CXXXIX. In this quarter is set forth the form of the Joyners Working Bench, with all the Appurtenances belonging thereunto, as First, the Plank or Board for the top, in which are made several round holes for the Bench Hook and the Hold Fast, as they have occasion to hold the Work on it.
The Bench Feet, those of the Workmans side being made full of holes, in which are Pins put for the Board or other thing to rest upon, while its edges are to be wrought, either by shooting with the Plain, or otherwise, which Pins are to be removed to higher or lower holes, as the breadth of the Board shall require.
The Bench Screw, set on its higher side, to screw Boards to the Bench side, while their edges are plaining or shooting, that they shake or tremble not, but remain steady while they are in working.
The Hold-Fast, which is to keep the Work fast upon the Bench while the Joyner either Saws Tenants, or or cuts Mortesses, or doth any other Work upon it.
The Bench Hook in it, which is to stay or hold Boards, or any other Stuff that is laid flat against it, while they are Trying or Plaining.
The Double Screw, is sometimes fixed to the side of the Bench, and sometimes the farther Check is laid an edge upon the flat of the Bench, and fastned there with an Hold-Fast, and sometimes two are fastned to the Bench, to hold fast some sorts of Stuff, that are to have their edges wrought.
The Mallet, it is always to rest only on the Bench, because of its continual use.
— From Randle Holme’s “The Academy of Armory, or, A Storehouse of Armory and Blazon” Book III, Chapter VIII, Plate 2.
"The Double Screw, is sometimes fixed to the side of the Bench, and sometimes the farther Check is laid an edge upon the flat of the Bench, and fastned there with an Hold-Fast, and sometimes two are fastned to the Bench, to hold fast some sorts of Stuff, that are to have their edges wrought."
Sounds like the Twin Screw vise heavily discussed on the woodworking internets to me.
Not the clearest illustration, but is that a crochet I see, on the right-hand corner?
Chris, you might be interested in this:
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3983/is_200203/ai_n9024654/