Add a Sliding Board Jack to Your Workbench
A face vise is great for holding boards while planing edges or working on joinery. But when you're working with a long board, the unsupported end can be a problem.
Traditional workbenches often include a board jack to support the far end of a workpiece. My smaller workbench didn't have one, so I came up with a simple way to add an adjustable board jack using T-track.
The result is a handy accessory that slides along the front of the bench to support long boards and wide panels.
Mount the Board Jack on T-Track
The key to this design is a length of T-track installed beneath the front edge of the workbench.
To install the track, I removed the benchtop and routed a groove along the bottom edge of the front rail.
The board jack hangs from the T-track on two flange bolts secured in the wooden jack with epoxy. The bolt heads engage the track, allowing the board jack to slide along the length of the bench.
To keep the jack hanging straight and parallel to the front of the workbench, I added a spacer on the back that rides against the bench's lower stretcher.
I also rounded over the bottom edge of the jack so it wouldn't be quite so hard on my shins.
Adjustable Support for Long Boards
A series of staggered holes in the board jack provides different support heights.
Simply insert a 3⁄4" dowel into the hole that best matches the position of your workpiece.
When a long board is clamped in the face vise, the dowel supports the opposite end and keeps the workpiece from sagging.
And because the jack slides along the T-track, you can position it wherever you need support.
It's an easy way to add a traditional workbench feature to a smaller, existing bench without taking up additional floor space.
More Ways to Upgrade Your Workbench
A few well-designed accessories can make a big difference in how your workbench performs. Explore more shop-made workholding solutions, bench accessories, and woodworking jigs that help you hold workpieces securely and work more efficiently.
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