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NON RACKING Front Vice Fitted to Workbench with Apron

Posted on September 26 2025

Installing an HNT Gordon Wide Jaw Front Vice with a Front Apron

Overview
This approach recesses the vice into the back of the bench apron for a clean look and smooth action, while keeping options open for different apron thicknesses and mounting orientations.

1. Prepare and Mark

Decide the vice centre and mark carefully.
Chisel a recess about 25 mm deep in the back of the apron to house the base plate.
This typically reduces the vice’s maximum opening by roughly 20 mm, which is fine for most work.

Variation by apron thickness

Thinner than 45 mm: Reduce the recess depth to keep strength in the front face.
Thicker than 45 mm: Increase the recess or adjust packers so the jaw sits 1–2 mm below the benchtop.

2. Drill the Through-Hole

Drill a 5.5 mm pilot hole through the apron from the front.
From the rear, use a 76 mm hole saw to bore in 25 mm (guided by the pilot).
From the front, use a 51 mm hole saw to cut all the way through.
Clean up with a chisel for a neat fit.

3. Mount and Fine-Tune

Position the base plate in the recess and test the vice.
Insert or remove thin packers (around 1 mm) under the plate to align jaws perfectly.
Bolt up firmly, ensuring the vice pulls up square.

4. Optional Base Plate Reversal

The HNT Gordon installation guide notes you can reverse the base plate by removing four bolts and turning it around

Front Vice Wide Jaw - Installation

Standard orientation: Base plate flush with the 75 mm barrel, the bench apron itself becomes the back jaw.
Reversed orientation: The 75 mm barrel projects forward so you can screw on a false jaw (about 20 mm thick). This is ideal if you want a replaceable wooden back jaw or need more clearance.

5. Seasonal Adjustment & Final Check

Wood movement may cause tightness. If so, slightly enlarge the hole.
Check that jaws close parallel; add leather or cork to the aluminium jaw if you want extra grip.

Result
A neat, strong installation that accommodates different apron thicknesses and allows either the standard or reversed base plate orientation for a custom fit.

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