Shop mad bench vice

I made this out of necessity. and the fact that I had the Acme threaded rod on hand. :)
I have needed a bench vice for some time now and I had this 3' stick of acme threaded rod (acme means its for a vice) a regular threaded rod will wear out very very quick. so if you attempt this make sure you use the acme stuff.
I will be trying a moxon vice soon as well. so keep looking.

Step 1 Start by making a "nut case"

I had no plans or idea on how to make one of these I winged it every step of the way so I wont go into detail on the dimensions. the jaws are 10" wide and 6" tall the dowel handle i use is 1" poplar and and the dowels for the front and rear slide supports are the same.
You have to start by encasing the nut with an opening to allow the threaded rod to pass through you could do this a few different ways.
My way was just the way it happened, no plans remember?

Comments

[markbyounger]

Nice plan.
I was wondering what the function of the front rod support is, since the rear jaw supports the rods just a couple of inches in front of it.

[SlickSqueegie]

it closes the back of the nut case.

[markbyounger]

Thanks, that makes sense.
I've sketched up your design (helps me work out how designs work). If it helps anyone feel free to use it: It's in PDF form.

[jadronx]

hey like the sketch...also like your site, I have an interest in drafting and plan on going to school for architecture.

[markbyounger]

Thanks. In retrospect I probably should have done architecture or engineering, I would have used it more than the Biology degrees I got instead. Fortunately you can do architectural drafting in a lot of places without a licence (I've designed nearly 50 houses, probably a few more if you count the ones that we'e built). Fun profession, Good luck

[jadronx]

thanks...i should be able to get free tuition at the university my father works at and go to their school of architecture and get LEAD accreditation and all that so i should be well off.

[SlickSqueegie]

Thanks. That looks great.

[lmvlobos]

I've been thinking of one of these also, but was stuck on a few things. Great idea on the "nut case"!
Where did you get the ACME Screw and Nuts? How much did they cost? And How is it working so far?

[spiderham]

http://www.mcmaster.com/#acme-threaded-rods/=fmxczp

[SlickSqueegie]

They got it all at a premium price! They seem very very expensive. Look locally and elsewhere on the web before you go here to purchase.. You can find it for half these prices easily.

[SlickSqueegie]

You can also look locally at an industrial machine supplier. or talk to a local machine shop about where to buy.

[SlickSqueegie]

it works great.
I had the acme thread on hand. google it you will find a supplier.

[pfred2]

Great job!

BTW acme thread just means the thread profile is trapezoidal. It is used for other things than vises.

I found an old rotted out vise in my old cellar and rebuilt the wooden parts of it. I took the basic design of it and modified it slightly. I used something called a hidden dovetail in order to hold my guide bars.

Here are some pictures (though the dovetail is unfortunately hidden)

http://i.imgur.com/sbC05.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/Bo24q.jpg

The hole was a bit tight so never mind the threads in the wood. There is a nut in the back
http://i.imgur.com/jUKci.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/YZITK.jpg