Choosing Tool Thoughts on the Veritas Quick release tail vise or other options for a solid slab top

[The Hobbyist Workshop]

Hello Everyone.

I was curious if anyone had any experience with this vise and what your opinions are on it? I haven't been able to find very many reviews on it other than like three small videos on YouTube. I'm just starting to build a Moravian collapsible workbench like the one popularized by Will Myers. I would like it to be fairly traditional and have ordered the Lake Erie Toolworks Leg Vise Screw kit. Although I want a fairly traditional bench in my little handtool woodworking ive done over the past year or two I have found I like having some form tail or wagon vise on the end. But Im having a hard time finding anything that will work well with a slab top. I will be using a roughly 14/4" White Oak slab top and this seems to be the only good option with out milling out a whole bunch of excess wood away. Id be open to other options if anyone has any good experience with them.

 

[mdbuntyn]

I know a couple of people (through Shannon Rodgers' Hand Tool School forum) who have installed an HNT Gordon tail vice in their Roubo-style benches.

HNT Gordon Tail Vise — Heartwood Tools

HNT Gordon’s Tail Vise is designed to hold any piece of wood flat on the top of your work bench. It can be retrofit to any shop bench (in any position on the top) without interfering with the integrity of the top. Simple installation. The knob is 1 1/4” in diameter, knurled for grip. You will

www.heartwoodtools.com

 

[Wilsoncb]

Looking at more pictures on the Lee Valley site, it looks like a nice vice. Maybe I’m missing something but can’t you make up for the top thickness by making the clamping block that attaches to the sliding mechanism taller?

 

[The Hobbyist Workshop]

I know a couple of people (through Shannon Rodgers' Hand Tool School forum) who have installed an HNT Gordon tail vice in their Roubo-style benches.

HNT Gordon Tail Vise — Heartwood Tools

HNT Gordon’s Tail Vise is designed to hold any piece of wood flat on the top of your work bench. It can be retrofit to any shop bench (in any position on the top) without interfering with the integrity of the top. Simple installation. The knob is 1 1/4” in diameter, knurled for grip. You will

www.heartwoodtools.com

Ive heard good things about it about but I dont really like the idea of milling up my top that much and Im not really a fan of the small knob.

 

[The Hobbyist Workshop]

Looking at more pictures on the Lee Valley site, it looks like a nice vice. Maybe I’m missing something but can’t you make up for the top thickness by making the clamping block that attaches to the sliding mechanism taller?

yes I believe its possible. I don't see any reason that it wouldnt and thats the main reason im leaning more towards this vise

 

[Rwe2156]

I haven't used one so I can't offer an opinion only to say I think Lee Valley/Veritas are quality products and their customer service is 5 star.

I wish I had installed a quick release when I built my workbench. Back then they were $350.

Christmas is coming...........

 

[MTod]

Great vise. I highly recommend it. The quick release is very useful and it is rock solid.