Purchased first vise-

[bigdude]

I finally got around to creating a workspace for my recreational activities (firearms). So I purchased a workbench and a Yost bench vise with 4” jaws (model #204). Pictures of the workbench and vise can be seen below.

I have two questions regarding the bench vise. First, did I purchase “too much” vise for my needs? I plan on using the vise for scope mounting, cleaning, assembly/disassembly and repairs of firearms…and that’s pretty much it. FYI, the workbench weighs approximately 130 lbs and the vise weighs 57 lbs.





Second, is it 100% necessary with respect to my workbench and vise, to mount a sub-plate between the vise base and the workbench table? I was considering mounting an aluminum (6061) sub-plate with a thickness of .5”. The workbench tabletop is wood and 1.5” thick.

I appreciate any input, thanks.

 

[d.mcfarland]

If you put the aluminum below the wood it might help but above the wood it really isn't doing much.

 

[1982fxr]

That is a kick *** vise and you are in waaaaayyyyy overkill territory for your needs. Congrats.

 

[gdocktor3]

Yea that's overkill for firearms, but when the day comes you do need a larger vise for something else, you'll be glad you have it. I used an old, solid industrial wood door as my bench top and I mounted the vise on the stainless steel kickplates. This way the bolts didn't dig into the benchtop and I can hammer on the anvil without destroying the wood.

 

[Richard Cranium]

I agree with GDocktor3

 

[bigdude]

Re: Purchased first vise...

If you put the aluminum below the wood it might help but above the wood it really isn't doing much.

Thank you for the reply. I will place it underneath the wood. I only assumed it went directly below the base of the vise because I saw this picture here on this forum.

 

[bigdude]

Thanks to everyone for the replies. I guess buying too much vise isn't the end of the world. When I was shopping for bench vises, I only had two requirements: the vise must be made in the USA and the vise needs to have a swivel base.

 

[mitusa]

Yea that's overkill for firearms, but when the day comes you do need a larger vise for something else, you'll be glad you have it. I used an old, solid industrial wood door as my bench top and I mounted the vise on the stainless steel kickplates. This way the bolts didn't dig into the benchtop and I can hammer on the anvil without destroying the wood.

This^^^

Put the plate under the vise and use washers under the wood. That will prevent the vise from digging into the wood when you use it for "heavier" duties. Like prying on something and putting pressure on the vise fore and aft or side to side. Washers on the bottom (or another plate) will also help.

 

[gdocktor3]

Thanks to everyone for the replies. I guess buying too much vise isn't the end of the world. When I was shopping for bench vises, I only had two requirements: the vise must be made in the USA and the vise needs to have a swivel base.

You did confirm the vise is USA made, right? Not all Yost vises are made in the USA.

 

[bigdude]

You did confirm the vise is USA made, right? Not all Yost vises are made in the USA.

Yes, this particular model (204) is made in the USA. I paid $380 for it and would be surprised if any vise made in China/Taiwan sells for that much. The Yost website does a pretty good job of grouping the USA made/China made/Taiwan made vises separatley, so there is little chance customers will get them confused.