I have been eyeing the Sjobergs Smart Vise ever since we started selling them at Highland Woodworking. What a great idea! It can be fixed or clamped to a table or workbench when a vise is needed for a project. I thought how I could really use this Smart Vise in my shop. The only horizontal space available in my shop was my lathe setup. It is a good working height and easy to get to. Actually, it is the only space that is not cluttered (I know I need to clean up).


I finally gave in and ended up purchasing the Smart Vise and set it up on my lathe bed using clamps. It worked but I wanted it to set up easily and not have to hassle with clamps every time. I used the dog holes and drilled through the base. I used two steel discs under the bed, similar to the holding disc on the banjo and tail stock. I put a 5/16" carriage bolt up through the discs and holes and screwed two knobs down. It holds as well as my banjo and tail stock. It is easy to remove and setup. Now, I have a small work space with a vise.

It works for me.

Phil can be reached directly via email at woodturnerphil@gmail.com