I took BJH's concept and used the dimensions from Ian Pratt's stocking bench. Basically if the two benches sired an offspring, this would be the result.
I did not have access to solid hardwood lumber like Ian has in his bench, so I went with BJH's basic concept of laminating together commonly available dimension lumber to get the size I needed. I used high grade 2x8'' yellow pine boards instead of 2x6"s. The main beam, legs, and feet were glued and screwed together (and clamped until the glue dried). I made my main beam 5' long instead of 4'. I am too used to my real vises, so I incorporated them into my bench. For most work, I use the pattern makers vice. I can swap it out for one of a couple of rotating Versa (type) vises as needed. My front support is a copy of Ian's support; a 3/4" steel bar bent into the shape of an "L". I can insert it into one of several holes drilled into the beam to shorten or lengthen the distance between the vise and support. It's simple but works for just about anything, including heavy rasping, filing and wood removal work. I do have a more involved front support that I can swap the bent rod out for (its sitting on the base of the drill press in the background), but I rarely use it.
Not sure what the completed bench weighs. Technically, it is portable. However, it takes two people to get it in and out of the bed of the truck. I do know that once on the ground, I virtually does not move around or vibrate as you work and that is what I really love about it. That and you can get up close and personal with all parts of the gun from both sides as you are building. It did not cost that much to put together either. I spent just under $100 on lumber, screws, glue, bolts, stain and finish.
