Hovarter Custom Vise X Link Introduction Len Hovarter 2014-09-17 | The X Link is my adaptation of a leg vise scissors mechanism first used in the mid nineteenth century. I have used modern materials to improve on the original design. When paired with the VX 20 vise hardware the vise clamps very hard within 1/2 turn of the handwheel. The mortise for the X Link is 16" long X 1" wide and 1-1/2" deep.
Hovarter Face Vise Operation Len Hovarter 2017-04-11 | This is a short video showing the operation of the Hovarter face vise. The vise shown is set up as a twin handle vise with wooden hubs and handles. The vise may also be set up with metal hand wheels and can also be set up to use only one hand wheel or hub and handle. The Hovarter face vise uses a patented mechanism to allow for quick action clamping and release and either handle may be used to clamp the work. You may clamp work anywhere in the jaws with no racking. This vise is very easy to install and is sometimes referred to as a twin screw vise or quick action face vise. It makes an excellent dovetail vise because of the drop through clamping.
Hovarter Leg Vise Operation Len Hovarter 2017-04-11 | This is a short video showing the operation of the Hovarter leg vise. The vise shown is used with the X Link parallel guide. The X Link replaces the lower pin board commonly used with leg vises and makes adjustments to various sized work a snap. This type of parallel guide is sometimes referred to as a Saint Peter’s Cross. The Hovarter leg vise uses a patented mechanism to allow for quick action clamping and release. You may also customize your leg vise by using a wooden hub and handle or make your own handle! This vise is very easy to install.
VX20F Operation Len Hovarter 2017-03-27 | Short video showing the operation of the twin handle face vise on my latest workbench. The single handle version operates identically.
VX20 Operation Len Hovarter 2017-03-27 | Short video showing the leg vise in action on my latest workbench.
001 Len Hovarter 2016-11-23 | I frequently use a utility knife in my day to day life and more often than not I must go on a search mission to find it when it is needed. Often I find it in or near our shipping department which is run by my wife. I decided to tackle this problem head on so I decided to head off to the local home center and buy another knife. My current utility knife is a basic solid handled retractable blade model with a nice rubber grip. I have had it for quite a while so I have not shopped for a knife in quite a while and was very surprised at the wide variety available. I ended up selecting a Milwaukee Fastback Compact Flip utility knife. I picked this model because I liked the styling and I thought its smaller size would fit my wife’s hand better. After I got this knife home I had a real hard time handing it over to my wife. The knife opens quickly by depressing a button with the thumb and flicking the blade out. The locking mechanism seems to hold very well. The metal blade holder is very finely finished and features a nice quick blade change button. This knife also has a metal belt clip to allow for convenient carrying. This is a no frills, light and thin knife which I like. Milwaukee makes several other models if you like blade storage, gut hooks wire strippers and larger sized knives. Overall this is a well-made tool with a great price of $8.99. I did finally hand it over to my wife….now I have to head back to the store and get one for me.
Tree Cut Movie Len Hovarter 2016-11-16 | When our shop was built about 20 years ago there was a small oak tree about 15 feet away. It was a nice tree and provided some decent shade. It was also a good place to put out the bird feeders (and squirrel feeder) for the wide variety of Woodpeckers, Finches, Cardinals and Bluebirds. It is always interesting how the trees grow so slowly that you don’t even perceive how large they have become. Our once small tree had become 50 feet tall, 28 inches in diameter and was overhanging the shop and required constant trimming to keep the branches off of the roof. We decided it was time for the old oak tree to come down. Since the tree was so close to the shop and there was limited space to drop it we hired a professional tree cutter to bring it down in pieces.Some friends recommended a tree cutter that they had used so we contacted him and made arrangements to have the tree eliminated. Aaron, our tree cutting professional, arrived early on a beautiful Saturday morning with a single young helper. I am always interested in how things are done and what kinds of tools are needed to efficiently finish a job. Aaron was outfitted with climbing spurs, safety harness, long nylon rope a small Stihl chain saw and a very nice hand saw with a belt mounted sheath. The hand saw was super sharp and could easily slice through smaller branches. I was so taken with the ease and efficiency that Aaron was able to methodically dismantle the tree that I had to take some video. Aaron used rope with a taught line hitch knot to create a climbing line that would slip when required but lock tightly when needed to quickly climb up and down the tree. Having the right tools and equipment really makes a job easier, but having a lot of experience doing a job is priceless. The best part of this story is that Aaron learned his trade in 1982 and is 58 years old and has never been injured on the job. This story should inspire you to buy the best tools you can afford and practice with them whenever you can. As for me I will be staying on the ground for a while finishing the woodcutting started by Aaron’s precision work.
Hovarter Vise on CNC Router Table Len Hovarter 2016-10-06 | Dave built this CNC router. When I first saw the pictures I though it was a commercial product. Amazing job! This is a very unique and innovative use of the VX20F vise. It is really cool to see the high level of craftsmanship that's out there and I am excited to be associated with it.
VX20W Installation & Operation Overview Len Hovarter 2015-12-25 | This is an overview of the new VX20W quick action wagon vise installation and operation.
VX20F Installation Overview Len Hovarter 2015-12-07 | Overview of the installation of the new VX20F quick action twin handle face vise from Hovarter Custom Vise.
Rack Bar Len Hovarter 2015-09-08 | New design adjustable rack bar replaces old solid transfer bar for the Hovarter Custom face vises and the new wooden threaded handle and hub replaces the old style handle and knobs..
X Link Features Len Hovarter 2015-02-16 | Features and advantages of the new X Link leg vise parallel guide.
Hovarter Custom Vise VX 20 Introduction Len Hovarter 2014-07-16 | The VX 20 from Hovarter Custom Vise is a versatile quick action vise mechanism that may be used as a leg vise or a variety of other applications. The vise may be customized with your choice of metal hand wheel or wooden hub and handle.
