Woodworking requires precision and accuracy, and a sturdy workbench is a crucial element for achieving both. A woodworking bench vise is an essential tool that holds your workpiece in place while you work on it. It allows you to apply pressure at different angles and rotate the piece as needed, making it easier to work on all sides.
When it comes to woodworking bench vises, there are several types available, including front vises, tail vises, and shoulder vises. Front vises are the most common and attach to the front of the workbench. They have jaws that move in and out, holding the workpiece firmly in place. Tail vises, on the other hand, attach to the end of the workbench and are used for holding long pieces of lumber. Shoulder vises are similar to front vises but are designed to hold wider pieces of wood.
When choosing the best vise for your woodworking bench, there are a few critical factors to consider. The first is the size of the vise. It should fit your workbench and allow for enough clearance to work comfortably. The second is the type of vise. As mentioned earlier, different types of vises are suitable for different types of work. The third is the material of the jaws. Soft materials like wood or plastic are suitable for delicate workpieces, while metal jaws are better for heavy-duty work.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the best woodworking bench vises available on the market. We’ve researched and tested several vises to identify the ones that offer the best combination of durability, functionality, and value. Whether you’re a professional woodworker or a DIY enthusiast, we’ve got you covered.
Best Vises for Woodworking Bench
If you’re a woodworking enthusiast, you know the importance of having a sturdy and reliable vise for your workbench. A good vise can make all the difference when it comes to holding your workpiece securely and allowing you to work with precision. With so many options available on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for your needs. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best vises for woodworking bench to help you make an informed decision. Read on to find the perfect vise for your woodworking projects.
Yost Vises M7WW Rapid Action Woodworking Vise | Quick Release Lever for Quick Adjustments | 7 Inch Jaw Width | Made with Heavy-Duty Cast Iron | Blue Yost M7WW Lever
If you’re looking for a durable and reliable woodworking vise, the Yost Vises M7WW is a great option. With its quick-release lever and buttress-threaded main screw, this vise allows for speedy and powerful clamping.
Pros
- The rapid action lever allows for quick adjustments, making it easy to use.
- The vise is made from 30,000 PSI cast iron with chrome plated steel sliding T-bar handle and steel guide rails, ensuring durability and longevity.
- Yost Vises has been producing high-quality vises and vise accessories since 1908, so you can trust that you’re getting a product that has been refined over time.
Cons
- The installation process can be tricky, especially due to the weight of the vise.
- The spindle machining is rough, which can lead to galling.
- The bench dog is cheap and poorly fitting.
The Yost Vises M7WW is a great choice for anyone looking for a high-quality woodworking vise. Its rapid action lever and durable construction make it easy to use and long-lasting. However, the installation process can be challenging and the bench dog is not the best quality.
If you’re willing to put in the effort to properly install the vise, and don’t mind replacing the bench dog, this is a great product to consider. With its high-quality construction and trusted brand name, you can’t go wrong with the Yost Vises M7WW.
Pony Jorgensen 27091 Woodworker’s Vise
If you’re looking for a medium-duty vise for your woodworking bench, the Pony Jorgensen 27091 Woodworker’s Vise is a great option.
Pros
- The vise is designed to mount to the face of wood workbenches and is suitable for medium-duty home, shop, or professional use.
- The jaws have drilled holes for attachment of wood facings which allows you to protect your work.
- The front jaw features a solid steel dog in the front jaw which, when used in conjunction with a bench stop, allows oversized work to be held securely on the bench top.
Cons
- Some workbenches may need to be modified by mortising out part of the bench face or adding wood shims to allow jaws to be flush with the bench top.
- The location of the mounting holes on the underside of the vise may be an issue for some users.
- The vise does not come with hardware to attach to a table or to attach wood to the jaws.
The Pony Jorgensen 27091 Woodworker’s Vise is a great choice for those looking for a reliable and sturdy vise for their woodworking bench. The vise is easy to install and operate, with smooth operation thanks to the acme thread main screw and twin guide bars of plated steel. The castings are grey iron with an orange baked enamel finish, giving the vise a durable and long-lasting construction.
One of the standout features of the Pony Jorgensen 27091 Woodworker’s Vise is the solid steel dog in the front jaw, which allows oversized work to be held securely on the bench top. This is a great feature for those working with larger pieces of wood or other materials. Additionally, the drilled holes in the jaws allow for the attachment of wood facings, which can help protect your work from damage.
While the Pony Jorgensen 27091 Woodworker’s Vise is designed to mount to the face of wood workbenches, some workbenches may need to be modified to allow the jaws to be flush with the bench top. This may be an issue for some users, but it’s a relatively minor concern overall. Additionally, the vise does not come with hardware to attach to a table or to attach wood to the jaws, which is something to keep in mind when making your purchase.
Overall, the Pony Jorgensen 27091 Woodworker’s Vise is a great option for those in need of a medium-duty vise for their woodworking bench. Its sturdy construction, smooth operation, and solid steel dog make it a reliable and effective tool for any woodworking project.
Fetcoi Woodworking Bench Vise
If you’re in the market for a woodworking vise for your bench, the Fetcoi Woodworking Bench Vise is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- Made of high-quality beech wood, which is strong, impact-resistant, and durable.
- Equipped with 4 metal woodworking table bench dogs to provide excellent clamping power for great stability and convenient processing.
- Compact size of the wood vise workbench allows you to mount it on any platform.
Cons
- The bench dog pins are a little small, which may cause them to not stay straight when you tighten something against them.
- The clamps are not the best quality.
- The handle needs the rubbers either glued on permanently or run a screw with washer down through the handle.
This vise is perfect for chiseling, planing, and sawing, which can meet most of your woodworking needs. The surface of the portable workbench shows the clear and beautiful grain of beech wood, which brings you a pleasant and comfortable visual experience.
When you need to work with both hands, this portable workbench can act as an extra hand, which is so convenient. The wood bench vise work surface is only 20.8 x 11 x 2.8 inches in size, so you can carry it easily.
Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and affordable woodworking vise, the Fetcoi Woodworking Bench Vise is a great option.
uyoyous 7″ Front Vise Woodworking Bench Vise Cast Iron Front Screw Vise Woodworking Front Vise Wood Vise
If you’re looking for a reliable and sturdy vise for your woodworking projects, then the uyoyous 7″ Front Vise Woodworking Bench Vise is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The vise is made of high-quality steel, which makes it durable and resistant to corrosion and rust.
- The 7-inch guide bar makes it easy to work and holds things more firmly.
- The vise is easy to work with, thanks to the simple pull-up handle that disengages the vise nut.
Cons
- The vise doesn’t come with wooden parts, such as a handle or the wood needed to mount it to a work table.
- The vise may bind more than expected.
- It’s not a quick-release vise.
The uyoyous 7″ Front Vise Woodworking Bench Vise is a well-built and professional-grade vise that is suitable for woodworking, engineering, and welding projects. The vise is made of high-quality steel, which makes it durable and resistant to corrosion and rust. The 7-inch guide bar provides a stable and firm grip, which makes it easy to work with. The vise is also easy to operate, thanks to the simple pull-up handle that disengages the vise nut.
However, the vise doesn’t come with wooden parts, such as a handle or the wood needed to mount it to a work table. This means that you’ll need to purchase these separately or make them yourself. Additionally, the vise may bind more than expected, which can make it difficult to work with. Finally, it’s worth noting that the vise is not a quick-release vise, which may be a dealbreaker for some users.
Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and sturdy vise for your woodworking projects, then the uyoyous 7″ Front Vise Woodworking Bench Vise is a great option to consider. It’s well-built, easy to use, and provides a stable and firm grip. Just be aware that you’ll need to purchase or make the wooden parts separately, and that the vise may bind more than expected.
Findmall Woodworking Front Vise
If you’re looking for a sturdy, durable vise for your woodworking bench, the Findmall Woodworking Front Vise is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The all-iron structure with paint coating makes it wear-resistant, corrosion-resistant, and not easy to rust, ensuring long-term durability.
- The 10-inch guide bar makes it easy to work and holds things more firmly, giving you greater control over your projects.
- The simple pull-up handle makes it easy to adjust the jaws to the appropriate opening and let go of the handle, while the main handle engages the screw and tightens the vise on the product.
Cons
- The vise is relatively heavy, which may make it difficult to move around your workspace.
- The spray coating may wear off over time, reducing its resistance to oxidation.
- The vise may not be suitable for larger projects or thicker materials.
The Findmall Woodworking Front Vise is an excellent choice for home craftsmen who need a professional-grade vise that’s built to exact specifications for optimal performance. With its all-iron structure, paint coating, and 10-inch guide bar, this vise is built to last and provides a firm grip on your workpiece. While it may be heavier than some other vises on the market, its durability and ease of use make it a great investment for any woodworking enthusiast.
Kaibrite Portable Woodworking Vise
If you’re looking for a reliable and portable woodworking vise for your bench, the Kaibrite Portable Woodworking Vise might be the right choice for you.
Pros
- The high-quality beech wood material used in the construction of this vise makes it durable and impact-resistant, ensuring that it will last a long time.
- The exquisite grain of the beech wood surface gives the vise a beautiful and pleasant appearance.
- The vise work surface has 4 metal woodworking table limit block retainers that provide excellent clamping power for stability and convenience during processing.
Cons
- The color of the product may be different from the picture due to variations in wood color.
- The vise work surface is relatively small, measuring only 20.8×11.0×2.7 inches, which may not be suitable for larger woodworking projects.
- The product is relatively heavy, weighing in at 13 pounds, which may make it less portable than other options.
This vise is a great option for those who want a stable and reliable work surface for their woodworking needs. The beech wood material is strong and durable, and the clear and beautiful grain of the wood is a nice touch. The four metal woodworking table limit block retainers provide excellent clamping power, making it easy to work on your projects with stability and convenience.
The vise is also relatively portable, thanks to its compact size. However, it may not be suitable for larger woodworking projects due to its small size. Additionally, the product is relatively heavy, which may make it less portable than other options.
Overall, if you’re in the market for a reliable and portable woodworking vise, the Kaibrite Portable Woodworking Vise is definitely worth considering.
Mophorn Wood Vise
If you’re looking for a durable woodworking bench vise, the Mophorn Wood Vise might be the one for you.
Pros
- Easy to operate
- Heavy-duty steel and cast iron construction
- Suitable for professional use
Cons
- Difficult to install
- Missing parts upon arrival
- Jaw width might not be suitable for larger projects
This vise is easy to operate, thanks to its simple design. You can adjust the jaws to the appropriate opening and turn the handle to engage the screw and tighten the vise on the product. The heavy-duty steel and cast iron construction make it suitable for professional use, ensuring it can withstand heavy usage.
However, installing the Mophorn Wood Vise might be a bit of a challenge, and some customers have reported missing parts upon arrival. Additionally, the jaw width might not be suitable for larger projects.
Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable woodworking bench vise, the Mophorn Wood Vise might be worth considering.
AIWFL Hard Wood Workbench Quick Release Woodworking Vise Clamps for Woodworking Desktop Woodworking Vise Portable Smart Vice with Superior Clamping
If you’re looking for a portable and easy-to-use woodworking vise, the AIWFL Hard Wood Workbench Quick Release Woodworking Vise Clamps might be a good option for you.
Pros
- The AIWFL woodworking vise is made of high-quality beech wood, which has no deformation and a long service life.
- The vise has a stable and solid structure that suits woodworking, engineering, and welding.
- It is a portable workbench clamping vice, which makes it easy to bring to different job sites.
Cons
- Some customers have reported that the vise jaws do not close evenly.
- The vise arrived with parts that were rusty for some customers.
- It might be easy to overload the vise since it’s fairly small.
The AIWFL woodworking vise is a portable workbench clamping vice, which makes it convenient for woodworkers who need to move around their workspace. The vise is made of high-quality beech wood, which ensures that it has no burrs and no peculiar smell. The AIWFL woodworking vise has a stable and solid structure that suits woodworking, engineering, and welding. The vise comes with 4pcs x stainless steel woodworking table limit block fix and 2pcs G fix clamp, which help woodworkers fix the AIWFL woodworking vise on their workbench.
However, some customers have reported that the vise jaws do not close evenly, which might be a problem for some woodworking tasks. Also, the vise arrived with parts that were rusty for some customers. Finally, since the vise is fairly small, it might be easy to overload it, which could cause it to break.
Overall, if you’re looking for a portable and easy-to-use woodworking vise, the AIWFL Hard Wood Workbench Quick Release Woodworking Vise Clamps might be a good option for you. However, if you need a larger and more heavy-duty vise, you might want to consider other options.
Yost Vises F9WW Front Vise
If you’re looking for a reliable and heavy-duty vise for your woodworking bench, the Yost Vises F9WW Front Vise is a solid choice.
Pros
- The cast iron body ensures durability and strength.
- The solid steel main screw provides versatility for a variety of woodworking projects.
- Yost Vises has a reputation for producing high-quality vises and vise accessories.
Cons
- Misuse of vises can cause serious injury, so it’s important to read and follow all safety instructions.
- The installation can be tricky without a template.
- The single cotter key guide stop may cause interference with the bench frame.
This vise is perfect for securing two wooden pieces together while you drill or saw the wood. It can also be used for clamping and aligning your woodworking projects.
The Yost Vises F9WW Front Vise is engineered to have high standards of quality, strength, and durability. Every Yost Vises tool is manufactured with safety in mind and is easy to use. The company offers lifetime tech support to back their quality guarantee.
In summary, if you’re looking for a reliable and heavy-duty vise for your woodworking bench, the Yost Vises F9WW Front Vise is a great option. It provides versatility and durability, and it’s manufactured by a reputable company with a long history of producing high-quality vises.
Buying Guide
When it comes to selecting the best vise for your woodworking bench, there are several factors to consider. Here are some key features you should look for when choosing a vise:
Type of Vise
There are two main types of vises: front vises and end vises. Front vises are attached to the front of the workbench and are used for holding boards flat on the bench. End vises are attached to the end of the workbench and are used for holding boards on their edge. Consider what type of work you will be doing and choose a vise that suits your needs.
Size
The size of the vise is another important consideration. A larger vise will allow you to hold larger pieces of wood, but it may also take up more space on your workbench. Consider the size of your workbench and the types of projects you will be working on to determine the appropriate size for your vise.
Material
The material of the vise is also an important factor. Cast iron vises are durable and long-lasting, but they can be heavy and expensive. Steel vises are a more affordable option, but they may not be as durable as cast iron. Consider your budget and the level of durability you need when choosing a vise.
Features
There are several features that can make a vise more versatile and useful. Look for vises with features such as quick-release mechanisms, adjustable jaws, and swivel bases. These features can make it easier to work with different types of wood and complete a wider range of projects.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best vise for your woodworking bench and ensure that you have a reliable tool for all of your woodworking projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
What features should I look for in a high-quality woodworking bench vise?
When looking for a high-quality woodworking bench vise, there are several features you should consider. A sturdy construction with durable materials is essential. The vise should also have a smooth and easy-to-operate mechanism, with a quick-release function to make adjustments easier. A large jaw opening and a wide jaw width will provide more clamping space and versatility. Additionally, a vise with a built-in dog or bench stop will help keep your workpiece secure and prevent it from moving during use.
Which brands are known for producing the best woodworking vises?
There are several brands that are known for producing high-quality woodworking vises. Some of the most popular brands include Yost, Wilton, and Jorgensen. These brands are known for their durable construction, smooth operation, and reliable clamping force.
How do I choose the right size vise for my woodworking bench?
The size of the vise you choose will depend on the size of your woodworking bench and the type of work you will be doing. A general rule of thumb is to choose a vise with a jaw width that is at least one-third the length of your workbench. For example, if your workbench is 6 feet long, you should consider a vise with a jaw width of at least 2 feet.
Can I find a reliable bench vise for woodworking on a budget?
Yes, you can find a reliable bench vise for woodworking on a budget. There are several brands that offer high-quality vises at an affordable price, such as HFS and Tekton. While these vises may not have all the features of a more expensive vise, they will still provide reliable clamping force and durability.
What are the benefits of a forged steel bench vise for woodworking?
A forged steel bench vise is a popular choice among woodworkers because of its durability and strength. The forged steel construction provides a solid and sturdy foundation for clamping even the toughest workpieces. Additionally, the steel construction resists wear and tear, making it a long-lasting investment for your woodworking shop.
How should I properly install a vise on my woodworking workbench?
Proper installation of a vise is essential for safe and effective use. Before installing, ensure that your workbench is sturdy and can support the weight of the vise. Mark the location of the vise on your workbench and drill holes for the mounting bolts. Use washers and nuts to secure the vise in place, and ensure that it is level and flush with the workbench surface. Finally, test the vise to ensure that it is securely mounted and operates smoothly.
