simple tool question

[sigstroker]

For reasons I won't go into here, I don't have, nor can I get, a solid bench or table that would make for proper mounting of a vise at this time. Would a Black & Decker Workmate or something like that work to clamp up something like an AR upper to remove or tighten a barrel nut? Or would that be too flimsy?

[Aeneas]

For reasons I won't go into here, I don't have, nor can I get, a solid bench or table that would make for proper mounting of a vise at this time. Would a Black & Decker Workmate or something like that work to clamp up something like an AR upper to remove or tighten a barrel nut? Or would that be too flimsy?

I'm not familiar with the Workmate, but I have some portable work benches that would probably by ok. Most barrel nuts will require no more than 50 ft lbs of torque. I think that the vise would need to be bolted to the bench though, and you may have to get creative with using body weight and angles to support it while you torque. If the top is too flimsy, reinforcing it with some plywood would also help.

[sigstroker]

It doesn't really have a vice, just, err, vice-like qualities.

[JackEllis]

I have several of these and they're pretty decent portable workbenches. They obviously are not ideal for what you want to do but if you can find some weights or sandbags to set on the bottom rails, I think you'll be OK.

[baih777]

I have the bigger version of that one.
What you want to do is mount the vise on a 2x6 or 2x8 and c clamp it to the top.
Should work fine unless you have a stuck barrel nut to remove.

Sometimes at home depot there will be a short piece of lumber you can buy at a big discount . LOOK for the saw in the lumber section. Usually on a cart.

[bohoki]

ive always just used the foot/floor method

[ar15barrels]

For reasons I won't go into here, I don't have, nor can I get, a solid bench or table that would make for proper mounting of a vise at this time.

Go to a friend's house and use his solid workbench/vise.

[sigstroker]

I have the bigger version of that one.
What you want to do is mount the vise on a 2x6 or 2x8 and c clamp it to the top.
Should work fine unless you have a stuck barrel nut to remove.

Sometimes at home depot there will be a short piece of lumber you can buy at a big discount . LOOK for the saw in the lumber section. Usually on a cart.

Yeah, the local one has a scrap pile where scraps are free.

Thanks for the idea. I could probably take that farther and mount all sorts of stuff to chunks of wood.

[TKM]

If you have access to a raised driveway or loading dock, mount your vice to solid wood or metal scrap and park on the other end.

[sigstroker]

I just saw a commercial on tv for these things. Maybe I can work out a way to uses these, maybe with a vice mounted on a piece of 2x4. If that's too small I can always use the 2x4 as a lug and screw something bigger on top.

https://boratool.com/centipede-workbenches

[pacrat]

I just saw a commercial on tv for these things. Maybe I can work out a way to uses these, maybe with a vice mounted on a piece of 2x4. If that's too small I can always use the 2x4 as a lug and screw something bigger on top.

https://boratool.com/centipede-workbenches

Commercials on TV make product look fantastic for all things. Save your money. That flimsy POS is worthless for anything requiring any "side force". It was designed for straight vertical support.

Same for the B&D workmate. Good for holding a pc of wood to drill or cut. But applying any torque to it, and BLAM, it will flip over like a pup want'n a belly rub.

If you drive a truck or SUV with a receiver hitch. Look into a vise mount for it. something like $15.

Best bet is take Randall's advise and use a buddy's.

[RedDragon]

It's been done, even with a plastic workbench... but much frustration was had and risk was taken to all parties, reciever, bench, assembler, and dare I say test shooter!
Proper torque wrench use was impossible but gas tube timing was eventually achieved, and paper holes have been punched at distance!

[SonofWWIIDI]

I bought one of these

Used a piece of 2x8 on each side between the vise and table. Easy to put together, easy to take apart and the table goes in a closet/garage/behind the couch.

Good luck.

[eviioiive]

I previously used a wooden stool. It served me well

[edgerly779]

I use a mill vise with barrel blocks set on heavy table.