Wood for Vise

[azbird]

Hello. I have a block of 12/4 hardwood that I'd like to fabricate into a vise, and I'm wondering which direction the grain should face, or if it even matters. The piece of wood is 6 X 3 X 24, and the vise is going to measure roughly 12 X 2-3/4 X 2-3/4 give or take. The other vise I have is laminated, but since I have this hunk of wood I thought I could use it for a second vise, which I really need.

Thanks for any ideas, I really appreciate any help.

[hcbph]

It depends. I like to run the grain the same direction as the pull on it 'IF' there is sufficient material to prevent it breaking along the grain lines. If there isn't then I'd lean towards having it perpendicular.

The other thing is the type wood. Some woods like Oak or Ash can split along the grain easier than something like hard maple.

Sorry, there's a number of conditions that can have an effect on your decision.