Woodworking requires precision and attention to detail. Whether you’re a professional woodworker or a DIY enthusiast, having the right tools is crucial to achieving the perfect finish. One such tool is the woodworking vise, which holds your workpiece securely in place while you carve, saw, or sand it.
A woodworking vise typically consists of two jaws that can be tightened or released using a screw or lever mechanism. The jaws can be made of various materials, including steel, aluminum, and cast iron. The vise can be attached to a workbench or a standalone table, depending on your preference.
When choosing a woodworking vise, there are a few critical factors to consider. First, you need to determine the size of the vise that will work best for your projects. A larger vise may be more versatile, but a smaller one may be more convenient if you have limited space. You should also consider the weight of the vise, as a heavier vise may provide more stability but may be more challenging to move around.
Another essential factor to consider is the type of woodworking you will be doing. If you work with delicate or small pieces of wood, a vise with softer jaws may be more suitable to avoid damaging your workpiece. On the other hand, if you work with large or heavy pieces of wood, a more robust vise with steel jaws may be necessary.
In this article, we spent several hours researching and testing ten of the best woodworking vises on the market to identify the ones that provide the most value for your money. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced woodworker, we have something for everyone.
Best Woodworking Vises
If you’re a woodworking enthusiast, you know the importance of having a reliable vise in your workshop. A good woodworking vise can help you hold your workpiece steady while you saw, plane, or chisel, making your work more precise and efficient. In this article, we’ve rounded up the best woodworking vises on Amazon to help you find the perfect one for your needs. Whether you’re a professional woodworker or a DIY enthusiast, we’ve got you covered.
Pony Jorgensen Woodworker’s Vise
If you’re looking for a woodworker’s vise that is perfect for medium duty home, shop, or professional use, then the Pony Jorgensen Woodworker’s Vise is a great choice.
Pros
- The vise is designed to mount to the face of wood workbenches, making it a great addition to any woodworking setup.
- The jaws have drilled holes for attachment of wood facings which allows you to protect your work (wood faces not included).
- The vise operates smoothly with acme thread main screw and twin guide bars of plated steel.
Cons
- The vise 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 inconvenient for some users.
- The vise does not come with a quick release to move the jaws in or out.
Overall, the Pony Jorgensen Woodworker’s Vise is a solid choice for anyone who needs a reliable vise for woodworking projects. The vise is easy to install and operate, and the drilled holes in the jaws make it easy to attach wood facings for added protection. However, some users may need to modify their workbench to ensure that the jaws are flush with the bench top, and the lack of a quick release may be inconvenient for some users.
Yost Vises M7WW Rapid Action Woodworking Vise
If you’re looking for a reliable woodworking vise, the Yost Vises M7WW Rapid Action Woodworking Vise is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The quick-release lever allows for speedy adjustments, making it easy to use.
- The buttress-threaded main screw provides powerful clamping, ensuring your workpiece stays secure.
- The vise is made from rugged cast iron, making it durable and long-lasting.
Cons
- The installation can be difficult due to the weight of the vise.
- The spindle machining is a bit rough and could have been smoother.
- The bench dog is cheaply made and may require some adjustments to fit properly.
This woodworking vise is designed for both home carpentry and professional woodwork. It has a jaw width of 7 inches, a jaw opening of 8 inches, and a throat depth of 3 inches. The chrome plated steel sliding T-bar handle and steel guide rails make it easy to use, while the bench dog can be moved into position by loosening the finger bolt on the front of the vise.
Yost Vises has been producing high-quality vises and vise accessories since 1908. They supply their products to both large distributors and individual craftsmen throughout the world, providing consumers with quality products that last for years at a great price. Every Yost Vises tool is engineered to have high standards of quality, strength, and durability, and they offer lifetime tech support to back their quality guarantee.
Before setup and use, it’s important to read, understand, and follow all instructions outlined in the manual. Misuse of vises can cause serious injury to eyes, hands, and other body parts. The Yost Vises M7WW Rapid Action Woodworking Vise comes with a 1-year limited warranty and 90-day return policy.
Overall, if you’re in need of a reliable woodworking vise that is built to last, the Yost Vises M7WW Rapid Action Woodworking Vise is a great choice.
Yost Vises F9WW Front Vise
If you’re looking for a durable woodworking vise that can handle your home workshop needs, the Yost Vises F9WW Front Vise is a great option.
Pros
- The cast iron body and solid steel main screw make this vise incredibly durable and long-lasting.
- The guide bars on this vise make it easy to clamp and align your woodworking projects.
- Yost Vises is known for their high standards of quality, strength, and durability, so you can feel confident in your purchase.
Cons
- Make sure to read and follow all safety instructions before setting up and using this vise to avoid injury.
- The lack of a template can make installation tricky for some users.
- Some users have reported issues with the single cotter key guide stop interfering with their bench frame.
This vise is a great choice for making cabinets and securing two wooden pieces together while you drill or saw the wood. It’s sturdy, well-made, and comes with a 1-year limited warranty and 90-day return policy.
In terms of performance, the Yost Vises F9WW Front Vise is a reliable and solid option for your woodworking needs. The guide bars make it easy to clamp and align your projects, and the cast iron body and solid steel main screw ensure that this vise will last for years to come.
Overall, if you’re in the market for a woodworking vise that can handle your home workshop needs, the Yost Vises F9WW Front Vise is a great choice.
Pony Jorgensen Woodworker’s Vise
If you’re looking for a light-duty woodworking vise, the Pony Jorgensen Woodworker’s Vise is a great option. It’s easy to install and provides a solid grip for your projects.
Pros
- The vise is compact and lightweight, making it easy to move around your workspace.
- The 4-1/2 inch opening capacity and 6-1/2 inch jaw width are perfect for smaller projects.
- The vise is designed to mount to the face of wood workbenches, providing a secure hold.
Cons
- The instructions for selecting different types of installation on the side of a workbench could be better.
- The travel could be better, as some users have noted.
- The vise is not suitable for heavy-duty projects.
The Pony Jorgensen Woodworker’s Vise is a great choice for those who need a light-duty vise. It’s perfect for smaller projects and provides a secure grip. The compact size and lightweight design make it easy to move around your workspace.
The vise is easy to install and can be mounted to the face of wood workbenches. The 4-1/2 inch opening capacity and 6-1/2 inch jaw width are perfect for smaller projects. However, some users have noted that the travel could be better.
Overall, if you need a light-duty woodworking vise, the Pony Jorgensen Woodworker’s Vise is a great option. It’s affordable, easy to install, and provides a solid grip for your projects.
IRWIN Woodworking Vise
If you’re looking for a durable and reliable woodworking vise, then the IRWIN Woodworking Vise is an excellent choice.
Pros
- The toe-in toward top jaws ensures a firm grip on workpieces, making it easy to work on your projects without worrying about slippage.
- The square body seating allows for easy under-bench mounting, freeing up valuable workspace.
- The provision for installing wooden cheeks to protect workpieces is a thoughtful feature that demonstrates IRWIN’s attention to detail.
Cons
- The 4-1/2″ jaw capacity is perfect for light-duty woodworking tasks, but may not be suitable for larger projects.
- The lack of a quick-release mechanism may be inconvenient for some users.
- The vise is made of forged iron, which may be heavier than other materials and make it more difficult to move around.
In terms of performance, the IRWIN Woodworking Vise is a solid choice for hobbyists and DIY enthusiasts. The toe-in toward top jaws helps ensure a firm grip on workpieces, while the square body seating allows for easy under-bench mounting. Additionally, the provision for installing wooden cheeks to protect workpieces is a thoughtful feature that demonstrates IRWIN’s attention to detail.
One potential drawback of the IRWIN Woodworking Vise is its 4-1/2″ jaw capacity, which is perfect for light-duty woodworking tasks but may not be suitable for larger projects. Additionally, the lack of a quick-release mechanism may be inconvenient for some users. Finally, the vise is made of forged iron, which may be heavier than other materials and make it more difficult to move around.
Overall, if you’re in the market for a durable and reliable woodworking vise, the IRWIN Woodworking Vise is definitely worth considering. Its thoughtful features and solid performance make it a great choice for hobbyists and DIY enthusiasts alike.
Forward HV516 9 1/2-Inch Heavy Duty Woodworking Vise Front Vise, Woodworker’s Bench Vise Cast Iron Body with Solid Steel Main Screw
If you’re looking for a reliable woodworking vise, the Forward HV516 9 1/2-Inch Heavy Duty Woodworking Vise Front Vise is a great choice.
Pros
- The 9.5 inch guide bar makes it easy to clamp and align your woodworking projects.
- The vise nut is easy to operate: simply pull up on the handle and hold, then adjust the jaws to the appropriate opening and turn the main handle to engage the screw and tighten the vise on your workpieces.
- The front vise is made from high strength cast iron (30,000 PSI), powder coated, and the main screw and guide rails are antirust solid electroplate steel, making it heavy duty and engineered for long-lasting durability.
Cons
- The wooden jaws and handle are not included.
- Some users have reported rough threads, but this can be easily remedied by applying some white grease on threads and guide rods before first use.
- The vise is heavy, weighing in at 17.81 pounds, so it may not be suitable for portable use.
The Forward HV516 9 1/2-Inch Heavy Duty Woodworking Vise Front Vise is an excellent choice for home workshop and professional shop use. The vise is easy to install and operate, and it provides plenty of clamping force for firm wooden workpiece clamping. The quick release lever allows for fast adjustment, and the dog that raises and lowers is a nice touch. The heavy duty main screw and two good sized screws adding to the connecting rod avoid stripping. The zinc plated spare parts are rust-proof and corrosion-proof.
Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and durable woodworking vise, the Forward HV516 9 1/2-Inch Heavy Duty Woodworking Vise Front Vise is definitely worth considering.
Fetcoi Woodworking Bench Vise
If you’re looking for a reliable woodworking vise, the Fetcoi Woodworking Bench Vise is a great option to consider.
Pros
- Made of high-quality beech wood, which is strong and durable.
- Equipped with four metal woodworking table bench dogs for great stability and convenient processing.
- Compact size makes it easy to carry and mount on any platform.
Cons
- The bench dog pins may be a little small for some applications.
- The handle needs rubber grips to prevent slipping.
- May require a base to prevent sliding around during use.
This woodworking vise is made of high-quality beech wood, which is very strong, impact-resistant, and durable. The surface of the portable workbench shows the clear and beautiful grain of beech wood, which brings you a pleasant and comfortable visual experience. The sturdy, stable woodworking vise can be used for chiseling, planing, and sawing, which can meet most of your woodworking needs. The wood vices for workbench is equipped with 4 metal woodworking table bench dogs to provide you with excellent clamping power for great stability and convenient processing. 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. The compact size of the wood vise workbench allows you to mount it on any platform.
In summary, if you’re in the market for a reliable woodworking vise, the Fetcoi Woodworking Bench Vise is a great option to consider. It’s made of high-quality beech wood, equipped with four metal woodworking table bench dogs, and has a compact size that makes it easy to carry and mount on any platform.
Olympia Tools 38-736 Woodworker’s Vise, 6-1/2-Inch , Gray
If you are looking for a durable and long-lasting woodworking vise, the Olympia Tools 38-736 Woodworker’s Vise can be a great choice for you.
Pros
- The 30,000 PSI cast iron construction and powder-coated finish make it perfect for heavy hardware woodwork.
- It can be mounted securely to a workbench with countersunk holes to hold the wood pieces together and assemble them.
- Jaw travel is guided by twin steel rails, evenly distributing contact between jaw and workpiece, to maximize grip and prevent surface damage.
Cons
- The unit has loose-fitting through shafts, causing it to wiggle left and right a lot. You have to really tighten it tightly to stop the item from rocking right and left.
- The vise works, but there have been some problems keeping the guide rods to stay tight. You may have to lock-tite the threads on the guides.
- The attachment screw holes are already there, but you may need to add soft jaw liners for woodworking.
The Olympia Tools 38-736 Woodworker’s Vise is ideal for home, shop, and contractor use. It comes with pre-drilled holes for attaching wood facings and countersunk holes for securing to a workbench. The metal dog allows clamping of large pieces of wood.
This vise is easy to install and use. While you can easily find much more expensive woodworking vises, the added functions of larger screws, a built-in dog, and heavier construction aren’t necessary for the occasional woodworker. For the price, this is an excellent woodworking vise.
In summary, if you need a woodworking vise that is durable, long-lasting, and easy to use, the Olympia Tools 38-736 Woodworker’s Vise can be a perfect choice for you.
Findmall Woodworking Front Vise
If you’re looking for a durable and sturdy woodworking vise, the Findmall Woodworking Front Vise is a great option for you.
Pros
- The all-iron structure with paint coating makes it wear-resistant, corrosion-resistant, and not easy to rust.
- The 10-inch guide bar makes it easy to work and holds things more firmly.
- You can easily adjust the jaws to the appropriate opening and let go of the handle.
Cons
- The vise nut can be difficult to disengage at times.
- The spray coating may not be as effective in relieving the oxidation reaction as advertised.
- The vise may not fit all workbenches.
This front vise is designed for home craftsmen and built to exact specifications for optimal performance. The all-iron structure with paint coating makes it durable and corrosion-resistant, ensuring that it can be used for many years. The 10-inch guide bar makes it easy to work and holds things more firmly, providing a stable and secure work surface.
The Findmall Woodworking Front Vise is easy to use. Simply pull up on the handle and hold, and the vise nut will disengage. Adjust the jaws to the appropriate opening and let go of the handle. A simple turn of the main handle will engage the screw and tighten the vise on the product.
While the vise nut can be difficult to disengage at times, this is a minor issue compared to the overall durability and sturdiness of the vise. The spray coating may not be as effective in relieving the oxidation reaction as advertised, but this should not affect the overall performance of the vise.
Overall, if you’re looking for a durable and sturdy woodworking vise that is easy to use, the Findmall Woodworking Front Vise is a great option.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best woodworking vise, there are several features that you should consider to ensure that you get the most suitable product for your needs. Here are some essential factors that you should look out for when selecting a woodworking vise:
Type of Vise
There are two main types of woodworking vises: front vises and tail vises. Front vises are attached to the front of the workbench, while tail vises are attached to the back. Front vises are ideal for holding boards, while tail vises are better suited for holding longer pieces of wood.
Jaw Size
Jaw size is also an important factor to consider when choosing a woodworking vise. The jaw size determines the maximum width of the wood that can be held by the vise. Ensure that you choose a vise with jaws that can accommodate the width of the wood you plan to work on.
Jaw Material
The material used to make the jaws of the vise is also crucial. The most common materials used for jaws are wood, metal, and plastic. Wooden jaws are gentle on the wood being held, but they may not be as durable as metal or plastic jaws. Metal jaws are strong and durable, but they may damage the wood being held. Plastic jaws are gentle on the wood and durable, but they may not be as strong as metal jaws.
Mounting
The mounting system of the vise is also an important consideration. Some vises are designed to be mounted on top of the workbench, while others are designed to be mounted underneath. Choose a vise that is easy to install and fits your workbench.
Price
The price of the vise is also an important factor to consider. While it is important to choose a high-quality vise, you should also ensure that it fits within your budget.
By considering these factors, you can choose a woodworking vise that will meet your needs and help you achieve your woodworking goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What features should I look for in a high-quality woodworking vise?
When choosing a woodworking vise, look for features such as a quick-release mechanism, a sturdy construction, and a smooth operation. A quick-release mechanism allows you to easily adjust the jaws of the vise, while a sturdy construction ensures that the vise can withstand the pressure of clamping. A smooth operation ensures that the vise can be easily opened and closed, without any jerking or sticking.
How do I choose the right size and type of vise for my woodworking bench?
The size and type of vise you need depends on the size of your woodworking bench and the type of woodworking projects you will be working on. If you have a small bench, a smaller vise may be more appropriate. If you work on larger projects, a larger vise may be necessary. Additionally, if you work with irregularly shaped objects, a vise with a swivel base may be more suitable.
What are the benefits of a forged steel bench vise for woodworking?
Forged steel bench vises are known for their durability and strength. They are able to withstand heavy use and provide a secure grip on your workpiece. Additionally, they are less likely to warp or break under pressure, making them a reliable choice for serious woodworkers.
Are there affordable vises under $100 that are suitable for serious woodworking?
Yes, there are affordable vises under $100 that are suitable for serious woodworking. Look for vises made from durable materials such as cast iron or steel, with a quick-release mechanism and a smooth operation. While they may not have all the features of more expensive vises, they can still provide a secure grip and reliable performance.
What are some recommended brands for reliable woodworking vises?
Some recommended brands for reliable woodworking vises include Irwin, Yost, and Wilton. These brands are known for their quality construction and reliable performance, and offer a range of vises to suit different needs and budgets.
How do clamp-on vises compare to traditional woodworking bench vises?
Clamp-on vises are a portable and versatile option for woodworking, but they may not provide the same level of stability as traditional bench vises. Traditional bench vises are bolted to the bench, providing a more secure grip on your workpiece. However, clamp-on vises can be easily moved from one location to another, making them ideal for those who work in different locations or on different projects.
