These were little proof-of-concept experiments, but they ended up working pretty well for me.
Here's a writeup in case you'd like to make your own: (PDF)
Happy carving!
These jaws mimic the action of some “spoon mules,” which pinch the workpiece when the user pushes outward on two wooden bars using their feet or knees.
This design mimics the action of some “shave horses,” which pinch the workpiece when the user steps on a lever. It requires only one hole through the workbench for the rope.
