Allow me to show off my wagon vise. I am very pleased with how it came out. It cost $100 in parts for deluxe version. Base model would be about $40 and just as functional.
Bench dog block:
IMG_0563.jpg
Screw with bench dog block:
IMG_0560.jpg IMG_0561.jpg IMG_0562.jpg
Rear half of the rail:
IMG_0565.jpg
Assembled vise, from below:
IMG_0569.jpg
Assembled vise from above:
IMG_0571.jpg
Ingredients:
Lee Valley Tail Vise Screw (*)
Kreg Combo-Trak 48" (optional - I happened to have it on hand. You could just make a rail out of some hard-wearing wood, or use a simple miter channel if you have some on hand, with a strip of wood tightly assembled under it to give it some support) (**)
Benchcradted End-Cap Barrel Nuts (optional - you can use some other, less expensive screws or bolts)
I am building split-top from Benchcrafted plans, and this fits with almost no modification - just a little wider space under the bench and obviously different dog block. Widths of lamination pieces and all lengths are unchanged.
Action is very smooth and it feels bomb-proof. It doesn't spin as nicely as Benchcrafted tail vise - it will only do about 2.5 rotations when spun. Long handle is not needed, I'll install a very short one with a small perpendicular handle that freely rotates so I can spin it quickly.
I agonized over tail vise choice because $400 didn't sit well with me, and I'm very glad I did this. I am generally not frugal when it comes to tools, but for 1/10 to 1/4 of the price you can have a robust wagon vise with excellent peformance that any newbie can build (this workbench-in-progress is my first woodworking project).
A few tips to offer to a potential builder:
- Rails must be as parallel with each other as possible, as well as parallel with the top
- Screw must be parallel with rails, and the easiest way to fine-tune this is to leave making holes for flange mounting screws for the very end - tiny adjustment there has dramatic impact on how smoothly the screw moves, whether it binds or glides.
- To build the vise block, start with a cuboid and fully finish that shape to make sure everything is parallel / right angle, then mark it accurately, then cut down into the block shape. Don't try to glue up a few odd-shaped pieces and hack from there. If you are making rectangular dog holes, you will have to make that first, then build up into a cuboid.
I am left-handed, so these photos are probably mirror image of what you need to build.
(*) I treated LV vise as described in this thread
(**) I originally solicited ideas for rails here