Bench re-build input required

[Graham Orm]

I'm about to re-do the top on my bench in beech. I have 2 conventional vices. I intended to put one on the front and one on the end with corresponding dogs.

However, I've been considering making a Moxon type vice the full length of the front of the bench (1500mm). This would allow clamping of boards, drawers, boxes you name it. I could still fit the end vice for conventional stuff and for use with dogs.

Question: Would I get fed up of the full length Moxon? Should I make one that takes up just a metre of the bench and still have 2 conventional vices?

 

[xy mosian]

A Moxon type vice?
As I understand it these have a screw at, or nearly at, each end. If you're holding a workpiece in the vice with your left hand. Then tighten the right hand screw with your right hand, next job is to tighten the left hand screw. Do you quickly change support hands, or tie yourself in a knot trying to tighten the left hand screw with your right hand?
I don't think I could do either at that sort of size.
xy

 

[Glynne]

Unless you are going to be regularly be working on long boards, I would go for a separate Moxon Vice which you can put on the bench to raise your working height. I have a normal quick release vice and tail vice which work well for normal work and then add a Moxon for dovetails.

 

[Graham Orm]

A Moxon type vice?
As I understand it these have a screw at, or nearly at, each end. If you're holding a workpiece in the vice with your left hand. Then tighten the right hand screw with your right hand, next job is to tighten the left hand screw. Do you quickly change support hands, or tie yourself in a knot trying to tighten the left hand screw with your right hand?
I don't think I could do either at that sort of size.
xy

The way a Moxon works is; close one end to the thickness of the workpiece, then use the other end to tighten down on the work.

Unless you are going to be regularly be working on long boards, I would go for a separate Moxon Vice which you can put on the bench to raise your working height. I have a normal quick release vice and tail vice which work well for normal work and then add a Moxon for dovetails.

Thanks guys. I had considered a separate Moxon, but storage is then an issue as well as putting the thing on the bench and removing. I am thinking a metre long moxon in conjunction with 2 conventional vices.

 

[xy mosian]

A Moxon type vice?
As I understand it these have a screw at, or nearly at, each end. If you're holding a workpiece in the vice with your left hand. Then tighten the right hand screw with your right hand, next job is to tighten the left hand screw. Do you quickly change support hands, or tie yourself in a knot trying to tighten the left hand screw with your right hand?
I don't think I could do either at that sort of size.
xy

The way a Moxon works is; close one end to the thickness of the workpiece, then use the other end to tighten down on the work.

Unless you are going to be regularly be working on long boards, I would go for a separate Moxon Vice which you can put on the bench to raise your working height. I have a normal quick release vice and tail vice which work well for normal work and then add a Moxon for dovetails.

Thanks guys. I had considered a separate Moxon, but storage is then an issue as well as putting the thing on the bench and removing. I am thinking a metre long moxon in conjunction with 2 conventional vices.

Ah! At a metre length/width I can see that changing hands won't be a problem.
xy