Woodworking vices for controlled timber workholding

Industrial Shed’s Woodworking Vices collection brings together dedicated Dawn Tools woodworking vices in 175 mm, 200 mm, 225 mm and 250 mm sizes, including a 175 mm peg vice. These products are intended to hold timber and suitable woodworking components during planing, sawing, sanding, drilling, assembly and finishing. They are different from metalworking bench vices: jaw design, mounting position and the need to protect the timber all influence the correct choice.

Select the vice by timber size and bench layout

Choose jaw width and opening around the typical workpiece, not only the largest occasional job. A 175 mm vice can suit compact benches and smaller stock, while 200 mm, 225 mm and 250 mm options offer broader support for larger timber. Check the product page for mounting arrangement, jaw size and the supplier’s stated dimensions. Consider where the vice will sit on the bench, the operator’s preferred hand position, and whether the work needs face-clamping, edge-clamping or support from a bench dog arrangement.

Protect finished timber and avoid crushing

Softwoods, veneered boards and pre-finished components can mark easily under direct jaw pressure. Use suitable timber jaw liners or sacrificial packing where needed, and tighten only enough to secure the work. Avoid clamping across weak edges, thin mouldings or unsupported long lengths. Support the far end of large stock so it cannot sag, twist or lever against the vice.

Mounting and safe use

Fit the vice to a sound bench with suitable fasteners and sufficient structure below the mounting area. Ensure the bench is stable before planing, sawing or drilling. Keep hands away from cutting edges, use guards and dust extraction where applicable, and do not use a woodworking vice as a press, lifting point or substitute for machinery-specific workholding.

Related workshop workholding

For general steel, repair and assembly tasks, browse Bench Vices. For milling-machine and drill-press setups, see Machine Vices. You can also explore Workshop Equipment for broader workshop tools and setup equipment.

Woodworking vice FAQs

Which jaw size should I choose for a woodworking vice?

Select the jaw size around the stock you commonly work with and the available bench space. Larger jaws offer broader contact on wider timber, while a smaller vice may be more practical for a compact workbench.

Do I need liners on a woodworking vice?

Timber or protective jaw liners are useful when working with finished, soft or easily marked stock. They help spread the clamping pressure and reduce jaw marks, but they do not replace correct support and careful tightening.

Can a woodworking vice hold metal?

These vices are intended for timber workholding. Use an appropriate bench or machine vice for metal, and avoid cross-using equipment where the jaws, mounting or clamping method are unsuitable.