In this video, I decided to upgrade my workbench by retrofitting it with an apron and a Nicholson Style Vise. While many woodworkers nowadays don't see the need for an apron, with a wall-mounted workbench, the need for an apron was apparent, if for no other reason than to aid with holding large pieces of stock for edge jointing. When I first built this bench, I didn't know what I wanted for some of the finer details like the vise, so I just bought an Irwin $20 woodworking vise. It was a great little vise that got me through until I decided on this. In the video, you'll see me use different holding methods to keep my work secure on my bench. As with most things in a tiny shop or a hobbyist shop, the price is a big considering factor and versatility is one of the few things that parallels that necessity. I often use my Veritas Quick-Release Wonder Dog, as seen in this video a few times, in place of a tail vise, which is yet another expensive addition that I've found a way to circumvent. I was able to get the screw for this vise made by Yost Tools for less than $45 on Amazon (see link below), and the materials cost me less than an additional $30.
For the apron and vise face, I knew I'd need something thick enough to withstand the torque they'd endure, and I also figured roundabout 6" would be a good size for height. Since I needed something fairly rigid but didn't want to spend the money for dense hardwood, I opted to buy dimensional lumber from my local big box home improvement store. I used a single piece of 3/4" prime pine laminated and sandwiched between two pieces of 3/4" poplar. I'm not a huge fan of poplar, but I was able to find a few pieces with nice grain patterns, so the aesthetics were pleasing if nothing else. In addition, the red oak wood dowels and 4" lag screws didn't cost more than an additional $10. In the end, I couldn't be happier with the end result and how the entire project came out. The apron and vise work better than I imagined they would and have really boosted my capabilities in the shop.
As I mentioned in the video, this project and video were inspired by a similar video by Tom Fidgen of Unplugged Woodshop in Toronto. Here is a link to the inspiring video. Make sure you stop by and check out Tom's channel. He's a pretty cool guy and he's got a ton of great videos and woodworking knowledge to share.
• Installing a Nicholson...
Also, here's a link to the vise screw that I purchased on Amazon.
www.amazon.com/Yost-Tools-Y18...
Thanks for stopping by. Please post any questions in the comments, and please subscribe!