Would a record 52 or 52 1/2 work on my workbench? Alternatives?

[scubadoo]

Never had a workbench vice but after a recent project decided it was something i needed to add. I have a slightly unconventional bench, 90mm square legs with a 2x4 top frame that supports an 18mm MFT style top. I built it to aid in building my kitchen but it's proven to be solid as and heavy.

If i'm right these vices are either bolted through a thick benchtop or supported by and bolted through spacers? I just wonder how that would work if i want to renew the MDF top. Any advice or suggestions appreciated.

 

[Jameshow]

Usually through the rail not the top.
If you want it recessed into the rail I'd double up the Rail to retain strength. .

 

[Jameshow]

https://smallworkshop.co.uk/2018/04/17/record-vice/

 

[scubadoo]

I'm not planning to recess the rear plate. So i can fix through the rail, add spacers in the vertical gap and fix through the top and if i need to replace the top it's it's easy to do just by removing the vertical bolts?

 

[Garden Shed Projects]

They bolt through the top with either lag bolts from underneath or carriage bolted through for a more secure fix. Maybe some additional 4x2 flat to the underside of the MFT tops fixed into your 4x2 frame would allow it to work. They have a bit of weight to them and clamp with a fair bit of force so would need to be securely jointed or fixed in place

 

[Tris]

Mine's coach screwed to the underside of an old school bench, as I couldn't get the rear jaw cut back into the bench I planted a board across the front of the bench once the vice was in place.
I think a cross piece to support the back and that'd work for you

 

[Garden Shed Projects]

Not great photos but you should be able to get the idea.

 

[scubadoo]

Just thought I'd post a conclusion to this. It was much easier to figure out once i actually had the vice.
Picked up a 52 1/2 from fleabay that was in good condition. All i had to do was degrease and then polish up the runners with some abrasive pads and lubricate. I fixed two 4x2's behind the front rail, bolted them all together and fixed at the sides with some hefty coach screws. Probably overkill but it's very sturdy.

I read a thread here where @paulm used a plank marked to the height of the bench to support the vice in place whilst fixing. That was genius and made the whole thing really easy. Thanks for the tips.

 

[paulm]

Good job !