Thread: Bench Bulls from Popular Woodworking

Very interesting and some good ideas there, thanks for the links.

The concept I had in mind when I started on my bench-bench-that-got-carried-away, was something in between these 'bulls' and what I ended up with. But my original sketch plan suffered from galloping inflation - I thought if I just made it a bit longer and added a bit more weight to the top, it could serve as both a bench-top extender and a light portable bench that I would be able to manage. What's that old saying about trying to keep your cake & eating it??

So thanks for the pointers, Nick, I'll file the concept, for some day when I have time hanging on my hands, & I re-visit the original idea of making something to boost the capabilities of the main bench. This time, I'll keep the lid firmly on the size!

Cheers,

I have often wondered about the practicality of building jigs like this from pine when working
with hardwoods.

Are they really sturdy enough to be subjected to the extra stress applied when working with hardwoods?

Are they really stable enough, especially when working with hardwoods?

Not Knocking a brilliant device but just wondering about a few aspects.

Originally Posted by artme

I have often wondered about the practicality of building jigs like this from pine when working
with hardwoods.

Are they really sturdy enough to be subjected to the extra stress applied when working with hardwoods?

Are they really stable enough, especially when working with hardwoods?

Not Knocking a brilliant device but just wondering about a few aspects.

Artme, I don't think we should be too dismissive of softwoods as a functional material, most are not exactly a weaklings. I think in this application it would be more than adequate, and it's just a holding device, after all, so a few dings & dents wouldn't detract from that.

Generally speaking, softwoods have quite high strength for their density. There are many different varieties, and many types of pines, of course, and some are definitely tougher than others. I've spent the last week or so working with radiata, a wood that doesn't seem to be high on most people's "favourite woods" list, but it has earned my grudging respect, partly for it's strength-to-weight properties. The group of North American pines that it belongs with are noted for that. Last night I was cleaning up and tried to snap two thin pieces about 4mm thick, so they'd fit in the rubbish can. I couldn't break both together, I had to break them one at a time! I was surprised how far they bent before breaking, compared with an equivalent hardwood. (And just to save you pointing it out, it's true, I'm not getting any stronger...... )

Cheers,

Yes you are right about pines Ian. I too have developed a grudging respect for them.

Good quality radiata can be a great timber to work with as are some of the pines I have
scrounged from crates and pallets that have come from overseas.

Of our own pines I love working with hoop and bunya. Kauri is in the same class a hoop
and bunya. Celery top is an absolute joy to use and of course Huon is a magic species.
I have also done a table in King Billy and thatwas an interesting process as it was two
slices taken from a trunk with a burl. I have some other KB that I intend to turn. Even
plantation grown Oregon (Douglas fir) can be good to work with.

Might have a go at a bench bull. I have plenty of radiata here!

Originally Posted by artme

... Even plantation grown Oregon (Douglas fir) can be good to work with.

...

If I was going to make one or two it would probably be out of recycled Oregon as I've heaps pulled out of houses around hereabouts. Thus over 100 years old and best of all free.

But at the moment I'm not really sure I'd use them - it might be something to make down the men's shed when I'm not really on my own time

Originally Posted by artme

...

Might have a go at a bench bull. I have plenty of radiata here!

We'd like photos by the end of next week please

Originally Posted by Sawdust Maker

But at the moment I'm not really sure I'd use them -

Don't you need a BENCH to use BENCH bulls. You should be finished that bench build by now. We want photos by the end of next week

Originally Posted by NCArcher

Don't you need a BENCH to use BENCH bulls. You should be finished that bench build by now. We want photos by the end of next week

That'll put your handles back to April ... 2018!

So about the same time the bench is finished then

Originally Posted by Sawdust Maker

We'd like photos by the end of next week please

I don't work that quickly!!!

Thanks Nick for posting that. Looks very practical. I have had a moxon on the to do list for a while but am thinking one of these bench bulls may have a wider range of use. I also have some offcuts that look right for a try.
Regards
John

Originally Posted by NCArcher

Don't you need a BENCH to use BENCH bulls. You should be finished that bench build by now. We want photos by the end of next week

Originally Posted by Sawdust Maker

That'll put your handles back to April ... 2018!

Now Now let's not make fun of a very busy person.

Originally Posted by Christos

Now Now let's not make fun of a very busy person.

I don't think I will need that moxon now.
I had offcuts from when I built my bench so I knocked up a very quick prototype bull to try out. I have to say for such a simple thing it works great. With F clamps, holdfasts or anything else that will clamp to it. So far It works fine without a front chop but I will make one just to save getting clamp marks on the work. Last week I put my back out gardening so am really seeing the advantages of working at the right height.
For someone without a vice this is a good low cost/free start. For someone without a bench this will clamp on to anything. It is nice and light so can be taken anywhere you want to set up a vice.
To sum up if you don't have one yet make one!
Regards
John