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While the Benchcrafted Glide Leg Vise didn’t come out in 2010, it’s my favorite tool of the year – because this year I installed it on my new workbench. I don’t want to write too much about it here because I’ve reviewed this leg vise for our February 2011 issue (which mails to subscribers at the end of December), but I will say that I’ve never used a vise that works so smoothly, or cinches down tight on the work with so little effort on my part.
The Glide works on the same principles as a wooden screw leg vise, but has roller guides at the bottom that support the parallel guide. This extra support helps to move the chop in and out with just a spin of the 8” wheel.
I’ve been using the Glide for about three months, and it’s a beauty – not just in its looks but also in how it works. If you’re in the market for a leg vise, the Glide is worth a look.
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Stephanie,
I’m sure it could be retrofit – but in order to use the leg vise, you would have to scab on a piece to bring the leg parallel with the front of the bench (and fill in any existing vise screw hole on said leg, if there is one). But what a nice present from your husband. (And thanks!)
Cliff, the whole assembly is made by Benchcrafted (click on the link in the post to see all the parts that come with it); you supply the wood for the shop and guides. It’s installed in a similar manner to a wooden screw vise, with a few extra steps for the bottom guides.
Um, and thanks C Dubya.
Beautiful redheads are push-overs for smooth operators… (sorry, couldn’t resist 🙂 )
I am most impressed with the "upgrade" vice screw used on the vice. Where did you get one that uses the "wheel" instead of the tradition vice handle? What did you use for the glide under the parallel guide? Will the article deal with these questions, or is this something you can share now? By the way, your magazine is just outstanding; I look forward to every issue!
Cliff Greaves
Can’t wait for the Feb issue, now! I like the looks of the vise, and it’s on a beautiful bench, too. Any ideas on how to retrofit one onto a store-bought bench like say, the Laguna? Don’t know if it would, the legs aren’t flush with the top. My wonderful hubby bought me a bench for Christmas just as I was gonna suck it up and build one, but we dropped the top getting it into the basement (sigh), and the left vise has never worked smoothly. I would love to have a vise that is as simple to use as yours looks to be. Thanks for bringing something new and fresh to the magazine, I really love your articles.