Sturdy clamping workbench?

[Ravi Narasimhan]

I am looking for a workbench with a movable top suitable for clamping. I'd like to be able to do handplane and chisel work on objects held within it. I've looked at B&W Workmates and the Vika Quickbench. Neither feel sturdy against shearing motions. Other SMC threads referred to Wolfcraft products but I can't find any distributors in the U.S.

Making a suitable bench is also a possibility if plans are readily available. I have some access to power tools through a weekly woodworking course I take.

[Matt Meiser]

I can't imagine handplaning on anything portable. To be portable, its got to be light. And if its light its going to move.

[Michael Schwartz]

For glue up/clamping and assembly build a nice torsion box out of sheet goods that you can set down on some low or high sawhorses depending on the height you need for a project.

I would recommend reading Workbenches by Christopher Schwartz (no relation) as you will gain a real insight into what makes a traditional bench good, regardless if you build his two plans featured in the book.

For hand planing, and work with hand tools a work bench needs to be heavy, and sturdy. mine is in excess of 300 pounds. Remember, for every force there needs to be an equal and opposite reaction. A good surface for work with hand-tools should not be easy for you to move.

[George Clark]

The correct spelling is Christopher Schwarz.:)


Take a look at these benches. The top is height adjustable.

http://www.adjustabench.com/

[Jon Crowley]

You might want to check out the "new fangled workbench". It has a movable top with pipe clamps built in. From your description, it sounds like it would fit your needs well. There are plans and tons of info here:
http://www.finewoodworking.com/item/19694/new-fangled-workbench-revisited-plans-now-available

[harry strasil]

If your planes are sharp, you don't need an immovable bench. This is my Demo Workbench, Narrow and light by necessasity because it all has to fit inside a 6 by 10 trailer for transport. The top and the leg the vise is attached to are Linden (Basswood, and the Apron is Oak, most any man who does not have back trouble can pick it up and carry it around.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v81/irnsrgn/wood/bench2.jpg

This is where its stored most of the time along with the rest of a mid 1800's complete woodworking shop.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v81/irnsrgn/wood/newtrlr1.jpg

This is what it looks like set up at Steam Shows and Living History demos. These pictures are at a National Park.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v81/irnsrgn/wood/HNM1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v81/irnsrgn/wood/HNM2.jpg

[Ravi Narasimhan]

Thanks to all for the good ideas and references. I've been casting about for a good project and I think building my own workbench is the ticket. I wasn't aware that there were so many different styles and plans out there.

Harry - I am very interested in your portable unit. Is there a design/drawing I can look up?

It does seem at first glance that in order to build a good workbench, one needs... a good workbench! ;-)

May the Schwar(t)z be with me...

[harry strasil]

No drawings, I just build from an idea in my head, here are my two workbench threads.

http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=38637&highlight=bench

http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=76185&highlight=bench

I tend to think outside the box, and I don't follow plans, I may draw something up after its done.

And, a pair of properly leveled saw horses or saw tables works well to build a first bench. In my opinion.

[harry strasil]

Here are the threads on a neander Saw Table Tutoral I did.

http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=39660&highlight=table

http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=40054&highlight=table

http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=40686&highlight=table

http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=42010&highlight=table

This site has an excellent search engine, put it to good use if you have questions on any subject.

[harry strasil]

Ravi, everyones Work bench is more or less designed to accomadate how and what they intend to use it, so determine what your intended way of working and what projects you inted to make with it, and design it for that. Most have built more than one Work Bench to hopefully satisfy their needs as Woodworkers.

[David Gendron]

Wow Harry, this portable bench is great and lots of awsome bench accessories!
Thank you for that post and the links!

[harry strasil]

I have been rereading my Nu Bench build thread, and I noticed that it has 17,525 views to date in the haven and 911 views from the finish post I made in the General section, which makes for a total of 18,436 views total. What I am wondering is , is the 17,525 views in the Haven a record for a thread?

The build was also posted on the Traditional Tools site with an additional 4452 views there, for a total of 22,988 views.

Just curious!