Reply by crank49

I can strongly recommend against the small front vise; from Lee Valley or anybody else. I hate to say that, because normally I am a big supporter of Lee Valley tools. I like the company, and most of their products, and their service is usually top notch. But, I have never seen a small front vise that did not have a racking problem. I can’t comment on the large versions because I have no experience with them.

My bench is very similar to yours. My top is four layers of 3/4” (23/32) plywood, topped with 1/2” MDF and a replacable 1/8” sheet of hardboard. This all stacks up to be almost exactly 3 1/2” thick. My top is banded with maple.

I have two quick release type face vises with 10” wide jaws and 12” opening. Mine were Groz vises purchased at Woodcraft before they discontinued them. One is on the front of the bench and one will be on the end after I get the little front vise off and throw it out in the trash.

This is how the quick release vise is mounted on my bench. Except I didn’t need the spacer blocks because my top was thick enough without them

Someone has a couple of vises for sale on LJ right now. Do a search. Here is the link
http://lumberjocks.com/topics/34370

I really like your bench. Bet you will too.

-- Michael :-{| Diapers and politicians both need to be changed often; and for the same reason.