Mounting a large vise...

[midnightcruise]

I finished up my Prentiss #56 vise (weight 136 lbs).

I am thinking about using a 6x6 post to mount my vise. It seems to me that concreting a 6x6 wood post into the garage floor would be better then using a steel post. The wood is solid, but still provides a small amount of cushion, helping to absorb impact and prevent damage to the vise and floor.

I was looking for a steel beam, and found a few, but walking through the lumber yard, I started thinking about using a wood post...

Has anyone else used a wood post? What were the results?

Thanks!

 

[bluebolt]

Kind of like using a large stump for an anvil idea. Don't think I would concrete the 6x6 in the floor, maybe a 6x6 metal "socket" bolted to the floor to hold the post. Easy to change the post if it cracked badly.

 

[78Bird]

I agree, bolt down a heavy set of brackets to hold the post in place, then mount the vice to that. Can be moved or removed much easier if desired.

 

[midnightcruise]

Thanks for the ideas... I will be working on this next week... Will post pics as I do.

 

[mjozefow]

I would go larger than a 6x6 if possible. It isn't hard to put a lot of torsion on a post with a vise that size on it.

 

[rockchucker]

^ Agreed. At even 3'-4' off the ground that is a lot of leverage. I would use at least an 8x8 Post. I would not mount it on Wood though. It is going to be hard to mount a Bracket that will hold a Post true while applying a good amount of force. I would have a 6x6 Square Steel Stock welded to a Base 2'x2' for anchoring to the Concrete Floor. The top of the post needs only to mimic the Base of the Vise. Through Bolts and be done.

Just my .o2 though

 

[shotgunfatcat]

Don't forget wood warps! Although something that size at that length wouldn't askew much. I would go with 6x6 tubing with a bolted base, fill the tube with concrete or sand to help with impact absorption.

 

[midnightcruise]

Thanks for the advise... I am convinced and will continue looking for a steel post worthy of mounting it to. btw: filling the post with concrete is a good idea... That will help absorb the impact. Thanks!

 

[DaleK]

Yeah I would try it with one of my 6x6s but they're dry red oak, I've seen lumber yard 6x6s break in half pulling them off the truck.