Benchcrafted Classic Leg Vise
After the great success of its exquisite
Glide Leg Vise, Benchcrafted has produced a new leg
vise version, the Benchcrafted Classic Leg Vise.
While the handwheel design of the Glide Vise probably provides the smoothest and most ergonomic
movement of the leg vise screw, the T-handle design of the Classic Vise works quite smoothly as well
while also giving a pleasing traditional appearance that some bench owners will prefer.
An obvious question is "What is the difference between the Classic and the Glide?" Jameel
Abraham, Benchcrafted's main designer, answers this way:
"We made the Classic purely for its looks. Some people prefer the traditional look. Buy
the Glide if you prefer a more refined feel and modern look (think Porsche 911) Buy the
Classic if you like things a little more stock and old-school (think '69 Dodge Charger).
Both get you from A to B, just a little different way."
In general, leg vises have a number of advantages over ordinary cast iron vises. Because a
leg vise does not need the pair of guide rods needed on a Record-style vise, it's
possible to clamp a workpiece right up against the screw and thus virtually eliminate
racking. Leg vises allow about 9" of workable depth, more than twice that typical of iron
face vises, plus the mechanical advantage inherent in a leg vise's geometry provides a
more powerful overall grip.
The smooth turning, double lead acme screw with a 4tpi pitch gives this vise hardware a highly efficient 1/2” of travel per revolution of the handle.
The Benchcrafted Classic Leg Vise is fully machined from steel components, and its hub,
T-handle and flange feature a very pleasing and durable black Parkerized finish. The
handle is machined with a V-groove detent centered along its length that engages with a
stainless steel spring plunger in the center of the hub, allowing one to quickly center
the handle and thus balance it to spin rapidly for large movements. Watch the short video
to see this in action.
The Classic Leg Vise can be purchased with either the Solo or Retro Crisscross scissor mechanism,
or without the Crisscross for installation using a traditional parallel guide that you provide.
With proper installation, the Classic with Crisscross operates with virtually zero friction.
Choose the Classic Crisscross Solo if you're building a new bench, or the Classic
Crisscross Retro if you're retrofitting the Classic with Crisscross to an existing bench
or if you simply prefer to install using the Retro's mounting brackets instead of drilling the
deep holes necessary for the Solo mounting pins. (Basically because of its integral
brackets, the Retro Crisscross is a bit easier to install than the Solo.)
Which Crisscross should you choose? — If you can put your bench leg on a drill press to drill the mounting hole, get the Solo. If not, get the Retro.
Like all Benchcrafted vises, the Classic Leg Vise is designed and manufactured entirely in the U.S.A.
Additional Information
Benchcrafted Classic Leg Vise Installation Instructions.