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Finished the Moxon vise. Thanks for all the suggestions. I chose the Moxon style because its portable and can be moved from bench to bench, can hold long stock for sawing, and conserves valuable space in my small cramped shop. Vise has provision for clamping to bench edge.

For the body clamping jaw inserts, I used .090 thk mahogany practice-sides, covered with thick leather, using one thickness of mahogany spacer and one thickness of leather to create the needed top and back radius. The body clamping jaws slip on and off, over the threaded press screw. I will add a wide, adjustable belt webbing “sling” to catch a body that inadvertently slips through the jaws.
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Hard Maple jaws, shellac finish
12” Jorgensen Pony Press Clamps w/ Acme Thread
Slotted movable jaw to eliminate racking (can easily clamp tapered pieces)

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Measure Twice,

Karl Borum

That's pretty nice great job Karl!!

Very handy!

Sweet!

Nice!


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The press screws look handier than the pipe clamps many designs use. Nice!
How wide can the vise go?

I mentioned this to Karl off line but I'll add it here incase anyone is interested.

I made a two screw moxon style vise built into my bench (probably similar to Clay's pipe clamp version). I made padded jaws just like a troji has out of plywood. They bolt into the chops of my vice and basically turn my two screw vice into a mounted troji for holding bodies. Just putting the two padded jaws away when not in use takes up much less space than an actual troji for those with limited shop space.

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Bryan Bear PMoMC

Take care of your feet, and your feet will take care of you.

Thanks @Clay S.
7 7/16" wide between hardwood jaws (inserts removed)
6 3/16 wide between edge of jaw inserts (inserts installed)
7 1/8 wide between center of jaw inserts (accommodates 15/16" of center-to-edge dome)

I could increase all above widths by 1/2"- 5/8" in a pinch (no pun)

Opening width:
Hardwood jaw thickness: 1 1/4" thick
Double washer thickness on back of moveable jaw: 1/4" thick (easily removable)

_________________
Measure Twice,

Karl Borum

Eight months later, I finally cut a mortise with the box in the vise.
I added a simple hammock / cradle under the body for insurance. It added stability as well, a very easy, inexpensive and worthwhile upgrade- just a 1” strap (I used 2 because I didn’t have one long enough.
I’ve had to tool up, significantly, to make my own necks….

Pics in reverse order

_________________
Measure Twice,

Karl Borum

Nice! The strap is a great idea!


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I like the strap underneath. That is a great idea!

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Bryan Bear PMoMC

Take care of your feet, and your feet will take care of you.

I use a couple of bands cut from a tire inner tube for that. Works for me.

Looks good! I have a Veritas twin screw vise that I use with some 1 1/2 ethafoam padding but I like the flexible plywood idea and the strap is also a good idea. I have pieces of pool noodle for covering the screws in case I get klutzy.

I need pool noodle!
I also need to cap the back side of the screws, they are extra long and an accident waiting to happen.

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Measure Twice,

Karl Borum