Re: tail/end vise question

> I'm currently in the design phase of making a budget workbench. I'm mainly > planning on using this bench to assist in my new neander addiction (hand > planing/sawing etc etc...). Ideally I'd like to include a twin vise setup > like the LV twin screw vise but unfortunately I can't afford that kind of > expense right now. I do however have 2 bench screws. I realize the chain > system really makes the twin setup easier to use, but what kind of problems > will I run into if I setup a twin screw without chain going to present? > I've come up with a couple so far. > - working both screws at the same time will be a bit of a pain > - I'll need some kind of holding system so that I can put something in place > then use both hands to work the screws.

The twin screws end vise really only adds two capabilities over a single screw end vise - the ability to hold a wider (up to a bit over 16") piece vertical between the screws - say for cutting dovetails - two end point clamping of wider pieces - straight or curved imagine clamping a round table top or the like -two bench dogs in the bench top and two in the twin screw jaw - though that could be done with two single screws

The twin screw will also allow for clamping tapered parts since the chain drive can be disconnected to allow slanting the jaws, but a shoulder vise does that and does it easier.

The twin screw vise has some drawbacks - specifically the damn handles. Though they can be fairly easily removed once you've got the piece clamped up, so you can get close to the work, you now have two handles to keep track of and they tend to wander off and hide if you don't corral them, In their fixed, cranking position, they can extend above the bench top height.so if you have parts on the bench top that you're working on and just need to clamp something to cut, chisel, pare or plane a part, the handles may knock something off the bench. With a single screw, the handle doesn't need to be fixed so it's never above the bench top.

Look at the picture on this page and imagine a) standing facing the end vise and trying to cut dovetails in a board between the screws. Notice that the right handle is above the bench top

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(BTW - I wish they'd make the screw of a shoulder vise a lot shorter- though having a throat opening big enough for plaining dovetails on drawers is kind of nice to have.

For now I'd skip the twin screw - chained together or independent and see how things go. If you need a second screw and jaws then worry about it. By that time you may have saved up the bucks for the Veritas Twin Screw.

charlie b