Description of a Bench Vise

Woodworking Vises

• Woodworking vises are usually incorporated into the structure of a woodworking bench, often fabricated from the same type of timber as the bench. The top edge of the jaws is usually flush with the bench top and does not protrude beyond the edge of the bench.

Engineer's Vise

• Engineer's bench vises are also known as metalworking vises and are typically fabricated from iron or steel. These vises are not an integrated part of the workbench, allowing them to be removed and used on any suitable work surface. They are attached so that the jaws of the vise sit above the level of the work surface, at about elbow height, to give more purchase for working on harder materials and slightly protruding beyond the edge of the bench.

Common Features

• For both the engineering and woodworking bench vise, the general principle and description is the same. A bench vise consists of two jaws, one stationary and one moveable. These are fitted into a frame with a screw apparatus operated by a lever which controls the moveable jaw, allowing the space between the jaws to be expanded or contracted to accommodate different-sized pieces of material.

Jaws

• The jaws of a bench vise may be either hard or soft. Hard jaws have a rough surface, typically with the addition of a coarse-grained material or indentations cut into the jaw itself (giving it "teeth"). Soft jaws -- usually fabricated from aluminum, wood or plastic -- have a smooth finish and are used for working with delicate materials to avoid damaging them. Hard jaws are more common on engineer's vises, while soft jaws are often used on woodworking vises.