Gun maintenance bench

Freed up some space in the garage and built this. I've been wanting to clean guns before I bring them and place in my safe. I also do light maintenance like stock changes, scope mounting and take down of a few. I'll mount a vise over the leg. I have a fat wrench and a few gun tools. Other than a block what else I need?

Well done.

I use a Tipton gun vise on my bench. It's mostly made of plastic but is adjustable and has held up fine. If I was a smith I would probably get something a little more heavy duty. Mounted a vise to the bench as well.

I thought about the Tipton, but with a conventional, multi purpose vise that has a pivoting base and rotating head it will serve the same purpose if I use the front rest shown. A conventional vise will serve other purposes as well. Was thinking a gunsmith kit that has a gazillion tips and configurations such as hex, torx, etc.......

That's a great idea. I have the Tipton and it's good for what it is, but you have the start of a better set-up right there.

Good job, thanks for sharing that.

Good looking set up.

As for more bits, check out Harbor Freight. I'm typically not a big fan of cheap tools, but they had a 100 piece bit set for $9.99 the other day when I was in there. I picked a set up and it has everything from screw driver bits, to hex, to torx, squares, etc. Can't beat it for the price I don't think.

Very nice setup, sir. What is your lighting situation? You may want install a fixture over your bench. For a vise I just use a conventional, multiple purpose unit which I pad when working on guns. I've had no problems with it.

Get a few scraps of tight weave carpet to use as your work surface on the bench. First, if you drop a screw on it, it doesn't go flying off the bench, and it protects the finish on the gun. Get strips of magnets so you can make protective jaws for your vise. For the vise jaws I prefer shoe sole thickness leather, the latigo style leather. Sew 2 pieces of the magnet strips to each side, so you have an angle to cover the top and the jaws, do the same with the some scraps of carpet.

It's 3' x 6' (23" on narrow width). I spotted 4 studs and attached ledger with 4-1/2" screws, used hangers on the runners, only needed one doubled up 2 x 4 for the leg along with a 45° to the wall. I'm limited on floor space.

Unlimited, my stepson is an electrician. I'll turn him loose on that. I'm with you on the vise.

I found some soft rubber, grey in color. It comes in a roll. Was considering this since it won't hold dust and fasteners that I drop will be easy to find against the grey color. Will the magnets adhere, through the leather? If yes, I know a guy.

I took a strip magnet and sewed it to the leather. https://www.amazon.com/Magnum-Magnetics-Adhesive-Magnetic-25-Feet/dp/B00114LU8K Cut a length and sew on one for the jaw and another so it sits on the top of the vise. I punched holes with an awl and sewed it on. Did the same with carpet strips. If you can get tanned leather, wet the leather and form it to the jaws, then attach the magnets. I just realized I need to explain this, the magnets are used to hold the leather in place on the jaws.

I used the carpet because it also absorbs any excess oil. Also small screws and parts don't bounce as bad on carpet as they do on wood. The screws and parts won't roll around either. Not sure on the rubber mat. But I have used the carpet remnants on my workbench for decades.

You punched right through the magnet? I know a leather craftsman, wondering if his heavy duty needle could put a good stitch through the leather. Also, asking him to sew two pieces of leather together on the long edge, making a 90°?.

I got this. With swivel base and rotating head it will do anything I need.