Finished workbench top

[Kurt Loup]

I finished the workbench top that was previously posted on 12/2. Not sure if I am finished with the base as I may add some drawers for storage and/or a lifting mechanism. Right now, I am leaning towards storage.

Kurt

http://www.loup-garou.net/images/oiled.jpg

more photos and text (http://www.loup-garou.net/workbench)

[Scott Behrens]

The bench looks great! With my 10 degree shop this weekend I'm almost as envious of the green grass in the background. What did you use for finish? I need to build a bench in the spring but unfortunately the only finish I've ever used is poly. I've got a lot to learn.

Anyway, I'm sure that bench will help you turn out some great projects.

Scott

[Roy Wall]

Kurt,

Very nice work......it looks very stable and solid!!!! your link is great for following the major steps involved....

What is the finished size - LxWxH......you started with 8' long oak boards so just curious.

You should be very proud - a nice looking bench to serve you for years...:)

[Bruce Page]

Well done Kurt, that's a beautiful bench! It will give you many years of satisfying enjoyment. http://www.sawmillcreek.org/images/icons/icon14.gif http://www.sawmillcreek.org/images/icons/icon14.gif

[Kurt Loup]

Thanks for the compliments. Scott, I used two coats of natural Watco Danish oil on the top. I brushed it on then wiped off the excess with paper towels. Tomorrow night it will get down to 27*, so the grass won't be green for long. Roy, the finished size, not counting the overhangs for the vises, is 6 1/2' wide x 31" deep x 33.5" high. If I add the lifting mechanism, I will get about another 12-16" of adjustable height. Notice the jack with sprocket on the tablesaw. I hated to cut off at least a foot of width, but I decided that I didn't have enough room for a wider bench. 6 1/2' is the same width as my tablesaw with 52" fence.

[Ken Fitzgerald]

Great looking bench Kurt!

[John Dingman]

Kurt,


That is one great looking bench! You did a fantastic job on it.

John

[Mark Singer]

Really terrific looking bench! Great work!

[Roy Wall]

Where did yo get the jacks? THey look like they operate on the same principle like a tire jack.....Will you attach one to each (outside) edgo of the legs...(4 total)???

Again, the bench looks fantastic!!!

[Kurt Loup]

Roy,

The trailer tongue jacks are from Harbor Freight. They were about $13 each. I removed the handle from the jack and attached a bicycle sprocket in its place. The bicycle shop gave me enough chain to attach to each jack. The plan is to add a fifth sprocket with a crank attached. I tested out one of the jacks on a corner of the bench. I can easily turn the sprocket by hand to raise up that end of the bench. There is no doubt it will work, just haven't made up my mind if I will use it on the bench or on an assembly table. I intend to put the jacks on the inside of the stretchers. One problem may be the smaller footprint. It may not be as stable.

Kurt

[Keith Christopher]

Beauty bench Kurt !

[Terry Hatfield]

Kurt,

Excellent job!!!!!! The bench should serve you well for many, many years to come.

Terry

[Jim Dunn]

Kurt that's a pretty bench. Be sure you post pics of progress of height adjuster as you get a chance to either add it or build an assy table.

[Jim Becker]

BEAUTIFUL job, Kurt. That's a fine looking benchtop and your workmanship looks wonderful.

Good idea on the height adjustability...I'm getting a lot of mileage out of that on my own bench even in the first month of it being in my shop. (http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=13609 http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=13783 and http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=13799) Having that surface "right where it's best" is a nice thing!

[Kent Cori]

Kurt,

Well now you've gone and done it. You've made a bench that is so nice looking that it is too pretty to use. Oh well, you'll just have to force yourself to get it dirty. :) Great job!

[Marc Hills]

Kurt,

Oh man, that is just beautiful. Really, you should be proud. Big question is do you have shop heat? It would be a shame to have that fantastic bench ready for some serious neandering and it be too cold to work.

[Tyler Howell]

Very nice Kurt Great job. Inovative riser Mech. too.

[Louis Bois]

Nicely done Kurt!! I'm sure you're going to enjoy using that monster...you'll wonder what you ever did without it!!! Your pleasure in using hand tools is going to increase by leaps and bounds!! Congratulations on getting it done.

[Kurt Loup]

Thanks guys for the compliments. Jim B., I've seen your bench. Glad to read that you get good use out of the adjustability. That's one vote for adding the jacks. Marc, in Louisiana it doesn't get cold enough to worry about heat in the garage, but it gets hot enough to need my window unit AC in the summer.

Kurt