Thread: New Fangled Workbench

Hi Mal,
When I was looking to build my bench I had a long hard look at that bench but in the end it wouldn't fit with the unique problem I had of merging an assembly bench and workbench.

I must say that the design might be a bit fiddly in use ie setting up the clamps for end vise work and more so the "twin screw" front vise. But it is undoubtedly cheap versatility.
I believe you can do as well with a leg vise (cheap bench screw), sliding deadman and the cheap holddowns and dogs from McJing and perhaps a wonder dog or two from Veritas.

Cheers
Michael

Hi Mal,
It looks to be a very practical bench and would be within the budget of most of us. If I was building one I would use slightly heavier construction as I noticed it move a bit. It was a long bench and that is most likely the reason. The lift out top sections are a very practical way to add all sorts of modular drop in jigs and things so you are virtually unlimited as to addons. I could live with one in my shed no problems. If it suits the kind of work you do then go for it.
Regards
John

Hi Mal

I think the planing vise was brilliantly simple and effective and the front vice seems cheep and effeftive but probably a little fiddle to use.

I was most unimpressed by the bench top arrangement. All those little panels were far too light and fiddly and flexible for a good benchtop, having effectively two planks separated by space greatly reduces the rigidity of the top, and those long pipe clamps look very fiddly to use.

A far simpler benchtop would be thick, solid timber with dog holes, home made wooden benchdogs and pairs of opposed wedges as clamps. Screw clamps are not necessary.

Cheers

Graeme

Very interesting concept, but the lack of shear mass and the two-part top don't inspire me.

Regarding your dimensions malb, 2.7m long is great, but 1.2m deep is *very* deep indeed. My current bench is 900mm and that's too deep, the new one will be 700mm when I make a start on it. I find that I end up leaving heaps of tools lying around on it because it's too deep, basically the unused side just fills with junk making it a hassle to use the whole space.

Thanks for the feedback and comments. Still haven't decided which way to go. I was looking toward the wide bench so that I can handle larger projects (assembly) and large panels etc. Panels not a major issue maybe, but large cabinets, bookcases, table tops etc would go together more easily with a bench large enough to support them properly.

If I take the 'New Fangled' approach, I anticipate that the outer sections would be assembled as 'lazy C' sections using approx 200 x 50 timbers to give overall sections of about 200 x 300. End pieces would be similar sized, with the possibility of a slightly shallower piece as a central support down the centre of the gully. Centre infills probably 25 or 32mm MDF supported on hardwood bearers. Most likely three support frames (centre and ends), tool storage cupboards/drawers below, and set up for forklift rails for movement within shop. (Yep have the fork in the shed).

Decision time is still a while away, so please keep the comments coming.

Originally Posted by malb

...and set up for forklift rails for movement within shop. (Yep have the fork in the shed).

Ah, I guess if you have that much space, why not! On the other hand you could make a bench for working the timber, and a second bench for assembly with more appropriate dimensions. If I had the space I think I'd make two, the assembly bench with a Laminex top for easy clean up.

If you have the room, I'd go with Kman's suggestion of 2 benches.

A workbench of around 900x2200mm, And an assembly bench big enough for your planned projects.
The assembly bench need be no more than an old table, as long as it will safely support the weight of your finished project.

I'd much rather just have a nice solid workbench with normal woodworking vice/s

I have built "The New Fangled Workbench!" And have been using it for about 6 months. So what follows is not what I think would happen ... just the way it really works.

Absolutely brilliantly!

And if you think the video looks impressive, I can tell you it is much better in practice. Takes only seconds to clamp any sized panel ... mine clamps up to 2.1m long. Then there is all the jigs that clamp up just as fast. I have made bases for 8" bandsaw, Slot morticer, all my grinders, many jigs and sundry other tools ... but havent done the mini-lathe yet.

Made mine out of 90 x 45 pine and have not have problems with movement. The only design change I made was using larger pipe / pipe clamps and making the well wider. It is a case of a very good basic design. For Assembly ... I just clamp in the appropriate sized sheet of MDF. I have had over 100Kg on the planing beam and it holds fine ... I am amazed out how well it works. And am thinking about building a second. (If I can find room.) And I won't be changing the design because it just works so well.

With this bench I'm continually finding new ways to use it.

Timbecon have some very good pipe clamps - good clamps make all the difference.

If you decide to go ahead and build one .... you should get hold of a very good Google sketchup drawing which helps to understand some of the finer points of the construction. There are some blogs on Lumberjocks as well that are very helpful. If you like, I can post more detail.

All the best,

Interwood

. . .

Bloody brilliant