Replies

1. 
   RANGERP75R | Sep 10, 2003 08:41am | #1

   Todd

      On a 7" vise, you can get away with 3 1/2" on each side which will give you 14" total. It depends on how far you recess the legs as to whether you go inside or outside. Sit down an stare at the bench. Give it deep thought.

      Will the handle interfere if you install drawers now or latter? Will the outside mount with a deeper leg recess give up structrual strenght. Depends a lot on how long the over-all lenght of the bench is. Also, are the legs recessed back away from the bottom lip of the top?

      I am currently building another work-bench. I spent over a hour determining where that front vise should be mounted to give maximum width to jaws and not give up structrual strength to the base in relation to the top.

      You will have to answer your own question with common sense and the design you have used on the table. 

   Good luck...

   sarge..jt

1. 
   toddhunter | Sep 10, 2003 08:49pm | #3

   I think mounting the vise just inside the leg has to provide more support, which seems necessary with a top only 1-1/2" thick.  And as long as it doesn't run into the leg, there doesn't seem to be much disadvantage.  The top is about 5x3, and spreading the legs wider will allow for more cabinet space as well (even accounting for the vice). Cabinets should add support.   I've seen some benches that aren't symmetrical, so I could extend one end, but I think I'll stick with symmetrical.   Thanks for the advice.  Todd

1. 
   RANGERP75R | Sep 11, 2003 08:46am | #4

   Todd

      I think you have made a wise decision with that thickness top. You don't want to get too wide outside the jaws or you will set yourself up for the vise to rack as BG mentioned. That causes stress on the Acme screw and will lead to stripping and failure of the vise long before it's time.

      Your set-up seems to be sound. Common sense kind of leads you to the "promise land". ha..ha..

   Enjoy the new bench...

   sarge..jt

2. 
   BG | Sep 10, 2003 02:05pm | #2

   todd,

   Sarge's advice on  the vise placement is right on the mark..it's personal.  I incorporated the inside jaw in the bench and used 6/4 ash for the movable jaw and extended the wood about 3-4" each side of the vise to be flush with the end of the bench...doesn't work as well as I'd like, get too much deflection...I may try thicker stock. I'm also going to make a little add on jig that will help hold draws for planing.