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  1. #1
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    Default New workbench - what to watch for when laminating?

    OK - I'm going to throw this one out here, because for a while now I've been deliberating on exactly which design and style I want to use for a new workbench. This with the amount of time I have available, is going to take some time to get under way and build, but I'll keep this thread updated as I go along

    I was planning on a custom built MFT style, but have set that aside for now as it will come later in the piece in another area. Instead, after much searching through the many designs online, I've settled on a Roubo style: http://www.finewoodworking.com/proje.../011167038.pdf

    The only difference I'm planning on is that I'll use a second Veritas Twin Screw vice as the front vice, and it will be the 24" model (the tail vice will likely be a little narrower, as the entire table is only 28" deep).

    This bench design can be fitted with some storage underneath: Tool Cabinet for a Workbench - FineWoodworking

    I have only one question at this stage - assuming that I'm going to purchase rough sawn timber and mill it down (and I'm thinking Blackbutt, or something similar) - what do I need to watch for in terms of the timber that I'm going to laminate together to make the bench top? I know, for example, that after milling, I should leave it a few days in case some internal tension was released and a piece or two will warp. But what about things like grain and growth ring direction? Quarter sawn or rift sawn (which I understand the difference between, but not how these might interact with each other)? Would sincerely appreciate wisdom here if folks are willing to share, with many thanks!

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  3. #2
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    Hello Midnight Man
    FWIW Roubo specified pith side up or something to that effect, for better wear resistance, but he wasn't laminating up lengths.
    SJobergs benches are though, it might be worth looking those up.

    Tom

  4. #3
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    Usual method is to alternate the growth rings to get the most stable panel. Quarter sawn would be ideal but you will likely have to work with what boards are available.
    https://www.canadianwoodworking.com/...-wood-movement
    Regards
    John

  5. #4
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    Do you know if the rough sawn lumber is green? or has been seasoned? If its green any efforts to mitigate wood movement by alternating the grain will be negligible compared the the wood movement of lumber that is still drying

  6. #5
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    Quote Originally Posted by tonzeyd View Post
    Do you know if the rough sawn lumber is green? or has been seasoned?
    Thank you for asking - and I completely failed to clarify that I will be sourcing seasoned rough sawn - I will make sure of this. <grin> I have no intention of waiting yet another year or more to start making this workbench whilst watching timber dry out

    Quote Originally Posted by orraloon View Post
    Usual method is to alternate the growth rings to get the most stable panel. Quarter sawn would be ideal but you will likely have to work with what boards are available. https://www.canadianwoodworking.com/...-wood-movement
    Many thanks for that link - there's a bunch of explanation there that lays out nice and simply what I've been trying to ferret out and learn bit-by-bit from other sources!

  7. #6
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    I'm noticing a good bit of weight difference in my reclaimed door stile stock, which to no surprise is also much denser to work with the heavier stuff.
    Probably spent an hour deciding most of the material for the top, after figuring out it wasn't the length of the timbers that was making the grade (made the decision to stick to bench plans)

    I haven't cut the ends off either, so I couldn't tell you the orientation of my chosen stuff so far
    With the top being worked on first, the base not as important grain wise, and the fact that I have another base to "test" it out on.
    It boiled down to a matter of stacking the heaviest, and then separating the straightest grain lines from that pile.
    However, I still may go back to the stack to surface some more, if it remains this cold

    I wouldn't be in any rush atall picking from stacks of random lumber,
    as I haven't been so choosy to put colour, or figure in the mix aswell.

    Don't know all that difference will make on your purchase though, just my observations

    Tom

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