Spit Top Saw Bench

[Tim Andrews]

Hello All,
I have often thought that a low, solid bench would be very useful in the shop, so I looked at a lot of images and came up with a design I liked. The original plan was to attach the tops to the legs with box joints, but since I have wanted to learn how to hand cut dovetails, I decided that now was the time.


Learning in 5/4 hard maple was not the most logical decision since it is so unforgiving, but I practiced 7 or 8 joints in 3/4 poplar until I started feeling comfortable. I tried several techniques, and ended up cutting the tails first on the tablesaw and finishing with a chisel. The pins were cut in the traditional way with a hand saw. My first attempts were with my Japanese saw, but I wasn’t getting the results I liked and I ordered Rob Cosman’s dovetail saw. What a difference! Easy to start, cuts quickly, easier for me to keep a straight cut. The joints aren’t perfect, but I’m on my way.


I finished with my new favorite finish, Osmo Polyx. It’s easy to apply once you learn to go lightly, feels great to the touch, and doesn’t yellow maple like many finishes.


I know that many of you might think it a waste of time to put so much effort into a piece of shop furniture, but I view every project i build as a learning opportunity and I learned a lot on this build. Thanks for looking!
Tim

[Frederick Skelly]

I know that many of you might think it a waste of time to put so much effort into a piece of shop furniture, but I view every project i build as a learning opportunity and I learned a lot on this build..

Nice job. I think the bench looks great! Nothing wrong with having nice shop furniture - you should look at Derek Cohen's website - even fixtures he builds are pretty.

[Phil Mueller]

Great job, Tim. I made a similar design some years ago and it’s a great addition to the shop. I did end up modifying it some to accommodate clamping. I widened the center opening and put a few dog holes down each side.

[Tim Andrews]

Thanks guys. Phil, how do you use the dog holes since there is not a vice to snug up the piece? As planing stops?

[Phil Mueller]

Sorry, Tim, should have been more clear. I have a couple of these from LV that I use with the dog holes. Primarily when ripping narrower stock when a standard clamp doesn’t have the throat depth from the outside edge of the saw bench.

1B83AACC-674C-434B-8035-CFCCFE824D75.jpg

[Tim Andrews]

Got it, thanks.

[Jeff Hamilton Jr.]

Great looking work Tim!

[Christopher Charles]

I agree that’s a great looking bench. And why not have nice fixtures in the most important room in the house

[Ron Brese]

That’s a lovely saw bench. Nice looking shop fixtures are something I really appreciate

Ron

[Rob Luter]

Very nice! Have you had occasion to use it? Does it have its first scar yet? Some of my most cherished shop fixtures are those that I really went overboard on and now feature plenty of witness marks.

[Tim Andrews]

Thanks Rob. So far I have only used it for seating a few times, so no dings. I knew when I built it that seating would be one if its functions, because I often seem to need to sit at that height. I'm sure I'll be using it for sawing and drilling soon.

I've heard of guys making beautiful workbenches with hand cut joints, and they kristen the bench by giving it a good whack with a hammer. I could never do that!

[Rob Luter]

Thanks Rob. So far I have only used it for seating a few times, so no dings. I knew when I built it that seating would be one if its functions, because I often seem to need to sit at that height. I'm sure I'll be using it for sawing and drilling soon.

I've heard of guys making beautiful workbenches with hand cut joints, and they kristen the bench by giving it a good whack with a hammer. I could never do that!

Hah! Years ago I built a deck and we had friends over for the inaugural cookout. Right off the mark my buddy opens a beer and pours it all over the new deck. He says “it’s gonna happen sooner or later. We might as well call it a christening”.