Much if this depends on the type of work you do. I work on both sides of my bench so often that i need that access. So for me no walls or backboard. I am very much a single tasker. I have a tool box between my benches at the end. In that box are my most used tools. I keep the bench top clean for the most part and get out the tools for a task. When I switch tasks I try to brush off the tools wipe them down with oily rag put them back in the box. I then prepare for the next task. After working this way for years I’ve found several good things. My benches stay fairly clear, i always know where my tools are and my tools stay clean and ready to go to work. I do wear an apron with pockets for the essentials scale, rule, sharp pencil, marking knife and 6” double square.
Jim
Yes tool readiness is a very personal thing. The important thing for me is that they really are ready. My stretchers are half way between the bench top and floor (where they should be!), this let me create a simple cedar slat shelf that is truly easy to reach for some larger tools, hold downs, etc. The tool well at the back has nothing sticking up, marking, measuring and chisels dominate. Nothing is crowded. Larger tools, planes, saws, more chisels are in a large fitted chest.
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You can do a lot with very little! You can do a little more with a lot!
For those who could use a smidgeon of o.c.d. here is a video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-CTkbHnpNQ&t=2s I used to work with a guy who was always knolling- the tools that were not in his hands were arranged neatly on a cart next to the bench. That is beyond me but I do try to keep things somewhat organized and at hand.
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Last edited by Kevin Jenness; 11-26-2021 at 8:43 AM.
My WORK bench is just 16" wide, by 54" long..yet fits into the work area of my shop. IF I need a tool, there is a large tool cabinet, that all I need to do is turn around ( About...FACE) open a door, get the tool out, close the door. Bench has a vise on the end, and a leg vise at that end....as those two seem to work together. At the other end, there is a Cachet...been used so much, it needs to be replaced.
There IS a shallow tool well (2" deep~) and a rack for ready to use chisels on the back of it. Been in use for over 7 years now. main part of the bench was built in a single Sunny Sunday afternoon, on the back porch patio.
When doing most of the joinery work, I am sitting down on the Shop's Stool. Height of my bench? 34"
Oh, BTW..I also have to share the basement with the Laundry Room, too.
A Planer? I'm the Planer, and this is what I use
My situation is completely different than yours. I have a hybrid shop - 22x22 building. I do not have enough space for the bench to sit away from the wall. I have a chisel rack and shelf on the wall behind the bench. Permanent home to small items - dividers, spoke shaves, squares, coping saws, gentleman’s saw, “utility chisels”, awls, tape measure, pencils, block plane, mallets. Some day I plan to build an under the bench tool cabinet as well similar to what Derek has, but I have a dedicated tool cabinet for planes, chisels, rasps. Saws currently hang on the wall, though I keep my carcass and dove tail saws in their original boxes when not in use simply because I’ve yet to build a saw till. I have shelves under the outfeed table on the table saw and under the SCMS station.
I’ll confess, I had to look up Sloyd style benches. I came across Rainford Restorations Woodworking. That site has a portable tool cabinet from Sloyd” that holds full length handsaws. You should check it out if you haven’t already.
I like four side access to my modestly sized bench, so I built a shallow sideboard against the wall behind the bench for tool storage. It works ok. I’m continually refining it. The next project will be an improved chisel rack that orients the sharp end up and uses hidden magnetic retention.
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Sharp solves all manner of problems.
I like the idea of wall-mounted enclosed tool cabinets a little away from the workbench so I can work around the bench. The portable chisel stand also comes in handy. It installs in the tool well and is portable between 2 similarly configured workbenches. Norman
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Have found a use for un-used dog holes.....while I am sitting at the bench, doing a bit of joinery work....and don't want a chisel to roll off the bench onto the shop floor...I simply store that chisel in a close-by dog hole...as sometimes there might be 2-4 chisels in use...and they all want to roll, of course....Insert the chisels into a few dog holes, to wait their turn...yet are within easy reach when needed.
A Planer? I'm the Planer, and this is what I use
I made this for my bench about 8 years ago. There have been some changes and upgrades since then but no current pics. It sits on the back rail of the tool tray and can just be lifted off and set aside if need be.
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Jim
Ancora Yacht Service
It works as long as your chisel is smaller than the dog hole. Some folks have had problems with socket chisels falling off of the handle. It can also be painful if you reach under the bench top for something.while I am sitting at the bench, doing a bit of joinery work....and don't want a chisel to roll off the bench onto the shop floor...I simply store that chisel in a close-by dog hole...as sometimes there might be 2-4 chisels in use
My chisel holder for bench top holding may be a bit crude but it is simple and works:
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Other members have posted much nicer ones with a french cleat to hang on the wall. They could also have a small dog on the bottom to be held by a dog hole or two.
Jim & I must have been posting at the same time.
Wow Jim, ain't that the bee's knees!
jtk
Last edited by Jim Koepke; 11-28-2021 at 11:38 AM.
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