Benchcrafted Classic Leg Vise

Benchcrafted Classic Leg Vise

After the great success of their exquisite Glide Leg Vise , Benchcrafted has produced a new leg vise version, the Benchcrafted Classic Leg Vise.

While the handwheel design of the Glide Vise probably provides the smoothest and most ergonomic movement of the leg vise screw, the T-handle design of the Classic Vise works quite smoothly as well while also giving a pleasing traditional appearance that some bench owners will prefer.

An obvious question is "What is the difference between the Classic and the Glide?" Jameel Abraham, Benchcrafted's main designer, answers this way:

"We made the Classic purely for its looks. Some people prefer the traditional look. Buy the Glide if you prefer a more refined feel and modern look (think Porsche 911) Buy the Classic if you like things a little more stock and old-school (think '69 Dodge Charger). Both get you from A to B, just a little different way."

In general, leg vises have a number of advantages over ordinary cast iron vises. Because a leg vise does not need the pair of guide rods needed on a Record-style vise, it's possible to clamp a workpiece right up against the screw and thus virtually eliminate racking. Leg vises allow about 9" of workable depth, more than twice that typical of iron face vises, plus the mechanical advantage inherent in a leg vise's geometry provides a more powerful overall grip.

The smooth turning, double lead acme screw with a 4tpi pitch gives this vise hardware a highly efficient 1/2" of travel per revolution of the handle.

The Benchcrafted Classic Leg Vise is fully machined from steel components, and its hub, T-handle and flange feature a very pleasing and durable black Parkerized finish. The handle is machined with a V-groove detent centered along its length that engages with a stainless steel spring plunger in the center of the hub, allowing one to quickly center the handle and thus balance it to spin rapidly for large movements. Watch the short video above to see this in action.

The Classic Leg Vise can be purchased with either the Solo or Retro Crisscross scissor mechanism, or without the Crisscross for installation using a traditional parallel guide that you provide.

Crisscross Mechanism

Benchcrafted's Crisscross mechanism makes operation of the leg vise even sweeter. The scissor action of the "St. Peter's Cross" eliminates the need for a traditional leg vise's parallel guide and adjustment pin, and instead takes advantage of the mass and free spinning action of the hand wheel to provide smooth and unencumbered movement over the vise's entire range.

Benchcrafted Crisscross hardware comes three versions.

• The Solo Crisscross mechanism is for installation in new bench construction. It is made from cast iron and powder coated in a matte black finish.
• The Retro Crisscross mechanism is almost the same as the Solo version, but includes mounting brackets which make it easier to install when retrofitting an existing bench. The Retro can be used on new benches and is actually easier to install. It is made from cast iron and powder coated in a matte black finish.
• The Crisscross 14 is a smaller version of the Solo Crisscross mechanism for use on benches shorter than 30". The mortise required is only 14-1/4" long - compared to 18" for the Solo & Retro. It is made from cold rolled steel. It can be used on taller benches, but is optimized for benches with a front vise jaw (the chop) that is under 30" in length.

Which Crisscross should you choose?

If you can put your bench leg on a drill press table to drill the top pivot mounting hole, choose the Solo. If not, choose the Retro. The Crisscross 14 is not available in a retro version. On a shorter bench requiring the crisscross 14, you'll need to drill the leg on a drill press.

This vise is only the hardware and does NOT include wood

Like all Benchcrafted vises, the Classic Leg Vise is designed and manufactured entirely in the U.S.A.

Important Note - Crisscross Design Change

In February 2025, Benchcrafted released a new version of the Crisscross Solo and Retro.

The length of the Crisscross arms (the two main parts of the mechanism) were shortened by 1-1/2". This allows the Crisscross to be fit into a wider variety of workbench heights and allows for a greater variety of vise installation positions without affecting performance. The mortise for the V2 Crisscross arm is now 18" long, the previous version being 19-1/2" long. All other aspects of the Crisscross Solo and Retro remain unchanged.

Updated instructions can be downloaded below or on the Benchcrafted website.

Additional Information

Benchcrafted Classic Leg Vise Installation Instructions - 2022.

Benchcrafted Classic Leg Vise Installation Instructions - 2025.