Woodworking Tip

An Easy Upgrade

If you don’t have a metalworking vise in your shop, securing metal parts such as screws and rods can be troublesome. They may slip in the jaws of your workbench vise, or the hard material may damage the vise’s wooden faces. To solve both problems, rest lengths of steel or aluminum angle iron along the top of the jaws and grip the object in question between them. There is usually no need to fasten them in place; the pressure of the vise takes care of it for you. 

—Larry Okrend, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Using Angle Iron to Protect Your Vise

An Easy Upgrade
If you don’t have a metalworking vise in your shop, securing metal parts such as screws and rods can be troublesome. They may slip in the jaws of your workbench vise, or the hard material may damage the vise’s wooden faces. To solve both problems, rest lengths of steel or aluminum angle iron along the top of the jaws and grip the object in question between them. There is usually no need to fasten them in place; the pressure of the vise takes care of it for you.
—Larry Okrend, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Advice on Working with Metal

This handy tip puts you in the situation of working with metal—a different ballgame than wood. Working with a much harder material like metal raises the safety bar a few notches. Proper setup and tooling are key, as is taking appropriate safety precautions. Check out Andy Rae’s article Metal in the Woodshop where he covers metalworking basics—from marking and layout to cutting and drilling both soft and hard metals. He also shares tips on how to smooth and finish edges for clean, safe results.

Vises and Workbenches Built for Woodworkers

If you’re looking to incorporate a vise into your workshop, Woodcraft carries the brands that woodworkers trust, including Sjobergs, WoodRiver and Eclipse. Our selection includes everything from the heavy-duty cast-iron bench vise to the quick-release wood vis, plus specialty vise tool options for detailed woodworking or metalworking tasks. At Woodcraft, you’ll find a vise solution for every setup.

We also carry a large collection of premium workbenches—from sturdy maple tops with a built-in wood vise to mobile benches that maximize space. A solid bench and a quality vise keep your project secure and your hands safe—no matter the task.

Questions?

If you need more information about this tip or any of the woodworking tools and accessories available at Woodcraft, we are here to help. You can visit your local Woodcraft store and speak with one of our friendly sales associates. Or you can Contact our Product Tech Support team at 800-535-4486 or tech@woodcraft.com.