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I picked up a couple woodworking vices at an estate sale this summer. Finally getting around to installing them. Previously I've used 3/4" "pine" to line the jaws. Do you use something like this or something harder, and is 3/4" a good thickness? By the way, my vice does occasionally get use for things that aren't woodworking.
Got any thoughts?
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Location: San Diego, CA
I used ~3/4” pine, held in place with magnets (from old hard drives).
I too use it sometimes for non-woodworking items. Having the removable pads has been handy
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Location: Columbia, SC
I use 3/4" maple and glued on some heavy vegetable tanned leather for grippy padding. I use my vise for lots of non woodworking tasks.
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Location: Lewiston, NY
I have 3/4" maple or oak on the bench vice on my all-purpose bench. On my Euro style bench, I have 1/4" leather on the shoulder vice faces. The leather is great for holding stuff securely w/o damage. Highly recommended.
Maybe make two pair of faces and swap them in/out with magnets?
John
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I've gravitated to good 1/4" plywood installed with solvent-based contact cement. A little lacquer thinner and a screwdriver wedge takes the old face off rather quickly. Two 3/4" thick jaw faces makes your vise lose 1-1/2" of opening capacity. By using 1/4" faces, I lose only 1/2" of opening capacity. So much will depend on what you do.
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I went to mount the wood on the front jaw and there was no holes for screws. I am going to try magnets, then glue, maybe "angle irons" from side to back, then last resort drilling a couple holes. Funny thing is that I have a second one (identical but without dog) and that has holes for screws.
I need to have my kid help me so I can post a picture of the vice. The name is "Grand Rapids" I don't see anything online about that brand. Both are quick release, and a rather robust mechanism.
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Location: South Central Oklahoma
I sometimes use thick leather pads on the vises I'm using if they have metal jaws. Both of the vises on my bench have wooden jaws.
I simply tape the leather pads in place with painters tape until I have finished with the project then remove them.
Jim in Okie
You can tell a lot about the character of a man -
By the way he treats those who can do nothing for him.
