I am starting to plan my gun room starting with what I need on a tool bench. Adding stuff to my Amazon wishlist.I love putting together ARs and to make that easier a nice vise would be great. Amazon Prime even includes FREE delivery!
I mean a real bench vise. I have a smaller vise that you clamp down to a bench edge but it just doesn't cut it. I have a good tool box with lots of room, drawers and tools.
What else should a dedicated tool bench have?
- Good lighting
- Vise blocks for magwells
- Vise clamps for lowers and uppers
- One of those lamps with a magnifying glass
--After I get the tool bench set up I will start on a reloading bench!
Instead of a vice clamp, check out Geissele's reaction rod. Works great without potential of warping the upper. There are some knock offs around for 1/3 the cost.
ReplyDeletelemme know if you find a good source for that lamp-magnifying glass thingy.
ReplyDeleteMight want to also consider a magnetic parts tray such as:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.grainger.com/product/WESTWARD-Magnetic-Tray-4YCK4?s_pp=false
and/or a good rubber mat with some sort of lip.
I was company armorer for a little more than a year. The tools I used most were my punches, fine files and my little brass hammer. I still have them all since those sorts of tools were expendables and the supply sgt was a buddy.
ReplyDeleteThe files and punches sit in a bucket in the basement rarely used. The little brass hammer was commandeered 30 years ago by the CSM (Command Spousal Mate for those of you unfamiliar with the chain of command) for hanging pictures and such.
Oh, yeah, and my forgery skills - Top, XO and CO wanted no part of signing every damned piece of paper required for the arms room.
Yep, DEFINITELY include a magnetic parts tray... Nothing like losing the ONE spring/pin/whatever and having to wait two weeks to get one... BTDT...
ReplyDeletevise
ReplyDeleteSoft jaws for your vise - something that will stay in place even when the vise is not tightened. That way, you don't bugger up the barrel when you clamp it in the vise.
ReplyDeleteHead mounted magnifying visor - for later, if you don't need it already.
Good set of screwdrivers for guns - Brownells for example.
Good lighting, plus task lighting.
Workbench for general work (filing, sawing, pounding, etc.) is lower than the bench you use for reloading. The height of the work IN THE VISE is critical. This is worth having some ability to adjust the bench height - at least until you have it right, but don't sacrifice the bench's solidity.