I have read plenty of threads here and elsewhere on barrel vises, but questions remain. While some may be naive, I am confident answers here will lead me to the right barrel vise. At present I have a Northland Shooter Supply action wrench which clamps around my Savage action and also appears to fit the Howa if I flip around the wrench cap so flat side is against the flat bottomed Howa. My needs are:
1) Remove factory barrels off Howa actions. These are notoriously tight (300+ lb. ft.).
2) Remove and install aftermarket custom shouldered barrels.
3) Hold a barrel while loosening or tightening a barrel nut.
4) No marring or other damage to barrel! I typically have polished stainless steel and it scratches if I look at it wrong. Howa factory barrels not really a concern on what happens to them when removed.
My questions:
1) How does a vise handle a tapered barrel, if there is no straight section on the barrel?
2) I know a barrel is strong, but is it possible to clamp the barrel too much? How much is that?
3) Bench with two 3/4" thick sheets of plywood glued and screwed together enough to hold vise with heavy torque applied?
4) Recommended vise?
I will spend the money for a quality piece, but unsure which are very good. Some use two clamping bolts, others four, some are aluminum, others steel, some have huge bolts, others smaller, etc. I want as little worry (and risk) as possible when removing and installing barrels.
I appreciate the expertise you can provide.
Thanks.
Phil
1) Remove factory barrels off Howa actions. These are notoriously tight (300+ lb. ft.).
2) Remove and install aftermarket custom shouldered barrels.
3) Hold a barrel while loosening or tightening a barrel nut.
4) No marring or other damage to barrel! I typically have polished stainless steel and it scratches if I look at it wrong. Howa factory barrels not really a concern on what happens to them when removed.
My questions:
1) How does a vise handle a tapered barrel, if there is no straight section on the barrel?
2) I know a barrel is strong, but is it possible to clamp the barrel too much? How much is that?
3) Bench with two 3/4" thick sheets of plywood glued and screwed together enough to hold vise with heavy torque applied?
4) Recommended vise?
I will spend the money for a quality piece, but unsure which are very good. Some use two clamping bolts, others four, some are aluminum, others steel, some have huge bolts, others smaller, etc. I want as little worry (and risk) as possible when removing and installing barrels.
I appreciate the expertise you can provide.
Thanks.
Phil