Uploaded March 2023 | Updated September 2026, 5 days ago
The board jack, or deadman bench, is a very old method used to balance stock that’s being clamped in a vice. Because long boards can be like levers, putting pressure at the very end of the board can cause it to move or even damage the vice.
Most board jacks are built into the bench. Instead of rebuilding my workbench, I came up with this little idea to work as a bench appliance. It uses a 3/4″ hole on my bench as well as a 3/4″ bolt to hold it in place. A heavy duty door hinge allows it to contour to the edge of my table as well as fold up when it’s put away!
Website with the material / tools used list → makethingswithrob.com/board-jack-deadman-bench-appliance
Become a patron! → Patreon.com/makethings
Thank you to my patrons!
Michelle B
Keith Current
William L McNally
Jerry Adams
Tommy QR
Zach Finch
Rich Lightfoot
Tutor the Barbarian
0:00 Intro
1:08 1. Material Explanation
2:04 2. Finding center for the bench board
4:37 3. Modifying the hinge
6:11 4. Bench block hinge profile
8:02 5. Finalizing bench block
8:54 6. Board jack build
10:40 7. Using the board jack / deadman
The board jack, or deadman bench, is a very old method used to balance stock that’s being clamped in a vice. Because long boards can be like levers, putting pressure at the very end of the board can cause it to move or even damage the vice.
Most board jacks are built into the bench. Instead of rebuilding my workbench, I came up with this little idea to work as a bench appliance. It uses a 3/4″ hole on my bench as well as a 3/4″ bolt to hold it in place. A heavy duty door hinge allows it to contour to the edge of my table as well as fold up when it’s put away!
Website with the material / tools used list → makethingswithrob.com/board-jack-deadman-bench-appliance
Become a patron! → Patreon.com/makethings
Thank you to my patrons!
Michelle B
Keith Current
William L McNally
Jerry Adams
Tommy QR
Zach Finch
Rich Lightfoot
Tutor the Barbarian
0:00 Intro
1:08 1. Material Explanation
2:04 2. Finding center for the bench board
4:37 3. Modifying the hinge
6:11 4. Bench block hinge profile
8:02 5. Finalizing bench block
8:54 6. Board jack build
10:40 7. Using the board jack / deadman
