I do realize that for the most part woodworkers, or purist, should I say, would never use a metal vice for their craft. After all, it's like using a pry bar to open a soda, but then again... What if?
It adds character
I could, and I'm sure some people do this, say that the little nicks and what not add character to the piece, but this is just and easy way out if I'm to be honest.
Yes, you could try to put a Tshirt or something in there as you tighten the jaw to not permanently mark your lumber, but it's cumbersome and it most often than not feels like you are fighting the damn thing, one handed at that.
What is the solush? Soft jaws...
Something you can add to one of these cheapy vices that will allow you to hold lumber safely and not make it a hassle to go back to metal working if needed.
I got on the puter and drew these up...
My drawing may not look like much on the puter, but fret not... tis part of a plan, a plan that involves the CNC machine.
The circles you see are pockets for magnets that I can recess into the wood, hence not having to struggle to hold the jaws on their place as I clamp lumber on it.
The results, you ask?
I reckon...
They worked out exactly as I needed them to. You see, this body I'm working on requires a lot of work still. I have to stablize the wood, fix little "imperfections" (I like them, hence why I chose it), little scars. But in the process, I don't want to add any artificial ones.
A call it a little victory!
MenO
That is a wonderful solution!
I have a wood vice, but my roommate has a metal vice. He has these magnetic covers just like you made, but his are hard plastic. They are pretty effective at protecting the wood, but he always get grease on them, so I only use my wood vice.
The guitar is going to be sweet!
i love working on cars too, but If I start doing that... I think I need another shop (lol). Can't mix sawdust and grease!
Hey, you're another luthier here in Hive. And I thought I was the only one. The vise is a really useful thing. I reckon maybe people who make violins don't use them, but then, a lot of them do.
I don't have one since I still lack a workbench. So, I feel the need of having something better than a clamp doing th work for me. And the addition of the pieces of wood to the vise's jaws is a nice way of keeping your pieces without annoying scratches or dentures.
good to meet you mate
Nkce to meet you too!
Neat idea using magnets. You need all the right tools to make life easier. Don't want to mess up the guitar as you work on it.
of course... and ive done that so many times... lol