I have now read Chris S.'s Anarchist Workbench book (great read!!) and am ready to embark on the build.
Overall, I plan to pretty much replicate what he suggests as his rationale throughout made sense to me based on how I've used my maple butcher block topped existing bench.
But there are a few areas I have questions about, especially given that I'm currently primarily a machine-based woodworker... but beginning to dabble in hand tools for certain things (but, as an example, I plan to continue to use my jointer to do most surfacing).
1) Bench size
Chris recommends 5" thick x 24" wide x 8' long.
Thickness... I like it.
Width... I have had a 30 inch depth table for about 10 years now, and have been quite happy with that. I'm tall with long arms and find that reaching things is not an issue, the back of the bench can act as a spot to temporarily place tools/fasteners, and at times when I'm working on something bigger, the extra 6 inches seems handy. Any compelling reasons that 30" is a no-go?
Length...
If I orient the table one direction (option A in the pic) a 6 foot long table fits nicely, matches what I've always had, and leaves more open space in that side of my shop (for setting up sawhorses, big assemblies, etc.). But it lops off 2 full feet from Chris's plan.
Conversely, if I go with the 8 foot bench, it's definitely bigger... and would have to be oriented the other direction in order to fit - thereby mostly eliminating (or breaking up) that open space from above.
I know Chris mentions in the book to build to suit your space, and he does much more hand tool work than I do (so perhaps his needs are different)... I rarely have needed/wanted more than the 6' bench I have already, and really think the open space will be valuable... Any machine-based woodworkers greatly opposed to shorter than longer bench?
(note: I plan for the bench to be primarily stationary.. but will likely install retractable casters just in case)
new workbench option A.JPGnew workbench option B.JPG
2) Though I have never used one, I plan to install the leg vise as Chris suggests... I can imagine the utility and would like to try to incorporate into my approach. And I would like a tail vise too.
He's not overly into tail vices, but perhaps again a difference in how we work wood. I feel like a very common current need is to hold various lumber / fixtures / assemblies to the surface of my bench (for which I currently use quick clamps or C-clamps to the surface), so a combination of hold downs / dogs / tail vice / and continuing to clamp at the edge of the bench... seems like a lot of really good options that I would use often.
For those with a tail vise... like it? use it a lot? any qualms with my rationale?
3) He likes 1" dog holes... but I feel like I've seen many here say they prefer 3/4". Is there consensus on this, or is it "pick one and go with it"?
Thanks!
Bob R.