This project is by Ale from Ale’s Everyday, who built a simple yet effective wooden vise that can be a great addition to any workbench. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to improve your clamping setup, be sure to check out Ale’s YouTube channel.
Watch the full video and subscribe to Ale’s channel:
Why Build a Wooden Vise?
A sturdy vise is one of the most useful tools in a woodworking shop. It provides a secure grip on workpieces, making cutting, sanding, and assembling easier and more precise.
This wooden vise is a great option for those who want a functional and affordable alternative to metal vises. By using scrap wood and readily available pipe clamps, you can create a reliable clamping system without spending much money.
How Ale Built the Wooden Vise
Ale started by selecting two strong wooden boards that would serve as the vise’s foundation. Positioning was key, as the vise needed to be flush with the workbench to prevent workpieces from shifting during clamping.
One board was secured directly to the workbench using screws. To prevent splitting, pilot holes were drilled first, ensuring a firm hold without damaging the wood.
Drilling Holes for Pipe Clamps
To create the clamping mechanism, Ale drilled evenly spaced holes in both boards. These holes were sized slightly larger than the diameter of the pipe clamps, allowing the pipes to move smoothly while maintaining a snug fit.
Alignment was crucial, so extra care was taken to ensure both boards had perfectly matching holes. Checking the fit before final assembly helped avoid issues during installation.
Installing the Pipe Clamps
Pipe clamps were used as the primary clamping mechanism, offering a strong and adjustable hold for a variety of workpieces. Ale selected pipes long enough to provide ample clamping space while remaining manageable in size.
Once the pipes were inserted, the clamps were secured in place. This step ensured they could be easily adjusted to accommodate different materials, giving the vise maximum versatility.
Final Adjustments and Testing
After assembly, Ale tested the vise by clamping different pieces of wood to check for stability. A properly built vise should hold materials firmly without shifting or wobbling under pressure.
If minor adjustments were needed, small refinements were made to improve the fit and functionality. The result was a sturdy, shop-made vise that provided reliable clamping power for woodworking tasks.
A Practical Addition to Any Workbench
This wooden vise is a simple yet effective upgrade for any workbench. It enhances clamping capability while keeping costs low, making it a great project for woodworkers who enjoy building their own shop tools.
For a full walkthrough of the build, including detailed instructions and techniques, check out Ale’s video. Seeing the process in action will help ensure you get the best results for your own vise.