The English Woodworker » Tips, Workbench Design » Get A Grip!
Get A Grip!
If you’re building a workbench then you’ll likely spend a lot of time pondering over which vices are going to suit you the best. There’s a lot of choice out there so it can be a big headache but whatever you opt for there’s one step that I definately recommend you take.
Adding a suede lining to your vice jaw will add ‘bite’ and hold work more securely whilst the soft surface gives protection. It’s a simple change that can make a huge improvement and after spending all that time selecting and fitting it would be a shame to leave this out.
Suede, unlike shiny leather has a ‘grippy’ finish and if you can find the sort that is suede on both faces then it’ll be much easier to stick in place – contact adhesive is best for this and a nice old school one with the solvents in will be strongest (…I probably shouldn’t be saying that).
Double Suede
For a really stubborn grip I often line the mating surface as well as the vice jaw so that the work is sandwiched between two linings. If the front of your workbench is all in one plane like many traditional benches then you’ll want to consider one extra detail when doing this for your face vice or else it can have a negative effect.
Sticking a second suede piece to the face of your bench top means it will jut out and cause a void behind any clamped work that hangs out of the jaw. Even a small void will mean the area is unsupported and when you come to cut or work the wood you will likely find it vibrates a little.
To gain the benefit of the second piece of suede I always recess it in to the top instead of sticking it straight on. It doesn’t need to go in far, perhaps just half its thickness so that when you clamp and compress the suede it becomes flush with the wood either side and work can be fully supported regardless of its length.
Paying attention to this extra detail can make all the difference and ensure you’ll get the most out of your vice.
Filed under: Tips, Workbench Design
10 Responses to "Get A Grip!"
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Nice tips, Thank you. I’m just about to fit a vice and this will make a nice addition.
David, not bad timing then! I hope it works out well for you.
Thanks Richard, I need to find some Suede now
Ken, check your inbox – just a little treat
Many thanks Richard, nice one buddy
Received it today Richard. Many thanks buddy
Great tip, Richard. I dare say a piece of chamois leather would be easiest to find – they sell it in most car accessory shops for car washing.
That’s genius Paul, I often get asked where to get hold of small amounts and I can’t answer – I tend to buy the whole animal! I’m going pick some up next time I see some and give it a test.
Good idea Richard.
However, surely ordinary leather, fitted with the rough-side out would be just as effective, and somewhat cheaper? To help it stick to the vice maybe roughen up the smooth side first.
At the moment I am using offcuts of the old-style hardboard, with the rough side outwards. Trouble is, we can’t get that material so easily these days…
Cheers
JW
Hi John,
Ordinary leather would certainly do it if you can manage to get it to stick firm, I’ve found it’s quite resistant to the glue so some sort of roughing up like you say should help.
I know the hardboard you mean, I’ve never thought to use it as a vice lining do you find it effective?
All the best.