New workbench vise is not level??

[bigdude]

I just installed a small workbench and a Yost vise in my basement. I mounted the workbench to the studs in the wall. Now my problem is the vise is level. When I place a rifle in the vise it is not level. Any suggestions?

<a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1377.photobucket.com/albums/ah69/bigdude011/bench_zpsmid8jaza.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo bench_zpsmid8jaza.jpg"/></a>

<a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1377.photobucket.com/albums/ah69/bigdude011/vise%20with%20gun_zpsztop4xb6.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo vise with gun_zpsztop4xb6.jpg"/></a>

<a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1377.photobucket.com/albums/ah69/bigdude011/small%20level_zps3tqwhrjz.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo small level_zps3tqwhrjz.jpg"/></a>

 

[-Brent-]

I assume the surface of the bench is level in the same plane you are checking? Did you check the vise without the firearm in it? I ask because maybe those jaws are out of square.

 

[bob15]

What length level did you use to check the levelness of the bench? And how centered was the bubble in the level?

Also, I wouldn't consider that vise a ultra-precise vise. You have a shop vise, not a metrology lab instrument.

 

[DHCrocks]

If the bench is level shim the vise base to get it level. You could use a washer or cut strips of sheetmetal.

 

[2oolhound]

Did you check all the levels you used by reading the bubble north and south then flipping it to read south and north to see if there was any change in the bubble position?

When you installed the soft jaw inserts did you make sure there was no dirt or debris on the surfaces?

You may have to shim your vise inserts. You can use long feeler gauge blades for this if you can't find proper shim stock.

 

[bigdude]

I assume the surface of the bench is level in the same plane you are checking? Did you check the vise without the firearm in it? I ask because maybe those jaws are out of square.

No, I just checked and the bench surface is off as well. I checked the vise without the firearm in it and it is also off but not as much.

 

[bigdude]

thanks for the replies, gonna shim it.

 

[racinfarmer]

Drink until it is level.

Problem solved.

 

[454ragtop]

Also note that that vise with those inserts probably won't repeat very well, so if the gun being level is critical, you'll have to check it each time you mount it in the vise.

 

[LXCam]

I'd move.

 

[visedog]

Maybe your vise is racking a little. Its jaws would be level when closed, but slightly out of level when open. Just a thought.

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

Don't they make vises specifically for guns? It it critical that it is level?
If so get a vise where you can clamp the gun and then adjust to make it level.

Seriously, I've never thought of putting a level on a vise. Is it even possible to repeatedly accurately position an object that doesn't have flat surfaces in a vise.

 

[-Brent-]

I'd move.

HAHA!

 

[AffableCurmudgeon]

No, I just checked and the bench surface is off as well. I checked the vise without the firearm in it and it is also off but not as much.

Sorry, not trying to be a smart *** but you should have made sure that bench was level when you installed the bench. You should have also checked if the vice is level when you installed the vice on a level bench. The gun is not automatically going to be level on a slanted surface.

 

[PelicanPines]

Proof the earth is no longer flat.


Yes... shim the bench first ... get that balls on flat... check in three directions... front back, side side and opposite corners ...

Then shim the vise.

Then test the clamping surfaces of the vise... still ok?...

 

[ptgarcia]

Drink until it is level.

Problem solved.

 

[PelicanPines]

An alternative.... shim the house.

 

[rlitman]

An alternative.... shim the house.

Isn't that how we do things around here. He's just got to deal with the HOA over his leaning house, and his neighbors when his house falls on their property.

 

[Moparman390]

Drink until it is level.

Problem solved.

Obviously