Few tools are more used by the gunsmith than the bench vise with cross-hatched steel jaws and a swivel base. Here’s how to make a set of jaws out of copper or brass.

by Norman E. Johnson

My heavy-duty, six-inch, swivel base bench vise helps me perform so many tasks I couldn’t get along without it. Among the many uses are cutting, drilling, and holding parts for assembly and disassembly. The vise is also used for the removal and installation of rifle barrels in conjunction with special tooling for the purpose. A great amount of holding pressure can be applied with most machinist bench vises with one-inch torque screws and 3/4-inch handles.

Read more in the June 2016 issue.

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