I'm about to buy/build a bench specifically for gun maintenance (already have reloading bench which is too crowded for anything else). Are there any big gotchas I should be aware of before I make a decision on design. Seems like a sturdy bench with a good vise would suffice but hindsight is 20/20 as they say.

Also, do you prefer a waist level bench or a standing height bench (used with barstool)?

Thanks

I prefer the waste high and make sure your bench is big enough for:
Your vise
2) 20" on it at the same time
enough room for your tools, etc along with your rifles.

if this was me id build a table out of wood.

id go get myself 5/4 thick plywood (1 1/8" in reality) and cut it to the size you want.
after that id get me some phenolic and use it as a laminate on top of the table, then use
laminate to wrap the edges of the table. but before you do that id make sure the wood your using
is squared off properly. i usually throw it through a table saw or route the edges. since its plywood your
gonna wanna use router bits made for plywood. sometimes you can find phenolic laminated plywood
pre-fabbed up. id use mortise tenon joinery for the table, legs & skirt but thats just me.

id have one vise a tiny each corner on the front of the table. wilton, groz, jorgensen. whatever.
then id measure over and plop this right in the center:

thats a gun stand from spikes tactical.


so lets review:
vises: woodcraft.com
table hardware: woodcraft.com
phenolic faced plywood: woodcraft
gun rest


you can browse rockler.com, woodcraft.com or highlandwoodworking.com for the laminates or phenolic faced plywood.

if you dont wanna do all that..just do this and youll be set...esp if your not that handly with carpentry:
work bench plans

Thanks guys. I think I'll start with something sturdy and simple and "dress" it out as I go.

outlawskinnyd: Nice stand. I'll have to look into that.

Nwatson99: Waist high it is. I read the tools FAQ on the vise, I'll be looking to that.