Making a Versatile Stone Holder / Hand Vise

This stone holder/hand-vise is extremely useful. It is made by bolting two pieces of hardwood together at roughly the points indicated below, and then glueing rubber or leather pads at the top. Leather is better. Tightening of the bolts, first at the bottom and then top will cinch and hold just about anything until it is loosened intentionally. Good hardwood can be salvaged from broken wood pallets.