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Thread: Ben's new workbench
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20th December 2010, 10:42 PM #1Senior Member
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Ben's new workbench
Just incase there wern't enough threads on workbenches already... lol
As I've been working with a 1/2 sheet of mdf straddled across 2 saw horses for the last 7ish months, I thought it about time to go ahead and make myself a decent workbench. I had thought of going the whole hog, fancy hardwood inlayed tops, mortice and tenon legs, dovetailed skirts etc etc. Then I realised, 'hey, its a workbench', and its going to get drilled into, chiseled into, have glue and paint spilt across it and the likes so the thought of spending days making a workbench that would rival most fancy dining tables in looks (and cost!) quickly departed.
I have now opted for a more simplistic approach to workbench design, with the focus being on strength and portability around the shop. The finished size will be about 1800x600mm (6'x2') and around 900mm high. The legs are 90x90mm and the rails are 90x42mm. The top will consist of 2 sheets of 16mm mdf edged with a Tasmanian oak skirt.
If I had to name this project, I think I would have to call it the bench of 4's. It took me about 4 minutes to design, has a costing of around $400 (incl. 4 heavy duty double locking wheels, 2 vises and all new timber) and it has taken 40 minutes for me to unload the car from returning from the hardware store this arvo until what you see now!
I'm trying to remember to take some progress shots of this project. First pic, as it all sat on the shed floor after getting it all home. Second pic, cutting and machining of the substrate for the top is done; 5 cross pieces, 2 rails with 40 pocket holes, 20 recessed bolt holes, 10 rebates and 6 30mm holes for the vise rails.
More pics to follow as construction continues when I get home tomorrow.
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20th December 2010 10:42 PM # ADSGoogle Adsense Advertisement
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21st December 2010, 12:37 PM #2
Plenty of 4thought, looking 4ward to further progress
Those were the droids I was looking for.
https://autoblastgates.com.au
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14th January 2011, 09:42 PM #3Senior Member
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Ok, this project finally has gained some more momentum! I had planned to get it all finished with a few days, but as I had managed the hurt my shoulder lifting weights at the gym I spent most of my time off work over the holidays at the physio instead of in the shop :/
Anyways, here is the progress thus far;
Pic 1 - The substructure support for the 2 sheets of 16mm mdf.
Pic 2 - The legs (on double locking castors) and the lower rails Kreg'd in place.
Pic 3 - The legs are coach-bolted to the top strucure should I ever need to take the bench apart. There are another 2 bolts on the other side too, ie 4 10x150mm bolts per leg. All harware has been recessed to allow for the hardwood skirts to go over the top.
The one sheet of mdf has been Kreg'd into place from beneath. The harwood skirt will wrap around all 4 sides of the bench, and extend 16mm above the first sheet of mdf. That way I can just drop the second sheet in from above and put a few screws in from the bottom to hold it in place, facilitating easy replacement if/when it is required.
As of tonight, I have the hardwood skirts on, the second mdf layer in place, the legs have had 2 coats of paint and the top/skirts have had 2 coats of lacquer. Of course I forgot to take a picture of it all assembled prior to me starting the finishing process, so you will just have to wait until it is done to see the end result
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14th January 2011, 11:02 PM #4
Ok. I'll wait.
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6th March 2011, 12:37 PM #5Senior Member
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99% finished
Well, between a thousand and one other projects, and being put on shed time sanctions to plan the engagement party I have ALMOST finished the bench!
I had a mate around yesterday helping pull an engine out so while he was here I made extra use of hime and got him to hold the vacuum whilst I drilled all the holes for the bench dogs. 27 holes later and I am now left with 2 decisions... to laquer or not to laquer the lower shelf and what the hell to do in regards to handles for the vices. The paint I used was Dulux True Blue, which is a dead ringer for Carbatec blue, so the bench wil match al the machinery too
Anyways, here is the progress thus far. I probably should of dusted the top of the bench a bit better prior to taking the photo, but you get the general idea.
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6th March 2011, 02:07 PM #6Now proudly sponsored by Binford Tools. Be sure to check out the Binford 6100 - available now at any good tool retailer.
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6th March 2011, 03:44 PM #7
Nice job.
And there's no such thing as too many threads on workbenches...My blog: ~ for the love of wood ~ - http://theloveofwood.blogspot.com/
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6th March 2011, 05:59 PM #8
Very nice work.
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8th March 2011, 03:08 PM #9
Engagement party??? Me thinks if your asked to use this fine crafted work bench as a serving table for its first outing, you'll wreck your "man brand" or so the beer add says! . Some thing about finger foods and frilly table cloths should be kept well away! Should you lacquer the shelf ? I Would , unless the motor oil bottle mysteriously falls over , it'll smell manly for months. Thus no engagement party duties!
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8th March 2011, 07:35 PM #10
nice bench
Dulux have obviously ran out of catchy names for blue paint. The trim on my house is 'shade of blue' - very original
I'd seal the shelf given the work you'll be doingregards
Nick
veni, vidi, tornavi
Without wood it's just ...
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8th March 2011, 08:21 PM #11Senior Member
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Yeah, that's what I'm leaning towards as well. I'll bust out the estapol on the weekend should I have 5 minutes to myself!
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8th March 2011, 10:17 PM #12
and ask for a bench grinder for a wedding present!
regards
Nick
veni, vidi, tornavi
Without wood it's just ...
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9th March 2011, 10:27 AM #13Skwair2rownd
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Top looking bench Socratus!!
Methinks SM has the right idea for a wedding pressie!
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9th March 2011, 11:35 AM #14
off topic
Don't laugh
1st marriage they were sitting around discussing what to put on the bridal registry
Someone said 'ironing board'
I said "why - what's wrong with the table etc we use now!"
she (best broad) said: "well what do you want?"
I said "hmm, bench grinder"
"what's that got to do with settting up house?"
"sharpening stuff, kitchen knives, axes etc."
"OK"
so a couple of the mates got the bench grinder for us.
funny thing is after we split up I ended up with the ironing board as well ... and the bench grinder is still going great - after these 30 odd years! Thanks Rod, Jen, John & Sue for some reason I can't recall who gave the ironing boardregards
Nick
veni, vidi, tornavi
Without wood it's just ...
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9th March 2011, 12:03 PM #15GOLD MEMBER
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Big step up from the old "bench". Nice work.
Bob
"If a man is after money, he's money mad; if he keeps it, he's a capitalist; if he spends it, he's a playboy; if he doesn't get it, he's a never-do-well; if he doesn't try to get it, he lacks ambition. If he gets it without working for it; he's a parasite; and if he accumulates it after a life time of hard work, people call him a fool who never got anything out of life."
- Vic Oliver
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