Magnetic Swivel Base Vise Mount

In my last Instructable, I showed How to Make a Wooden 6" Vise. The vise has turned out way better than I thought, so I decided that I want to mount it, which caused some problems:

I didn't want to use clamps, but wanted to mount it firmly onto my workbench, and also wanted to use it as a Drill-Press Vise. I also wanted the mount to be be able to be released quickly ("Quick-Release"), so I would be able to switch between both options quickly.

I decided to make a quick release vise mount with a big speaker magnet. What's also nice about a magnet its that the vise can swivel, if needed.

Let's get started!

Hardware & Materials:

Some plywood

Microwave transformer

Screws

40 Grit sandpaper

A strong speaker magnet

Chemicals & Adhesives:

Epoxy

Alcohol pad

Wood glue

Tools (+Attachments):

Hacksaw

Mixing stick

Clamps

Electric/Power Tools:

Drill

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Recommended Safety Equipment: Earmuffs, Respirator

Cost (for me): FREE!

Difficulty: Fairly Easy

Approximate Time: 1 Hour

Choosing the magnet- The most important part.

You need a big and strong magnet that will be able to hold the vise onto the transformer. I used a magnet that I salvaged from a siren, but any subwoofer speaker could work too.

The magnet has to adhere really well to the bottom of the vise. Since I applied varnish only a couple days ago, it needed to be removed., which I did with 40 grit sandpaper.

The wood that I used for the vise was reclaimed from an old table, meaning that it had two grooves across the whole piece. I think these are called woodworking dado's.

Since I had already roughened the surface, I glued on a piece of plywood that I had previously cut to size with a Hacksaw, and clamped it firmly to the bottom.

You probably won't have to do this...

I mixed some 2-Part Epoxy, smeared it across the back part of the magnet, and clamped it tightly onto the plywood.

I left it to cure for several hours.

I recently built my own weighted workbench, so I wasn't worried about the weight of the transformer tipping over the workbench.

Since all of my small Drill-Bits were dull, I mounted the transformer onto the table-top with 2 screws. No pilot-holes, and no countersinks...

I did this while waiting for the Epoxy to cure.

I know this quick project might not work for everyone, but it works really well for light duty Bench-Vises. It all depends on what magnet you use. Just make sure that the magnet isn't too strong, or else you won't be able to remove it...

You can see that I'm using it for both on the picture

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DONE!

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