Multipurpose Auxiliary Vise

Build a traditional-style auxiliary vise that enhances your workbench. This vise delivers flexible, ergonomic work positioning and classic joinery skills.

Enhance your workbench with this Multipurpose Auxiliary Vise Woodworking Plan, designed for serious woodworkers who value precision, flexibility, and traditional craftsmanship. Inspired by classic English carving vises and constructed from durable European beech, this auxiliary vise raises your workpiece to a more ergonomic height and allows greater access from any angle.

Unlike traditional fixed vises, this portable bench vise mounts quickly into a bench dog hole, making it ideal for tasks that require movement, detailed access, or elevated positioning. The vise rotates, extends, and positions easily for carving, assembly, joinery, and fine detail work—offering both versatility and comfort whether you're standing or seated.

The plan includes step-by-step instructions for crafting dovetails, shaping thick hardwood stock, and building custom hardware components such as the hub, handle, and mounting system. A perfect skill-building project, this vise is not only a rugged companion for daily shop use but also a beautiful, heirloom-quality tool in its own right.

Highlights:

  • Inspired by classic English carving vises for versatile use
  • Raises workpieces to a more ergonomic height for improved comfort
  • 360° rotation and extended reach offer excellent tool access
  • Anchors securely in a standard bench dog hole
  • Made from European beech for strength and durability
  • Build includes custom joinery and hardware elements
  • Ideal for carving, joinery, precision handwork, and light-duty assembly

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What You Get:

  • 16 printable (digital) pages of step-by-step instructions
  • Over 90 full-color photos and illustrations and exploded views
  • Cutting diagram and materials list
  • Full-size pattern for the curved parts
  • Retail sources for project supplies

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