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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Dec 2012
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    NSW
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    133

    Default First bench build - roubo split top inspired

    Probably a bit late with this as I have finished mot of the bench but I guess better late than never.

    Needed a work bench like we all do, stable and heavy was a must and it also had to be pulled down for easy removal (move for work every 3 or so years)

    I liked to idea of the roubo but didn't really like the split top (this has come to grow on me) The split top also makes it easier to move as the bench top is two pieces instead of one.

    I have made it from hardwood I obtained from a local guy who has a Lucas saw mill that he is using to cut wood to build his house. I think the wood might be a redgum or ironbark but don't really know. It is heavy, red and stains my hands and skin when handled, any ideas?

    The legs either end are connected to the stretchers via bolts with a blind nut epoxied into a small piece of wood that goes through the stretcher. See photo.

    The bench top is attached the the legs via coach bolts. The bench pulls down to 6 pieces and I struggle moving the legs and really struggle moving each of the bench tops.

    I am installing a tail vice and will and thinking how to build a leg vice. I have not built/installed the tail vice so will document it more than I did with the bench itself.

    The bench is about 1900 long, 800 wide and 900 high. The top is 3 jut over 70mm thick and I managed to get it flat both sides with a friends WoodWiz (what a great machine these are)

    2014-11-04 15.48.44.jpg2014-11-04 15.48.52.jpg2014-11-04 15.49.00.jpg2014-11-04 15.49.35.jpg

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  3. #2
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Location
    Dandenong Ranges
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    47
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    816

    Default

    Nice work there. Are you thinking of installing some kind of dog holes in-line with the shoulder vise?
    ___________________________________________________________
    "The things I make may be for others, but how I make them is for me."

  4. #3
    Join Date
    Dec 2012
    Location
    NSW
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    133

    Default

    Thanks. I plan on drilling dog holes into the bench and getting myself some brass ones from carbatec. I also saw there are ones that pop up and push back down. Might get this type to install into the top of the vice.

    planned on doing more on the bench today but ran out of time as I had to run some 6mm wire from my power board into the garage so I can get a sub panel installed.

    fingers crossed I will get some done tomorrow before I start work.

  5. #4
    Join Date
    Dec 2012
    Location
    NSW
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    Default

    Quick update started on my vice (unsure of its true name as end/tail/shoulder all appear to be interchangeable)

    As you can see in the pictures I have routered a triangular v into both the bench top and vice head. My plan is to have a square piece glued into the vice head that runs along this v track. Meaning the head can't drop out and I don't need to install anything on the external bottom of the bench to hold the head in.

    There will be another piece that attaches to the side of the head of the vice that the screw from the vice handle will pass through and also will attach to. I had one made but broke it so it is currently clamped up waiting for the glue to dry.

    I was going to use pine for the runners that get glued to the vice head but thought a hard wood would be better and wouldn't wear as quick. Pine would have been more forgiving for any errors as it is softer and would just mould to the errors but if I get any binding I will just p ll it apart and sand the high spits down.
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  6. #5
    Join Date
    Aug 2003
    Location
    Pambula
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    58
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    12,779

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    unsure of its true name as end/tail/shoulder all appear to be interchangeable
    An end vice is found at the right hand end of the bench (for a standard right-hander) and extends across the width of the bench. It may or may not have double screws.
    end-vice.jpg

    A tail vice is also usually at the right hand end but occupies a cut out along the front edge. It looks to be what you are making. This type of vice usually makes use of dog holes rather than anything being clamped between the vice faces themselves.
    tail03.jpg

    A shoulder vice is usually found at the left hand end and it consists of a fixed arm that protrudes from the bench with a screw that clamps the work piece between the 'shoulder' and the front edge of the bench.
    bench_shoulder.jpg

    There is also a leg vice, which has a long jaw that pivots down near the bottom of the leg and the screw pulls the jaw in tight against the front edge of the bench.
    Side-view-Leg-Vice.jpg
    "I don't practice what I preach because I'm not the kind of person I'm preaching to."

  7. #6
    Join Date
    Dec 2012
    Location
    NSW
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    Default

    Silentc thanks for the descriptions. Thought I had it right but was unsure.

    A small update complete the other side of the tail vice head (the bit that is hidden and attached to the vice handle screw)

    At first I was going to cut a square notch for the threaded rod to run but thought stuff it I will just bore out the hole with a forstner bit. My poor little drill press is a bit under powered but we got there in the end. Due to the depth I had to drill from each end of the block and meet in the middle. Knowing that the holes would be off and not line up didn't bother but I was surprised when I had finished and both line up almost perfectly.

    So I have glued a running to this block and now waiting for it to dry. Will have to wait till tomorrow as I am on night shifts at the moment so will let the glue dry over night and get back to it tomorrow.

    Now for some pictures.



    This is the test square cut piece next to the bored out piece.



    With the wooden slides



    Dry fit next to the vice head.

  8. #7
    Join Date
    Dec 2012
    Location
    NSW
    Posts
    133

    Default

    Vice is finished and fitted. I over cut a little trying to get the hardware to fit but manages to fill this up with epoxy.



    Is rough but it works. And is also hidden so it isn't seen anyway.



    Last photo is from underneath the bench.

    Now to get some dogs and drill some dog holes and make a handle for the vice on the lathe

  9. #8
    Join Date
    Sep 2010
    Location
    Sydney
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    Default

    Any more progress ?

  10. #9
    Join Date
    Dec 2012
    Location
    NSW
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    Not yet mate. Life has been hectic in my household over the Christmas period.


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  11. #10
    Join Date
    Sep 2010
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    Sydney
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    I hope you can get some shed time soon.

  12. #11
    Join Date
    Dec 2012
    Location
    NSW
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    Not so much a progress but my neighbour has given me an old wood workers vice that I have managed to clean up and will install into the side of my bench.

    This is also at the same time as me trying to build a baby cot for my new bundle that my wife and I are expecting.


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  13. #12
    Join Date
    May 2012
    Location
    Melbourne, VIC
    Posts
    75

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    Quote Originally Posted by grantoboy View Post
    This is also at the same time as me trying to build a baby cot for my new bundle that my wife and I are expecting.

    Good work, on all fronts!
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  14. #13
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    Dec 2012
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    NSW
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    Default

    Thanks mate

  15. #14
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    Dec 2012
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    NSW
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    Quick update since it's been only 2 years.

    Dog holes are in. Had to use the brass pop up one's in the branch for 2 holes due to the vice and leg supports being directly underneath. They work quite well and are extremely easy to use.

    Also added the vise my neighbour gave me. Just need to make a wooden jaw for it.

    Still need to turn a handle for the vise and clean up some other bits.


    But all in all it's been a great bench to use and am glad I made it.

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