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Fast Fix: Vise Insert Prevents Racking

Ed Pirnik, Senior Web Producer

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Learn how to save your vise with spacers in the latest episode of our Fast Fix video series.

Photo: Ed Pirnik

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Let's face it, a workbench is largely useless without a good quality vise to help secure your work. If you've ever built your own bench, you know that this indispensable tool can be quite pricey. That's why it surprises me whenever I see someone clamping a small or narrow work piece using only one end of a vise, while the other side racks inward due to a lack of support.

The solution? A simple set of spacers that not only keep your vise from racking, but keep a tight grip on your work as well. Learn how to build one in the latest episode of FineWoodworking.com's Fast Fix video series. And be sure to visit the home of Fast Fix for even more time-saving tips and techniques.

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Comments (5)

jcrum writes: are you talking aboout the adapters for the metal handles for hosaluk or Kelton type handles? If so try craftsupplies.com
Posted: 9:50 am on June 25th

epirnik writes: billyfishhead: That's a perfect question for the Knots forum. I'm betting you'll get a TON of answers if you post in there. Hope it helps!

http://forums.finewoodworking.com/forum

Cheers,

-Ed

Posted: 9:48 am on June 22nd

rbrandt writes: OOPS - 1/2" pieces of hard copper tubing are the ferrels for wooden handles to tools - not the handles themselves.
Posted: 9:43 am on June 22nd

rbrandt writes: A collet might be overkill.

You might think about using a ferrell to keep the receiving end of the tool from splitting when you drive the chisel in. The purpose of the ferrell is to keep the handle from splitting. It indirectly holds the chisel tight. A chisel doesn't have threads.

The way I understand your question, inserting a collet into the handle, and then the chisel into the collet, you still have a problem of holding the collet. In addition, the diameter of the receiving end of a chisel handle isn't large enough to accept a collet that would be large enough to hold a chisel!

On heavier chisels (not turning tools) that a struck with a hammer or mallet, you might also put a ferrel on the striking end.

I use the appropriate size hard copper tubing for chisels, file handles, etc.

Hope this helps.
Posted: 9:39 am on June 22nd

billyfishhead writes: Maybe I'm in the wrong spot, but I need some 1/2"-3/4" collets to assemble my wood turning tools. The collets go in the end of the handles and a 1/2" or what have you HSS chisel is slipped in and screwed tight. Anyone know where I can get these collet Thanks for any help. Bill @ knotty Grove Woodsmith
Posted: 5:41 am on June 22nd

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