Thread: WIP - Groggy's Workbench

The base is the same and the top is still a bunch of posts. I am waiting for the vises before I cut the top to length so the wagon vise will not interfere with the leg. I'm playing with some finishes on scrap at present to see what the simplest will be. Even the sliding deadman can't really be started until I know exactly how much in offcuts are available.

Because I have a wagon vise coming I will need an end cap, maybe I can start work on that In the mean time I will get the camera out there today and get some shots of the bench covered in dust from inactivity

Don't know if this helps, but the plan for my bench is as follows. If you look at Shannon Rogers or Chris Swartz's wagon set up they put the dog holes behind the leg. Others like Abraham Kaloof made a hole in the back of the leg to allow the bench dog to be popped out. I simply put a hole on each side of the leg. Making them 6-7" apart. THe wagon moves ~10-12 so there's no problem. I did this on the left and right leg.

I thought it was easier to cut the cavity for the sliding leg vice and the wagon vice before gluing up the top.

You can also see in the pic below my plan for the end caps. Essentially a stepped tenon with bolts and captured nuts (elongated at the back.)

Hope that helps. I bet you already on top of it all though.

I've been following what you have been doing but my way of work is to wait and visualise it all together before I cut (generally). Because these pieces are so large I really want to think it through before cutting, if I make an error I won't be very happy.

I like the top design, mine will be very similar I think. Like you, I will use round rather than square dogs.

Well here is the progress to date. The frame is complete and I've pulled out the clamps so you can see the 'clamp cosy' in action. The top is sitting awaiting the arrival of the vises. The holdfasts are in the legs and the bench dog is there too.

It seems that you have a lot more space then I have.


Good pictures.

Originally Posted by Christos

It seems that you have a lot more space then I have.

I had to carry junk outside so the pictures could be taken. The dog was there because she can't normally get in that spot and wanted to sniff around.

Small workshops aren't a lot of fun sometimes.

So we have given you more work just to take a picture.

Hang on what I am saying we, BozInOz did.

Still good to see, thank you.

You're not going to have much bench space left if you drill all the holes in the top to fit that round dog! It's all looking really good.

So that's why it had to be so strong, with that heavy bench dog.

Finally, after ordering the vises on 17 April they are now shipping them. Once they arrive I can get stuck in to the top in earnest. Can't wait!

Are you sure those 'boards' for your benchtop are going to be big enough?

Now this looks like the really fun part of building the bench. Putting that top together. It's going to be awesome when done.

Originally Posted by nt900

Are you sure those 'boards' for your benchtop are going to be big enough?

I reckon if anyone manages to steal this bench I won't have the courage to go after them. Anyone who can sneak a ton of timber probably should be left alone.

Originally Posted by nt900

Now this looks like the really fun part of building the bench. Putting that top together. It's going to be awesome when done.

Putting it together has me intrigued. In fact, I have been considering approaching a guy I know who has a rack of Frontline clamps to assemble and glue it, but I am not sure it would add any real value given how rigid these beams are.

Originally Posted by Groggy

I reckon if anyone manages to steal this bench I won't have the courage to go after them. Anyone who can sneak a ton of timber probably should be left alone.

Putting it together has me intrigued. In fact, I have been considering approaching a guy I know who has a rack of Frontline clamps to assemble and glue it, but I am not sure it would add any real value given how rigid these beams are.

I am sure that guy would be happy to oblige, but they look bigger than even the Frontlines will manage. What's the finishes thickness you are going for?

Originally Posted by nt900

I am sure that guy would be happy to oblige, but they look bigger than even the Frontlines will manage. What's the finishes thickness you are going for?

[runs out to shed]

ahh, 130mm (5¼"). Frontlines go up to 140mm don't they?