I also had an idea for a leg-vice that closed without 'racking'. In the end, I decided to opt for a separate, portable vice for dovetailing, and I didn't do much about my idea.

Initially, I saw the problem of the vice needing a board and peg at the bottom, and I just thought about a vice-thread, and a wheel I could operate with my foot. But even that wasn't automatic. Then of course, I realised the solution was staring me in the face.

It's probably the only real solution, so I think it's the same as yours Peter. Just wish I was younger, I might have sent my idea further too! Best of luck with it.
Cheers. Woodrow

Edited by Undercut - 01 May 2012 at 9:43am

Well Ray,

That might well be similar to my idea, but I can't see exactly how that particular leg-vice closes and opens perpendicularly. (Is that a word?)

There is another solution on YouTube, which is a scissor-bracket under the screw, between the vice sides. It works very well too. The problem again though, is that there isn't a lot of 'drop-space' below the vice jaws whatever method used. The screw is going to get in the way, and there is a limit for how high the vice can be, above the screw, without flexure.

My solution would look very much like the one you linked me too. Just think of a Veritas twin-screw vice placed vertically against the bench leg. Yes? That isn't exactly how it would look, but the mechanism for keeping the jaws and the bottom of the vice parallel, would be the same as used in the Veritas for keeping that parallel just by moving one screw. But as I said, I think I am going for a wide, portable twin-screw vice that cramps to the bench just for dovetailing; with a Paramo Quick-release for normal work. (No tail vice for me.)
Cheers
WL

Yep... As I thought. Like a Veritas twin screw vice, mounted vertically.
I thought I'd had a great idea. It's a good job I didn't try to patent it. Now, as I did think of it, independently, and before I saw the LN vice, I'll make myself one. Where can I get two old bikes and a new chain!

Regards
Wl

Hi Derek,

I agree about the 'daft idea' philosophy. No matter how hare-brained things seem, if they do a job, then fair goes!

Peter, you are but a chicken, but your outlook is the same as mine. I do try. But try getting a book published these days! Fine, until they find out I am well past my three-score and ten! Then they do the figures and realise they haven't much time to make money with me!
Ageism is alive and well, sadly.

I do like the idea for the leg vice though. It's removed the one problem I had with it. stooping down to adjust the board at the base. Hence my idea (Virtually the same as yours) to get a couple of sprockets, a bike chain and fix them to two screws. It will serve me personally, so that's the main thing. Onward and upward; no intention of giving up woodworking.

I almost forgot... I attained perfection a  few years ago. I am seeking higher levels now!
Ever the optimist!

All the Best

Woodrow

Edited by Undercut - 13 May 2012 at 10:35am