I'm building a workbench this weekend.

What is the minimum size of vise I should get to work on my ARs?

Most people seem to use a 5" or 6".  

I use two 6" heavy duty C-clamps but I'm a WECSOG graduate...

Thanks!  6" vise it is.

Looks like I'll be checking out the hardware stores this weekend.  

What are you building?  If you want to build a FnFal you will need more then "just" a 6-inch vise as timing or disassembly or a FAL will break an average 6-inch cast vise...  Ask me how I know...

If you are doing most anything else...  then the cheap 6-inch will do you fine...

Alos, if you want to build a FAL that bench will need to be RUGED in a big way!  Mine is made out of 2x6s running around the outside with an extra down the middle of the bench, 4x4 posts, and a heavy shelf half way down under the top.  The top was mad out of 3/4-inc plywood and my bench on the back wall is lagged to a stud wall.

When I was building my FAL we lifted the bench off the floor to get that barrel off the stub....!!!

Quoted: Thanks!  6" vise it is. Looks like I'll be checking out the hardware stores this weekend.

Last I checked, Lowes carries Wilton vices.  Good stuff.

Quoted: What are you building?

Strictly ARs and any home projects the wife assigns..

Quoted: Quoted: Thanks!  6" vise it is. Looks like I'll be checking out the hardware stores this weekend.   Last I checked, Lowes carries Wilton vices.  Good stuff.

Hmmm..  I was at Lowes last week, and I see they sell a line of vises called Kobalt?

I'll check Lowes tomorrow.

Quoted: What are you building?  If you want to build a FnFal you will need more then "just" a 6-inch vise as timing or disassembly or a FAL will break an average 6-inch cast vise...  Ask me how I know... If you are doing most anything else...  then the cheap 6-inch will do you fine... Alos, if you want to build a FAL that bench will need to be RUGED in a big way!  Mine is made out of 2x6s running around the outside with an extra down the middle of the bench, 4x4 posts, and a heavy shelf half way down under the top.  The top was mad out of 3/4-inc plywood and my bench on the back wall is lagged to a stud wall. When I was building my FAL we lifted the bench off the floor to get that barrel off the stub....!!!

A fantastic bench top is a solid core door.  get one "virgin", i.e. undrilled for hinges/knob.  They're alittle on the spendy side (I think it was something like $40 at Lowes a few years ago) but it's big, it's solid, it's thick, and it comes with a pretty dang good finished surface.  I also put a couple coats of polyurethane stain to seal the grain and minimize oils from getting under the surface layer.

Other than that my bench (4x4 legs, heavy shelf out of 3/4 ply) is the same as Quarterbore's.

One other thing;  if you're smart you'll build the bench in such a manner that you can take it apart.  I used 1/2" carriage bolts to lock down the top and hold the leg/shelf "frames" together;  when moving time comes I'll just unbolt everything and it'll move a lot easier.