Thread: Workbench top

Hi all

Thanks for your advice on a beginner workbench. i made it up a few weeks back now and grabbed a couple of pictures mid-way through (see below) before attaching and trimming the top. I only have a 16mm MDF top on there at the moment and may add additional sheets to make heavier if need be. any tips on a simple vice to get initially?

thanks all

IMG_20190603_183430.jpg

A good vice will save you endless frustration - if you're not too keen on spending on a new Dawn/Veritas/ HNT Gordon, check out ebay and Gumtree for second hand vices. Old Dawn vices without quick release can be had for $50. I got rather lucky with mine and got this guy for $90. It was missing the pivot jaw - but that didn't worry me too much at all.

This one doesn't look too bad, I'd haggle him a bit on the price though. Quick release is a bit rarer.

You can buy 225mm vices from Trade Tools and Machinery House for ~$100 and they don't seem too bad. I had a play with a Trade Tools one and the screw action was smooth and jaws gripped well but how much of a beating they can take I wouldn't be able to make a comment on. I've chopped mortises into pieces held in the Dawn.

I'll throw another curve ball and include dog holes as well for added versatility given the large number of accessories and clamps out there so an 18mm MDF top with dog holes, similar to the obscenely priced festool's MFT top would be my recommendation and it can be replaced or added when necessary. T-Track will also add versatility. I think the 21st century workbench has changed from what it use to be.