Sometimes despite all the hold fasts, vises, and bench dogs you need to improvise some work holding at your workbench. I run into this when using fences planes like plows on narrow stock. I present to you, the invisible vise.
RWW 137 The Invisible Vise
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This looks incredible!! How did you make it? Do share the plans please
Nice idea. I’ve had that problem before with the hold fasts getting in the way. Thanks for the tip
Great idea Shannon! I was wondering though, how about a twin-screw vise mounted on the end of the workbench (as a tail-vise; left or right end) and 2 rows of bench dogs? One row close to the edge and a second row further in as you have them.
Of course that would work. Just like in joinery, there are 20 different ways to hold the work. Assuming you have a good, flexible “chassis” to your workbench, it can be modified to tackle any situation that arises.
Hello Shannon,
how about kind of a sticking board set-up? Secure a batten with holdfast along the length on opposite side of the workpiece and use a larger flat headed screw (or two) driven into the workbench to immobilize the work in the planing direction. To me the double tape methode seems to be a bit wasteful.
best regards,
Tobias
Tobias,
I do already have a sticking board and this kind of set up would work as long as the piece is wide enough that the plane’s fence will ride off the sticking board. Oftentimes I will through a spacer block between the sticking fence and work piece to ensure this. The instance I detail in this article is a rarity and for the infrequent times it happens, the 1″ total of double stick tape that I used is waste well worth it. The last thing I want is another specific use appliance or jig taking up shop space.
Very good technique especially if you have no vice at all on you bench as i currently do. I use it all the time.
Just to add my 2cents :
- all double tape are not created equal, if you find a brand that works fine I’d recommend stick to it
- remember to clean the bench and the piece just before, tape don’t stick well on dust, at all :c)
regards,
Sam
Shannon. I always thought two rows of dog holes would work well. What do you say about that?
I am a “less is more” aficionado when it comes to dog holes. My single row has been more than enough for what I need in the past few year. If I run into a situation where I wish I had another hole, I drill one. So far so good. Ultimately it is your bench and you need to design it to match your work. In other words, there is no right or wrong.