Speak to Tom at Standaco machinery
Machinery Melbourne, Industrial Machinery Sales, Machine Tools - Standaco He's been really helpful.
I went there to get the 6x8 version too but they only had the 6x12 in stock so he did me a good deal on a 6x12. Their list price on the 6x8 was better than Hare and Forbes price too. It's basically the same vice just 4" longer. You can mount it sideways or cross ways and just have a bit of extra overhang.
Not surprised on the shipping cost, the thing weighs about 37KG.
Hare and Forbes also list the 6x8 on their web page
http://www.machineryhouse.com.au/V311 It doesn't say vertex on it but I think it's the same one.
An old machinist friend of mine used to say "You can do a small job on a big machine but not a big job on a small machine".
Cheers