I have a chxering cradle packed away somewhere too. I built it maybe 30+yrs ago. Used it a few times.
But found that simply mounting the wood back onto the metal or a simple piece of 2x2 and holding onto that metal or 2x2 in the engraving vise was a lot more convenient. Plus I didn't have to stand while checkering or carving.
Whatever works for you..

>>Wiscborn,,,Thanks for posting that link to Ullmans.