MetaMoose
having dreams about rocks
@MetaMoosehead on Twitter
Member since July 2021
Posts: 74
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Post by MetaMoose on Jan 20, 2023 9:18:18 GMT -5
Hi folks, I am replacing the wood blocks on my vice for my 20 inch saw. The old wood was plywood. Is there any concern about using a hardwood instead of a ply for a vise block? I’ve purchased some red oak to use, expecting that it would last longer than a ply. I’d like to make sure there aren’t any major concerns. Thanks for the help.
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MetaMoose
having dreams about rocks
@MetaMoosehead on Twitter
Member since July 2021
Posts: 74
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Post by MetaMoose on Jan 20, 2023 10:21:32 GMT -5
That should work. Sometimes the face of the vice behind that wood isn’t perfectly flat, and the boards can be cupped a little bit. Run the grain horizontally as opposed to vertically to avoid splitting the board when tightening to the vise. Edited to add I’m assuming this is a horizontal vise, you might want to stick with plywood if it’s a vertical vise. Understood, thank you. The plates appear very flat (its <1y old Highland Park), and the wood grain will run horizontal. Thanks for the response! |
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Post by jasoninsd on Jan 20, 2023 13:29:28 GMT -5
Personally, I'd stick with the plywood...treated marine grade plywood...then I'd still coat with a waterproofing. I believe the plywood will actually last longer than the hardwood due to the ability to "conform" to a degree with what you're clamping - at least a lot better than the hardwood would do.
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realrockhound
Cave Dweller 
Chucking leaverite at tweekers
Member since June 2020
Posts: 4,498
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Post by realrockhound on Jan 20, 2023 13:58:12 GMT -5
I use oak on mine. You’ll be good.
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MetaMoose
having dreams about rocks
@MetaMoosehead on Twitter
Member since July 2021
Posts: 74
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Post by MetaMoose on Mar 28, 2023 13:29:57 GMT -5
I use oak on mine. You’ll be good. Yep. It works great. |
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MetaMoose
having dreams about rocks
@MetaMoosehead on Twitter
Member since July 2021
Posts: 74
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Post by MetaMoose on Mar 28, 2023 13:30:23 GMT -5
Personally, I'd stick with the plywood...treated marine grade plywood...then I'd still coat with a waterproofing. I believe the plywood will actually last longer than the hardwood due to the ability to "conform" to a degree with what you're clamping - at least a lot better than the hardwood would do. This is a great idea. I might try it next time around. |
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Mark K
Cave Dweller
Member since April 2012
Posts: 2,818 
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Post by Mark K on Mar 28, 2023 15:18:57 GMT -5
I am finding that I like the plywood better than the masonite that was on my saw before. I would think that if the wood was too hard, it would assist the rock slipping loose from the jaws. Plywood will give a bit and let points and projections dig in for a better grip.
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Post by chris1956 on Mar 28, 2023 17:38:14 GMT -5
Personally, I'd stick with the plywood...treated marine grade plywood...then I'd still coat with a waterproofing. I believe the plywood will actually last longer than the hardwood due to the ability to "conform" to a degree with what you're clamping - at least a lot better than the hardwood would do. Thanks for the responses to this question. I am at the point where I need to replace mine also and wondering if I should stick with plywood or change to hardwood. My gut was to go with the plywood because it would probably bend a little ("conform" as you noted) and grip the rocks better. If using oil, I wouldn't think it would matter much if it was marine grade. ?? |
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Post by jasoninsd on Mar 28, 2023 17:43:56 GMT -5
Personally, I'd stick with the plywood...treated marine grade plywood...then I'd still coat with a waterproofing. I believe the plywood will actually last longer than the hardwood due to the ability to "conform" to a degree with what you're clamping - at least a lot better than the hardwood would do. Thanks for the responses to this question. I am at the point where I need to replace mine also and wondering if I should stick with plywood or change to hardwood. My gut was to go with the plywood because it would probably bend a little ("conform" as you noted) and grip the rocks better. If using oil, I wouldn't think it would matter much if it was marine grade. ?? Good question on the oil...and I don't know for sure...but I would think if it wasn't marine grade, there would be a higher chance for saturation... |
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Mark K
Cave Dweller
Member since April 2012
Posts: 2,818
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Post by Mark K on Mar 28, 2023 18:28:21 GMT -5
I suspect that marine or not, there is a 100% chance of deep saturation. As long as it stays together and is not in some sort of offensive smelling oil that will taint the new stuff that does not stink, I suspect that saturation is a non-issue.
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Post by Rockoonz on Mar 29, 2023 4:24:56 GMT -5
I have used red oak for years and it's the best IMO. A good Birch or Oak plywood may be okay too, but the choice of a $100 sheet of plywood that I will probably use like 10% of or a 1" red oak board that will last many years for $20 tops?
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