Holtzapffel workbench project #7: building the twin screw vise

Hi all

Well, I couldn’t afford the 350$ + for the wooden screws, and I didn’t like the look of the black plate on the veritas twin screw vise. So I built my own using 2 tail vise screws (40$ each)

First I built the big wood pieces that will old the metal nuts. I didn’t want to use through bolts and opted for a drawbore mortise and tenon attachment.

I used the smallest bit that I could for the hole, The screw is 1 1/16 and I used a 1 1/8 bit. I found It helps to reduce sagging but it calls for precision. I waxed the holes because the screws do run tight. but pretty smooth nonetheless. Once the screw holes were drilled. I marked and drill the holes for the nut’s screws. Note wich nut goes with wich hole, the nuts might not be exactly the same. At the end It will help making the screw run smoother.

I dry fit the blocks and hold them very tight with clamps, then I aligned the vise chop and clamp it also. I then used the drill bit I used for the hole to mark hole center on the chop.

Now I can attach the nuts. While I tighten the screws, I monitor how easy the vise screw runs.

I decided to install the nuts in this manner instead of boring its way into the block. I think it might help to reduce sagging plus it is easier to install

I didn’t picture the process of the attachment of the vise screw head to the chop, but it is the same as with the nuts. I then try the vise. Once satisfied I removed the chop and proceeded with the drawbore holes

Oh yeah, I also glued them. LoL they won’t come off!

25 inch beetween screws, chop 4 inch tick 6 1/4 by 33 ash from 8/4 lumber

little tapper permitted, I guess more if the holes in the chop were bigger, something to thing of, maybe a future modification

Almost no sagging, If you run the screws in synch (not tapered) the chop runs nice, when some taper, they put on more resistance. Overall very satisfied.

Now it is COMPLETED

thanks

-- Martin, Gatineau, Québec