WIP - Recycled Hardwood Bench

[Sawdust Maker]

That looks fantabulous

[artme]

Bewdifull!!

I guess it will be a case of set and forget once the bench is in place. Wouldn't want to move that too often.

[kman-oz]

Very nice indeed! Quick work. I'd go with BLO too.

[NCArcher]

Groggy, Christos, Nick, Art, Kman thanks for dropping by and leaving a comment guys
I am learning heaps as I go and thoroughly enjoying this build. I don't want to rush things, becuase that is usually my downfall, but i can't wait to get it finished so i can start using it and make some of the things i've been meaning to make for years.
I notice Groggy amd Kman aren't rushing things either

[UglyDan]

Nice job on the Bench! Really like the different shades of Timber and the dovedails look grand

Got to be happy with that, very nice work indeed!

[NCArcher]

Thanks Dan (i'm sure you're not THAT ugly),
My brain went into overload on the weekend and I achieved very little.
I ran a few planes over the top and trimmed the ends but then I hit a brick wall. Trying to figure out how to do the ends and attach the vices. I cut and played around with heaps of different sized pieces of wood and the two vices. I got sick of trying to hold the vices in place under the top so I took it off and flipped it again. Not to bad now that I know how to do it without permanently crippling myself.
I swung back and forth between minimalist installation and full bells and whistles and everything in between.
Still haven't decided but have rejected a number of options so that is something.

[pjt]

I swung back and forth between minimalist installation and full bells and whistles and everything in between.
Still haven't decided but have rejected a number of options so that is something.

When I have these moments of indecision (and I have lots of them) I tell myself that to do nothing is to not go anywhere, if I do something it might be going forward or it might be going backward but I have done something and that is going forward...or something like that... Good looking bench too, I like the contrasting timbers


Pete

[Tom the Tin Man]

That is a beautiful bench. I can only hope to maybe one day build something like it.
Apart from the M&T joints and the huge dovetail joints (didn't know they were even thought of) there is one thing that really puts this bench up on a level approaching fine furniture.
It's the accent that the one dark piece gives to the top. Looking like board-room quality from where I'm sitting.
Well done.

[NCArcher]

Thanks Tom. Actually, I really like the dark brown piece as well. It's beautiful timber, whatever it is. It's quite heavy and dense but is not the hardest timber in there. It planes pretty well but comes up better with a scraper. I have a bit more of it too.
I've mounted the vices and am working the jaws and the skirts around them. Hope to get a bit more done over the next couple of weekends.

[Sawdust Maker]

ok I'll say it
where's the progress

[NCArcher]

Soon. I've been in Perth for the last week, just got back. Will have some pics later today (of the bench, not Perth )

[Wongo]

Strong work mate. It looks really good.

[NCArcher]

Not really much progress to report.
Top is flipped to mount the vices. Using the dog holes as a stop to plane the jaws for the front vice.
Still messing around making skirts and end caps.
Hopefully more to report next weekend.
I've decided to use loose tennons and bolts, with the nuts recessed into the bench top, to hold the end caps on. The end cap will be recessed to accept the tail vice and will become the fixed jaw.

[crowie]

Still say that your bench is too good for the workshop.
Looks great!!!
One question please; did the end vice come with setup notes?
I have a simple one and the quick release has to held back to undo it.
Anyways, that's one beautiful piece of furniture you've made.
Cheers, Crowie

[NCArcher]

Sorry Crowie, no setup instructions. Sounds like the spring may be in wrong. It should spring return the half nut to engage the thread so that it can be screwed in and out. When you move the QR lever it should disengage the half nut and allow the jaw to slide.
Some pics of the mechanism might help.