How to mount a woodworking vice?

3rd March 2020


How to mount a woodworking vice


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		A vice needs to be mounted correctly in order to ensure it is secure enough to clamp onto objects without risk of movement. This can be done by following a few simple steps.

		Mounting a permanent vice
		When used for holding a workpiece during hand operations such as sawing or planing, a vice may be permanently mounted to a workbench by bolting it into place.

		This ensures both a user’s safety and accuracy when completing such operations on a workpiece, by helping to eliminate any risk of the vice moving or falling off the worktop. Please note that these instructions are a guide to mounting a vice. Some vices, such as the workbench vice, may need to be installed into a workbench itself and to do this the user should follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

		Step 1 – Select worktop When using a vice, the fixed body should always be securely attached to a sturdy worktop, such as a woodworking bench. The workbench should also be immovably fastened to the floor.

		Step 2 – Position vice Make sure to place the vice in the best position before bolting. When mounting a woodworking vice, the top edge of the jaws should be set level with the surface of the workbench.

		At this point, also ensure that there is enough room for the full length of the screw when the jaws of the vice are fully closed.

		Step 3 – Drill bolt holes After placing the vice in the optimum position, mark out the holes for where the vice will be bolted.

		These holes will then have to be drilled out to allow for the bolts to pass through the workbench.

		Step 4 – Bolt vice Next, place bolts into all the holes provided within the mounting bracket. To add further security, place lock washers in-between the bolts and mounting bracket to distribute the load of the fastener.

		The vice is now mounted to the workbench and ready for use.

		Mounting a portable vice
		Some models of woodwork vices are portable and can be clamped to the edge of any convenient worktop when needed.

		Step 1 – Select worktop A portable woodworking vice can mount to any work surface, as long as the clamp is wide enough to fit around the edge.

		Step 2 – Position vice Place the vice in the best working position by resting the mounting bracket onto the work surface and the vice clamp underneath the work surface.

		Step 3 – Clamp vice Fix the vice by turning the clamping lever to the right. Keep turning until the vice is clamped tightly onto the work surface. To undo the vice, simply turn the clamping lever to the left.

		The vice is now securely mounted to the work surface and ready to be used.