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/.