Magnetic Wooden Vise Bumpers
This is my first instructable! There are times I need a vise but the steel jaws are just too aggressive. I used tape to hold wood pieces on, but that took too long to put on and take off. I thought about drilling holes in the wood and using the mounting screws but same problem. Then it hit me, Magnets!
Gather Supplies
- Wood
- Thin magnets (I got mine from DX.com a while back for a few bucks)
- Drill and drill bit bigger than magnet.
- Glue or epoxy
- Thin magnets (I got mine from DX.com a while back for a few bucks)
- Drill and drill bit bigger than magnet.
- Glue or epoxy
Drill Baby Drill!
I had some scrap wood that I cut roughly to size, you can measure and make it as nice as you like, but these pieces worked for my needs.
I drilled the holes close to one edge because I want the option to line the wood flush with the top of the jaws. It is important to get the depth right though. If you drill too shallow your magnet will be crushed into the wood under pressure, too deep and the magnet won't have enough strength to hold the wood up. I found just a touch under flush to be perfect. Take your time and go slow putting the magnet in to check depth til you get it.
My bit had a starter head but that's perfect for holding more glue. Might not work if your wood is too thin though.
I drilled the holes close to one edge because I want the option to line the wood flush with the top of the jaws. It is important to get the depth right though. If you drill too shallow your magnet will be crushed into the wood under pressure, too deep and the magnet won't have enough strength to hold the wood up. I found just a touch under flush to be perfect. Take your time and go slow putting the magnet in to check depth til you get it.
My bit had a starter head but that's perfect for holding more glue. Might not work if your wood is too thin though.
Keep It Together, We're Almost Done!
Once you're happy with the depth of the hole, drop some glue in and push the magnet in wiping any excess off with a rag or paper towel.
Since I didn't have any clamps tiny enough to hold the magnets in place while the glue dried I improvised. I used little rubber gaskets and rubber bands to push them down.
Since I didn't have any clamps tiny enough to hold the magnets in place while the glue dried I improvised. I used little rubber gaskets and rubber bands to push them down.
Enjoy
Once the glue is dry you're ready to roll. I might go back and sand the wood or trim it up nice, but probably not. Took me about 10 minutes to make and I'm happy with the way it functions. The customizations are endless. Thanks for viewing.