This photo shows the first leg vise that I made (in 2010) and the latest one. I considered a sliding leg vise when I made the bench (2010) but dropped the notion because the parallel guide would have interfered with storage. The X cross mechanism doesn't protrude under the bench solving that problem.
I made this latest vise as a proof of concept out of stuff that I had and plan on making a nicer one after a test period.
After sizing the chop and leg, the first step is mortises:
Then 1/8" aluminum bearing strips.
Drilling the X arms in a stack before cutting to shape.
X arm subassemblies.
Nut and load-bearing washer.
I made this latest vise as a proof of concept out of stuff that I had and plan on making a nicer one after a test period.
After sizing the chop and leg, the first step is mortises:
Then 1/8" aluminum bearing strips.
Drilling the X arms in a stack before cutting to shape.
X arm subassemblies.
Nut and load-bearing washer.
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