Lee Valley Replica Recessed Bench Stop

Inspired by the Millers Falls #56 Bench Hook, the Lee Valley Replica Recessed Bench Stop is a simple retrofit to any bench at least 1" thick. Mounting is as simple as drilling a 2" diameter hole for the cup and a concentric 1" diameter hole for the shaft, and securing the stop in place with three screws.

Interestingly enough, before Millers Falls released their model #56, an even earlier version of the bench stop was patented in 1910 by the Goodell-Pratt Company as the #196 bench hook. Millers Falls acquired Goodell-Pratt in 1932, and tweaked the bench hook design somewhat before releasing it as its own. Nearly 90 years later, it’s our turn to release our reproduction of this classic workbench accessory.

Like its predecessor, but unlike other mortised bench stops, our replica features a four-jaw head that rotates in fixed 90° increments to present the appropriate face while resisting rotation in use. The jaw with the 10 fine teeth bites into thin stock, while the jaw with the four coarse teeth bites into larger workpieces. The stop face provides a simple stop to hold stock without marring it. The V-slot centers and holds narrow stock. Each jaw is just shy of 1 1/4" wide.

Unlike the Millers Falls version, the post on our adaptation has a wedge-lock mechanism that anchors it firmly in position. Releasing the central locking screw pops the sprung head up from the stored position; tightening the central locking screw engages a split nut inside the shaft to lock the shaft at the desired height (up to 3/4" above the work surface). When you are finished using the bench stop, you can set the head flush with the workbench top so it is out of the away when not in use.

The head is A2 tool steel, with a steel shaft and a stainless-steel cup.

A superbly executed version of one of our favorite bench stops. Made in Canada by Veritas Tools.