Completed first bench (split-top Roubo)

[Brad Swanson]

It took the better part of 6 years, but I just finished my ash Benchcrafted split top Roubo. Countless mistakes and learning experiences spread between long periods of idle tools in the workshop, but I finally got it done (still need to make the gap stop and drill some holdfast holes in the top, but I'm calling it good). Can't wait to use it building much smaller projects.


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[Christopher Charles]

Just six years?! (I know the feeling!). Great looking bench and hope you find it as pleasant a game-changer as I did when I built a v. similar one.

Best,
Chris

[William Fretwell]

Well Brad, that is glorious! Lovely thick top, oblong dog holes, good length and beautiful grain to relax the soul. You can add dog holes as needed. That will last you a very long time.

[Rob Lee]

Wow - nicely done!

You'll get a lifetime of service from it....

Cheers -

Rob

[Malcolm Schweizer]

Six years? That’s the fast build option around here! Looks beautiful. Love my ash top- great choice.

[ken hatch]

Brad the bench looks good, congrats.

I'm sure the six years is a typo and should have read 6 months :).

ken

[Phil Mueller]

Well done, Brad. Go ahead and make a first saw cut or accidental drill hole in it and get that over with!
I can’t quite tell from the pictures; what is the purpose of the two openings on the right side (circled)? I’m assuming it’s a wagon vise of some sort, but don’t see a handle on the end....

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[Brad Swanson]

Thanks Phil. You've identified the tail vise "channel" for lack of a better term. I've attached another picture that will help make sense. The wooden block with the wooden dog in it that is between the two circles moves back and forth using the tail vise wheel to clamp work pieces with the tail vise.
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[michael langman]

That is one beautiful bench Brad. It has many great features and is going to be a pleasure to use I'm sure. Nice work.

[Jim Koepke]

It took the better part of 6 years, but I just finished my ash Benchcrafted split top Roubo.

That is less time than my efforts to build a bench.

Looks great by the way.

jtk

[Phil Mueller]

Thanks Brad, assumed that is what is was, but couldn’t see the tail vise wheel in the pics. Very nice. A tail vise is one add I’ve been thinking hard about adding to my bench at some point.

[Andrew Hughes]

Very nice bench Brad. I like it a lot

[chris carter]

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HA!!! My workbench is next to a Concept II rower as well!

[Gerald Schram]

nice bench brad congratulations on finishing the bench. jerry

[Dennis Droege]

Brad, it's lovely. I hope you signed it (with date) somewhere.

[Josh Robinson]

Very nice!