The Cosman Workbench - Adding a Face Vise

[@sjeff70]

I would just like to add quickly that you could add a simple front vise here and use the exact techniques Rob used here. They mount with just 4 bolts underneath and they mount flush with the edge of the top. You don’t need a quick release version for this application so they are less than $100. Lee Valley has one for $85. Yost makes a cheaper version.

[@konstantinivanov1986]

Rob really cares. Thats what really matters.

[@sueb4154]

You just have a way of making everything look so simple and easy ... even boo boos are repaired, nothing to it. I seem to struggle with even the easy stuff, but I know that it can be done, because I watched you do it. So thank you for that!

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

You can do it. Just patience and practice

[@andrizeefoshizee]

I admire your patience. I often know the "right way" to do something in my projects (taking pieces apart for proper access), but take the lazy route, and often regret it.

[@jamescooley7849]

Love the o-ring tip Rob my vise handle hardly makes a sound now. Thirty years of clank and at least five handles later,your hints have solved it 😉

[@tchevrier]

I eventually bought this vise and installed it in my workbench. I'm amazed at how much I actually use it. It works great. One small note for their engineering department. The square tubes should be slightly higher than the threaded rod. Otherwise whatever you clamp into the vise, touches the screw.

[@davidcampbell2845]

Pure magic - the full process including all the issues is what we need - definitely the most complete resource available. And if you're new to this channel - pay attention to the chisel - a tiny part of the process, but look what difference it made to cleaning up the clearance hole - so even a vise needs a 16,000-grit Shapton!

[@fugazni]

Purchased your bench plans last week and watched all the videos. Just finished cutting all the plywood pieces for it. Nice to see you’re still supporting it with additional plans, but I can’t say it comes as a surprise. You’re a true teacher and a legend. Thank you.

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

yup, Thats our intention is to give extras to add to th ebench if you want

[@chrisjcichocki]

On my RC Bench, the vise screw actually made contact with the underside of the table top. To fix it, I used my chisel to carve a channel for the screw. At about 15:51 in the video you can see the marks left by the screw. With that fix, the screw stopped squeaking with I open and close the vise jaw.

[@bobd.]

I noticed that too. Seems like a design flaw to have the screw up high enough to contact the underside of the bench. Easily overcome, but just a couple mm lower and problem solved.

[@chinthakawickramasinghe4879]

Even for the simple explanation on why we want face vise, you take lot carrying boards for demonstrations. Your demonstrations are excellent

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Thanks. Thats how we try to be different from other KZbinrs

[@lol224455]

Solid work bench that's also light and portable. Have brought it to the job site to cut wood on. No complaints!

[@robertbamford8266]

Really enjoy seeing you figure out how to address the inevitable small obstacles that arise as you go. And how you explain alternatives you don’t plan to exercise (band saw vs jig saw). Thanks fir the videos.

[@skf957]

Thanks Rob and the rest of the team for another informative and entertaining video.

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Thanks for watching

[@bproffer]

I’m finishing my top glue up this evening. The base is built but rough. Still need to sand and make it look nice. I originally only bought the one vice but now maybe I’ll go ahead and lay it out for an additional one when the wallet recovers from Christmas. Nice work as always!

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Sounds good. If you are sure I would order the vise now

[@earlelzy7243]

I like watching your work. Even though I feel more like a handyman I can learn from you. Thanks.

[@billsmiley]

Hey Rob! Just wanted to say that I’ve been watching you forever a while and love your style. I bought your workbench plans and built it over the past 2 weeks. My vise arrives tomorrow and I need to apply finish but everything else came out great. I can’t wait to start using the bench. Thank you for your great content and great bench plans.

[@williamshaffer2562]

Thanks for the video Professor Cos. You are so right, the best vise on the market. Keep them coming Sir.

[@gilbertomanzanilla4333]

Sure y enjoy your video and the method of teaching rob. Nice as always, we are so lucky to be able to nurish our brain with your knowledge and skills of woodworking, as always tnk u so much💯👍

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Wow, thanks so much for your comment

[@ronmak-personal8261]

Thanks Rob. I am in the process of finalizing my bench design which is based on yours and it will definitely include one of these vices. And your cosmanized casters!

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

All great choices. Send me a pic when you get it done

[@adamhass8522]

I was hoping you would use the bandsaw for the stretcher. Made my day!

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

I was thinking of you when I did it!

[@hittman2005]

Glad to see even someone of your caliber can’t keep track of your pencil 😂😂😂

[@ApexWoodworks]

Rob, another outstanding and informative video! Just a few suggestions: 1) when transferring the position of the rear "fingers" and the centre nut, rather than whacking them with a hammer, you could have used carbon paper to transfer the positions. That is, if carbon paper is still available! 2) Then, as regards fastening the vise base to the underside of the bench, to help position it correctly, you could have drilled for and then fastened the lag bolts along the "unobstructed" side of the vise base. Once done, you could remove the leg assembly and because the vise is bolted down on the one side and held fast in the correct position, confidently drill for and then fasten the remaining lag bolts.

[@BrianThorstad]

Great adaptation for those wanting to go there.

[@danielwren4514]

Purchased plans a few weeks ago. Top is now ready and base is ready to assemble. Glad i saw this video before assembly. I can now make the necessary preparations for a latter install by using the first vise as a template. For those slots for the small tangs at end of vise instead of a router , i just used a chisel. And i did’t like the idea of hitting the vise with a hammer! I just used a pencil to make the outline of the areas needed to be made on the underside. Worked fine.

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Good technique tips

[@r.mercado9737]

Heads up, I could not locate the 4 hr build vid on the Cosman workbench. I like to view and make a reality. Semper Fi

[@mikeharbert5086]

Was wondering about those two bench dog holes. Thanks Rob.

[@MANJITSINGH-ko2oi]

HI ROB cool I am now ready to make a bench as my workshop in done. lol. cool. thank u.

[@themountainraven]

I need this clamp, very nice Rob.

[@Surfs-up-ahaa]

Rob, you're awesome ! Thank you.

[@gaz1967]

An interesting vice, I'd probably use coach bolts for a more secure fixing. I do like to clobber things when they're in the vice though. 😁

[@Ham68229]

If I may ask, what about making a Moxon vise for both the tail and face vise?

[@scottyhughes9179]

excellent Rob.

[@stevecunningham936]

Great video Rob! I think I'll build the bench and get Sjoberg vise.

[@grantwilliams630]

Do you have any thoughts on a leg vise? The bench seems like it would work well with a criss-cross leg vice + the end vice.

[@kevinparker4160]

Very helpful. I’m going to get one of those vises soon.

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Right on

[@kennylakits4093]

Very Well done

[@paulanderson3671]

Question: how tall can the chop get before it's too tall? Would a chop that is 5" work? I ask because my bench is that thick, and I'd like to mount this on the underside without having to excavate a channel for the vise.

[@jedman322]

Check out the HNT Gorden vice....oh baby!

[@dalescott3077]

Thanks Rob - Just finishing building my bench this week. I guess I need to order a second Vice (LOL)

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

A face vise is not required but does gives you more flexability

[@ElliotNesterman]

It might be worth noting that when laying out the chop it is aesthetically more pleasing, and arguably more functional, to align the dog holes in the chop with the dog holes in the benchtop.

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Yes. This was an after thought post installing dog holes and it was an old chop. Had it been a new chop I would had drilled the holes to align with the bench

[@DaltonPhantom]

I haven't assembled my bench yet, so would you make any adjustments to the original plans to incorporate this vise? Thanks, Rob!!

[@bobd.]

@RobCosman : Is it worth plugging the bottom of those dog holes that are over the vise so that you don't end up with sawdust and chips filling up the vise cavity? I don't see an easy way to remove them. I don't know just asking is it better to plug or cover the bottom of those dog holes so they are still usable but no longer through holes.

[@missionron]

if you had the festool drill, you may notnhave needed to remove the base frame again to drill for the vise. just a thought.

[@theworkshopboxshop]

Amazing work Rob that vise looks great when I get around to making a new bench ill grab some of those 🗜🔨💯👏

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

You cant go wrong with a Sjoberg

[@douglanglois456]

I'm planning on making this bench in the near future. I won't be immediately adding the vices though. Do you have patterns available to 'future proof' the bench by making the grooves and predilling holes while initially building the bench? Granted that there is a risk involved if one waits too long and Sjoberg then changes the vice design or hole pattern.

[@bigpapaporsche1]

Ron, please compare your Bench using a Face Vise vs a Moxon Vise. I am guessing the Moxon Vise to be around 1/3 the cost or a total of $400.00 for the two Vises, and very close in performance. What are your though?

[@Brough_builds]

Great video as usual, can't wait to get my new shop built and get my cosman bench built

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Right on!

[@darrylbrook5968]

when using rubber o-rings, dust them with talcum powder regularly to stop them degrading and cracking.

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Great tip

[@michaelminella]

Thanks Rob for this video and your others. I've been looking to build a new bench and definitely like key aspects of this design. With this and my current bench, I have a question. I have seen both in the plans for my old bench (inspired by but not nearly as nice as Robert Lang's 21st century bench) and your work in this video reusing of lag bold holes as a way to make something that you can disassemble. On my current bench I replaced the lag bolts for hex bolts and t nuts but I wanted to get your insights into the durability of using lag bolts repeatedly in the same holes. You seem to start to say something about the topic a couple times in this video but your answer is edited out. Any insights you have on the topic are appreciated. Thanks in advance!

[@ryananthony4840]

You ain't gonna hurt the bandsaw with staples lol

[@johnburens3395]

Could you use this vice for cutting dovetails? It looks like a well crafted vice.

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Absolutely. Thats what we use when we teach them

[@michaeljamesreed9054]

Hi Rob. I’m interested in that end vise in this video. Can you please reply with the name/how to purchase? Thank you.

[@1deerndingo]

Just a thought, when screwing into MDF would it be wise to put a few drops of CA glue down there and then quickly put the screw in. My thought process is that MDF is both tough and yet fragile. Would the CA glue toughen the drilled surface and provide an eventual tougher base for the permanent screw. Mind you, if if I did do that I wouldn't be able to disassemble at a later date - there goes the face vice.

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

I have never tried that but sounds like a good idea. Let me know how it works

[@justapedn1]

That Sjöbergs vice is $300 on Amazon as of 12/30/23.

[@danielgeng2306]

I just got around to watching the “boxing day” live stream yesterday and I remember you saying you were gonna make this vid, then I saw it and thought “wow that was fast” then I remembered you shot the workbench video two weeks ago ! lol

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Funny. No way we could be that fast

[@haqvor]

Thanks for this demonstration! That's the vise I plan to use on my upcoming bench so it's absolutely perfect to get to see this in such detail. The bench is a couple of years away though as I have to cut the tree down first. I have one question. When you screw the vise to the bench was there a particular reason why you didn't drill and screw the left side before removing the legs? I was thinking that if the left side was secured in position that there would be no possibility of the vise moving when the legs had to be removed to get to the right side.

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

No particularreason, just my approach

[@kenstewart687]

Could a couple extra field drilled holes a little farther away from the mdf edge help take the strain off of the front bolts of the vise? I’ll bet that metal is really tough to drill

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Probably could

[@thwwoodcraft1449]

Vice should come with a cut template for the jaw. Would be painless for Sjoberg's to include one

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Cant arguew with you there

[@VinceEspositoJr]

Hi Bob. I plan to purchase the build video and accessories and build this bench. These was chatter in comments on another (non-Cosman) video that you are no longer recommending all MDF for the top. Can you clarify? Also, does the video make a recommendation for a finish for the MDF top? Many thanks. Vince

[@kevinweaver4265]

Don't you guys use Multimasters in Canada?

[@mikebruins466]

Love your videos and teaching, but what is up with the plastic calipers?

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Just to do very rough measurements

[@divchief07ut]

Is the vise jaw purchased or shop made?? Ready to install my vise next week

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Soon to be offered but for now it’s up to you.

[@mcgahee35]

Hey Rob I know you are trying to make this work table cheap enough for everybody can afford to build one…. I was wondering if you could tell me what I could build the top out of instead of MBF….. even if it does cost more in the long run it may be better to go with something else…

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

We are going to start making them for sale and using three layers of 1" baltic birch ply.

[@chrisgater6986]

Great info. Really apprteciate your knowledge. I am currently living in UK. I have googled for the vise and cant find one. Are they available in Canada?

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

We just got them in stock last week, first time since before Christmas

[@CaptainZybar]

Hi Rob, for the vise jaw, did you just copy the dimensions, and the cutouts for the vise, from the end vice so it was ready at the start of the face vice install?

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Yes

[@alanjones4020]

Great video. Thanks, but is it possible to add a shoulder vise to your bench versus this second sjoberg vise?

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Mdf is not robust enough for a shoulder vise.

[@nsdpdf]

How thick should the jaws be?

[@josiahutah3712]

Go cougs!

[@vaughnwarren2922]

So Nice 💘💘💘💘💘💘

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Love the hearts

[@ChaimbenKalman1]

Wouldn't it have been quicker/easier to chisel out the slots instead of using the router?

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

I dont think so but try it and let me know

[@timothydalton90]

If even a master woodworker like you can't get a hold of the pencil sometimes, I really should stop blaming me so hard every time for this 😄

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Pencils have a mind of their own

[@paulbertsch7540]

@@RobCosmanWoodworking Along with tape measures

[@howardli5842]

Use lipstick as a marking tool.

[@talltimberswoodshop7552]

That's a great-looking vise. One comment, though, on the editing. The transition between scenes is disorienting. My eyes try to follow the movement. Maybe it's just me, but it makes me dizzy.

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Ok we will stop doing the spiny stuff

[@talltimberswoodshop7552]

@@RobCosmanWoodworking Thank you.

[@lollandz]

My astma gets triggered when your breathing.. 😳 Love the content though

[@lostinadream1866]

Tell your asthma to stop watching ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha

[@mgoohgoo7664]

A silent minute vor the chissel.

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

Yes

[@mgoohgoo7664]

@@RobCosmanWoodworking haha

[@mgoohgoo7664]

But hey id have to cut some dovtails with a screwdriver because i had no smal inoth chissle and it was the chepest one i have. It sucks. But it ecktualy worced out.

[@mgoohgoo7664]

Oh have blined ones.

[@robertkujawa3504]

Please Mr Cosman, take care of your health, we need you to keep teaching. We can hear your wheezing, we can see routing MDF without any mask and can't overlook that extra weight Corona put on you.

[@danielgeng2306]

30 seconds in in thinking this is gonna cost me another 280 bucks 😳

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

What can I say?

[@iwangriffiths7755]

First comment

[@RobCosmanWoodworking]

three stars