I am building a mini bench to do close work with and will have a 7" steel vise connected to one end. Is the 8/4 beech going to be hard enouch to holdup the vise? I will have a spacer under the top so I can get the vise even with the top. I will also be putting in holes for bench dogs. Can the beech be stained easily? The legs and trim will be in cherry. I want the beech to be a little darker than it is now. Maybe I will just leave it alone and let the top be the contrast. Thanks!
Chuck