Thread: WIP - Groggy's Workbench

I can't wait for the next hole drilling video. Actually, it's more the aftermath that I can't wait for.

The one question remains Groggy. Have you used your bench in anger yet?

Sure have Waldo, post #945. Made a small bookshelf for a mate and used the bench a fair bit. Could have done with a leg vise too but the old Record #52 was pressed into service. Love the way the holdfasts can be used, I may even get a few more of them.

Beaudy mate.

Originally Posted by Groggy

Love the way the holdfasts can be used, I may even get a few more of them.

Was thinking the same thing today. Looking at some of the Veritas holding options as well.
I like the look of this.

You can get a lot more holdfasts for that price (or four Gramercy holdfasts). Simple is best, these work very quickly and hold the workpiece with a lot of strength.

It has been a good journey and good to see that is has finally finished and been used.

Some have followed from the start and some have picked up from the middle but those that come to this site from this point on will read for days.

Too right Christos! I only came in just before the hole drilling video, so I've got rather a long way to go back, as I think I'll build one at some stage. Mind you, I may alter the hole drilling bit.

It's a great job you've done there Groggy, and a credit to you for taking so much time to do all the videos, pictures and discussions.

Edit: Groggy, have you got the McJing holdfasts, and if so how do they compare to the Gramercy?

I have not tried the McJing holdfasts but can't see why they won't work, provided the basic design is followed and the steel can flex there shouldn't be a problem.

Regarding the hole drilling (not the video ) - make sure you get a Scotch pattern auger bit and a strong drill. Strap yourself to a leg of the bench and then give it some Forstners are a waste of time for this task, as I demonstrated in the video. When my son returns from Mexico, or LA or wherever he is at present I'll try and get a comparative shot using the Scotch pattern bit.

Thanks Groggy

Googled "Scotch Pattern Auger Bits" and came up with this mob

Handy - I now should be able to source some decent sewing scissors for SWMBO, more brownie points on the way

Thanks

Originally Posted by Sawdust Maker

Handy - I now should be able to source some decent sewing scissors for SWMBO, more brownie points on the way

Already done that - I bought my wife two pair....
....they also make some really good high-tensile steel workshop scissors...

Coming back from my favourite tool/fastener destination with offerings such as these helps reduce the questioning about why I need another 200 different sized screws!

Started on the leg vise this afternoon after lots of little jobs yesterday and this morning.

Made an error in reading the plan - there were two width measurements and (of course) I read the smaller of the two. So instead of using the bit I had put aside I needed to get an unprepared piece and start from scratch.

I'm making the blocks that hold the rollers, very fiddly. They have a few surfaces at different depths, a hole, a slot for the wheel, a bit of curvature for appearance and a routed slot. Surprising how many tools you can use on a six inch piece of wood - I have still got to rout some slots in it!

The wagon vise has got quite a workout and the holdfasts have proven their worth time and again. The strip in front of the block in pic #2 is to be glued to the back and fill the flute on the leg.

Once the slots are routed I can cut it in half to make the two roller brackets.

The brackets just need to have some finish on them and they are done. Test placement passed inspection by the supervisor so next will be chopping a slot in the leg.

These brackets took a while to make. The grub screw had to be threaded into the timber so it can lock the axle in place.

What's the pink plastic thing, surely not a shower cap?