A workbench is not a workbench without a face or end vise. A bench vise adds functionality and maximizes a workbench’s purpose.
In woodworking, a vise is considered an essential tool. It serves as an aid in the completion of various carpentry applications. Even if you don’t have a workbench, a vise can be used with other tools and on any work surface.
Bench vises like the Wilton or Irwin vise are simple to mount on any bench or work surface. As long as there’s a place and space where you can bolt or clamp them on, vises can be used for any woodworking project.
In this article, you’ll learn some useful tips on how to mount a Wilton or Irwin vise on a workbench, tool cart, drill press and also without a bench.
How to Mount a Vise on a Workbench
Bench vises were made purposely for workbenches. Most bench vise models on the market are designed to fit with any workbench. That’s why you can mount and use them on any bench, anywhere and anytime.
To mount a vise on a workbench, first, determine whether the vise is a portable or permanent type. The difference between these two is that portable vises are clamped to the bench’s side and permanent vises are bolted to them.
Portable Vise:
To clamp a portable vise, just choose which side of the bench you want to mount it on. Ideally, your workbench should have both a face vise and an end vise. But if you plan to use only one, then you can choose either the face or end side.
No special procedure is required for clamping portable vises. You only need to measure and mark the correct position where you want to mount them. Just make sure that the vise is placed in a way that the clamp jaws are level with the bench’s surface. Then clamp the vise snugly in place, according to manufacturer’s instructions.
Permanent Vise:
To bolt a permanent bench vise, you’ll need bolts, nuts, and washers. You also need to use tools like a drill, wrench, and socket.
First, measure and mark the correct position and mounting holes using a pencil. If you plan to use a template, make sure that the template matches the vise you plan to mount.
After marking off the mount holes, fit the drill with the correct-sized drill bit. Drill out the marked holes carefully to avoid the wood from splintering.
After drilling, align the vise with the holes and check whether the holes are of the right size. Fit some correct-sized washers with the bolts and place them in each hole.
Fix the vise in place by hand-tightening the nuts together with washers and lock washers. Use a wrench and socket to tighten the bolts down.
Test out if the vise is mounted snugly enough so that it won’t move or wobble while in use. Make sure to check and adjust the fitting every now and then.
How to Mount a Vise on a Drill Press and Tool Cart
Aside from your workbench, your drill press table should also have a vise mounted on it. The vise holds the wood in place so you can drill neat, if not perfect, holes into it.
The method of mounting a vise on a drill press is the same as with mounting it on a workbench. All you need to do is figure out where you want to mount it and whether you want to also use a rotary table.
Just measure and mark off the correct position and holes and follow the same steps as above.
The same goes for mounting vises on a tool cart or tool chest. Just measure and mark off the area where you plan to mount the vise and follow the same steps. However, not all bench vises may fit all tool carts. Some don’t have a removable surface panel that you can drill and bolt the vise onto.
How to Mount a Vise Without a Workbench
If you don’t have a workbench or simply don’t have space for one, you can still mount and use a bench vise for simple woodworking projects. You can use a dimensional lumber as a temporary work bench or even a thick sheet of plywood.
However, for this, a portable vise is the most ideal to use. You only need to clamp it in place and then remove it when you’re done.
Wherever you decide to mount a bench vise, just make sure that you measure and mark the right spots. A bench vise is always a great help in any kind of woodworking project, whether big or small.
Please Share This Article 🙂
