I have built the extra-wide vice which I discussed in several threads here (paint and wooden jaws are still to come). Thanks for your thoughts and sug gestions. Here are the pictures:
In the end, I decided to use two scissor mechanisms shortly before my leave from work began. I did a few calculations and figured I could fit a sturdy mechanism inside two lengths of channel. I'm pretty pleased with the resul t. Jaw width is 75 cm (30"), so it's as wide as the largest Black & Decker Workmate.
A couple of observations:
- Stiffness and ease of adjustment are great. Clamping asymetrically using half the jaw width is possible with hardly any flexing. Clamping a narrow p iece of wood at the very end of the jaws (with nothing at the other end) ca uses a little flexing, but isn't problematic. The single handle with 1/2" j aw movement per turn allows quick adjustment.
- The downsides are the weight of something like 80 lbs (I might need to ad d a little stiffening to my steel bench frame) and the fact that it can jam at the very end of its travel. It was designed for a 6" jaw opening. Jammi ng occurs beyond an 8" opening, so it works according to my design, but I m ight add some kind of stop to limit the travel. And I haven't lubricated th e scissors yet.
Enjoy the pictures. Comments and questions are welcome.
Best wishes,
Chris