Third hand tools

I haven't, but it sounds like a good idea.

Those vises with vacuum base are handy for that.

No, but  I have been known to clamp it down to the edge of my work bench with a small C-clamp.

I tried that and it still moved.

I have a vice with a built-in clamp, err clamped to the work bench when needed.

& a pillar stand for a power drill, that would need bolting to the desk.

I have a GRS Benchmate system that I ordered through work and its weight keeps things from moving around on the bench. A few variations can be found here -
http://www.riogrande.com/Search/third-hand

I've never cared for the units with magnifiers because they are inherently top heavy and they tend to tip and slide. The X-Acto style third hand tools suffer from the same flaw, but I also tend to chew through them pretty quickly because the locking mechanisms can be flimsy. The Benchmates aren't cheap, but they are well made and built to last.

Great resource. Thanks for posting.

EJ

Peaches ;

     What I have done is get a good piece of MDF and drill holes for the third hands .  ( you can use a nice MDF shelf for instance ) . You need to counter sink the bottom of the holes . Then you use wing nuts and counter sunk head bolts to hold them where you want them . I can change all their positions at least four times .

Take the MDF and put some stick on rubber button feet on it and it won't move around either !

Harbor Freight sells them for $3-$4. I have several of them and use them all. If you need to secure it then try double sided tape.

 

http://www.harborfreight.com/catalogsearch/result?q=third+hand

I made a pocket/recess in my latest bench that takes a piece of 2 x 4.  I mount any such accessory- vise, third hand, etc.  to a piece of 2 x 4 and stick it in the recess in the front edge.