Saw Chocks Upgrade

I have clamped saws in a vise for four decades. This method holds the saws and keeps the plate firmly rigid to prevent flex and it works just fine. One thing that is irritating when it happens is that last split-second slippage when all three components slip the grasp of the vise as you cinch it tight. Time to start over.

This week I decided to add magnets to the insides of my chock strips for either side of my saws. I've planned it for months now but procrastinated because of ordering magnets.

I spaced the magnets towards one end and then set them seven or so inches apart to take 10" saws and on up. I don't really like or use shorter saws than 10" that much generally, though I do have a couple of shorter ones for really fine model-type work.

One mistake is putting the magnets exactly opposite. Duh! They will actually still pull fine but you will feel the slight resistance of the two opposing forces. Not enough to make a change on mine but offset them 1/2" will be better I think.

Drill the recesses so that the magnets sit dead flush or a paper thickness above the surface, thin paper.

Remember if you use a brace and bit the recess will not be level.

I used a 3/16" chisel to chisel down the recess on the high side so that the magnet sits evenly and level.

Also, these rare earth magnets will crack if you are too heavy handed cinching down the screw into the countersink. Oops! How do I know this?Aim for snug. I have had success using just superglue with magnets without holes on some projects so you might consider that as another option too.