Gun Cleaning and Maintenance Bench

Dik · #1 10-30-2013, 09:27 AM

I will be modifying my garage and work bench this winter. This time I will allow for cleaning and maintenance of the two guns I own (so far

).

I have the basic cleaning supplies and being a tradesman I have lots of hand tools plus I will purchase specialty tools I may need.

What I really need is a proper gun holder or a rack. All I have used up to now is a blanket on a desk or table. And you know it is difficult to clean or inspect a gun when one hand is always holding the firearm steady. I don't even want to get into how clumsy I am.

What types of gun holders are available? Should I go with homemade, purchased? I preferred going the purchased route. If you see any of my wood-work you will understand.

What do you folks use or can suggest? If possible please post up some pictures of your bench.

Oh yeah, my gun station will have to packed up between cleanings. The work bench will be approximately eight feet long and "all purpose". I am considering a stainless steel top .... ?

TIA

Dick

bobtag45 · #2 10-30-2013, 09:38 AM

All I have used for the last 35 years is a 5" bench vise with a pair of homemade rubber vise pads.Have also used heavy leather pads. Clamp the barrel in the vise at any length to securely hold it for cleaning and maintenance. As for a bench top I have a wooden bench with a rubber mat on top. The rubber came from Princess Auto. The kind used for truck box mats.
It doesn't have to be fancy to be functional.

Hunter1602 · #3 10-30-2013, 09:52 AM

I agree with Bobtag, keep it simple. I bought a master craft work bench and put peg board up with Hooks. Placed a vice with rubber grips and wired in a light.

Dik · #4 10-30-2013, 10:11 AM

Right on and thanks for the fast replies. I too like to keep things simple.

I will be re-installing my 6" vice at far left end of the bench. I was imagining a gun rack that I could mount in this vice. I'm not crazy about clamping my barrels in a vice. I have a tendency to over-tighten, well .... EVERYTHING!

A rubber mat would work much better than a blanket. And I'm on it ....

Folks, I was really over-thinking this. I had tied flies for decades and well ah, my tying bench was really complicated even when I tried to keep it "simple".

Cheers to you!

Dick

roger · #5 10-30-2013, 04:43 PM

im also in the mood to have a nice bench fabbed up, comfy stool, rollout drawers and book case, cabinets.
i just priced out a custom s/steel 60" countertop for my laundry room, rolled edge returns, backsplash and cut out for S/S sink...$350.
my garage has all stainless counters and cabinet doors from and medical sterilizer that had been scrapped. we be stylin!

Dik · #6 10-30-2013, 06:00 PM

Yeah, my all-purpose work bench in my G.P. home was double-thick 3/4 " plywood. Large and beefy but had many deep scars in short order. Pulled a couple of slivers off the edge too.

Also due to the grain it was difficult to keep the dust off the surface.

I plan to have a custom stainless steel (and rolled) top mounted to a double-thick 3/4" plywood deck. The SS will be heavy gauge too to resist dents.

I think with the rubber mat and a vice-mounted gun rack (.... need more ideas from the forum for this item though ....) I should be good to go.

.... I'm saving the discussion about new garage cabinets for another thread.

Thanks for the tip.

Dick

dbanner · #7 10-30-2013, 06:34 PM

Work benches are always fun to build and plan. I built mine out of fir with a laminated hemlock top.

To your original question about working on your guns, you can get as simple or as elaborate as you want. I have been using an MTM collapsible gun holder/vice for years. It is simple and does the job. However, Tipton has a great vice for working on guns called "best vice". It is a nice unit. It depends how much you want to spend.

GunnerySgtJackson · #8 10-30-2013, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by roger

my garage has all stainless counters and cabinet doors from and medical sterilizer that had been scrapped. we be stylin!

Beer fridge??

Okotokian · #9 10-30-2013, 06:58 PM

I have something like this, only mine came with a big red plastic case to hold it that looks like a toolbox or fishing tackle box. Supposed to serve as both a gun vise and a rest for sighting in. Too flimsy to do a really good job on the latter, but it's great for holding all my cleaning supplies and holding the gun during cleaning.

Who Da Fisherman · #10 10-30-2013, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Okotokian

I have something like this, only mine came with a big red plastic case to hold it that looks like a toolbox or fishing tackle box. Supposed to serve as both a gun vise and a rest for sighting in. Too flimsy to do a really good job on the latter, but it's great for holding all my cleaning supplies and holding the gun during cleaning.

What store?

Okotokian · #11 10-30-2013, 08:47 PM

I probably picked it up from WSS, but that was maybe 4 years ago. The picture I inserted can be found in both the WSS and Bass Pro catelogues.

dbanner · #12 10-30-2013, 10:08 PM

Mine is similar to Okotokian's. I got mine from WSS years ago, but the same one can be bought at either Cabelas or Bass Pro. It folds fairly flat and it does hold the cleaning supplies.

waynewjw · #13 10-30-2013, 10:46 PM

I have the red plastic one to, it's ok but last Xmas I bought myself a present - Lyman Revoltion Rotating Gun Vise. You clamp at the rear of the stock, has adjustable yoke at the front padded for the barrel and then clamps down tight and level. Great for cleaning, taking an action apart, mounting a scope. Adjustable for different length rifles, when done hang it on the wall or stick it in the corner. IMO it's a great tool for limited space.

Check it out on Lymans site 9 lbs about $100 at most stores.

roger · #14 10-30-2013, 11:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GunnerySgtJackson

Beer fridge??

no not yet.
no flat screen either.
lifes sucks in Rogerville

Dik · #15 10-31-2013, 08:41 AM

Yup the Lyman Gun Vice (or similar) is exactly what I was thinking of and for ~ 100 bucks makes this easy. I will pick one up today (.... I have lots of time, currently between contracts ....

)

Big screen? Absolutely.

Nix on the garage beer fridge. House already has a couple fridges. I don't mind popping into the basement for a cold one.

Thanks again for the help.

Cheers!
Dick

Dik · #16 11-01-2013, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Okotokian

I have something like this, only mine came with a big red plastic case to hold it that looks like a toolbox or fishing tackle box. Supposed to serve as both a gun vise and a rest for sighting in. Too flimsy to do a really good job on the latter, but it's great for holding all my cleaning supplies and holding the gun during cleaning.

Picked up this exact tray yesterday for only 69 bucks at WSS.

There were a few different models and manufacturers stocked on the shelf. When I add to my supplies I'll probably buy the large toolbox and clip them together.

This is perfect for what I need right now. Thanks again for your guidance and tips, guys.

Dick

Dog Handler · #17 11-04-2013, 12:25 AM

Lee valley has plans that are easy to follow and it looks great

Canuck Bob · #18 11-05-2013, 07:55 AM

I got the red plastic thing. It works great and can be lifted onto a shelf with a project on it for using the bench for reloading. One thing, it can be dumped on the floor easy enough, don't ask, fortunately it wasn't carrying a gun. However, there was stuff everywhere. Now it sits on some non slip shelf liner I use for toolbox lining.