Thread: starting a bench build soon need some advice

The wagon vice will be a lot easier to construct/fit to the bench but the tail vice is more versitile. Depends on your skill level, what tools you can lay your hands on and cost.
Regards
John

my personal preference is for the tail vise. I went through the same decsion earlier this year, and plumped for the tail vise, not least because in my eyes the wagon vise isn't really a vise but more a travelling dog.

Tail vises are a lot easier to build than they look. Their big selling point (in my 4 months or so of using it) is that not only do you have a travelling dog system, you have the ability to clamp very long or odd-shaped objects without any guide bars or screws getting in the way. It has been invaluable in making saw handles and in carving turned bowls and vases, as well as letting me hold stuff for hand planing and chiselling.

But yes, it appears to be simpler to make and/or install a wagon vise. Although it doesn't look nearly as cool .

Cheers, Mike

I'll add another vote for a tail vise. I can't imagine living without mine, they are far more versatile than a travelling dog system, & yes, I've used both. As Mike says, the tail vise looks complex, but it isn't really as difficult as it looks. However, you do need to decide from the beginning if you are going to have a tail vise, as it's not something that's easy to add later.

Decisions, decisions!

VCheers,