Tail vice advice

[Arutha]

I'm planning on building a new workbench, and have decided to install a tail vice. I want to build a traditional, L-shaped end vice (like on Scandinavian workbenches).

The reason for choosing this type of vice is that I want to use both the dog holes on the top, and the ability to grip things from the front as well.

There are a number of options, and I'd like some advice.

The cheapest option is to build an "all wood" vice. I have a copy of a magazine article with build instructions for Frank Klausz's bench. There are also instructions in the workbench book by Scott Landis.

All you need to buy is the screw. A metal screw, by Veritas is available at Axminster for £30:
http://www.axminster.co.uk/veritas-veri ... rod788423/

For a more traditional look, the Maguire wooden screw is another option. More expensive, at £160, but it sure looks great:
http://www.theenglishwoodworker.com/sho ... cts_id=181

I've been told this build is quite complicated, and I've also heard this type of vice is prone to sagging. There seem to exist different opinions about this. I've also read that there are cures to the problems with sagging, and that sagging happens due to inaccuracies in the build.

I'd appreciate opinions about this.

I'm not afraid about a complicated build. I'm sure I would be able to build it, given enough time and good instructions. I'm also wondering how people like Frank Klausz manages to use such a vice if there are such big problems with sagging as I hear about. Maybe the problems aren't as big as people say?

Another option is to buy a metal tail vice mechanism. The build should be easier, but will this 119 euro vice cure the sagging problem?
http://www.fine-tools.com/G300650.htm

The easiest option is the Veritas quick release tail vice. At 263 euros, it's quite expensive, but the build is really simple.
http://www.mehr-als-werkzeug.de/product ... l-Vice.htm

From what I've seen in photos, the vice chop is much smaller (less deep) than in the traditional tail vice. Not sure if this is a problem with the design, or that everyone has just chosen to use a 2x4 for the vice chop (instead of a 4x4 which would be more like the traditional tail vice).

I guess a larger chop might be too heavy.


The most expensive option is the Lie-Nielsen tail vice. I've read that they developed this to get rid of the sagging problem. But they cost 289 euros:
http://www.lie-nielsen.com/catalog.php?grp=1481
http://www.mehr-als-werkzeug.de/product ... l-Vise.htm

The negative thing with the all metal tail vices is that there is a metal plate at the back of the vice chop (the metal plate is screwed to the bench top, and is visible from the front when you open the vice chop).

What are your opinions?

 

[marcros]

benchcrafted is well worth a look. whether to buy or just to look at the fitting instructions etc.

If youu go for a metal screw, the Yorke one is cheaper and I believe made in the same factory as the veritas. Veritas certainly import them from the same country as axminster do.

 

[Dangermouse]

Being a skinflint, on my bench I have used a standard Record bench vice as a tail vice. Used a thick wooden jaw bored holes in that for the dogs. So you have the option of using bench dogs and it holds any piece of work without any sagging. But as with most things its a matter of personal preference and look as much as utility and cost.

 

[AndyT]

DM's idea is a good one, but limits you to working at the right hand end of the bench. In my small workshop I've chosen to keep the bench as long as I can which means access to the ends is not good. So I bought the Veritas Surface Vice which installs in two standard 3/4" dog holes, meaning that I can hold a board flat on the bench without obstruction, anywhere along its length. Axminster discontinued them and sold them off half price last Christmas but they are available from Dieter Schmid almost as quickly.

(I thought you'd like another option for your list!)

 

[Roughcut]

I was recently reading this thread: veritas-vices-retrofit-t48498.html

It seems the Veritas Tail Vice is fitted closer to the front edge of the bench than some other wagon and tail vices available.
This allows a better position for tasks such as using a plough plane as the work is closer to the edge and probably better for surface planing as you are not having to lean over the bench quite as far.