Barrel Vice Block/Bushing Option?

[Dantheman]

I am working on my first rebarrel and have a homemade barrel vice to use. I have been looking at the vice options for sale online and a oak or aluminum block seems to be what is used. Has anyone tried a different type of wood in their vice? I have plenty of 4x4 posts to use but am not sure if they will crack under the pressure. I'm looking for ideas and appreciate any input even if I just learn what wont work. Thanks for reading!

[adam38654]

I have used a few types of wood from work and they all worked fine. I think hardwood would work best but im sure 2x4 would work in a pinch.You want to cut the wood with the grains going up and down when placed in the vice. If the grains are horizontal it could split in the vice. I also use a powdered rosin bag and powder the blocks. It is in the baseball section at academy and helps with the grip.

[Dantheman]

I picked up oak and lowes and working on a block to try. Hopefully I can get it wrapped up in a day or two for a weekend test