DIY Bench Vice

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My "normal" job has been slow and the paycheck has been a bit short so I've been cutting back where possible. I ended up with a 3 day weekend and decided to just build something for fun.........but I figured it should be useful too. I came across a plan for this bench vice. It took me about an hour to cut all the pieces and about $38 in tubing, threaded rod, bolts, and paint. It took me about 8 hours total over 2 days. I know that is a long time, but I'm still learning. I still have enough extra material to build another one (its tough to buy just 16" of threaded rod). I just built a temporary mounting plate and clamped it to my work top since I don't have a place to mount the vice yet. That will probably be next weekend's project. Attached Images
Reply:I like it!
Reply:Nicely done!  Can we get some underside and interior pics?Miller Dynasty 200DXMiller Spectrum 250DMiller Millermatic 200Bunch of old blue dinosaurs....
Reply:Care to share those plans? I want to build one. Nice job.Torchmate 2x2 CNC with Flashcut CNC controlsHypertherm Powermax45 Esab ET220i Razorweld 195 MigRazorweld 200ac/dc TigTormach 770, Tormach xstechRazorweld, Vipercut/Vipermig, SSC Foot Pedal Dealer
Reply:Here are a couple more pics......I took out the sliding portion to show the underside and took one photo of the interior from the back side. I included the last one because my shop cat somehow got in the picture.Here is where I found the plans (Videos).......http://www.ibuildit.ca/Workshop%20Pr...ch-vise-1.htmlLast edited by Timmer; 11-03-2013 at 08:59 PM.
Reply:Beautiful job.Making one's own tools brings a level of satisfaction that no store-bought dohicky can match!You're right. You have a long way to go. That floor is just way too clean!Be wary of The Numbers: Figures don't lie,. but liars can figure.Welders:2008 Lincoln 140 GMAW&FCAW2012 HF 165 'toy' GTAW&SMAW1970's Cobbled together O/A
Reply:Looks great, I'm sure you will put it to good use!*************************************Mike AccardiHenderson, [email protected] 250XLincoln Weldpack HDMiller Syncrowave 180 SD*************************************
Reply:That's sweet, and your grandkids will tell their kids, "My Pa made that, back in '13!!"-AaronJet 17.5" Drill Press1942 South Bend 16x84 Lathe1980s Miller 320A / BP --- 2013 Power Mig 2562012 Jet 7x12 Horizontal BandsawVictor O/A Setup
Reply:For $38 you did ok and got some practice, but I would not call that a bench vise.Perhaps you could have INVESTED your time making money to get a real vise.    Surely somebody has a mower deck with a broken wheel, a leaning mailbox, a trailer needing painted....something.
Reply:Originally Posted by dsergisonFor $38 you did ok and got some practice, but I would not call that a bench vise.Perhaps you could have INVESTED your time making money to get a real vise.    Surely somebody has a mower deck with a broken wheel, a leaning mailbox, a trailer needing painted....something.
Reply:Dsergison,I could have done what you suggested. The multiple back surgeries prevent me from doing anything really physical, such as digging out leaning mailboxes, but I refuse to sit in front of the t.v. all day when I get a day off. I do fix lawn mowers for people and two weeks ago was the first time I painted a Pickup truck (for a family member). It turns out I really hate masking tape......I'm sure the Ford dealer could have gotten that truck painted better then I did, but it turned out pretty good and didn't cost nearly as much.  The point to my bench vice is this: 1) I work all day, everyday, drawing things (houses, mechanical parts, concept items) for other people to build. 2) Last weekend I spent a day doing what I wanted (some people fish or golf)....I built something for me.3) It is a bench vice, It works well. It holds things securely and it does everything I need it to do. Also, with my back, weight of objects is always a consideration.4) I didn't pay as much in taxes for the parts as I would have if I'd bought a 6" bench vice from a store. I pay enough in taxes already.5) As you said, I did okay and yes, I got some practice.6) I like posting projects on here so I can learn more and get better at my "hobby".I think thats all that needs to be said about my choices.Timmer
Reply:Timmer....great job and i love your last post...keep up the spirit......
Reply:I've used the vice for about a week and I may have 2 small tweaks. I've got enough mat'l to build another one, I might give it a go and see if I can improve on this design (but the current designs works great as is).
Reply:Originally Posted by TimmerDsergison,I could have done what you suggested. The multiple back surgeries prevent me from doing anything really physical, such as digging out leaning mailboxes, but I refuse to sit in front of the t.v. all day when I get a day off. I do fix lawn mowers for people and two weeks ago was the first time I painted a Pickup truck (for a family member). It turns out I really hate masking tape......I'm sure the Ford dealer could have gotten that truck painted better then I did, but it turned out pretty good and didn't cost nearly as much.  The point to my bench vice is this: 1) I work all day, everyday, drawing things (houses, mechanical parts, concept items) for other people to build. 2) Last weekend I spent a day doing what I wanted (some people fish or golf)....I built something for me.3) It is a bench vice, It works well. It holds things securely and it does everything I need it to do. Also, with my back, weight of objects is always a consideration.4) I didn't pay as much in taxes for the parts as I would have if I'd bought a 6" bench vice from a store. I pay enough in taxes already.5) As you said, I did okay and yes, I got some practice.6) I like posting projects on here so I can learn more and get better at my "hobby".I think thats all that needs to be said about my choices.Timmer