Designing Without a License

[Curt Putnam]

Most of the 20 mm or 3/4" grid systems I've seen or heard of are built on spindly frames - quite unsuitable for hand tool work. Nonetheless, the grid systems have a number of desirable features. So the thought occurs to me - combine the two.

Given a walk-around bench, would it make any sense to have the front 15" or so a conventional thick hardwood top and the back 15" or so a grid system surface? Yes, questions remain unanswered. What are they? I'm OK with being told it is a dumb idea if it is.

[Ben Ellenberger]

My bench only has a 16” deep solid part, then the back 8” are a tool well. I find that 16” deep section works fine for most of the stuff I do. There is plenty of room for chopping and planing.

I’d be interested in seeing if anyone has made something like what you are describing. It could be pretty handy.