Types of Bench Vises

Post Vise

• The post vise, also known as a box vise or leg vise, could be considered the "granddaddy" of the bench vise. Commonly used by blacksmiths, the post vise is made from forged metal and is built to take a beating. The vise is used to hold hot metal while the blacksmith hammers it into shape. Many of the post vises still in use today are more than 100 years old. The post vise has a mounting platform extending from its side. This is mounted to a post or other surface. The "leg" extends vertically from the vise and is placed on a solid surface to stabilize the weight of the vise.

Engineering Vise

• The engineering vise is also referred to as a machinist vise. The engineering vise is generally made out of steel or some other heavy metal and is mounted on top of a bench or worktable. Engineering vises are available with the option of hard or soft jaws. The hard jaw is used to hold solid forms such as hard metal, while soft jaws are used to hold wood or softer metals such as aluminum. Most engineering vises incorporate an anvil in their design for shaping and hammering materials.

Woodworkers Vise

• The vise is a woodworker's second pair of hands. The vise holds a piece of wood securely in place, allowing the craftsman to make detailed cuts or drill precisely placed holes. The jaws of the vise have pre-drilled holes allowing for the placement of pads to protect the wood while being gripped. Blocks of wood are commonly used as pads. The bench vise is designed to be mounted on the side of the work bench. The vise may be placed on the front, right or left side of the bench, making it convenient for many applications and right- or left-handers alike. A quick release is an important feature of the woodworkers vise, allowing the woodworker to quickly position the jaws without turning the vise handle. Many woodworking vises have a tilting option, allowing the wood to be held at different angles.

Drill Press Vise

• The drill press vise works in conjunction with a bench-mounted drill press. The vise is designed to keep an object stationary while being drilled. This keeps the operator's hand free to operate the drill press. This is especially helpful when making precision holes. The drill press vise offers the added safety feature of keeping the operator's hands away from the operating drill press.