BenchCrafted.com

Woodworking Magazine's Editor, Christopher Schwarz, recently added our Tail Vise to his own Roubo Style Cabinetmakers bench. Some of his comments:

"...stunningly machined wagon vise hardware..."

"My Roubo workbench is now outfitted with the ultimate wagon vise by Benchcrafted."

"The Benchcrafted is a nice piece of work. After installing dozens of poorly made vises (and a few good ones), I was impressed to see how well cast and machined every component was as I took it out of its box."

"How does it work? Like a dream. The dog moves quickly and smoothly back and forth. And the wheel on the end doesn't interfere with the soles of my planes....

Full Review & Blog entries HERE.

I was recently privileged to receive the Benchcrafted Tail Vise. I needed a vise for my traveling demo bench and I was so intrigued with this particular design that I decided to give it a try. When I removed the vise from the shipping container I was immediately struck by the substantial nature of the components. Everything about this tool (yes I consider this a tool) is built to last and no compromises were made in its construction. The large screw that drives this system has a very polished finish that one usually does not see on the components of a bench vise. The section of vise that travels on the screw and retains the dog block is crafted to withstand the rigors of clamping pressure and still continue to operate in a smooth precise manner.

Installation took approximately and hour, but bear in mind I was actually able to construct the top of my bench with this vise in mind. Having to excavate a section of an existing bench might add a bit to the effort involved, but the included instructions were very concise and easy to follow.

The proof is in the using and this tool does not disappoint in it's function. The speed of the movement in this vise dispelled any ideas I had about the need for a quick release action on the vise, it simply is just not needed. You can move the vise faster than you could actuate a quick release mechanism.

The hand wheel is a real plus in my eye. It resides totally below the top of the bench and eliminates the need to move overhanging materials in order to move the position of the vise. A real nice feature as compared to the standard handle configuration found on most work bench vises. The other fascinating thing about the hand wheel is the way it feels when you tighten the vise. It has a very progressive action that allows you to meter the amount of pressure applied in a very controlled manner. If you are clamping a long piece along the length of the bench this allows you to hold the piece without creating an upward bow along the length of the board.

In summary, this vise is well thought out and the construction is extremely well executed. I will be building a new woodworking bench in the next couple of months and this vise will be seeing action in my home bench and in the travel bench.

Ron Brese, Brese Planes

Love the wagon vise and can’t wait to start a project. Tried to dovetail the end cap, but my first handcut dovetail didn’t turn out so good. Hence the lag bolt. European Beech. 6x6 legs. 28” wide x 7ft long x 34” high. Thanks for all your improvements on the Roubo bench.

David Giles
Texas

As a somewhat ambitious first woodworking project, I took on the task of building the Roubo bench, after a friend bought me the book Workbenches by Christopher Schwarz. It seemed like a good idea, but I must admit I had my doubts along the way. Many demons were slain and many skills acquired in the process that I hope to use moving forward in woodworking. I am definitely hooked on hand tools.

Christopher recommended the Benchcrafted Wagon Vise in an email, and though installing it was one of the most challenging aspects of building this bench, I cannot say enough about how much I enjoy this vise. The workmanship of the vise is excellent and the instructions were very specific and accurate. I almost had a big problem on my hands because I assumed the templates were actual size, and they are not necessarily (depending on your computer printer*), though they are close to actual size which I found confusing. Other than that near problem, the installation went very well and the vise functions like a dream.

Craig Creasman

*Page scaling should be deselected in your printer's software

...I'm sure you hear it all the time, but your tail vise is a great product. I've only been using the bench ~2 weeks, but I'm already noticing a big preference for the right side and your vise... I only wish you had come out with the leg vise a few months ago! Thanks again for the great tail vise.

Jake Goodson