A solid vice will go a long way. If it's moving around while you're trying to work it you're losing a lot of energy you are putting into it. For me I get in between the growth rings and give a good yank and I could reduce a osage stave in a matter of minutes with a draw knife. My bench with vise and anvil on it probably weights 600 lbs also. That helps or bolt your bench down so it doesn't move around.
