Thread: WIP - Groggy's Workbench

Well that's good news. So would there be a problem if I took a belt sander to the top to expose some bare wood for temporarily gluing a carving blank to?

Originally Posted by Woodwould

Well that's good news. So would there be a problem if I took a belt sander to the top to expose some bare wood for temporarily gluing a carving blank to?

No worries, my other bench is already at just the right height for carving!

All bases covered!

Well... I did say 'normal' wear and tear, we may have differing opinions on what 'normal' is

Originally Posted by Groggy

Yep. As I have said on quite a few occasions in this thread, the bench was/is a learning piece for me, so I built it as well as I could. At the end of the day though it is still a workbench. In a few weeks time when the finish has 'gone off' it will become a bench like any other, it is there to be used.

I will still take some care to protect surfaces from spills and drills when I see it coming, but otherwise it will get normal wear and tear.

I'm in the process of making a 900 x 2400 mm "work layout and mechanical repair table". The base and legs are 32 mm SHS and the top is a 32 mm thick tassie oak lab bench top that I rescued from a skip at work. It's current coated in glossy two pack that is worn and chipped and am planning to sand it back and apply some sort of finish. The Rustins DO looks pretty classy but seeing as I'm going to be repairing chainsaws on it I'm wondering if I should just take a short cut and finish it in "bar and chain lube"?

Originally Posted by BobL

...I'm wondering if I should just take a short cut and finish it in "bar and chain lube"?

I think my Dad used to use diesel on his bench on the farm. It was easier to clean oil and grease off if the bench was impregnated with dieso.

Dang...that's just the nicest workbench I've ever seen..and I've thoroughly enjoyed the journey..
now I'd like to see a pic of the first unrepaired ding you make in it.
...

Hi Groggy

I just took the time to read all 76 pages (so far) of this WIP. A monumental effort (and the build took some effort too I expect )!

This is a great inspiration to us all, not the least as you freely admit your errors and amateur status. I'm sure I am not the only one who cringed at certain threads, having already made some of those mistakes (like the finishing...) or likely to make them in the future. But that is what made it such a great read.

Anyway, major kudos for the job and for taking the time and effort to document it so well. And for the amazing standard of workmanship and design innovation.

Great job. Now that you've build a bench that will earn you exactly zero brownie points from SWMBO, you better get cracking on some real projects!

Trav

Absolutley speechless, what an incredible effort you have done to make that bench, if i could make a bench to that quality, seriously dont think i would let any bugger work on it lol..

Beautiful & absolutely worth the effort!

I replaced the Osage Orange knobs with Jarrah ones so everything matches. My turning needs some work

Looks alright to me. Nice detail Groggy. OO is an interesting choice for standard fixtures.

Obviously been off the air for far too long... missed the WW Show, missed Groggy's bench completion. Epic win by the way; as an exercise in learning it looks to have been invaluable.

Ah, is the new challenge to find it's correct position in the workshop? I imagine moving it will be somewhat of an ordeal?

Originally Posted by kman-oz

Obviously been off the air for far too long... missed the WW Show, missed Groggy's bench completion. Epic win by the way; as an exercise in learning it looks to have been invaluable.

Ah, is the new challenge to find it's correct position in the workshop? I imagine moving it will be somewhat of an ordeal?

You haven't missed it all Kman, I'm replacing the temporary slide block and putting on the suede face in the wagon vise this week. It will be fitted on the weekend, then I can truly say the bench proper is complete.