A vise is a woodworking tool used by carpenters to hold pieces of wood together in projects such as drilling, wood planing, filing, sanding, or sawing. Typically, the vise is mounted in front of a workbench. It is then bolted securely to a workbench so heavy duty tasks can be accomplished without parts falling off. Using the best woodworking vise for your projects ensures precision and the highest quality end products.
The standard woodworking vise is made of metal and has large jaws that hold small and large pieces of wood. Vices come in different types such as: B. quick release vices,wood craftvices as well as simple vices.
In this article, I have reviewed the best cocking products you can find on the market today. I have also provided a complete buyer's guide on what to consider to get the right product for your various woodworking applications.
Read on to learn more about the products tested.
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1. Eclipse Quick Change Woodworking Vise, Cast Iron, 10" Size
This Eclipse Woodworking Vise is the best general woodworking vise if you are looking for a quick release vise. It provides a quick and easy way to reposition your workpieces, especially on large woodworking projects.
This tool is ideal for professional use in a workshop.
When you buy this tool, it comes with an adjustable front stop that allows for extra clamping, especially if you use it in conjunction with a bench stop. This means you can use it as a rear vise or a regular vise, depending on the project you're running.
The jaws on this tool are made of heavy cast iron. Slip sleeves, on the other hand, are products made of industrial steel. Therefore, this tool guarantees you regular use for several years. In addition, the jaws on this vise are designed to provide positive clamping, even in extreme clamping pressure situations.
Additionally, this vise has a lever for added security. The pivot pin protects the vise from extreme stress by flexing first before the vise does.
The summary of the main characteristics.
- It comes with a quick release skewer for faster tool adjustment.
- This tool is equipped with an adjustable front stop (dog) that offers a standard vise and rear vise in one
- The vise has two pre-drilled holes for quick and stable attachment to your workbench
- It comes with a lever handle for added safety.
Advantages
- It comes with two cast tabs for mounting screws.
- The lever on this tool makes it easy to open and close the vise
- It features a 7-inch jaw width and a 3-inch neck depth.
Disadvantages
- Its front stop does not have a large extension.
2. Yost M9WW Quick Action Woodworking Vise, 9″
The Yost is a great vise for home woodworking as well as for use by a professional woodworker. This tool is made of durable cast iron. One of its amazing features is the quick release mechanism that loosens the screw for faster adjustment. All you need to do is simply pull the lever and then slide the jaw forward or backward. You can lock the screw by turning the handle clockwise for super strong clamping control.
In addition, the vise has a main screw with a support thread, which guarantees a powerful clamping. You can use the bench dog on this tool in conjunction with a bench stop when working on large projects.
Additionally, the jaws have pre-drilled holes that allow for optional wood trim that you may wish to mount to the vise.
The summary of the main characteristics.
- It comes with heavy-duty cast iron for durability.
- This tool features a quick release mechanism to quickly open and close the vise
- Comes with an adjustable front stop (bench dog)
- Safety is not an issue with this tool thanks to the lever handle that protects it from extreme pressure
Advantages
- Thanks to the quick release mechanism, it is a fast tool.
- With this tool you are on the safe side
- it is durable
Disadvantages
- There are cases where the jaws are not parallel.
3. Shop the Fox D4328 9-Inch Quick Release Wood Vise
Shop Fox D4328 is one of the best woodworking vices to consider if you are looking for a powerful tool. Its design allows you to perform carpentry tasks without problems for as many years as possible.
Structurally, this tool is a strong cast iron material that is inherently durable. This vise has a maximum jaw opening of 10" and a jaw width of 9", making it perfect for professional projects.
The vise gives you the flexibility to mount to a 2¼-inch thick workbench. Also, you can use a washer to install it on a 1½-inch thick workbench. The jaws of this tool are equipped with pre-drilled holes to hold jaw pads that are non-marring and gentle on the surface of work pieces.
Additionally, this woodworking vise has a quick release mechanism that allows workpieces to be clamped and released in seconds. As you move the lever toward the main handle, loosen the bolt, and when you want to engage the quick release mechanism, slide the jaw effortlessly.
Another thing about this tool is the sliding stops that allow you to work on projects longer than the vise can hold.
The summary of the main characteristics.
- It comes with a 9-inch jaw width.
- Mounting height (bench thickness) is 2-1/4 inches
- It has a maximum jaw opening of 10 inches.
Advantages
- It can accommodate large work pieces.
- The guide rods of this tool are perfectly polished.
- Its screw has trapezoidal threads.
Disadvantages
- This vise requires you to purchase the mounting screws and bolts separately.
4. Bessey BPC-H34 3/4-Inch Pipe H Clamp
Arguably the best woodworking vise you can buy today. This tool has an exclusive design with an innovative style. It is a pipe clamp vise that rests on two legs and offers the user the most stable hold.
The jaws of this tool are made of cast iron and covered with a zinc plated clutch to ensure the firmest grip and long lasting operation.
Bessey offers the best grip and also protects materials from unprecedented damage and scratches. Instead of the commonly used threaded vise, this vise introduces a threaded shaft that extends and retracts the pivoting jaw. Additionally, the handle on this tool is crank style for easy and comfortable movement of the handle without friction.
Plus, this vise's taller base support allows you to work on a clean work surface. You can even move this vise to the position of your choice for more comfort while you work.
Its specifications are nominal with a ¾-inch pipe clamp and a weight of 2.95 lbs. It is portable and the best woodworking vise when you want to change jobsite.
The summary of the main characteristics.
- This tool has an H-shaped foot assembly that stabilizes the clamp in two dimensions for two-axis stability.
- It has a cast jaw for added durability.
- Device is supplied with 2 soft jaw covers that prevent damage to clamped materials
- It has zinc plated clutch components and a black oxide coated lead screw.
- The H-shaped base of this tool prevents the clamps from tipping over.
- The vise comes with a crank that clears the work surface when you open and close the jaw on the clamp
Advantages
- it is affordable
- This vise is durable.
- You can move it from one place to another (portable)
Disadvantages
- You can't do that with too much pressure.
5. Yost M7WW Quick Action Woodworking Vise, 7″
Here is another best woodworking vise from Yost. This tool is suitable for both professional and home use, making it perfect for optimum performance. It also features a quick nut mechanism that allows you to clamp and reposition workpieces more quickly.
All you have to do is simply pull up on the vise nut lever and hold it when you want to loosen the vise nut. After that, you can adjust the vise jaws as you like and release the lever. Once the main shank rotates, the vise nut engages and tightens its jaws.
This woodworking vise is designed with a pillar thread on the main vise. The design of this abutment thread allows for a tighter clamp. Besides. Facilitates the opening and closing of the jaws. Another thing about this vise is that it comes with an end stop that ensures that the vise does not open too far.
The pre-drilled holes in this tool allow for faster and easier mounting on a workbench. There are also other pre-drilled holes in the jaws that allow you to mount wood panels to securely hold workpieces.
The summary of the main characteristics.
- It has a sturdy cast iron and steel construction for durability.
- Quick release mechanism allows the vise to be opened and closed quickly
- It has an adjustable front stop (bench dog)
- The tool is supplied with lever latches for safety reasons.
Advantages
- It is durable thanks to its strong steel and cast iron construction.
- The tool has an adjustable bench hook
- safe to use
Disadvantages
- There are cases where the jaws are not parallel.
6. Yost Tools 750-DI, 5″ EXTREME-DUTY, 2X Stronger, Workbench and Pipe Vise.
The Yost series has a reputation for making some of the best woodworking vises on the market and the Yost 750-DI is no different. This tool weighs up to 50% more than its competitors, which makes it reliable.
It comes with a ductile iron body that is three times more durable than cast iron vises. Extreme Grip Machinist's Jaws feature teeth for a better grip on parts. Additionally, it features self-aligning pipe jaws that conform to the part they are clamping, reducing damage and increasing clamping pressure.
What's more about this vise is that it features a 360-degree swivel base with a gear lock that prevents it from turning once you've locked it into place. It also comes with the quick action removal pin that allows you to rotate the vise quickly and easily. This vise has up to twelve different locking positions. Most notably, it features a reinforced anvil and 4 mounting tabs that hold it securely to the workbench.
The summary of the main characteristics.
- The vise head rotates 360 degrees with 12 locking positions allowing access to all three sets of jaws.
- Its 360-degree swivel base adjusts the direction of the jaws to position and lock into place.
- The ductile iron body of this tool makes it durable.
- This vise has three sets of interchangeable hardened steel jaws:Parallel serrated upper jaws,toothed tubular jaws,Smooth V-jaws for round and flat material.
- It has a tube capacity from 0.125″ to 3.5″.
Advantages
- it is durable
- Heavier than most competitors.
- Has up to 12 locking positions
Disadvantages
- The base plate of this tool is thinner.
7. Wilton - 78A, Swivel Carpenter's Vise - Snap Action (63144)
The Wilton is another best woodworking vise to consider for your workshop. It has the reputation of being one of the best performing woodworking vises on the market.
Wilton is pretty much the same as the famous Yost series of woodworking vices. You can work with a workbench with a thickness of 3 inches; All you need is to install it on top of the workbench.
The fixed jaw on this tool has a hole where you can screw it into your workbench on both the side and bottom.
You can move the toe around and use it as a continuous dog and pivot 10 degrees, making it easy to clamp irregular shapes.
This tool comes with a jaw that has a maximum opening of 10 inches.
The summary of the main characteristics.
- It has a jaw width of 4 x 7 inches.
- The maximum jaw opening of this tool is 10 inches.
- This tool has a quick release nut.
- weighs 30 pounds
- The vice is supplied with assembly instructions.
Advantages
- It comes with a quick release mechanism.
- The vise is durable.
- You can use it to hold irregular shapes.
Disadvantages
- It comes with quality control issues.
8. SJO-33274 Portable Smart Woodworking Vise from Sjoberg
If you are looking for a tool to move from one place to another, then SJO-33274 is the best woodworking vise to consider. The creators of this tool had portability in mind while developing this product.
As you can tell from the name, this woodworking vise is smart. It gives you the flexibility to use it for fast clamping of workpieces in multiple chucks. Additionally, it can support up to three mounting options, including clamp, screw, and anchor mounting. Gives you the flexibility to mount it on onepicnic table, easel, workbench and other possible mounting surfaces.
This wood vise comes with four ¾-inch vise dogs for excellent tension. Plus, it features a 4½-inch span, making it ideal for fastening small to medium-sized woodworking projects. Another thing is that you can move the dogs of the bench to hold irregularly shaped workpieces, making them suitable for differentwood craft.
The summary of the main characteristics.
- It comes with an exceptional wingspan.
- This vise can handle heavy projects.
- It's incredibly versatile with four ¾-inch round bench dogs for optimal tension.
- This tool gives you up to three mounting options: studs, screws, or clamps, making it perfect for almost any application.
Advantages
- you can carry it easily
- It can be used as a portable or permanent vise for woodworking.
- The vise comes with a sturdy 1-inch MDF top
Disadvantages
- It's a little expensive
The Ultimate Woodworking Vise Buying Guide
There are so many woodworking vises out there, and not all of them work the same. Most of these products are not cheap, so you have to spend your money on the right products.
In this buyer's guide, I've listed some of the essentials of woodworking vices that you should consider before purchasing one. These aspects include:
Watch the video below to learn how to install a woodworking vise
Size
Larger woodworking vises are generally intended for larger projects. So if you are a woodworker looking to buy a vise, you need to be clear about how much you intend to use the tool before you buy it. Small projects require the use of small vices and vice versa.
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If you're interested in fine detail work on smaller parts, there's no point in looking for the biggest vise on the market. Otherwise, you'll end up wasting a lot of time opening and closing to reach a smaller clamp.
ease of use
How easy a vise is to use does not necessarily affect the price of a vise. However, it should be one of the first things you consider when buying this tool.
If you are looking for a vise that you can use without as much trouble, you should choose a vise with a quick release mechanism. Allows you to temporarily move the vise out of its guide, bringing it closer to its final position. You can put it back on its rail and turn the handle to make it tight.
The quality
If you carefully went through the list of the best woodworking vices in this article, then choosing a high-quality product should not worry you. If you want the best quality possible in a woodworking vise, consider things like the center support column, the large bar that runs down the center, and the steel in the frame.
Diploma
Woodworking vises are an essential tool for any woodworker, especially when you find yourself getting stuck here and there.
My best vise for general woodworking isEclipse Woodworking Levers, Cast Iron, 10″ Size;ISeveral factors were considered when deciding on this product, including price, user experience, and performance.
Regardless of my choice, I want you to know that all the products discussed in this article are of the highest quality and will serve their purpose to the utmost perfection.
I hope you have read this content and found it relevant to your search for the best product on the market. If you feel the same way, please let me know your thoughts in the comments section below. In the meantime, happy shopping!
Tyrone Otieno
Tyron is an avid carpenter and writer. He created this website to help other woodworkers, whether amateur or professional, by sharing his knowledge and experience after a decade of woodworking.