There are literally hundreds of ways to clamp a carving—and
nearly as much a variety in prices. But Soft Jaws™ converts
an ordinary shop vice into a very useful carving vice for a
variety of projects.
The shop vise is one of the most widely owned tools in workshops
throughout North America. And almost every home improvement center
and local hardware store sells it. While handy for general purposes,
the flat steel jaws don’t hold round and other odd shapes very well and
can damage soft, delicate carvings. Soff Jaws solves these problems. Just
slip them over the jaws of the vise. Thanks to magnets, they stay securely
in place. The pads conform to the shape of the piece being held in the
vise and will even protect a finished surface from being marred.
Soff Jaws are 31⁄2"-wide. They best fit t 3", 31⁄2" and 4"-wide vises, but
they can be mounted on larger vises. Although the jaws are handy for
clamping projects that include hobby items and sport accessories, or
delicate jewelry, be advised that they are not designed for glass objects. Soff Jaws retail for $7.95 a pair and are available from the following
Olson Mail Order dealers: American Woodcrafters, 800-995-4032;
Pozgai’s Designs, 800-872-2803; Rockler, 800-279-4441; and
Woodcraft®, 800-225-1153.