A woodworking vise can help increase your cutting accuracy and give you great results for half the effort. But trust me, choosing the wrong one can be both a waste of money and potentially dangerous. That’s why I’ve personally taken the time to sift through and identify the best woodworking vises out there. Safety and efficiency are paramount in this craft.
Review of the Top Woodworking Vises
1. Yost M9WW 9” Rapid Acting Wood Working Vise
Yost has been making tools for over a century, and each product shows off its expertise. The Yost M9WW is no exception to this. This woodworking vise has a 9-inch jaw width, 10-inch jaw opening, and throat depth of 4.06 inches. It’s actually part of a Yost woodworking vise series; there are other machines with 7-inch and 10-inch widths.
With the Quick Release Lever’s help, you can make adjustments by pulling the lever and sliding the jaw back and forth. You are ensured of powerful clamping by manipulating the buttress threaded main screw.
And if you’re working on a particularly huge project, you can use the bench dog in conjunction with a bench stop for added stability.
What I Like
- Its construction from 30,000 PSI cast iron ensures longevity.
- The included tommy bar not only safeguards it from extreme pressure but also prioritizes user safety.
- The adjustable bench dog is a practical addition.
- The Quick Release Lever makes operations swift.
- The choice of a buttress threaded main screw over acme screws gives it a robust clamping capability.
- It's straightforward to set up.
What I Don’t Like
- It's on the heavier side.
- The absence of an installation manual can be a bit challenging.
2. Yost Vises 750-DI Multi-Jaw Rotating Combination Bench & Pipe Vise with Swivel Base
This Yost Vises 750-DI woodworking vise was made for extreme duty with a clamp force of 13,400 lbs. It’s made from heavy-duty 65,000 PSI ductile iron castings, which is 3 times stronger than your average cast iron woodworking vise.
While its wood jaw measures a modest five inches in width, its notable 4-inch throat depth and the swivel head and base more than compensate. I’ve found the vise head’s 360-degree rotation immensely helpful, especially with its capability to lock in 12 distinct positions, every 30 degrees. Additionally, the vise base, which also rotates a full 360 degrees, offers two positions. Its gear lock is particularly effective, ensuring it remains steadfastly in the position I set it to.
Serrated and self-aligning pipe jaws ensure a steady grip and increased clamp pressure without marring the wood.
What I Like
- The vise head's 360-degree rotation offers versatility with 12 distinct locking positions.
- Its base also provides a full 360-degree turn, locking in two different positions.
- The swivel gear lock is a feature I appreciate; it ensures the tool stays exactly where I place it.
- Its robustness is evident in its durability.
- The self-aligning pipe jaws are a thoughtful touch, reducing potential damage to the wood.
- It includes three sets of versatile jaws: parallel serrated top jaws, serrated pipe, and smooth V-jaws, catering to both round and flat stock.
- The option to replace all jaws adds to its usability.
- It offers secure and reliable clamping, essential for precise woodworking.
What I Don’t Like
- The manual lacks clarity regarding the installation process, which can be a bit challenging.
- The baseplate seems somewhat thin, and I believe there's room for improvement there.
3. IRWIN Woodworking Vise 6.5”
The Irwin Woodworking Vise is the cheapest on my list, but that doesn’t mean it can’t carry its weight. With a jaw width of 6.5 inches, it works well for medium and light-duty projects.
Its special feature might make you think you’ll need jaw pads. It’s a toe-in located towards the top jaws that helps ensure a firm grip on your piece. You can also attach wooden cheeks to prevent the iron jaws from marring the surface of your workpieces, so no need for jaw pads.
This Irwin woodworking vise is made of forged iron to ensure durability and longevity. The square body seating makes it easy to set beneath the workbench mount. The acme-threaded plain screw also makes it easy to set up and use.
What I Like
- I appreciate its lightweight nature, which facilitates ease of handling and use.
- The ease of installation makes it user-friendly, a feature always welcomed.
- The provision for installing wooden cheeks is a thoughtful addition, enhancing its functionality.
- Its durability stands out, ensuring it withstands the test of time and use.
- Operating this tool is straightforward, making the woodworking process smoother.
- The toe-in feature is remarkable for providing an enhanced grip, improving overall use.
What I Don’t Like
- It might not be the best fit for heavy-duty projects; its build is more suited for lighter tasks.
- There have been mentions of mounting issues by some users, which might necessitate a closer look for improvement.
4. Eclipse Quick Release Woodworking Vise 7” Size
The Eclipse Quick Release is one of the best woodworking vises available when it comes to quick-release mechanisms. With a squeeze of the lever, you can release the clamp pressure and take your workpieces. This will only take a mere second and eliminates the handle turning woodworkers formerly had to do to open and close jaws.
With a 7-inch jaw width and a 3-inch depth, it’s perfectly suited for medium to large workpieces. I can vouch for its robustness, thanks to the solid cast iron build, and those slide rods? They’re crafted from industrial-grade steel, adding to its overall reliability.
This woodworkers vise also features an adjustable front stop. It lets you gain more clamping leverage when using the Eclipse with a bench stop.
What I Like
- Its sturdy construction has proven reliable over time.
- I've always valued tools that prioritize easy installation, and this one delivers.
- The pre-drilled holes are a thoughtful touch, streamlining the setup process.
- The adjustable front stop is a standout, allowing for increased clamping pressure when needed.
- The quick-release mechanism is a game-changer for efficiency.
- The inclusion of the tommy bar enhances safety, an aspect I never compromise on.
What I Don’t Like
- I do feel the front stop could be a tad higher for certain applications.
- A larger throat depth would enhance its versatility for a range of projects.
5. Wilton 78A 4”x7” Pivot Jaw Woodworkers Vise
First off, this Wilton 78A woodworking tool is an end vise. You need to install this woodworkers vise by mounting it on the workbench. To be installed properly, your workbench needs to be three inches thick. As support, it has a mountain flange that makes installation easier.
One of the greatest features of this vise is its 10-inch jaw opening. This, plus its 7-inch jaw width and 4-inch throat depth, is enough for most professionals.
The front jaw also has extra features. It can double as a bench dog and can rise above the vise by up to 9/16 inches to flatten workpieces. It can also pivot 10 degrees to the two sides, which allows you to apply pressure on wood surfaces.
What I Like
- The quick-release mechanism simplifies tasks.
- Its durability means it stands up to rigorous use, which is essential for professionals like me.
- It's perfectly suited for both medium and heavy-duty tasks, adding to its versatility.
- The inclusion of an installation manual is a thoughtful touch, ensuring a smoother setup.
- Its capability to clamp irregular wood shapes showcases its adaptability in varied scenarios.
- Operating it is straightforward, making the entire woodworking process more efficient.
What I Don’t Like
- It's a bit on the pricier side, which might be a consideration for some.
- Its heaviness can be a challenge, especially when needing to reposition or transport.
6. Shop Fox D4328 9-inch Quick Release Wood Vise
The Shop Fox D4328 is constructed out of cast iron and has polished guide rods. It also features sliding dogs for attaching long pieces to the workbench that can be removed when not in use.
You can mount it on top of a workbench that’s 2 inches thick or 1.5 inches thick if you use a shim. It comes with pre-drilled holes for securing the tool to the workbench. This woodworking vise uses a quick-release mechanism for easy manipulation and faster work.
The vise has a jaw width of 9 inches and a 10-inch jaw opening, which is ideal for working on any project type.
What I Like
- The 10-inch jaw opening is impressive and highly functional.
- The acme threads on the screw provide reliable performance.
- I've been able to handle larger workpieces with ease, largely due to its sliding stop dogs.
- The guide rods play a crucial role in ensuring superior alignment, a feature that certainly stands out.
- In terms of build, it’s both sturdy and durable, aligning with the requirements of robust woodworking.
What I Don’t Like
- It falls on the higher end of the price spectrum, which might be a consideration for budget-conscious individuals.
- The fact that mounting bolts and screws are sold separately could be inconvenient and is something to be aware of when purchasing.
7. Pony 27091 8-inch by 7-inch Medium Duty Woodworker’s Vise
If you’re not in the market for an end vise, then maybe you should invest in a quality front vise like the Pony 27091. With a jaw width of 7 inches and an 8-inch jaw opening, this woodworking vise can handle most projects.
This woodworker’s vise is mounted on the surface of your workbench. Some workbenches may need modification by adding shims to allow the jaws to sit flush on the bench. To effectively manage larger workpieces, the front of this vise comes equipped with a steel bench dog. I typically use this in tandem with a bench stop for optimal results.
The whole package is made of cast iron, steel guide bars, and an acme acre to ensure your workpieces stay in place.
What I Like
- This vise is apt for DIY enthusiasts and handles both light and medium projects effectively.
- Installation is straightforward, which I always appreciate in a tool.
- The secure clamping ensures precision and stability in my work.
- It includes a steel dog—a feature that's often overlooked but enhances functionality.
- Its smooth operation ensures a hassle-free woodworking experience.
- The sturdiness is commendable, especially considering its lightweight nature.
What I Don’t Like
- The lack of an installation manual can be a bit challenging for some users.
- The use of metric threads might be a factor to consider, especially for those accustomed to imperial measurements.
8. Yost LV-4 Home Vise 4.5”
This Yost LV-4 bench vise is also one of the best woodworking vises available right now. The smaller 4.5-inch jaw width, 3-inch opening, and a 2.4-inch throat depth clearly mark it as a tool for light-duty projects. It also has a 240 degree swivel with a lockdown to ensure your workpieces stay in place.
The base has four mounting holes for mounting the vise to the workbench. Yost recommends 3/8 inch bolts to mount the vise to the workbench securely. This ensures that you don’t have to worry about any unwanted movement.
And when you want this bench clamp to move, the locking C collar provides quick engagement and disengagement of the main screw.
What I Like
- Its construction from durable cast iron ensures longevity, something I always look for.
- The lightweight design is a plus, making handling and positioning more effortless.
- The improved base design is a noticeable upgrade, offering enhanced stability.
- I've found that the machine-serrated jaws genuinely offer a superior grip.
- The vise's ability to rotate up to 240 degrees provides flexibility in various tasks.
- It's particularly suited for beginners, making it a great entry-level choice.
What I Don’t Like
- I do feel that a wider jaw opening would enhance its functionality.
- For those eyeing medium or heavy-duty projects, this might not be the best fit.
Woodworking Vises Buyers' Guide
From my years of experience in the field, I genuinely want to help you find the most dependable woodworking vise. So, let me share a few key features you should keep an eye on when you’re on the hunt for the perfect woodworker’s vise.
Design and Size
Bench vises come in three types: front vises, benchtop vises, and end vises. These names correspond to their usual mounting positions on a workbench. However, every kind of vise also has distinct features and functionalities that set them apart.
Benchtop vises are the “jack of all trades” of bench vises. They have strong jaws and a lot of clamp pressure. They hold the workpiece off surfaces, which is great for mechanics and metal workers but doesn’t do a lot for woodworking.
Front vises are mounted at the front of the woodworking bench. They’re usually chosen for woodworking because their position works well to perform tasks like dovetailing, routing, and planing. Many good vises feature quick-release mechanisms, which work great if you want to quickly adjust your workpiece.
End vises work a lot like front vises but are usually used for planing and flattening.
As for size, the bigger your projects, the bigger the vise you’ll need. Judge the design and size based on your task and project.
Material and Quality
Most vises are made of cast iron[1]. It has a very high tensile strength and so can bear a lot of clamping pressure and hammering.
There are also vises made of steel, but it’s usually cheaper than cast iron because it tends to warp under huge pressure. But woodworking projects don’t usually need as much pressure as metalworking, so a good steel vise can suffice.
Jaw Features
Jaw features refer to measurements like jaw width and opening. The jaw opening is the distance between the fully open jaws. This length determines the width of your workpieces. Any wider, and it’ll be impossible to work on.
The jaw width means the length of a jaw’s clamping surface. Light-duty projects have to have between 2 inches to 4 inches, medium-duty projects will require at least 5 to 7 inches, and heavy-duty projects will require 8 to 10 inches.
And here’s a tip to help you use your woodworking vise longer: choose a bench vise with easily replaceable jaws.
Throat Depth
The throat depth is calculated by judging the length from the jaws’ tip to the screw joining them. This is the space where you push your workpiece, so the deeper the depth, the more secure your piece. This is especially the case when working with large workpieces.
Handle
The handle is located at the end of the vise. It’s a long piece of wood or metal shoved into the top of the long nail that runs through the vise. The turning of this handle either tightens or loosens the clamp on your workpiece.
These handles differ in length from vise to vise, and some vises use levers to enable a quick-release mechanism.
Clamping System
The type of clamp used in your woodworking vise can ensure your workpiece stays in place, or it can mar the surface of your project.
The best woodworking clamp tool can hold your workpiece securely without marring it. If a set of clamps are likely to leave marks on a surface, they usually have pre-drilled holes for jaw pads. At least, a top tool would.
Other Features
There are other features to be concerned about, like mount types. The type of vise you buy directly relates to its mounting position. Benchtop vises are best mounted directly over a table leg, flush against the workbench surface.
Each type of bench vise has its own way of mounting the work bench with or without shaving off some part of the bench or using a screw to achieve a stable mount.
Apart from mount type, other features include vise dog, anvil, toe-in feature, and guide bars.
Price and Warranty
In my professional experience, it’s possible to acquire a woodworking vise for under $30, as demonstrated in my curated list. However, for those who are seeking a truly exceptional, professional-grade vise, I would personally recommend allocating a budget of at least $250.
At such a price, you want your bench vise to last a long time. This is why most vise manufacturers offer warranties on their products. After all, top bench vises are meant to last years.
FAQ
Do I need a woodworking vise?
You need a woodworking vise when you’re making a tool on your workbench surface.
My Top Pick for a Woodworking Vise:
Yost M9WW 9” Rapid Acting Woodworking Vise
The Yost M9WW is the best woodworking vise on my list. It combines stability and mobility into one package. Your workpiece will remain in place on the workbench until you activate the rapid acting feature and switch it around.
This front vise is versatile enough to handle a variety of projects due to its generous size and seamless operation. For those especially large tasks, I often rely on the bench dog and bench stop to expedite the process. In all my projects, I’ve yet to find a workpiece that the M9WW can’t tackle effectively.
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Robert Johnson is a passionate furniture maker & carpenter, sought after for his knowledge on the craft.
You’ve probably seen his down-to-earth wisdom in USA Today, Bobvila, Family Handyman, and The Spruce, where he has shared commentary and guidance on various woodworking topics.
Robert is the brain behind Sawinery, where he aims to share tips, tricks, and a passion for all things carpentry.