This project was built and designed by Norman Pirollo from WoodSkills. It’s a refined, modern version of the classic Moxon vise, built for improved function, clean aesthetics, and greater comfort during fine joinery tasks.
Originally designed centuries ago, the Moxon vise remains one of the most useful shop accessories for woodworkers. Norman’s build brings the design up to date with durable materials and smart modifications that make it easier to use, store, and build.
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The History Behind the Vise
The Moxon vise traces its origins back over 400 years to Joseph Moxon’s The Art of Joinery. Its defining feature is a double screw setup that holds workpieces securely and elevates them above the benchtop.
That added height is more than just a convenience—it’s a back-saver. By lifting the workpiece several inches, woodworkers can avoid the strain of bending over for detailed tasks like dovetailing, shaping tenons, or making layout marks.
Why Norman’s Version Stands Out
Norman’s version of the vise includes several thoughtful updates to the traditional design. Instead of using outboard tabs or mounting brackets, the vise clamps directly to the bench through integrated holdfasts. This eliminates clutter and gives the vise a cleaner look.
He also incorporates hardware from Benchcrafted, including acme-threaded lead screws and cast iron hand wheels. These high-quality components offer smooth, reliable clamping and are engineered specifically for vise applications.
Locally sourced maple was chosen for the jaws, balancing strength and appearance. Maple resists denting and holds up well to heavy use, making it a great match for this kind of tool.
Construction Details
The vise consists of a front jaw, a rear jaw, and the threaded screw hardware. The front jaw is slightly wider than the rear jaw, helping it register against the benchtop without shifting.
The boards are milled flat and square before layout begins. After drilling for the hardware, the parts are shaped, sanded, and assembled with care to ensure a perfect fit. A small work surface is added behind the rear jaw, providing additional support when sawing dovetails or clamping thin parts.
This small shelf also makes the vise more versatile, turning it into a temporary work surface for light tasks. While optional, it’s a helpful addition for anyone doing frequent hand-cut joinery.
Portable and Easy to Store
Installation is quick thanks to the integrated clamping setup. Holdfasts are inserted through the rear jaw and secured to the benchtop with a mallet—no screws or bench modifications required.
Norman emphasizes that the vise is easy to move, offset, or remove entirely. When not in use, it can be stored upright against the wall or set aside, freeing up bench space for other projects.
This makes the Moxon vise a great option for smaller shops where every inch counts. It can also be brought to job sites or shared between benches as needed.
Using the Moxon Vise in the Shop
To clamp a workpiece, the hand wheels are tightened until the jaws firmly grip the stock. The clamping action is strong but doesn’t require excessive force, thanks to the acme threads and flat jaw surfaces.
Norman demonstrates how the vise holds boards vertically for dovetailing, as well as horizontally for detail cuts and sanding. The elevated working height improves line of sight and reduces physical fatigue during precision work.
With its wide opening and large capacity, the vise can hold boards of various thicknesses and lengths. This flexibility makes it a go-to tool for joinery, layout, shaping, and light assembly work.
A Blend of Utility and Style
The clean lines and minimal hardware give Norman’s vise a professional appearance that complements any well-organized shop. More than just a clamping device, it’s a thoughtful upgrade that adds both function and style.
The project also serves as a great woodworking exercise. It covers layout, precision drilling, hardware fitting, and fine adjustments—skills that apply broadly across many types of projects.
A Shop Essential Worth Building
For woodworkers looking to improve their setup without permanent bench modifications, the Moxon vise is an ideal solution. It brings the work closer, provides rock-solid clamping, and stores away easily.
Norman’s modern take honors the traditional form while eliminating some of its drawbacks. The result is a shop accessory that’s durable, adaptable, and enjoyable to use.
Support Norman by visiting his website: https://www.woodskills.com/.
Matt’s Take
These are my personal thoughts and tips based on my own experience in the shop. This section is not written, reviewed, or endorsed by the original creator of this project.
The Moxon vise is one of those tools that completely changes how you approach hand-cut joinery. That extra height makes such a difference when you’re cutting dovetails or paring tenons — your back will thank you after a long session at the bench. The traditional design has stood the test of time for good reason, and Norman’s thoughtful updates address the few pain points the original had.
Those Benchcrafted components are worth the investment if you’re planning to build one of these. The acme threads give you serious clamping power without the binding issues you sometimes get with standard hardware store threaded rod. The cast iron wheels also have a nice weight and feel that makes adjustments smooth and predictable. When you’re holding delicate work, that control matters.
The holdfast mounting system is brilliant for shops where bench real estate is precious. Being able to clamp it anywhere along your bench edge and remove it completely when not needed gives you so much flexibility. I also like how the small work surface behind the rear jaw turns the vise into a mini workbench — perfect for those times when you need to support the other end of a long board while working on joints.
If you’re new to hand-cut joinery, a Moxon vise like this one will make your learning curve much gentler. Having your work held securely at the right height lets you focus on technique rather than fighting with awkward clamping setups.