Should I make the base of the vice stand 12" square or bigger, a triangle, or cross? That's 3" square as the post. The vise will be mounted on 5/16" plate as pictured.
Same 5/16" plate will be used for the base. I do have angle iron and pipe but I don't want a trip hazard. The steel shop wouldn't sell a small piece of 1/2" plate so 5/16" it is.

Mines is on old round disc off of a plow it’s easy to move if needed. Seen guys use steel wheels before also.

How portable do you need it?

Mount it in ta tire filled with concrete

Why not mount it to the work bench? Way more solid than mounted to a stand, unless you're mounting the stand to the floor.

Bench works

a steel rim , with that post welded to it works well to be able to get all around it

then you can add weight to the rim like brake rotors , lead ingots , even seen them poured full with concrete on top

Won't use wheels again. Too many small parts
I need it to be portable. My current benches have MDF for now. Even when I build a weld bench I won't mount it to it.
Plow disc would work too.

If 5/16 plate is all you're using, I'd go big, like 36x36. Big enough to stand on and put some serious weight on. But I bet you'll still bend the plate. You probably know this, but if you weld the post in the middle of the plate it'll probably cup and you'll have a rocking base.

If it were me, I'd go to the nearest scrap yard and look for something heavy. Large sprockets, clutch plates, pipe flanges, etc.

I also know a guy who used round pipe for his post and core-drilled a matching receiver hole in his garage slab, so he could remove the vise and pipe when he wanted it out of the way.

agreed, a truck rim is pretty stable and can be rolled where ya need it

BUT, I use the bench mounted vise more often.

Our vises here at the shop are mounted to 24 inch square pieces of 1 inch plate, on a post. The post is welded to an old drive gear/pulley about 2 inches thick and 28 to 30 inches in diameter. We move them with forklifts.

Take a picture.

I also use the bench mounted vice most , easier to have the tools laid on the bench.

I suppose it depends what you use the vice for

KenaiKid, the smallest chunk of 1/4 and 1/2" the metal shop would sell is 4'x4'. I was fortunate the workers found this 6" scrap for me (pictured). I was thinking about the buckling and figured adding gussets between post and base would add the stability needed. The stability issue got me thinking about a triangle base since it's a strong shape.


X2 k snow

I have other things to build with the 3" square and 1.5" angle iron but if needed I'll use them for the base.

Brake drums off semis work pretty good.

I'll try to get a pic at break time or lunch.

Looks to me like it's top heavy. If the plate on the floor is only 6" wide, that's not safe at all. Could knock it over with one finger.

Here's one of ours at the shop. No two are alike as far as the base, we use whatever piece of "scrap" we have at hand.

What do you do, ksnow? More pics should be interesting!

I am a training coordinator and process technician for a company that makes high speed disposable hygiene machines. Because of our confidentiality rules, I have to be careful with what I say and take pics of.

High speed.

One flush at a time. That's my guess.

It is that's why I'm thinking of either 12" or 18" base and adding gussets. I'll probably add a gusset the rear plate and post. The main problem with most vise posts is the front end carries a lot of weight.

K snow that's awesome.