New bench & vise; need ideas for small bench and good vise

KH · Nov 30, 2024

I just received a Kibler Woodsrunner kit and am looking forward to the build, but first, I need to build a new bench.
Since moving and downsizing recently to Arizona, I need to build a new bench. Garage isn’t huge, so the bench needs to be modest in size, heavy, sturdy, on casters and has a good vice. Multi purpose really.
Any thoughts and photos would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you gents.

Lead Nuggets · Nov 30, 2024

I’ve built a few in the kitchen thank goodness the other half is a good sport!

ZUG · Nov 30, 2024

Go here -<https://www.youtube.com/@RexKrueger/store> he has a few workbench plans and from now till Christmas they are on sale. Pick the one you like and buy the plans. The plans are downloaded in a PDF file - print them out - build it - done. As for a vise you have a few good choices. Pattern makers vise <> -- Parriott Jaw vise <> - Machinist vise <https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=machinist+vise>

kansas_volunteer · Nov 30, 2024

KH said:
I just received a Kibler Woodsrunner kit and am looking forward to the build, but first, I need to build a new bench.
Since moving and downsizing recently to Arizona, I need to build a new bench. Garage isn’t huge, so the bench needs to be modest in size, heavy, sturdy, on casters and has a good vice. Multi purpose really.
Any thoughts and photos would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you gents.

For me, the ideal small bench top measures two by five feet. Made to my preferred height, I can stand at the center and easily reach anything without bending over except the farthest corners, which require only a slight lean, saving your back.

A conventional wood working vise mounted to the face of the bench is most practical for a general use bench. A "pattern makers" vise is the go-to for a gun only bench. Such vises were sold as gunstock makers vises, until anti gunning grew in strength. A true pattern makers vice is a much more complex and heavy thing mounted to the face of the bench.

LME · Nov 30, 2024

Lead Nuggets said:
I’ve built a few in the kitchen thank goodness the other half is a good sport!

Did you have a special reason for the way you installed the blade?

Lead Nuggets · Nov 30, 2024

LME said:
Did you have a special reason for the way you installed the blade?

No it was late,but it did get turned around.I knew I was going to get busted

.

Sam squanch · Nov 30, 2024

Workbenches with casters need a very secure way to lock them.

Rob M. · Nov 30, 2024

My favorite !!

billraby · Dec 1, 2024

My workbench is 1 x 7 feet. Having it only 1 foot wide is great because I can easily work from either side. Problem is that you actually need more space for the skinny workbench. You need a few feet on either side for room to work. Have to put it in the middle of the room.

bajabuc · Dec 1, 2024

check this guy out. "The Next Project"

as a gun bench it doesn't need to be as wide...consider fewer 2x4's

LME · Dec 1, 2024

Lead Nuggets said:
No it was late,but it did get turned around.I knew I was going to get busted .

We all have littles glitches once in a while! I even made a mistake once. It really tore me up. I couldn't get over makeing such a terrible mistake! I remember it to this day! What happened was I thought I had made a mistake but found out later I was wasn't. LOL!

KH · Dec 1, 2024

Rob M. said:
My favorite !!

Wow, that bench has seen some things. I love it.
Nice job on inletting that side plate.

KH · Dec 1, 2024

billraby said:
My workbench is 1 x 7 feet. Having it only 1 foot wide is great because I can easily work from either side. Problem is that you actually need more space for the skinny workbench. You need a few feet on either side for room to work. Have to put it in the middle of the room.

Yeah, my situation is that there is no wall space for it, therefore, it will be accessed on all sides and I need good casters to move it around. I’m thinking 6x2 ish?

KH · Dec 1, 2024

ZUG said:
Go here -<https://www.youtube.com/@RexKrueger/store> he has a few workbench plans and from now till Christmas they are on sale. Pick the one you like and buy the plans. The plans are downloaded in a PDF file - print them out - build it - done. As for a vise you have a few good choices. Pattern makers vise <> -- Parriott Jaw vise <> - Machinist vise <https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=machinist+vise>

Thank you for the videos. I had no idea such a vise existed. That “pattern makers” vise is what I’m going to go with I think. Also, good advise on the second video about proper usage.

KH · Dec 1, 2024

Sam squanch said:
Workbenches with casters need a very secure way to lock them.

I agree. I have tool cabinets with casters that have “brakes” but they don’t hold anything secure enough to make it not wiggle. I’m thinking the type of caster that fully retracts off the floor leaving the object sitting completely on its feet. Maybe these?

Rob M. · Dec 1, 2024

KH said:
Wow, that bench has seen some things. I love it.
Nice job on inletting that side plate.

Thanks ... I love it but ...its was expensive . I know I got 5 bucks in it for sure ....probably closer to $10 with the screws and varnish .

I built it out of scrap lumber found in a barn . The vice screw was 5 bucks at the flea market ... The outside jaw found in said barn , inside jaw I made out of a thick board found in the barn . Make sure you secure that bench good ! No shake or wobble ! Very important ! All the best to ya

rp77469 · Dec 1, 2024

Here is an older discussion. https://www.muzzleloadingforum.com/threads/building-a-work-bench.125742/

@billraby has gone through several iterations of benches over the years in his videos. He posted here in the last 90 days about his latest and best to date in the 4 Bore Rifle Build #2 - Tools episode 52:38 long thread. He shows 3 benches beginning ~5 minutes in.

ZUG · Dec 1, 2024

KH said:
I agree. I have tool cabinets with casters that have “brakes” but they don’t hold anything secure enough to make it not wiggle. I’m thinking the type of caster that fully retracts off the floor leaving the object sitting completely on its feet. Maybe these?

I did this to an assembly bench and it works great. I saw the idea on "The New Yankee Workshop" years ago. They had a single peddle lift in the middle of each end of the bench and a pull-rope to release each end. My assembly bench is not a heavy bench I only use it for lay-outs and assembly not sawing or pounding on. The heaver the bench the harder it is to lift and move.

Mgbruch · Dec 1, 2024

My shop is only 12'X12'. My wood bench is 36"X66", and my metal bench is 24"X48". My drill press and bandsaw are on wheels, so they can be out of the way when not in use. I have a machinists vise on the metal bench, and the gun builders vise on the wood bench. Their height is what's comfortable for me.

SOLANCO · Dec 1, 2024

https://www.leevalley.com/en-us/shop/tools/workshop/workbenches

New bench & vise; need ideas for small bench and good vise

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