The Only Vise You Need

[@jackferguson1225]

Awesomeness! You helped me out a BUNCH

[@CoffeyCustomBuilds]

Glad to hear it!

[@calebjordan4833]

Late to the party here, i've owned these clamps for almost a year...still in the package! Time to make this! Thanks Mike!

[@CoffeyCustomBuilds]

Oh you are going to love it!

[@colinperkins7564]

Great video, with really good voiceover, A lot of people can do the woodwork but it’s all over-acted “Hey, what’s UP guys!!!” on the vocals. Thanks for keeping it really low-key, informative, and actually easy to listen to!

[@CoffeyCustomBuilds]

I appreciate the feedback a lot. Yeah I'm really trying to no overly script or emit false energy. Thanks for watching!

[@goldendogwoodworks6675]

i know this video is about a year old, But I still have to thank you for putting this up. I have a norm's style plywood bench with no way really to put on an end vise, Using some scrap read oak i found from an old bed. i was able to build this in less that an hour, I now have that vise i needed to use for glue ups and planing.. you are awesome.

[@CoffeyCustomBuilds]

Thank you! I love this system. It works great and I am so happy I have it.

[@rhettdunn8788]

It’s so weird to see one of your older videos when you were heavy. Keep up the good work! And put Bents to shame on the peloton

[@CoffeyCustomBuilds]

It's been a big change for sure. Thanks!

[@mauricetheriault6355]

I love what you have come up with. There may be a solution to the one thing you don't like. What would happen if you mounted a low profile toggle clamp to matchfit dovetail hardware? I personally like your systyem just like it is. Keep up the good work.

[@CoffeyCustomBuilds]

I haven't had the NEED to go to a lower profile clamp honestly.

[@Poor_Mans_DIY]

I have seen many users make bench clamps but nothing like this. such an incredible idea, thinking way outside the box. Great job, sir!

[@CoffeyCustomBuilds]

Thank you so much! It's been a huge add for me. I'm using it on every project and it makes things so nice.

[@garriv777]

I believe that you can take the heads of the clamp off and turn them around. I think I saw that somewhere. Good luck!

[@CoffeyCustomBuilds]

I don't think so.

[@garriv777]

@@CoffeyCustomBuilds Actually just watched a video on this and yes, the screw at the top comes off and you can reverse the head of the clamp.

[@brwilson10]

Nice idea and great execution Mike. Definitely more versatile than a vise. I’ll be adapting a similar system so thank you!

[@CoffeyCustomBuilds]

Thank you!

[@DanielDunlap]

Okay, real comment time... This is such a great idea! Like really. I bought some hickory a few days ago and I got extra with this in mind. Thanks for sharing!

[@CoffeyCustomBuilds]

Bro you'd love it!

[@rconn1000]

One thing I could suggest that might work better for you in some situations. You mentioned that the clamps stick out to far. You could use the Matchfit Dovetail Hardware kits to make your own clamps that would slide right in just like the clamps, but can be made to your specs that don't stick out so far..I have a more portable Matchfit system and have made quite a few jigs and clamps with the hardware variety packs..

[@CoffeyCustomBuilds]

Good idea

[@MrRahluv357]

Nice video, just built a Saw Stop table Saw station, with the match fit system in the left side. I think I will add this to the side bench. Great idea, thanks

[@CoffeyCustomBuilds]

Oh that's a killer idea.

[@grmelectric6826]

I like this idea, I only have an old metal vice and I have to put scrap wood in it for any wood working. Def getting some micro jigs

[@CoffeyCustomBuilds]

Use my link!

[@derekw40]

Great. Yes hickory is the king of hardwood. Ive got a whole barn full of it.

[@CoffeyCustomBuilds]

Oh man I'm jealous!

[@derekw40]

i have a tree removal business so i get wood from everywhere

[@dscritter614]

Love the beveling! Makes it look downright pretty. I'm about 2 make my matchfit work top. I might do that 2 it. Makes it look classy.

[@CoffeyCustomBuilds]

It really adds a lot!

[@deanbrown6377]

Love your video and is filled with lots of advice I've been scouring the internet for. I'm in the process of researching ways of building my own "hybrid" workbench ... and talk about a million ways of doing things, literally. I like the Micro jig system and notice that they feature on their website, a track system on the TOP of the workbench. While you mentioned you use the top surface as a sacrificial layer (a good idea) ... I'm curious why you chose not to route the top work bench for the Micro Jig clamps?

[@CoffeyCustomBuilds]

I didn't want tools and parts and things to get caught in the channels

[@DesignCraftWorkshop]

I really loved that you made this. It’s a super awesome idea!

[@CoffeyCustomBuilds]

Thank you, Bao!

[@bluecollaruniversity]

As to the clamps sticking out so far, presumably the issue is you have to lean over further to get to the work piece. Using the short piece of wood you have in the video, a possible solution is to spread the clamps much further apart and use another, longer board to squeeze the workpiece. Like a Moxon vise.

[@CoffeyCustomBuilds]

Great idea! But it's more of a non issue after two years.

[@reaper060670]

My 1st attempt at a workbench I built about 8 months ago and have to say it's been ............... total garbage.. I had no way of clamping anything down until I finally put a cheap nasty little Bench vise onto it. Now I use it for hand plaining edges on boards or pieces I want to clean up with hand planes but it is not great. It works well for the edge work which I guess with do me for now. I wanted to build a new bench this year but funds are tight atm so that's a no go for now. i LIKE THIS IDEA OF YOURS MAN. I picked up a couple of the VEIKO CLAMPS from BANGGOOD a couple months ago but didn't take them out to use them yet. This is an idea that will be worth having a go at making now. I need to trim down one side of my bench and fit this to it. It would make a huge difference to the work I stuggle wo get done right now.

[@CoffeyCustomBuilds]

I've used it for years now. I am going to replace it with a more traditional workbench asap but this has been solid.

[@wilburcoffey9195]

Nice job The concept is great Just ordered the bit Thanks for sharing Will Coffey

[@CoffeyCustomBuilds]

Thanks for watching

[@cheryltaylor1322]

Great piece

[@CoffeyCustomBuilds]

Thank you for watching!

[@guillermopalmisano8957]

I think this is next on my shop build list. Thanks man. This thing looks amazing. Can’t believe I haven’t seen it in the whole year of following you

[@CoffeyCustomBuilds]

It is so handy and works so good! If you get the Match Fit system use my affiliate link!

[@the_holzwurm]

Awesome video Mike! this is a great idea...

[@CoffeyCustomBuilds]

Thank you so much, Doug!

[@TyeMadeIt]

Loved the video and idea for the application! Can't wait to see all the things you're going to make using it!

[@CoffeyCustomBuilds]

Thanks bro! Very glad I did this. It works so good.

[@MrHghoang]

That’s a great way to clamp pieces, nice work sir!

[@CoffeyCustomBuilds]

It works so well!

[@mrbranchatl]

Great work

[@CoffeyCustomBuilds]

Thank you so much 😀

[@ChristcrossCrafts]

Great idea with the Hickory. On mine I use the hardware to make a ledger for longer pieces and then put the clamps on the ends. I have a design idea to make spacer blocks to space the part further away from the dovetail slots and almost to the max of the clamps. I haven't followed it through but tested the idea on a recent project with success.

[@CoffeyCustomBuilds]

That's a great idea! Hopefully I can get a bigger shop soon. I want to put these around all sides of a workbench.

[@ChristcrossCrafts]

@@CoffeyCustomBuilds I made a massive table saw sled and completely outfitted it with about 10 or more jigs to make my life easier... and it has. I'm completely sold on the system.

[@CoffeyCustomBuilds]

@@ChristcrossCrafts Yeah it is a killer system.

[@BlessedLaymanNC]

I love your video on this. I just found out about it and I plan to use it for one of my bench tops. My shop is small and the wb will be less than 3' by 5'. The mobile stand will have lifting wheels so it is on its legs when I use it and not on the wheels. I was thinking of using a sacrificial 3/4 plywood on top of 1/2 MDF. Another maker of this system said plywood and MDF would be too weak, but MicroJig says it will work if it is properly sealed and treated, which I'll have to learn from them if I go that route. I had not thought about the side vice, and yet you didn't use the top, LOL. Well I'll consider both now. Thank you

[@CoffeyCustomBuilds]

It's worth the consideration!

[@ericherman5926]

Man this is really cool!! Such a handy application of the product

[@CoffeyCustomBuilds]

Thank you Eric! Appreciate it man!

[@FredMcIntyre]

Really cool Mike, great idea! 😃👍🏻👊🏻

[@CoffeyCustomBuilds]

Thank you Fred!

[@RadeksWorkshop]

They run a promo on this stuff for May, best time to buy it is now

[@CoffeyCustomBuilds]

Yup! They're a no brainer.

[@jimbryant2157]

Great timing for me to find your video because I am making exactly this bench front 'vise system' today! I don't have the hardwood, but I do have an 3/4" oak plywood scrap which should work fine. I REALLY like the bevel idea - both the looks and functionality. Thanks for sharing!

[@CoffeyCustomBuilds]

Thanks for watching!

[@styleden22]

Very nicely made video with great content. Plan on building an mft bench and incorporating this system.

[@CoffeyCustomBuilds]

You won't regret it! And thank you!

[@CharacterRedWorkshop]

This would be an excellent system for my full time shop in a few years. I always find myself clamping to my workbench I’m weird angles just making it work. Great shop build Mike!

[@CoffeyCustomBuilds]

Thank you good sir!

[@jerryhubbard4461]

I have the system also. Great stuff and saves much money against the T-track. The side panel has another good use. It will keep your table from racking for sure.

[@CoffeyCustomBuilds]

It's a great system. And this is a torsion box table. Racking won't be an issue anytime soon!

[@GeeDeeBird]

If you use a 10 degree dovetail bit, you can use T-track clamps and, with a little initial finagling, Festool clamps. I imagine low profile T-track clamps would make it easier to work on some pieces.

[@CoffeyCustomBuilds]

Great advice

[@sloaneswoodworking8674]

Great set up Mike. It's definitely something I'll be considering for my shop

[@CoffeyCustomBuilds]

I don't think you'd regret it!

[@MTChains]

This is truly wonderful. I'm a novice and your pointes about presawing for the routing were great. You are easy to follow and very helpful. I'm hooked and subscribed. Thanks so much.

[@CoffeyCustomBuilds]

That's very kind. Thank you!

[@deldridg]

Great vid and thanks for all the effort you've put into making it. I love my MicroJig stuff and am considering building something like your bench front here. Cheers from Sydney - Dave PS. I think a featherboard will make your tablesaw work much easier (and safer). From a guy who has had a very bad encouter with his tablesaw... :-)

[@CoffeyCustomBuilds]

Thank you

[@hwym59]

You have come a long way 😎

[@CoffeyCustomBuilds]

Thank you good sir

[@andrewdembek3396]

Great video! I notice on Instagram that you place the hickory one further down than the MDF one and it was actually driving me crazy thinking of why you did that. Now that I know your table top is sacrificial, I like the outfeed even more than before haha

[@CoffeyCustomBuilds]

Thanks man! Yeah the top is 2 layers of 3/4" Baltic Birch. The build video on here goes into it. I really thought out that build. It's the center of my shop.

[@dicar.mobiliario]

Excelente. Muy buena idea. Soy Daniel de Argentina

[@CoffeyCustomBuilds]

Gracias

[@ArcticFlies56]

Great job! Looks really well made. I’d be proud to have one in my shop. Unfortunately my shop is only 376 sq ft. and it’s full.

[@CoffeyCustomBuilds]

Appreciate the kind words. It's a great add.

[@kennethlemke9826]

Excellent

[@CoffeyCustomBuilds]

Thanks man

[@stevencurran2869]

I gotta do this!

[@CoffeyCustomBuilds]

I love this set up!

[@BruceAUlrich]

Solid video, Mike! I like the options that this system gives you. What if you just take a grinder to the clamps and cut a couple of inches off of the clamps since they’re so long and kind of in the way?

[@andrewdembek3396]

That is a really solid idea. If I were to do this, I would cut off part of a couple of clamps specifically for this purpose and have a few others that I can use for other jigs. The matchfit system lends itself to a ton of applications!

[@CoffeyCustomBuilds]

You absolutely could! And realistically, it's not a huge deal. It's more of a consideration than an actual issue.

[@Foxholeatheist]

Really neat concept. I've got a Festool MFT/3 table, and it has horizontal slots for clamps. Quite handy, but the table doesn't have enough mass for real handwork, and the slot extrusion is pretty narrow. This is like that concept, only more so. I wonder if Microjig could make some sort of toggle clamp that would sit more flush with the face of the workpiece, though I see in an earlier comment you indicating that you got used to the clamps sticking out.

[@CoffeyCustomBuilds]

Yeah I just worked around them. It's a good set up.

[@jasonparton6142]

Mike, great video. I like how you differentiated your experience using MDF vs. that of your experience with the hickory. They are two opposite sides of the spectrum, but good to know info nevertheless. I also thought it was good that you referenced the need for relief cuts. I see too many reviews out there of people whining that their router bits just don't hold up. Most of all, I respect your honesty. Not just with whether or not the manufacturer compensates you for your endorsement, but with other aspects as well (e.g. - being upfront about the distance of the center of your router collet to the edge of the router aligning to your square). They're all small things, but the small things matter. Anyway...admire your work and passion. Keep up the great videos.

[@CoffeyCustomBuilds]

I really appreciate the kind words and thank you for watching!

[@robertbeaulieu9851]

I just ordered my first set! Really anxious to use them. I bought T-Tracks last year , and i'm not that impressed. Thanks for the honest review and great video! I think I will be adding this to my workbench also and move up from there. Thanks again

[@CoffeyCustomBuilds]

Thanks for watching. I use my MatchFit system ALL THE TIME!

[@loribeckham7698]

Love it!! Im in the process right now, of putting my shop together. What I like best about this system is that it can be universal throughout the shop!! I intend to use this layout on most of my tool jigs. I appreciate the honesty about mdf not being strong enough before I bought some and tried it. I'd rather go for the hard wood purchase and only prep one time! Thanks man, good video!@

[@CoffeyCustomBuilds]

Thanks for watching! This system has served me well for years.

[@davepayne2024]

Awesome and informative bro!

[@CoffeyCustomBuilds]

Thank you for watching! I love this set up.

[@GTL77]

I want to do something similar in my shop as well and I was looking into micro jig as well, nice build Mike 👊🏽

[@CoffeyCustomBuilds]

Awesome! Thank you! Yeah I've seen many different iterations of similar things. It works well!

[@vinnyleone3427]

Nice work

[@CoffeyCustomBuilds]

Thank you!

[@ACNailedIt]

Awesome idea man! You know you can customize those match-fit handles by removing the long twist handle replacing it with a shorter t-handle. And take an angle grinder to the long part of the clan that sticks out and make it shorter, maybe just short enough to clamp 8/4 wood. These clamps we just live on your bench for the edge bench system.

[@CoffeyCustomBuilds]

I did not know that! Good info!

[@rossiterdesigns4177]

Such a cool idea and turned out amazing! I’m going to have to figure out how to get this system into my shop!

[@CoffeyCustomBuilds]

You would love it, Ray!

[@christiansapp856]

Great video!!! Seems like a great product I love micro jig they make great stuff. I agree though I think I would hit the clamps all the time in that orientation

[@CoffeyCustomBuilds]

You just have to plan around it. It's isn't an issue unless you allow it to be really.

[@kenburnette1121]

Impressive, I believe I will copy your design.

[@CoffeyCustomBuilds]

Do it!

[@jakevance27]

This build rocks. Very EDGY. GET IT? EH??

[@CoffeyCustomBuilds]

🙄🤣 thanks Jake!

[@jonathanfemenella8662]

Awesome video and great build man. This will definitely be a great addition to work flow!

[@CoffeyCustomBuilds]

Thanks homie! Yeah I'm already using it like crazy!

[@jacquesdespadas]

Great upgrade! And rock on for taking on the hickory. So I thought for a while (since last night anyway) about your issue with the clamps sticking out so far, and maybe have an idea to try. What if you used the female dovetail hardware piece or two and ran bolts through a stop block with wingnut/star knobs to tighten it all down? Your could even add a small lip to the front face, as long as your stock is wider than the stop block body. I think you'd only be limited by the height of your vertical face.

[@CoffeyCustomBuilds]

Thank you very much! And that is a solid idea. There are also dovetail T bolts that come with the kit. I can attach those to what would essentially be a stop block and use them in a similar way. They'd be lower profile and can clamp pieces in place.

[@jacquesdespadas]

@@CoffeyCustomBuilds Cool! Glad I could give back a little.

[@ewen832]

Great video. After 2 years of using the system with Hickory panels would you still recommend Hickory? Could you recommend another non MDF type of panel for this project for your viewers on a tight budget.

[@CoffeyCustomBuilds]

Maple would work well.

[@mikedisimile2478]

Great job explaining everything. Thank you very much. Can you please send me the dimensions how far apart are the cuts? Thank you.

[@CoffeyCustomBuilds]

I made this years ago. I can't remember them anymore. Sorry!

[@giovannymedina3984]

Great project! Looking to do the same. One question, not sure if it was mentioned in the video or I may have missed it but what was the thickness of your Hickory board?

[@CoffeyCustomBuilds]

1" thick

[@CReevesMakes]

Love this concept and execution! Well done Mike. A ton of versatility and I will be thinking of how I can adapt this to my benches. Thanks for sharing! Keep at it man!

[@CoffeyCustomBuilds]

Thanks brother! Appreciate it. This adds a ton of options to the shop!

[@24Creek]

Thx Mike, great video! Would pine be too soft for this application? I find hickory difficult to come by and not cheap either.

[@CoffeyCustomBuilds]

Pine would not hold up for this.

[@danbirch8939]

Excellent!

[@CoffeyCustomBuilds]

Glad you liked it!

[@KenPetro14]

Great idea/build. What is the height / thickness of the piece of wood you used?

[@CoffeyCustomBuilds]

The height is 7" and 3/4" thick.

[@snachlas]

Really nice video! Thanks for making it. I own virtually everything that Microjig makes. I think they are awesome - especially the support videos that they do and the ideas that they put out there. Yours was a really nice implementation of their dovetail system. I have about four of their dovetail clamps along with some of the connectors etc. and I plan to use them in various places in my shop. I noticed that you’re using a Laguna tablesaw. I own the Fusion F2 Laguna saw with the upgraded overarm dust collection. I really love the saw. Is that the same model that you have?

[@CoffeyCustomBuilds]

Thank you for watching and the kind words! I did have the Laguna F2. It was a great saw. Learned a lot on it. I have the 3hp Sawstop now.

[@michaelkulman7095]

Would you use the same wood again or try something else? Nice build. The way the speed square lined up was cool. Did you find out if that was just a lucky accident? I'm not sure I'd do this on my bench but a three legged sawhorse or horse with two straight down legs and two splayed ones or a cricket type bench, I'm very interested as I might take those to the work in some cases and don't want a heavy or bulky vise to carry too. Even a wood toolbox could have a few grooves cut in it's ends or top... Also a worktop you carry in and put on horses, I don't want a heavy or bulky vise on that either. I guess with a workbench I'm drawn more to the traditional... A work table maybe though...

[@CoffeyCustomBuilds]

Anything hard is good. Maple would be solid.

[@IMEEMADE]

Nice video! I can see how this system would be super useful. Curious to know what other limitations and improvements you find as you continue to use it

[@CoffeyCustomBuilds]

I'll be sure to discuss them! Thanks man!

[@bryanmoir]

Excellent idea! How thick is the hickory you used?

[@CoffeyCustomBuilds]

3/4"

[@bryanmoir]

Thanks! @@CoffeyCustomBuilds

[@jordanveverica6696]

If the clamps sticking out is a big deal, you can instead use hold down clamps (like the ones at Rockler) and attach them in the grooves either with the proprietary track hardware (sold separately) or 6mm t bolts.

[@CoffeyCustomBuilds]

Good thinking

[@rconn1000]

I just realized this is a few years old.. You probably figured out other options by now...

[@CoffeyCustomBuilds]

I still use this system from time to time and honestly the clamps aren't that big of a deal.

[@tonymoore7671]

I think it looks great! What kind of countersink bit are you using?

[@CoffeyCustomBuilds]

It's the amana one. I believe it's in the description.

[@madbomber40]

Nice

[@CoffeyCustomBuilds]

Thanks!

[@Belg1970]

I made mine about a year+ ago from poplar and use it quite often. My only gripe is that when using corded tools they get caught in the grooves when moving them side to side on the bench. Might try to put a bevel at the top like you did.

[@CoffeyCustomBuilds]

Even with the bevel I still get it in the dovetail slots. That's a solid gripe and I agree.

[@artsteadman2230]

@Belg1970 use an overhead balancer to keep those power cords out of the way

[@Belg1970]

@@artsteadman2230 could you show me a picture of that.

[@Woodeyedoit]

Great video. If you don't mind, what is the drill bit that you are using with your driver (7:18) Thanks,

[@CoffeyCustomBuilds]

Thanks for watching. Here's the link to the bit. amzn.to/3pjK8ZI

[@Junkmeister]

Believe me I know how hard hickory is that shit is like digging into stone. But still ain’t nothing compared to black locust. That is the hardest wood to date

[@CoffeyCustomBuilds]

It is hard

[@MrBrewzr]

Did you ever consider using a bench dog style system?

[@CoffeyCustomBuilds]

It wasn't really in the cards for this bench. I will be making a hand tool bench with it. But honestly, this system works very well for me.

[@Laughterisweird]

How wide is the hickory?

[@CoffeyCustomBuilds]

8 inches

[@unionse7en]

perhaps do away with the routing and cut angled matching strips on the table saw, then glue and screw to make a dovetail channel.

[@CoffeyCustomBuilds]

That seems like way more work but it would probably work.

[@ErnieTessein]

Came here from instagram

[@CoffeyCustomBuilds]

You're awesome! Thank you!

[@KalleKilponen]

That's a pretty brilliant system. Looks like a modern take on the clamping system on classic work benches: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oavZY2qJibKhrLs

[@CoffeyCustomBuilds]

It's very similar to holdfasts!

[@je-fq7ve]

buy a pair of them expensive clamps and cut them down, lol

[@CoffeyCustomBuilds]

What

[@DanielDunlap]

First

[@CoffeyCustomBuilds]

You're the first in comments and in my heart.

[@robthompson8285]

Im a minute into this video and I can already see why you chose hickory and not pine for something like this 😅 And it looks like a giant wooden hersheys bar.

[@CoffeyCustomBuilds]

Hahaha