If you’re like most DIYers, you probably have a machinists vise (or similar) mounted to your workbench. But what do you do if you cannot permanently mount the vise or need to move it?
A few months back we talked about Dewalt’s new miter saw stands and heavy duty work stands. I am in the process of reviewing the heavy duty work stands (with included universal brackets), and am finding them to be immensely versatile. I have mounted quite a few tools to these stands and, most recently, a fairly weighty bench vise.
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Obviously mounting a 45 pound vise to a non-anchored work stand won’t be 100% stable, but I was nevertheless surprised as to how secure the setup actually proved to be. I won’t call it rock-solid, but it felt at least as secure as when the vise was mounted to a mobile tool cart.
To improve the setup’s vibration dampening next time, I would (should) anchor the legs a bit and definitely use a narrower and double-thick support board.
If you’re wondering, the support board that the vise is bolted to is fixed to the universal brackets with cam-clamps.
Denis Loo
I like your portable vise idea. I don’t have a vise a big as yours (a 5 inch only) but it will be more convenient they way you did it. I will also be mounting an anvil as well. Thanks.
Stuart
Thanks! That’s actually a 4-1/2″ vise.
O_B_E
I just bought an extra set to make a portable work bench to move all the dusty projects to the driveway. I am going to look into those Cam-Clamps. I have the little bit bigger version that I plan to use.