Just installed my bench vice and I was wondering what you all use for the clamping surface on your vice?
[OP]
Contributor
Just installed my bench vice and I was wondering what you all use for the clamping surface on your vice?
Contributor
I use pine scraps. I was taught it should be softer wood than anything you would put in it.
Member
I have had a couple pieces of plywood as the faces on my vise for about 20 years. Works great.
-Alden
Contributor
I use HM. I don't clamp with enough pressure to transfer any witness lines from the vise to the workpiece.
When I started woodworking, I didn't know squat. I have progressed in 30 years - now I do know squat.
Member
BB ply works for me.
Member
I use leather.
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Hard maple
Member
I used some scraps of Jatoba from a previous project. Jatoba is even harder & denser than Hard Maple. I figure it should way outlast me. Then I did put some leather on the movable face for enhanced grip.
2012-09-28_11-15-42_608.jpg 2012-09-28_11-15-32_369.jpg Shop - 12 My Bench B.jpg
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Stew Hagerty
Contributor
Heck, I just used Masonite. Like Kent, I don't squeeze that hard. In my case, I am just trying to avoid scratches from the metal corners.
Rick P
Contributor
I have covered the metal vice jaws with ash, it matches my workbench
Member
Do yourself a favor and get the self-adhesive rubber vice face material from Woodworker's Supply. No relationship to them - just my favorite vice face material ever.
Contributor
I use MDF, with some rare earth magnets epoxied into it.
Doc
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Contributor
Originally Posted by Greg Hines, MD
Me likey this idea.
When I started woodworking, I didn't know squat. I have progressed in 30 years - now I do know squat.
Member
Russian/Finland birch plywood when I've got it, other wise regular birch. 1/4" thick put on with contact cement. Replace them every few years easily with a little lacquer thinner and a putty knife. The 1/4" faces don't occlude the opening capacity as much as 3/4 faces do. Birch plywood is spongy enough not to risk marring most work when you've got to romp down on the handle.
Contributor
Red oak scrap on both and added leather on the moveable jaw.
Shawn
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