Bracket supports long stock at workbench

Many workbenches—homemade and commercial models alike—don't incorporate features to support long pieces protruding from the vise. As a result, it's necessary to scrounge around for an acceptable temporary support or go look for someone to serve as a willing assistant. Both of these remedies take you away from the task at hand.

Here's an inexpensive solution: Modify and install a readily available shelf bracket on your workbench. First, screw a 1¹⁄₂ - 2' length of vertical shelf standard to one leg of your workbench as shown above. Then, grab a metal shelf bracket and for the protection of your workpieces, face it with a grooved piece of wood or foam, glued in place with epoxy. You may wish to make several brackets of different sizes and configurations to handle special situations. Adjust the bracket up and down for various stock widths. This setup gives you a sturdy, economical, and timesaving support system.
—Tom E. Moore, Madison, Va.