My Shop Bench - Again

[Howard Rosenberg]

Hi all -

Couldn't figure out why that first multi-photo post didn't work.
But, here are the photos, again....

I really designed my bench as more of a rolling cart.

Everything was designed to go together quickly: glued and screwed butt joints.
Six 4" locking casters.
26"-wide top with 3" overhangs for clamping on three sides.
It's super-solid - the full-length back and middle support for the top don't let this thing rack at all.
Lock the casters and it doesn't move while I'm pounding away with hand tools either.

<img src="http://www.woodshopphotos.com/albums/My-Bench/bench_full_length.thumb.jpg">

The drawers are also glued and screwed butt joints.
1/4" tempered hardboard form the bottoms.
The bottoms extend on both the left and right sides of the drawer's box to form runners.
These runners are kept in place by plywood "governors" surrounding the runners' tops and bottoms to prevent the drawers from tipping out.

<img src="http://www.woodshopphotos.com/albums/My-Bench/marking_measuring_drawer.thumb.jpg">

The vice's jaws are composed of multiple laminations of 1/2" BB ply.
I lined them with leather and used two 18" screws.
It takes a little coordination to keep the jaws from racking while opening or closing the jaws but you quickly get used to it.

<img src="http://www.woodshopphotos.com/albums/My-Bench/vice_left_hand_drawers.thumb.jpg">

Anoth pair of shots of the leather-lined BB ply jaws and screws.

<img src="http://www.woodshopphotos.com/albums/My-Bench/vice_ply_jaws_and_threaded_rods.thumb.jpg">

<img src="http://www.woodshopphotos.com/albums/My-Bench/vice_in_open_position.thumb.jpg">

The vice's capacity is 22" between the screws and extends 14" when it's fully opened.

<img src="http://www.woodshopphotos.com/albums/My-Bench/vice_fully_extended.thumb.jpg">

Thanks for looking.
Howard

[Michael Stafford]

Very fine looking bench Howard. Good design and craftsmanship! You obviously spent a good deal of time planning your bench. It has a lot of good features and is versatile. One question, did you make it the same height as your tablesaw so that it could serve as an outfeed table? The vise looks good. Any plans for dogs?

[Howard Rosenberg]

I built my bench lower than my TS.
My TS is on a mobile base which raised its height anyway.

As for its final height - I had a big decision to make at the time I was making my bench.
I tend to build B-I-I-I-G boxes - like bookcases and furniture.
Space limitations confine me to one major bench.
It's kind of a "happy-ish" medium - it works most of the time.
That is, unless I'm doing something with handsaws and chisels for an extended period; in which case, my neck and shoulders KILL me.

I didn't include a benchdog capability - I eschewed handtools completely two years ago.
As I've slid down various slippery slopes, I've gotten into their usage and clamp wedged boards cross-wise to keep things in place.
But I am starting to think I might have to drill those holes in the near future.

Sincerely,
Howard

[John Miliunas]

Howard, that is really trick! Nice and BIG, with loads of storage, to boot. :) As much as I would love to move my big bench around, I wouldn't be able to, due to the "levelness" of my floor. :o Yeah...THAT bad. I think I can actually get stuff to roll uphill in there! Very nice job on the bench and thanks for posting! :cool:

[Ken Fitzgerald]

Howard.... I REALLY LIKE THAT BENCH!

[Tyler Howell]

Well worth the wait .

Thanks for sharing??

[Ken Fitzgerald]

Well worth the wait .

Thanks for sharing??
Howard....if I were you....I'd be nervous.....I think Tyler wants you to share that bench while it's located in his shop? :confused: :eek: :rolleyes: :D