A very nice clockmaker showed me a tool I’d never seen before: a vice for holding clock wheels to easily work on them.

The jaws of the vice are shaped perfectly to hold a wheel for easy access with files or polishing sticks:

I set out making my own based off the pictures I took. On a piece of scrap board I sketched out the base and jaws.

Then I cut those out on the scroll saw, drilled the holes, and found a good bolt to be the central pin and provide the clamping force.

I also made sure to include a smaller pin with a rubber washer that is roughly the thickness of a typical clock wheel.

Then I gave everything a good stain and assembled:

I’m not quite sure the reasons for all the shapes, but I tried to copy the look of the original because it feels like a tried and true design. I like how the jaw assembly swivels to allow access from a range of angles.

I want to thank Francisco Osuna for showing me this tool, his amazing shop and collection, and much kindness and generosity.

Update: I came across this late-sixteenth century (~1590) Flemish engraving of clockmaking, and look at what the clockmakers are holding there wheels in!

Source: https://www.nga.gov/artworks/48746-horologia-ferrea-iron-clocks

So cool!!

You can see me using this vice in this post: https://whatwillmakes.com/2026/05/27/cutting-a-brass-gear-by-hand-without-an-index-plate/