Benchcrafted HiVise (High Vise)
By CalebJames|BY-NC-SA 4.0 License|Updated September 9th, 2022
A HiVise is a traditional style vise for holding smallish parts while carving and shaping typically with hand tools. This is one of my most used tools in my shop.
This version is one that I modified from Benchcrafted's free plans.
HiVise Plans - https://www.benchcrafted.com/download-files/Hi_Vise_Instructions.pdf
I used Benchcrafted hardware though I'm sure if you wanted to make a wood screw for this it would be totally possible.
Hardware - https://www.benchcrafted.com/hivise
1 hr
Intermediate
63
Files included (9)
All solid wood beech. I used 10/4 beech for the jaws.
PVA Glue. Benchcrafted HiVise hardware.
Shaper Origin
Drill Press
Spokeshave
Block Plane
All the cut outs were done with the Shaper Origin at the Workstation. The deep through cuts where finished on the drill press after a pocket was cut as deep as Origin would permit. A bandsaw was used to cut the large chamfer at the top of the jaws.
I finished the chamfers with spokeshave and hand plane.
This build was based on the free plans for the Benchcrafted HiVise hardware. I slightly modified them to my use. For instance the screw for clamping to a bench top was adjusted to fit a thicker top.
Follow these links to find the original plans and to see the hardware I used.
Hardware - https://www.benchcrafted.com/hivise
HiVise Plans - https://www.benchcrafted.com/download-files/Hi_Vise_Instructions.pdf
I have included a "cap" for the screw side of the vise to keep shavings out of that area but for my build I actually eliminated it in the final build. I wanted a bit more clearance on that side for when I use my drawknife.