Classic Leg Vise

Double-lead Thread

Most modern vises use a single lead acme thread. Depending on pitch, these can function slowly, but with precision and control, or more quickly. We've found the sweet spot. Face vises are generally used for a relatively narrow range of thicknesses, but when used in more open positions, the convenience of opening the jaws quickly and efficiently is a plus. The Classic uses the same double-lead acme screw as our Glide Leg Vise and moves as fast as typical wooden vise screws, ½” of travel per turn.

Radiused Hub and Flange

The mating surfaces of the flange and hub are machined to a 5” radius. This allows the parts to nest together and distribute clamping pressure over a wider area, especially when holding slightly non-parallel work.

Balanced Handle

The sliding handle is machined with a v-groove detent centered along its length. This detent engages with a stainless steel spring plunger in the center of the hub, allowing one to quickly center the handle and thus balance it to spin rapidly for quick, gross adjustments. In most cases, one can leave the handle centered after holding your workpiece. The spring plunger tension is adjustable. A tighter setting makes it easier and quicker to center up the handle, but may inhibit the handle from sliding as freely. There is a sweet spot that allows quick engaging with the spring plunger, and free sliding simultaneously. The plunger can be completely disengaged if desired. The spring plunger also allows repositioning of the handle so it’s not interfering with your work or your body. Leather shock washers further refine the handle’s function.

Parkerized Finish

The Classic is made from machined steel and finished to echo the look of darkly patinated forged hardware. To achieve this we Parkerize the handle, hub and flange. Commonly used on high quality hunting rifles, Parkerizing (or manganese phosphate) is a process which darkens the raw steel, which is first sandblasted, while also providing wear resistance and lubricity. The process is more expensive than black oxide, yielding a more durable surface with an attractive dull black-gray look. A rub down with fine steel wood and a coat of light oil helps give the parts a vintage look, further lubricate, and provide excellent corrosion protection. See our installation instructions for further details.

Angled Leg Vises

The Classic will work well for angled leg vises, as found on English-style workbenches. Because of the off-vertical forces placed on the Crisscross mechanism, you'll experience a slight reduction in friction-free action. The vise still moves freely in and out, just a bit less than a completely vertical leg vise. We don't recommend building your vise any more than 15 degrees off the vertical axis if using the Classic Crisscross.

The Crisscross

The Classic is designed to be used with the Benchcrafted Crisscross for best function. The Crisscross completely supports the weight of the Classic hardware and a wooden chop while completely eliminating the need to adjust a pin (as in a parallel guide). With proper installation, the Classic with Crisscross operates with virtually zero friction. We also offer the Classic Leg Vise without a Crisscross for those building different types of vises such as a leg vise with parallel guide, angled leg vises, twin screw vises, etc. Please note that we only provide instructions for installing the Classic Leg Vise with a Crisscross.