Show us your Bench

[David Weaver]

208201

I feel bad now. I see the benches you fellas have build. They are some nice benches. I was going to build my own for several years however I never got around to it. So I just bought this one a few months back. My old one was about 15 years old and I bought it from Lowe's for $89.00.
Every time I tried to hand plane on it, it would move or tip over. I hope you will forgive me for not making my bench. :)

I'd love to have a bench like that and I'd love to not build it, either. I'd rather spend the time it takes to build a bench scratch building an infill plane instead.

[Peter Pedisich]

208201

I feel bad now. I see the benches you fellas have build. They are some nice benches. I was going to build my own for several years however I never got around to it. So I just bought this one a few months back. My old one was about 15 years old and I bought it from Lowe's for $89.00.
Every time I tried to hand plane on it, it would move or tip over. I hope you will forgive me for not making my bench. :)

Dale, looks nice - is that an Elite 2500? How do you like it so far? that's the one with the thick top.

[Ben Beckham]

Thread revived!

Here she is: all function, no form. I built this as my bench-on-which-to-build-a-proper-bench. My proper bench has never been made as this one works quite well. Wife isn't terribly happy it's inside the house, but considering it produces other nice things, it gets to stay.

I made the whole thing in one weekend. 24" wide and 7' long. The top is 6 layers of 3/4" MDF, glued. 3 sheets split in half. The legs are 3 layers of SYP 2x8 glued and nailed. The side stretchers are 2x6's, glued and nailed. The long stretchers are two 2x4's glued into the leg layers to form a tenon. A Veritas twin-screw and wonder-dog round out the work-holding. I keep meaning to fit in a good wagon vise.There's a lot of nails and a crap-ton of glue, but it's functional. For reference, a crap-ton is approximately equal to one gallon.

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[Leigh Betsch]

One weekend, that's impressive!

[george wilson]

I don't much care for furniture making,but I love to make work benches!!!

[Sean Richards]

Nice job for a weekend!

[Peter Pedisich]

I made the whole thing in one weekend.


Wish they worked like you in D.C.!

[Chris Griggs]

Thread revived!

Here she is: all function, no form. I built this as my bench-on-which-to-build-a-proper-bench. My proper bench has never been made as this one works quite well. Wife isn't terribly happy it's inside the house, but considering it produces other nice things, it gets to stay.

I made the whole thing in one weekend. 24" wide and 7' long. The top is 6 layers of 3/4" MDF, glued. 3 sheets split in half. The legs are 3 layers of SYP 2x8 glued and nailed. The side stretchers are 2x6's, glued and nailed. The long stretchers are two 2x4's glued into the leg layers to form a tenon. A Veritas twin-screw and wonder-dog round out the work-holding. I keep meaning to fit in a good wagon vise.There's a lot of nails and a crap-ton of glue, but it's functional. For reference, a crap-ton is approximately equal to one gallon.

224011

The bench is great and its amazing that you did it in a weekend. However, I'm even more thrilled by the gorgeous old handsaw hanging on the wall!

[Steven Hall]

Thought I'd show my modest effort as it was from this thread that I got my inspiration to build a bench. It is a bit of a Frankenstien as it started out as an old table top (you can't see it - it's sandwiched beneath the top) from my camper van. This dictated the size of roughly 1200x800, so not huge but it fits in the shed quite well and is a step up from the old workmate and a couple of saw horses.

The base/legs are Douglas Fir (I think) from the local hardware store (I live remote NZ so not a lot of choice in timber). The top is actually recycled Rimu (NZ native) from the a recent house renovation, so it was full of nail holes and quite sappy in places but I like the look. I epoxy filled the flaws to make a smooth splinter free surface. The vice is just a 7" carbatec.


Cheers
Steve


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[Jim Koepke]

Steve,

Welcome to the Creek. You might consider putting NZ in your profile as surely in a year everyone will wonder where it was you said you live.

Looks like a nice serviceable bench. Mine has been in process for well over a year now. That wood should be getting acclimated to my shop by now.

Been trying to build more potting benches for now. During the spring and summer I am too busy making things to sell at the Farmers Market. During the fall and winter it is too cold to glue up laminations.

jtk

[Chris Hachet]

Thought I'd show my modest effort as it was from this thread that I got my inspiration to build a bench. It is a bit of a Frankenstien as it started out as an old table top (you can't see it - it's sandwiched beneath the top) from my camper van. This dictated the size of roughly 1200x800, so not huge but it fits in the shed quite well and is a step up from the old workmate and a couple of saw horses.

The base/legs are Douglas Fir (I think) from the local hardware store (I live remote NZ so not a lot of choice in timber). The top is actually recycled Rimu (NZ native) from the a recent house renovation, so it was full of nail holes and quite sappy in places but I like the look. I epoxy filled the flaws to make a smooth splinter free surface. The vice is just a 7" carbatec.


Cheers
Steve


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Interesting bench....

[Adam Cruea]

Here's the bench I built over the past 6 months out of hickory. It's got a 1/2" strip of jatoba around the edge about 1 3/4" in so I know where the edge of the bench is without looking.

It's not the best, but it's heavy and does the job. I still need to get the LN vise put on the front, but meh.

[Jim Matthews]

Thought I'd show my modest effort as it was from this thread that I got my inspiration to build a bench. It is a bit of a Frankenstien as it started out as an old table top (you can't see it - it's sandwiched beneath the top) from my camper van. This dictated the size of roughly 1200x800, so not huge but it fits in the shed quite well and is a step up from the old workmate and a couple of saw horses.


I much prefer this sort of thing to the prissy, furniture quality benches so often displayed.
This is the kind of bench you can use proudly without fear of damaging the finish.

[Frederick Skelly]

Thats a nice size Steve. Might work as a second bench in my place. I love the top, both the thickness and color. Be sure to let us know how she "works" after you use her a bit.
Fred

[Jim Koepke]

I still need to get the LN vise put on the front, but meh.

With that hulking hunk of holder on the tail, who needs a face vise?

jtk

[Adam Cruea]

With that hulking hunk of holder on the tail, who needs a face vise?

jtk

Hence the "meh". The tail vise is 33.5" wide (or 34"). The LN will be around 14" wide I think, and the face apron has dog holes in it like a "deadman" support so I can plane long lengths.

Thus far though, the Veritas twin screw has been nice. I kept the dog holes close enough so that I don't have to take it out over about half-way so that it doesn't fall.

[Chris Hachet]

Not as nice as others, but it work realy well! The only thing I would change is the end vice! Made of DF and Red Oak for the leg vice! 60"x 24"x 33".


Actually this looks about perfect, nice, simple, functional.

[Douglas Losey]

Benchtop newly flattened and oiled...
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[Malcolm Schweizer]

Benchtop newly flattened and oiled...
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Wow, beautiful grain and nice contrast.

[David Rechlin]

C:\Users\User\Desktop\IMG_5345.JPG

[Chris Hachet]

Benchtop newly flattened and oiled...
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Very impressive...

[Brian Holcombe]

Nice work! More pictures!

[David Rechlin]

This is the bench my brother and I made from FWW #167. There were some firsts for us like draw bore pins on the legs, mortise and tenon with wedges and half blind dovetails. Installing the twin screw vise took some time also. We never had an "official" bench just 2x4's with plywood. Looking forward to using the new bench soon. [Pictures will be posted later]

[Chris Hachet]

I much prefer this sort of thing to the prissy, furniture quality benches so often displayed.
This is the kind of bench you can use proudly without fear of damaging the finish.


Agree completely.

[Chris Hachet]

This is the bench my brother and I made from FWW #167. There were some firsts for us like draw bore pins on the legs, mortise and tenon with wedges and half blind dovetails. Installing the twin screw vise took some time also. We never had an "official" bench just 2x4's with plywood. Looking forward to using the new bench soon. [Pictures will be posted later]

Nice work, let us know how you like the twin screw vise.

[Leigh Betsch]

I haven't been around much lately but I thought I should up date folks on how my bench build is progressing.
I moved the wood to a rented storage shed.

[Jim Koepke]

I haven't been around much lately but I thought I should up date folks on how my bench build is progressing.
I moved the wood to a rented storage shed.

Thanks Leigh, now I don't feel so bad about my wood for a bench "acclimating" in my shop the past few years.

jtk

[Julie Moriarty]

Forgive me for posting what's past but it's therapeutic for someone who is effectively on an island devoid of tools.
http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/ab233/jules42651/Woodworking/Workbench/workbench_01_zpsxljk4zmk.jpg
I bought this and assembled it. I wanted drawers.

So I took some unistrut I had in the garage and cut it up to make the base of the drawer slides.
http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/ab233/jules42651/Woodworking/Workbench/workbench_02_zpsojqr2t8m.jpg

I made the drawers and built partitions
http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/ab233/jules42651/Woodworking/Workbench/workbench_03_zpsl0ywcbbc.jpg
It's all in storage now.

This is like looking at pictures of a long lost love.

[Leigh Betsch]

Now that I've put my entire shop in a couple of storage units for a year or two, I torture myself by bringing back this thread. But I still love to look at these and dream of what will be some day. Juliie I like the drawers too,beautiful.

[Reinis Kanders]

How about learning to carve? That seems to take no space at all. I recently started looking at some chip carving videos, kind of neat.


Now that I've put my entire shop in a couple of storage units for a year or two, I torture myself by bringing back this thread. But I still love to look at these and dream of what will be some day. Juliie I like the drawers too,beautiful.

[Leigh Betsch]

I think carving might take more artistic ability than I have. I kept my hand tools out of storage so I can still do somethings but I've never been 100% Neanderthal.

[george wilson]

Julie,you are truly a remarkable woman! I love what you have done with your bench. I hope you can get it back to use soon,though I have no idea what your situation is. Still getting moved?

I need you to come here and get my shop better organized!!!:)

[Prashun Patel]

mmmmmmm.... Unistrut!
Me likey!!!!

[Julie Moriarty]

Julie,you are truly a remarkable woman! I love what you have done with your bench. I hope you can get it back to use soon,though I have no idea what your situation is. Still getting moved?

I need you to come here and get my shop better organized!!!:)
Still in limbo, George. I might take you up on coming over. I'm crawling walls waiting.

[Joe Vannucci]

Here's mine. 4" split top, 88" long, 24" total width, 34" high (I'm 6'1").

LV quick-release front vise with a ridiculously large chop. LN proper tail vise, which is just about my favorite thing, ever.

I really wanted to build with hard maple, but I could only afford doug fir (2x12x16, ripped and chopped in half, to net four boards each). But when it came time to consider the vises, dog holes, etc, I couldn't stand working in softwood any longer. So, it's around 2/3 fir, 1/3 maple.

Ignore the aborted surgery for a leg vise with scissor arrangement. Long story - I like this front vise better.

The most memorable part of the build was right at the end, when I decided it would be much easier to install the front vise, if I (all by myself) were to flip the bench on it's top. The bench actually went over very gently. But when it came time to reverse the process... what the heck was I thinking? It may as well have been glued to the shop floor. I eventually did get it, with some sketchy blocks, and a nine-foot prybar. When it finally dropped onto it's feet, it was like a glacier calving into the sea. At least I was spared the embarrassment of having the mailman pull up with me trying to work on an upside down bench. I'm guessing total weight is in the 500-600 lb range (without the Moxon / joinery bench).


https://i.postimg.cc/rwtwZgCV/Workbench-2.jpg

[Rob Luter]

Here’s mine again. Nearly 10 years after it made its debut in post #8 of this thread. She’s done well. A few blemishes from honest use and a nice patina. Since the first post I’ve added a bottom shelf and some hangers for planing stops and bench hooks.

410717

[ken hatch]

Here’s mine again. Nearly 10 years after it made its debut in post #8 of this thread. She’s done well. A few blemishes from honest use and a nice patina. Since the first post I’ve added a bottom shelf and some hangers for planing stops and bench hooks.

410717

Rob,

In going through the entire thread there were a couple of interesting observations: First, there sure were a lot of "Roubo" benches being built or just completed and second, a lot of the folks from that time no long post. The good news is you and Jim K are still here.

I'll add one of the first photos of my last bench build, a shop sized Moravian bench:

410728

I'll add one more. This is the bench I was using and building back near the start of the thread. Things have gotten much simpler and I think a much more usable bench less driven by "must have" extras and more by what works and only what works.

410729

ken

[ken hatch]

I'll add one more photo, to kinda show the evolution of my work bench builds. As I've posted before with each new build the benches get simpler and easier to use. I started off building benches with every bell and whistle, with all the must have crap built in, most of which after working with it drove me barking mad. With each build stuff was removed until I've arrived at today's very simple Moravian bench.

This bench, build with European Beach fits in between the first two benches and was the last French style bench I've built. I doubt I'll build another, there are better designs.

410735

ken

[ken hatch]

George Wilson made an interesting comment on this thread that stuck with me because I feel about the same. I can't remember the exact words but the jest of it was making furniture didn't excite him, making workbenches did. It brought me up short and has me thinking about what I want to do with my life when I grow up. The problem with making workbenches is they cost a few bucks to make, they take up a lot of room once made and you can't just pass 'em on the the kids and neighbors. The only way I could fit another bench in my shop is to kick an older bench out. Whatever, I think I'm going to make a new portable Moravian and then figure out what to do with it once it is finished.

BTW, because this thread is a little long in tooth I may start a new one based on George Wilson's comment.

ken

[William Fretwell]

That’s a very solid bench David, I’m guessing it does not come apart for moving, hard to see if your dogs are round or oblong.

[ken hatch]

Here's mine. 4" split top, 88" long, 24" total width, 34" high (I'm 6'1").

LV quick-release front vise with a ridiculously large chop. LN proper tail vise, which is just about my favorite thing, ever.

I really wanted to build with hard maple, but I could only afford doug fir (2x12x16, ripped and chopped in half, to net four boards each). But when it came time to consider the vises, dog holes, etc, I couldn't stand working in softwood any longer. So, it's around 2/3 fir, 1/3 maple.

Ignore the aborted surgery for a leg vise with scissor arrangement. Long story - I like this front vise better.

The most memorable part of the build was right at the end, when I decided it would be much easier to install the front vise, if I (all by myself) were to flip the bench on it's top. The bench actually went over very gently. But when it came time to reverse the process... what the heck was I thinking? It may as well have been glued to the shop floor. I eventually did get it, with some sketchy blocks, and a nine-foot prybar. When it finally dropped onto it's feet, it was like a glacier calving into the sea. At least I was spared the embarrassment of having the mailman pull up with me trying to work on an upside down bench. I'm guessing total weight is in the 500-600 lb range (without the Moxon / joinery bench).




Joe,

Nice looking bench, it should serve you well.

BTW, BTDT. Wresting French bench sized timber in a one man shop is always interesting. Good you didn't get hurt.

ken

[William Fretwell]

Built mine based on memories of school benches when I was 14yrs old! Made a few changes such as making the tail vise twice as long, making it a proper height for my back (38”), deeper tool tray, some dogs at the back of the bench, a 2” ledge behind the bench front for clamping, groove in the lower 2/3 of the shoulder vise to slide in anti wracking spacers and main stretchers of ash in the middle of the legs where they should be!
Top is non furniture grade black walnut, legs white oak, feet and tool well cherry. Posted the build here back in December under “Fretwell’s Long Tail Danish Workbench”.

410805

Despite being a sprightly 358lbs it does not move, not even vibrate when used. The dogs angle in 2 degrees and just hold the wood, it almost feels like cheating. The tail vise opens 13” which is in itself useful but also makes the bench over a foot longer. Have a dead man to build that hooks onto the front stretcher. My favourite feature is the height to save my back. The two inch clamping ledge behind the front is most useful. One bonus is it can be moved easily as it dismantles, top and bottom.
Which I had built it sooner!

[Steve Altman]

Hi,

I've never encountered this thread before and it's great to see all the beautiful benches that have been built. I was moved to add mine.

It's definitely not beautiful. I built it a long time ago - around 1975 - so that I would have a decent bench to use at the various shops I worked in and around NYC. Some of those companies didn't mind if I brought my own bench in. Some did. Its funny. Benchmen in those shops often worked at the crappiest old benches you could imagine.

It comes all apart so it can be moved - by one person if necessary. It was very hard to find plans for a proper bench at that time but I was lucky and found one in a British magazine, I think it was called Practical Woodwork or Popular Woodwork.

It's hard maple. Over the years I added two other vises. One is a custom vise Jerry Fank made for me just after he started Jerry-Rig. I don't think he ever sold another of that design - it might be the only one. Recently I added an Emmert turtleback on the back.

It's worked very well, so much so that I've never even considered making another. And now it's like an old friend. Wouldn't know what to do without it...

410942


410943

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[ken hatch]

Hi,

I've never encountered this thread before and it's great to see all the beautiful benches that have been built. I was moved to add mine.

It's definitely not beautiful. I built it a long time ago - around 1975 - so that I would have a decent bench to use at the various shops I worked in and around NYC. Some of those companies didn't mind if I brought my own bench in. Some did. Its funny. Benchmen in those shops often worked at the crappiest old benches you could imagine.

It comes all apart so it can be moved - by one person if necessary. It was very hard to find plans for a proper bench at that time but I was lucky and found one in a British magazine, I think it was called Practical Woodwork or Popular Woodwork.

It's hard maple. Over the years I added two other vises. One is a custom vise Jerry Fank made for me just after he started Jerry-Rig. I don't think he ever sold another of that design - it might be the only one. Recently I added an Emmert turtleback on the back.

It's worked very well, so much so that I've never even considered making another. And now it's like an old friend. Wouldn't know what to do without it...



Steve,

The bench looks good after so many years of use.

The portable thing is a hard nut to crack. That, portabiely, and wasteful use of wood are my biggest objections to the Roubo bench. Once built, as long as you do not need to move it, the Roubo works as well as any. Full disclosure: I have two Roubo based benches in my shop that are in use almost every day but if I ever need to move 'em my guess is they will be firewood.

BTW, you are lucky. At least in my experience the first bench build will have so many faults that it will drive you to build another. It's good to get it right the first time.

ken

[Christopher Charles]

Steve,

Great looking bench- is the tail vise mechanism wood or metal? Great vises all the way around. And is that an Agazanni in the background?

Best,
Chris

[Christopher Charles]

It appears that I too missed this thread somehow...

Here are a couple of my Roubo based largely off the BC plans finished in 2013 I think.

Ken, I will note that I built this bench by myself and it also breaks down. As a split-top, I could move the entire bench myself, no trouble. I decided to make the top solid after three years of not using the slot once and have had no regrets. Except briefly, when I moved to a new shop, but that only meant help from one other to move the top. (and for the record, I've never been described as burly...). Thus, I would recommend the BC bench bolts and their design for anyone attracted to a Roubo and are concerned that they might have to move the bench down the line.

Can't really remember life without it and am still grateful to my friends Luke and Mike who supplied the wood :)

The (long!) build is in this thread, including a retro-fit with the excellent chain drive vise from AYC:

https://sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?169730-Is-the-Klausz-Frid-Scand-Bench-Dead

In the old shop:
410977

410978
410979

And in the new shop:

410980

Best,
Chris

[Brian Holcombe]

Nice bench Steve, good to see you on the board here.

Very nice, Chris!

[ken hatch]

It appears that I too missed this thread somehow...

Here are a couple of my Roubo based largely off the BC plans finished in 2013 I think.

Ken, I will note that I built this bench by myself and it also breaks down. As a split-top, I could move the entire bench myself, no trouble. I decided to make the top solid after three years of not using the slot once and have had no regrets. Except briefly, when I moved to a new shop, but that only meant help from one other to move the top. (and for the record, I've never been described as burly...). Thus, I would recommend the BC bench bolts and their design for anyone attracted to a Roubo and are concerned that they might have to move the bench down the line.

Can't really remember life without it and am still grateful to my friends Luke and Mike who supplied the wood :)

The (long!) build is in this thread, including a retro-fit with the excellent chain drive vise from AYC:

https://sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?169730-Is-the-Klausz-Frid-Scand-Bench-Dead

In the old shop:





And in the new shop:

Best,
Chris

Christ,

Good looking build. I remember it from back when. Split slabs make the build much easier, the last bench I made with a split slab I made the slab asymmetrical and it works much better than the one with a symmetrical split slab. Never used bench bolts on any build, I can see the advantage if you expect to move the bench.

ken

[Steve Altman]

Steve,

Great looking bench- is the tail vise mechanism wood or metal? Great vises all the way around. And is that an Agazanni in the background?

Best,
Chris

Metal.

The plans I had found in that magazine called for metal ways. That suited me just fine. I'd had it with old, beat-up benches having tail vises on wooden ways that sagged ridiculously. That was one of the main reasons I wanted to make my own.

Didn't have a way to fashion the metal ways but a machinist friend did it for me. $15.

It consists of 3 1/2" plates, one with 1/4" tongues top and bottom, the other two grooved to match. Smooth and no sag in 45 years. Photos below.

And yes, you're very observant, Agazzani B-20.




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[steven c newman]

Sometimes, one has to take the bench to the work...
411001
And, somedays...you need a saw bench at the same time...
411002
Plus a set of sawhorses...

[Christopher Charles]

That’s a bombshell or a tailvise Steve. And your B-20 is the bigger cousin to my B-18, so an easy spot for me.

Ken, I agree the build process as a split top is the way to go and saw your posts on you asymmetrical tops after gluing mine solid. I was also hesitant about using bolts, but can say the BC bolts are up to the task.

Best,
chris

[Bram de Jong]

Well, here is mine. ;-) European beech.

411179

Should be enough timber here for a roubo "a la Schwarz". Got a chunk of ash for the leg vice.

If all goes well I'll be cutting her up on the 21st of this month. The critters-under-the-bark have been going at it like mad. :(

Plan to do the ripping by machine and all the rest by hand because I want to learn while doing (or maybe I'm a masochist). I hope she won't weeble-wobble too much when I'm done.

Any hints for dealing with the critters? They look like this:

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Bram