How Does a Woodworking Workbench Vise Work?

Introduction

A workbench vise is an essential tool for any woodworking shop, providing stability and work holding for a variety of tasks. One of the most common types of work bench vise is known as a face vise, which is mounted on the front of a workbench. This specific style of face vise is known as a Leg Vise, because it’s attached to the workbench leg. In this article and video, we’ll walk you through the parts of the workbench vise, and how it all works and fits together.

Understanding the Components of a Workbench Vise

It’s important to understand the main components, or anatomy, of a work bench vise and their functions:

• Vise Chop – The front movable wooden jaw of the workbench vise, responsible for clamping objects securely.

• Vise Screw Mechanism – The central threaded screw that allows the vise to open and close smoothly, which goes into a tightening nut. We use this wooden workbench vise, in case you want to buy it. You can also buy a vise screw mechanism that incorporates metal parts, like this popular (but expensive) vise hardware.

• Parallel Guide – A guiding mechanism that ensures the vise remains parallel to the front of the bench. A forged pin allows the parallel guide to be adjusted to the thickness of the board to be clamped, to ensure a tight clamp and protection of the vise.

• Garter – A removable wooden mechanism that connects the chop to the screw.

• Back Piece – The fixed rear jaw of the vise, which is attached to the workbench for stability.

Choosing the Correct Work Bench Vise Orientation

When building a workbench, proper placement of your workbench vise is essential for maximizing efficiency. If you are right-handed, the vise should be mounted on the left end of your workbench, while left-handed woodworkers should place the bench vise it on the right end. This positioning allows for better control when using a hand plane and other woodworking hand tools.

How to Assemble a Workbench Vise

Step 1:  Attach the Back Piece to the workbench top and stretcher

The back piece serves as the stationary jaw and must be securely attached to the workbench. In the case of the Portable Moravian Workbench shown in the video, it’s attached to both the workbench top and the bottom stretcher with mortise and tenon joints. You can see how this back piece is attached to the workbench by watching the above video.

Step 2: Insert the Parallel Guide and Vise Chop into the Back Piece

The parallel guide is permanently attached to the vise chop via a through-mortise and tenon joint. Slide the parallel guide into the mortise on the bottom of the back piece, and push parallel guide and the attached vise chop up against the back piece.

Step 3: Attach the Bench Vise Screw, Vise Chop, Back Piece, and Screw Nut

Insert the bench vise screw through the round hole in vise chop and also the matching hole in the the back piece. Insert the garter into the side of the vise chop to attach the vise chop and the wooden screw. The bench vise screw’s nut is permanently attached to the back side of the back piece, so the screw will thread into the nut. Keep turning the screw clockwise until the vise jaws come together.

Step 4: Insert the Parallel Guide Pin

The final step to assemble the workbench vise is to slide the forged pin into the parallel guide hole that corresponds with the thickness of the board that you want to clamp in the jaws.

Step 5: Tighten and Adjust the Work Bench Vise

Place your wooden workpiece in the bench vise jaws and turn the handle clockwise until the jaws tighten on the workpiece. If it’s not holding the workpiece tightly enough, readjust the parallel guide pin and try again. If it still doesn’t tighten enough, you can also consider gluing cork to the inside jaws of your vise, to add grip and abrasion protection.

Maintaining Your Workbench Vise

To ensure long-lasting performance, follow these maintenance tips:

• Lubricate the Screw Regularly – Use a dry lubricant or paste wax to prevent rust and ensure smooth movement. In our woodworking school, we use the beeswax finish that we make, which you can find here.

• Check for Loose Fasteners – Periodically tighten any bolts or screws that may have loosened over time.

• Keep the Wood Clean and Dry – Protect wooden parts from excessive moisture to prevent warping.

• Adjust the Parallel Guide as Needed – Over time, minor adjustments may be necessary to maintain optimal performance.

Conclusion

Building and installing a work bench vise is a rewarding project that enhances the functionality of your workbench vise setup. By carefully following these steps, you can create a durable, efficient vise that will serve you well for years to come. Whether you’re a professional woodworker or a DIY enthusiast, a high-quality workbench vise is an indispensable addition to your workshop.

About Will Myers

Will Myers is an expert furniture maker from North Carolina, who specializes in building reproduction furniture with historical hand tools. Will is featured in the best-selling DVD “Building the Portable Moravian Workbench with Will Myers” and on the PBS TV show “The Woodwright’s Shop“. He also teaches woodworking classes at various schools, and has been featured in multiple woodworking magazine articles.