Tail vises are funny things. I’ve installed many of them during the last 20 years, and I have a formula to calculate the time to do it right. Here it is:
Time to install a tail vise with precision = time to build the rest of the bench.
I’m not joking. With the exception of bolting a quick-release vise on the end of the bench, a good tail-vise-installation job takes time, concentration and effort. For this circa 1505 bench, it took me about 10 hours to build the basic bench and install the face vise.
So far, it has taken me seven hours of painstaking work (which I greatly enjoy by the way) to get the 10 critical surfaces of the bench in the same plane to install the vise’s bushing, vise nut and screw. Tomorrow I’ll install the screw, bushing and vise nut. If I’m lucky, it will take only three hours.
If I’m wrong, then my formula is off.
— Christopher Schwarz
Lookin’ great. Rock on!
I was thinking a dovetail it would hold better and look nice.Oh wait, after thinking about that, it would weaken the block. never mind carry on.
Looks like you have some powder post beetles in your top (or did).
I love this post. I am currently building my first workbench that I consider to be one that will last me long term, and I am so stressed about the tail vise.
“So far, it has taken me seven hours of painstaking work (which I greatly enjoy by the way) ”
The above quote made me smile, because no matter how hard things can get, if you love woodworking or love learning woodworking in my case, even painstaking work becomes something enjoyable and liberating.
I’m excited to see this all “come to life.” Thanks for sharing your work, and for LAP in general.
May I use horizontal holdfasts instead of installing a vise? Does that even make sense? I don’t understand why a vise is superior to a holdfast on the side of a workbench. I’m a novice, so please forgive my ignorance.
Of course you can. Most people find a face vise is quicker and more convenient. Plus it is less likely to crush delicate work.
This video should help: