Even though many woodworkers would rate a bench vise as an indispensable tool, it’s an easy one to put off buying. You can get by reasonably well with an arrangement of hand-screw clamps and c-clamps for a while. But eventually you’re bound to conclude that a vise will help you hold you work steadier, in a greater variety of positions and will let you set up so much faster, that the investment is worth the price. In case you’re just beginning to realize how central a bench vise is to woodworking, here’s a little information to help you pick the one that makes the most sense for your shop.

Buying vs building

1 – Sheet 1/4″ MDF Replaceable work Surface

A Front Vise vs. an End Vise

There are two basic types of bench vise: the “front vise” and the “end vise”. A front vise is most often stationed at the left corner of the long edge of the work bench. A front vise is great for holding a drawer side upright while you cut the tails of a dovetail joint, or holding a board edge-up horizontally for hand planing, or for any number of other tasks that require a solid hold on the workpiece and for both of you hands to be free.

Start by assembling the long rails and posts. With the lag screws and some wood glue proceed to assemble the two sides of the workbench, secure with screws and set aside until the glue is dry. A quick tip; get the lag screws stared so the tip is just coming out of the hole. Ready to go into the rail.

The additional 2×4’s will now come into play as you create a frame for the top of your table. With four of your 2×4’s you’ll create the frame by nailing them onto the legs of your workbench. Each side will need to be properly measured so that they match the actual surface, and you will need to do the same approximately ten inches from the bottom of the frame with the other four 2×4’s. This will create a solid structure for the table, and then you may proceed to nail the surface to the structure. If you want, you can place another piece of plywood on the support beams at the bottom so that you have an extra shelf. Wasn’t that easy?

First let’s start with what is so great about the woodworking craft. There are countless things you can create or build once you learn a craft like this and every one of them gives you many chances to explore and showcase your artistic abilities and style. You also get a lot of gratification and satisfaction from a craft like this because you are taking raw materials and spending your time doing something that is fun and you end up with furniture or something added to your home that adds value.

This is why a lot of people want to build and design their own woodworking bench to find their own individual style. Once you have the right bench you will love spending your time working on DIY projects even more.