Thread: Bench hardware.

What is it that you are particularly after? I had a look at Rob's website but didn't really see anything that was particularly unique.

That said; if you want anything that is Canada/USA made, it's gonna be expensive. The good news is that there are probably less expensive options available.

Depends if you want bling or just functional. I had a look at Crossman's shoulder vice screw and talk about being mugged. Over $700. Sure its good looking and likely works well but go to Mcjings and you can get one for $35. Not quite as good looking but just as functional. Could build a very respectable bench with that change.
Regards
John

Hi guys and thanks for the replies. I think Robs bench hardware is expensive on one hand cheap on another. It’s a twin start thread instead of single start plus the diameter size. There is also brass nuts instead of steel. The fancy finish I don’t really care about at all And your right the price is very very high.

Timbecon do the Benchcrafted hardware

I like the HNT gordon gear, made here in Australia. Might be worth checking out as another option.

Thanks for the reply..

.....or you can make your own. Search for 32mm twin lead screws. I think they even do one with 4 threads. Saying that, I find in practise I don't see the need for a particularly fast vise. I have 3 different vises on my bench, including the Benchcrafted Classic Glide Vise which I can open or close with a simple flick of the wrist, and yet my most used vise is the Lie Nielsen Twin Screw Dovetail Vise. It "only" has a pair of 28mm single lead screw and yet I've never wished for it to be any faster. Also keep in mind the two screws are connected via gears and a couple feet of chain. I imagine a well lubricated 32mm single screw would be plenty fast enough for most people. If you're still after speed, you may want to consider the Hovarter vise range. It uses linear bearings instead of screws and they offer quick release camping. Happy hunting.

I looked into building my own using mostly available hardware such as double thread lead screws and blocks. Lots of this is available via places catering to Makers and CNC. However, when I put together everything I would need (and even then, there are bits that you will have to make yourself), I found it wasn't much cheaper than getting a vice components from a major supplier such as HNT or Benchcrafted. I think, you can do something if you are okay with making your own wood threaded rods or if you are okay with the McJing stuff. Otherwise, the hardware is going to cost a lot regardless.

I actually just went with the McJing option. I've been wanting a couple of decent vices for a long time, and have to say that I am really happy with the quality of what I received. The castings are clean and flash-free, the machining is great, and the quick-releases work like a charm.

Bench.JPG

Installation was simple, but time consuming, as a one-person job. I have to rate Paul Seller's videos (especially Episodes 8 & 9) of his "How to make a workbench" series for installing a vice. The videos are very helpful.

How to Make a Workbench Episode 8 | Paul Sellers - YouTube

I installed both of these today.

Craig