[devodave]

You want some heft to that bench if you are mounting a vise on it. Second the yellow pine (if you can get southern yellow pine. I cant readily in western New York - got mine in VA where my mom lives). Use 2x4s or 2x6s , but glue them face to face versus edge to edge (unless you use three layers with offset seams, then 2x12s). That will give you the mass you need. 2x6s usually tend to have better grain than 2x4s, you can glue 2-3 layers for the four legs. Add some 2x 8 to 2x 12 stringers to the for sides and you should be set! Popular Woodworking and Fine Woodworking magazines have plenty of designs, from simple to elaborate and you can find them online.