Hi,
I am currently building a workbench; it's going to be a bit of a Fraken-bench with hem-fir I bought from Lowes (16' long 2x12's ripped to size, etc.) for the legs and stretchers and an MDF top (modified GSIW plan a bit). Intention is to have a front leg vise and a twin-screw end vise. Size is about 6'x2' (which is as long as I can make it in the space I have).
Anyway, on to my question: I will likely have some hem-fir left over, and so I was wondering if it would be OK to use that for the chop for the leg vise and/or the jaws of the end vise. The other options would either be getting some SYP from a local yard here, or a hardwood like poplar or oak.
I searched some old threads on this topic, and my guess is that it would be OK, but I did want to at least get some opinions.
Also, what's a good thickness for the leg vise chop? Thanks in advance for your responses.