Should I drill into my brand new work bench? Uncle gave me a vise
- Thread starter MagicMarker
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Concept Cars
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- May 17, 2009
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I have the same bench and Craftsman vise, drill the holes. But, be sure you mount the vise far enough forward so if you put a long piece in vertically, it clears the edge of the bench top.
I built a 4'×4' workbench just specifically for my vise. Now I use that more than my 8' workbench. If you don't have the room to build something like that then just drill holes in your workbench. Once its mounted in a spot you like you won't regret it.
OJ Bartley
Well-known member
and
...are thoughtful answers that make sense. Honestly, it all depends on what you plan to do in the space and on the bench. It sounds like you don't really NEED a full time vise at the moment, so put it on a plate or a chunk of plywood that you can securely clamp down and use when needed. If you find it isn't strong enough, or you use it all the time, then mount it. At least this way you can decide to work right-or left-handed depending on the project, and you'll have an idea of where it will work best instead of just drilling some holes immediately and slapping it in.
Alternatively: "VISE GOOD, HULK SMASH!"
OP
MagicMarker
Well-known member
Thanks for all of the advice... I'll mount it to some plywood and clamp it down for now.
QwikKotaTx
Well-known member
It's a wooden bench, not a C6 Vette. Drill it!
Todd.Brock
Well-known member
Ehh. Clamping plywood will probably scuff the top. That's not a tool polisher joke. If you don't want to drill, I get it. That cabinet looks like it would be in the way anyways. I seriously would consider a piece of angle iron, a plate and a wheel or a post in concrete in an old tire. ( saw that once). My bench is made out of plywood and isn't very thick, but I made it so I could replace it if it got too grimey. I have an 1/8" plate on top and bottom and sandwiched the plywood top between and bolted it all together with the vise on an open corner so I had plenty of room either way.
Well, it's still drilling but consider this...
Mount it to a piece of plywood with a front lip. Put a couple of 3/8" threaded inserts into the (front) face of the top. Use a couple of knobs with studs to secure it when in use.
Not super sturdy but would be cleaner than a clamp. You can build platforms for other tools too - grinder, etc.
I understand your dilemma. I had a brand new butcher block top on my workbench but absolutely needed a vise. I was a bit reluctant but knew the end result would be worth it. I have a steel plate about 24"x24" at that end of the bench with the vise in the corner. Never looked back.
Mount it to a piece of plywood with a front lip. Put a couple of 3/8" threaded inserts into the (front) face of the top. Use a couple of knobs with studs to secure it when in use.
Not super sturdy but would be cleaner than a clamp. You can build platforms for other tools too - grinder, etc.
I understand your dilemma. I had a brand new butcher block top on my workbench but absolutely needed a vise. I was a bit reluctant but knew the end result would be worth it. I have a steel plate about 24"x24" at that end of the bench with the vise in the corner. Never looked back.
Spelunkore
New member
I have been struggling with the same issue myself. I have a mint condition Craftsman Professional workbench, the location of which might change in the near future. I was wary of drilling holes but having to move the vise in the future. My father, however, shares the sentiments of many GJ'ers so far: tools are meant to be used, not kept pristine and untouched. As soon as I get some time, I will be drilling and using my vise. I vote you do the same.
I encountered the same issue recently. I built the work bench in my new shop and until it was completed I fully intended to mount my vice on one end.
After more sanding and sealing and rubbing coats that I can remember, I came away with a surface that is more like a piece of nice furniture than a place to beat things.
This is how it looks
So, I decided to put my vice somewhere more accessable where it would serve me better. Ok, maybe I am rationalizing but, there is merit to be able to use the vise better somewhere it is not mounted to a table.
After much deliberation I designed this vice mount and made one. It mounts to a wall next to my 4-post lift and now it can be swiveled so something can be held in three different axis. It works great!
Here in standard position
Here it is rotated 90 deg.s. There are two thumb nuts under the plate to tighten and loosen.
You can tell my the top surface I have used this vice a lot! It is mounted into the studs with 3/8" x 3" lag bolts. It's not going anywhere!!!
At the end of the day, do what makes you the happiest and you will never regret your decision.
Cheers!
Mickm
After more sanding and sealing and rubbing coats that I can remember, I came away with a surface that is more like a piece of nice furniture than a place to beat things.
This is how it looks
So, I decided to put my vice somewhere more accessable where it would serve me better. Ok, maybe I am rationalizing but, there is merit to be able to use the vise better somewhere it is not mounted to a table.
After much deliberation I designed this vice mount and made one. It mounts to a wall next to my 4-post lift and now it can be swiveled so something can be held in three different axis. It works great!
Here in standard position
Here it is rotated 90 deg.s. There are two thumb nuts under the plate to tighten and loosen.
You can tell my the top surface I have used this vice a lot! It is mounted into the studs with 3/8" x 3" lag bolts. It's not going anywhere!!!
At the end of the day, do what makes you the happiest and you will never regret your decision.
Cheers!
Mickm
Ilikeike
ALLIANCE MEMBER
You need at least 1 work bench/vise in your garage, that's if you're a real DIY'er and do a little more work than just put air in your kid's bike tires or run the microfiber duster over your car.
If you don't have another work bench with a vise in your garage,all you have there is a countertop,maybe you don't need a work bench.
I think if you install the vise,you will find uses for it.
If you don't have another work bench with a vise in your garage,all you have there is a countertop,maybe you don't need a work bench.
I think if you install the vise,you will find uses for it.
Ilikeike
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I encountered the same issue recently. I built the work bench in my new shop and until it was completed I fully intended to mount my vice on one end.
After more sanding and sealing and rubbing coats that I can remember, I came away with a surface that is more like a piece of nice furniture than a place to beat things.
This is how it looks
So, I decided to put my vice somewhere more accessable where it would serve me better. Ok, maybe I am rationalizing but, there is merit to be able to use the vise better somewhere it is not mounted to a table.
After much deliberation I designed this vice mount and made one. It mounts to a wall next to my 4-post lift and now it can be swiveled so something can be held in three different axis. It works great!
Here in standard position
Here it is rotated 90 deg.s. There are two thumb nuts under the plate to tighten and loosen.
You can tell my the top surface I have used this vice a lot! It is mounted into the studs with 3/8" x 3" lag bolts. It's not going anywhere!!!
At the end of the day, do what makes you the happiest and you will never regret your decision.
Cheers!
Mickm
Thats awsome
D.J.
Well-known member
"Best reply of the thread that a lot of folks never consider unless your Left handed like those of us in our Right minds"
Thanks D.J.
TonkaJoe
Well-known member
Here's my suggestion.. had the same issue as the OP! Its the tough to plunge holes into something you spent a bunch of money on for sure.. but it's definitely beneficial to just drill that bench and get the vise in..
I would however suggest using a steel plate to mount under your vise. It will add stability to your butcher block top as I noticed mine was definitely slightly cracking at the joints as I tightened the vise down without it.
1/8" steel plate did the trick though, and I now have something to do a little bit of heavy hammering on as well.
I should also add that this bench which my vise is located on isn't part of my main workbench / cabinetry set.. in the last picture the vise bench is on the right and the cabinet set is to the left.
. You'll want the room with a vise so its definitely better to have it located elsewhere!
Sent from my SGH-I747M using Tapatalk
I would however suggest using a steel plate to mount under your vise. It will add stability to your butcher block top as I noticed mine was definitely slightly cracking at the joints as I tightened the vise down without it.
1/8" steel plate did the trick though, and I now have something to do a little bit of heavy hammering on as well.
I should also add that this bench which my vise is located on isn't part of my main workbench / cabinetry set.. in the last picture the vise bench is on the right and the cabinet set is to the left.
. You'll want the room with a vise so its definitely better to have it located elsewhere!
Sent from my SGH-I747M using Tapatalk
OP
MagicMarker
Well-known member
Thanks for so many great ideas.
B T C
Well-known member
My apologies for bumping an old thread, and this soon to be rambling post, but this seems like a good place to ask for some ad'vise'. I have a Craftsman Professional 4.5" vise, an apparent clone of the Wilton 1745, and a Gladiator 6' maple top workbench and would appreciate some thoughts regarding mounting the vise.
I had planned to drill through the bench and mount the vise with 9/16" bolts, even though Wilton's installation instructions for the 1745 vise say to drill a 9/16" hole and use a 1/2' bolt. My feeling is that if I'm drilling a 9/16" hole I should use a 9/16" bolt.
If I put the vise in the location I would consider ideal, which would allow for vertical clearance along both the front and end of the bench, and regardless of whether it's mounted on the left or right side of the bench, the front corner mount is very close to the edge of the bench, and there is interference with the rear inward mount and the front leg of the bench.
I guess my concerns are how close the front corner hole is to the edge of the bench, and the fact I could only use three bolts. For my likely use case, three bolts would probably be plenty secure. I could use a lag bolt in the rear inner mount, but would prefer not to for some reason.
I believe I could move the vise towards the center of the bench a couple of inches, use four bolts and eliminate any concerns with the location of the front corner mount. However, I would lose vertical clearance along the end of the bench. I could probably move it inwards a lesser amount and use shims along the stationary jaw if I ever needed vertical clearance along the end of the bench.
What would you do? All thoughts are welcomed. I've read everything I can find, but haven't seen a couple of my points specifically addressed and just wanted to throw it out there. I've never had a vise mounted to a wooden bench. The benches have always been steel. I suspect I'm overthinking this because that's what I seem to do. It also seems trivial in comparison to figuring out how to get John Deere's largest combine into my three car garage. Do I move my grill to the deck and park my car in the neighbor's yard, or don't I? If those comments made no sense, I grew up on a farm, but now live/quarantine in the 'burbs. According to my therapist, I miss farming.
I had planned to drill through the bench and mount the vise with 9/16" bolts, even though Wilton's installation instructions for the 1745 vise say to drill a 9/16" hole and use a 1/2' bolt. My feeling is that if I'm drilling a 9/16" hole I should use a 9/16" bolt.
If I put the vise in the location I would consider ideal, which would allow for vertical clearance along both the front and end of the bench, and regardless of whether it's mounted on the left or right side of the bench, the front corner mount is very close to the edge of the bench, and there is interference with the rear inward mount and the front leg of the bench.
I guess my concerns are how close the front corner hole is to the edge of the bench, and the fact I could only use three bolts. For my likely use case, three bolts would probably be plenty secure. I could use a lag bolt in the rear inner mount, but would prefer not to for some reason.
I believe I could move the vise towards the center of the bench a couple of inches, use four bolts and eliminate any concerns with the location of the front corner mount. However, I would lose vertical clearance along the end of the bench. I could probably move it inwards a lesser amount and use shims along the stationary jaw if I ever needed vertical clearance along the end of the bench.
What would you do? All thoughts are welcomed. I've read everything I can find, but haven't seen a couple of my points specifically addressed and just wanted to throw it out there. I've never had a vise mounted to a wooden bench. The benches have always been steel. I suspect I'm overthinking this because that's what I seem to do. It also seems trivial in comparison to figuring out how to get John Deere's largest combine into my three car garage. Do I move my grill to the deck and park my car in the neighbor's yard, or don't I? If those comments made no sense, I grew up on a farm, but now live/quarantine in the 'burbs. According to my therapist, I miss farming.
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nadogail
Well-known member
I think you will be more comfortable with your vise on a stand made from a car or truck wheel and some scrap.
I welded some scrap onto 2" pipe and bolted it to a wheel and tire I found for free on Craig's List.
I welded some scrap onto 2" pipe and bolted it to a wheel and tire I found for free on Craig's List.
fullthrottle24
Well-known member
I would mount it as you have it pictured. I have had similar problem with leg interference as well as steel bar running through the wood of my maple butcher block top. I would use 3 bolts with washers on both vise and underside of wood. Lag screw with washer for the hole with inteference issue.
rburke65
Well-known member
I’d go ahead and do it
Outlawmws
Well-known member
BTC. get yourself a ""T nut the size needed, countersink it slightly on the back side, and use a bolt on the foot that is over the leg.
SALIV8
Well-known member
Prospecter
Well-known member
My bench vises are mounted on corners just like yours, which allows me to use them on two sides, and swing them out of the way when that is helpful.
Consider that the base could be swiveled to 45* with the narrow part toward the corner to get the holes a little farther from the edge. You also might consider fender washers, or even a backing plate of plywood / aluminum to go under your bench.
Consider that the base could be swiveled to 45* with the narrow part toward the corner to get the holes a little farther from the edge. You also might consider fender washers, or even a backing plate of plywood / aluminum to go under your bench.
B T C
Well-known member
I appreciate all of the input. I finally manned up and mounted my vise. I don't even want to admit how many years it's just been sitting on my bench. Did I just say years? Right now it's only mounted with two bolts, which may be plenty for my needs. I'm not certain that either of the holes I drilled was perfectly vertical, but they both seem to be close enough. Maybe that's why Wilton suggests a 9/16" hole and a 1/2" bolt.
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Jazz1
Well-known member
Anchor vise to workbench. My workbench top was that nice when newly built, freshly varnished and then the long days and nights in the garage made way for burns, paint spills and gouges. Laid a sheet of 3/16" steel plate over the workbench years down the road.
ScaldedDog
Well-known member
OP, what was the wood like on yours? I have the same workbench, a new 8' Gladiator, and just mounted my new vice. The wood is stupid soft, so that the washers dug into it on the bottom (any my holes were dead straight), and the top scratches ridiculously easy. I have the 6' version of the same bench, purchased in 2009, and the difference is striking. Shameful, actually. We can't even afford decent Chinese wood anymore?
OTOH, I love the new Capri vice!
Mark
Sent from my SM-G986U using Tapatalk
OTOH, I love the new Capri vice!
Mark
Sent from my SM-G986U using Tapatalk
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nadogail
Well-known member
Looks good from here.
It's just a workbench, It's just a workbench, It's just a workbench.
It's just a workbench, It's just a workbench, It's just a workbench.
B T C
Well-known member
I'm not the OP, but I bought my bench many years ago when the "hardwood" tops were still maple. I believe the tops are now birch. I assume maple is a bit harder, but I really have no idea. One of the flat washers on the bottom of my bench dug in a bit, but it's on the bolt where I didn't get the hole drilled perfectly vertical. I'm sure the size of the washer plays a role, but my feeling is that if I tried I could probably torque the bolts to the point where the wood would compress.