Vise options for MFT/3

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live4ever

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What are folks using for vises on the MFT/3?

Being in a downsized space, I'm going to be without a proper woodworking bench for a little while.  I will have the MFT/3 (2 of them) at my disposal.  I already miss my basic quick-release vise from my old bench - amazing how handy it was, and not just for hand tool work.  I'm hoping to get some of that function back until I get into a different space and can build a Ruobo.

I had the Kreg klamp vise lurking around so I threw it on the MFT.  It's better than nothing.  Thinking about a Benchcrafted moxon.

What works for you guys?
 
I have a Benchcrafted Moxon that I can clamp to the MFT top.  It's a nice vise and I like it for detail work since it raises the work surface up for less back strain.  Use it mostly for hand cut dovetails.

I also have a traditional metalworking vise that is attached to 2" thick base that can either be clamped in the WW vise on my main bench.  You could easily change the base out for the MFT with indexing holes to align to dog holes.

Finally, I have a PanaVise base attached to 3/4 ply with four dog holes to attach to my MFT table.  It also will clamp between the bench dogs on my main WW bench.  They offer interchangeable heads for detail work that might be of interest depending on what you are wanting to clamp. Here's one head on the universal base, but there are other heads also available.

https://www.amazon.com/PanaVise-350-Multi-Purpose-Work-Center/dp/B079Z8W9Q6/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1520352454&sr=8-4&keywords=panavise

 
neilc said:
I have a Benchcrafted Moxon that I can clamp to the MFT top.  It's a nice vise and I like it for detail work since it raises the work surface up for less back strain.  Use it mostly for hand cut dovetails.
Click to expand...

Do you find it stable enough to hand cut dovetails?  I don't personally own an MFT/3, but one of the biggest complaints I've noticed is that it's not very stable.

I made up my own "poor man's" moxon vice using some 2X4s and 2 Festool Quick Clamps.  I haven't had a chance to try it out yet though.
 
I built an extension to my MFT and mounted a heavy woodworking vise on it. The outboard end of the extension is supported by 3/8 “ steel legs. It’s sturdy enough to saw on.
 
Peter Parfitt designed and shared with the world a clever and effective diy solution:
 
My favorite for its cost, ease of use and portability is:

vise_15_.JPG


[Source:http://www.multiblades.com/MFT3vise.html]

 
GoingMyWay said:
neilc said:
I have a Benchcrafted Moxon that I can clamp to the MFT top.  It's a nice vise and I like it for detail work since it raises the work surface up for less back strain.  Use it mostly for hand cut dovetails.
Click to expand...

Do you find it stable enough to hand cut dovetails?  I don't personally own an MFT/3, but one of the biggest complaints I've noticed is that it's not very stable.

I made up my own "poor man's" moxon vice using some 2X4s and 2 Festool Quick Clamps.  I haven't had a chance to try it out yet though.
Click to expand...

Yes - first, I mount it on the long side so less 'racking' given the leg configuration.  Second, I have the leg braces on the table.  Third, I have a piece of 3/4 ply on the lower leg rails making a shelf and have a drawer unit and other tools providing weight on it. 

Here's a photo.  The Moxon is not on the table but under the Kapex in this photo and easily clamped when needed.

[attachimg=1]
 

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Thanks for the picture.

I don't mean to hijack this thread.  That's a nice looking shop.  What type of bench is that to the left of the MFT?

Here's a picture of the "moxon vise" that I made using some 2x4 material (I squared the edges) and Festool Quick Clamps.  It feels pretty stable and secure and the best part is it was basically free.

[attachimg=1]

I had thought about using 1/2" pipe and pipe clamps like Jay Bates made:, but I would have had to buy those so I opted to use the Festool Quick Clamps since I already had those.
 

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GoingMyWay said:
Thanks for the picture.

I don't mean to hijack this thread.  That's a nice looking shop.  What type of bench is that to the left of the MFT?
Click to expand...

Thanks for the compliment.  The shop was custom built when we added to our home 18 years ago.  Been a great space.

Your vise has two great attributes - it's free and it works!

The table to the left of my MFT is a Walko 3 table.  It was sold by Woodcraft for a couple of years being imported from Holland.  It's fully adjustable with the two sides and can even lay flat for cutting sheet goods or stand against a wall for upright work.  I've built two large tables, a china cabinet and even an entertainment center on it with plenty of stability.

Here's the details.  http://www.walko.nl/en-uk/index.html

There was a Walko 4 sold in the classifieds in January.  The seller indicated he had a 3 he was also considering selling, so if interested search for Walko in the classifieds.
 
Thanks for the info on your bench.  I seem to vaguely recall seeing that classified posting, but it didn't really catch my attention.

It's a very neat looking bench.  I'm a little taken aback seeing that a new Walko 4 delivered is even more expensive than an MFT/3.  The shipping fee on a used one has got to be expensive.
 
Lots of great ideas here, thanks and keep them coming! 

I think one of the things I miss the most about my previous woodworking vise is that it was always at the ready, perfect for quick workholding for little one-offs.  As such, I think I'm going to try to add the BC moxon onto the MFT so that the top is flush with the top of the MFT.  I suppose it could also be removable and clamped to the top in those instances where the increased height is desirable. 
 
If you will do a search on “ Topic: MFT/3 Table worth it? ” about 1/2 way down is a photo of the extension and vise I built. It’s a great thread anyway.
 
Could someone with the Multiblades vise share what it's made of? The picture looks like some kind of resin, but I'm wondering if it's actually cast iron or aluminum.
 
quizzicus said:
Could someone with the Multiblades vise share what it's made of? The picture looks like some kind of resin, but I'm wondering if it's actually cast iron or aluminum.
Click to expand...

Its a standard light-duty Irwin 226361 "Woodworkers Vise" in cast iron.
 
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