Bootstrap (literally) carving vise

[Lightningbolt]

In the latest issue of WCI (#32) and on page 16 there is a product review of something called "Soff Jaws" which converts an ordinary shop vise into a carving vise. Several years ago I was messing around and created the same set-up by simply gluing a couple of strips from one of my old leather belts directly to the jaws of my little 3 1/2" shop vise.

Unless I'm carving something huge then this vise has always worked really good for me and especially for my walking sticks and other similarlly sized projects. I used super glue because that is what I had and it holds ok but I'd imagine that with all the glue choices out there today that there's something that will grab the steel jaws better... perhaps something like Gorilla Glue? Never used Gorilla but the name sure sounds strong!!!

Granted, the product Soff Jaws can be had for only a mere $7.95/pair and looks pretty good but I'm a prolific do-it-myselfer and always get a lot of satisfaction from finding ways on doing more with less... just the way I'm wired I suppose? Anyhow I thought that some of y'all might get your daily dose of brain stimulation from this little idea eventhough I believe that I mentioned it many months ago as the result from another threads forever lost tangent!

Have fun and be safe!

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Gorilla glue is just polyurethane and you can get wallyworlds brand a lot cheaper....I use it occasionally, it activates better if you slightly dampen on side....but does take overnight to set up good......

Great tip on using some old leather, I never throw out old leather shoes parts or belts.....wife has a nice jacket too...but Can't Touch that.

[Kenny_S]

Bill,
I bought a nice leather Jack for my little bride several years ago. It sits in the closet. She never wears it as it is TOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO heavy on her shoulders. I am tempted to send it to you,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, with the little bride in it.
Dave, great tip, I put wood pieces on mine and use cardboard in between the vise and work piece. Works good but your idea is better. Eliminates a step for sure.Now where did the little bright put that leather????

[Canopener]

One nice thing about gorilla glue is that it holds an impression of the metal jaw, so you can easily pull off leather, or wood in my case, do some metal work then fit leather back on later with just a bit of adhesive, and work on your next project. Have fun.
Jim