Thread: Auxillary vice for small parts

Evening all,
I've been working on a fiddly little woodcarving with several seperate parts (post pics of the finished item later), and dragged out a little clamp or vice that I made some time back. I find it ideal as an auxillary to the standard bench vice, which obviously doesn't hold little things readily so thought I'd share it with you. Allows access from all sides too.
Its based on a long-jawed clamp used by leather workers when they're plaiting, and is made from any robust hardwood...in this case, my old favourite Spotted gum. The actual clamping area can be made to suit any item: custom shaped, or fitted with leather or felt. The good thing about this device is you use the existing vice as clamping force, no extra threaded portions, and substantial force can be used.
I have cut a dado at a slight angle through the centre of the "L" shaped
mounting block, and screwed one jaw into it, from which I've hinged the other jaw. Note each jaw is identical. The mounting block sits on and into the top of the standard vice, clearing the guides and threaded rod.
As I mentioned, I've used this for several years and not had it crack or split despite trying very hard!

Cheers,