Im looking to buy a heavy duty bench for gunsmithing. It really doesn't matter if it's constructed of metal or wood, It just has to be really sturdy for vice mounting. I don't want to be torqing on an AR barrel and have the whole table fall over type of thing happen.

Thanks, DD out!!  

I don't recall seeing a gunsmiths bench advertised as such but I haven't been reading SGN Gun List etc for quite a while.

Most Gunsmithing books cover building your bench to suit your space and body size as one of the first chapters.

I've been playing around with a design for a compact sturdy coverable workbench for a small space.
The top would unfold sort of like a piano keyboard cover.It would have tools mounted to it to save space.The vise would be mounted on a board the was hinged at the back so it could be moved out of the way or clamped down for serious work.

Just my opinion,but I would build my own bench so it would be as comfortable as possible.If you aren't going to use it that much,go to a Home Depot or the like and buy a kit.Look at the assembled model.If you can rock it back and forth,it's going to need bracing up.You can use an other wise too light bench with a brace or two added especially where the vise is anchored.
Feel free to contact me if I can help or you want to tell me how full of it I am.

Robert.

Strong-Tie fasteners make a quick and easy bench fron 2x4s that is very sturdy.  You can get them at either Home Depot or Lowes.  A heavy tool kit on a lower shelf adds much to keeping a lite bench still when torqueing on a barrel.

you can make a super heavy bench for about 50 bucks.
use 3/4" plywood for the top 4x4 for the legs and 2x4 to box in the table.  then run a 2x4 spine.  you can then box in an area under the vice and butch it up with a horizontal 2x4's mounted under the vice.  it won't come loose.   screw it all together with deck screws and 1/4" lag bolts.  secure the vice with 1/4"-4" bolts.  if you need extra weight build a shelf about 1'-2' off the ground and use it to store lead shot and tools.      

I built several benches with the Simpson strong ties brackets, one of them I use for my reloading bench. Those kits work great-I am not a carpenter, they still turned out good! They have a project booklet that is free at the home depot, all the cuts are straight ones, and you can have the people at the depot to cut them for you. But on the other hand, WW Grainger sells some work benches with maple butcher block top and you can get the optional back boards/side boards. Thinking on getting one of these for work.

Here are pics of the bench that I am building.  I am making it so that it can be taken apart should I move.  For the bench top I will be using 2x10's.  When done it will also have a 2'x8' pegboard for hanging tools.  I will post the finished bench when it is done.

[img]http://photos.ar15.com/WS_Content/ImageGallery/Attachments/DownloadAttach.asp?sAccountUnq=21422&iGalleryUnq=833&iImageUnq=15824[/img]

[img]http://photos.ar15.com/WS_Content/ImageGallery/Attachments/DownloadAttach.asp?sAccountUnq=21422&iGalleryUnq=833&iImageUnq=15825[/img]

[img]http://photos.ar15.com/WS_Content/ImageGallery/Attachments/DownloadAttach.asp?sAccountUnq=21422&iGalleryUnq=833&iImageUnq=15826[/img]

Raptor, that's a stout looking bench!Will the bench to overhang any so the lower shelf won't be uncomfortable to your shins?
A Vise bolted to a corner shouldn't go anywhere with a 2x10 top for sure.
Good Work,Robert.

There will be about 5" of overhang.  It is high enough so that I can work comfortably standing or sitting on a stool.

Raptor22, that looks mighty sturdy.

Here's one I did that contains a low-vis compartment in it.  

[url]http://www.ofoto.com/PhotoView.jsp?collid=62125813303&photoid=39837939903&page=2&UV=511097845958_67076939903&refreshkey=1060437514097[/url]

I used a piano hinge to fasten the lid (scroll to next pic). When the lid is closed it looks like a bench, but you can store stuff in it.  I put it on wheels so I can pull it out and clean behind it.  In the background is one of three general purpose benches I made.  It has a small vise and my FAL barreling rig on it.  Those benches are on wheels, too, for the same reason.  They probably cost $40-50 each to build and have held up well to severe pounding.  I've torqued more than a few FAL barrels on that thing with no problems.  I glued & screwed the plywood top to the 2x4 frame, so it isn't going anywhere.


Jim

That is almost identical to a bench I built, but to stabilize it I lag bolted to the wall.  12' long 2x3/4" ply. Elephants could f*ck on it - would not move. Too bad I could not take it when the "party was over".

Enjoy.