Show off your workbench

[Wongo]

Wasn’t that a great success that we all got to show off our hand planes? :2tsup:

As a woodwork, I always love to see other’s workbench. It is nothing like a flat and heavy workbench. It doesn’t matter whether it is made of recycled Oregon, MDF, ply or good Aussie hardwood. :2tsup:

So take a few pictures tonight and show us your tail vice. Show us your tool till. Show us your dog holes and let's have so fun.

[rat52]

my work benches are now saw stools as the proper benches are covered in crap.

Am I the only one who just drops stuff on the bench thinking I'll clean it up later.

I still have the planes on the saw table.

[Waldo]

G'day,

No problems Wongo, later on this arvo. :2tsup:

[Felder]

Here is mine. :)

[Wongo]

Very funny Felder.:D

That workbench costed me next to nothing and served me very well for almost 3 years.:2tsup:

[rat52]

This should give you some idea . I'm a scrounger and have a lot of trouble throwing anything out.

Enter at your own peril.

[Sturdee]

Here are the links to mine which I posted 18 months ago. The surface is still as good as when done, except there are few more things on it at the moment.

http://www.woodworkforums.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=13052

and

http://www.woodworkforums.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=13053

and

http://www.woodworkforums.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=13051


Peter.

[Mirboo]

My workbench is a quick and dirty number knocked together from structural radiata pine. It occupies a position along one wall.

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g190/mirboo/Workshop/th_PS_IMG_2998.jpg (http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g190/mirboo/Workshop/PS_IMG_2998.jpg)

We moved into our current residence about 3 years ago and I built the bench soon after. It was not intended to be a temporary bench but it is also not intended to be my permanent bench, if you know what I mean. One day I want to build a "proper" bench and this current bench is teaching me about all of the things that I would want to incorporate into the design of the so called proper bench in order to make my woodworking easier.

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g190/mirboo/Workshop/th_PS_IMG_2997.jpg (http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g190/mirboo/Workshop/PS_IMG_2997.jpg)

Although it is a bit rough around the edges my bench does the job. It is very solid and does not exhibit any racking. The boards I have used for the top are 45mm thick and there is quite a bit of bracing underneath.

On one end of the bench I have installed a woodworking vice. This is an Irwin Record No. 53ED quick release vice. The wooden jaws I have installed on the vice are too wide. Racking prevents me from using it to clamp things at the extremities so when I install it on my so called proper bench I'll do it a bit differently.

You can see from the pictures that I have drilled a line of dog holes in the bench top. Beneath the dog holes I have screwed another layer of 45mm pine so that the holes penetrate a 90mm thickness. I use a pair of Gramercy hold fasts, a Veritas wonder dog and a couple of home made wooden dogs in conjunction with the dog holes for various work holding tasks.

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g190/mirboo/Workshop/th_PS_IMG_3023.jpg (http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g190/mirboo/Workshop/PS_IMG_3023.jpg)

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g190/mirboo/Workshop/th_PS_IMG_3000.jpg (http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g190/mirboo/Workshop/PS_IMG_3000.jpg)

One end of my bench has been allocated to the only two pieces of real machinery that I have to aid my woodworking, my drill press and my high speed grinder. I do have a few other power tools; a router, a circular saw and random orbit sander and a couple of power drills; but the drill press and the grinder are the only tailed tools I have that aren't portable. When I build my next bench I will have to find a new home for the grinder and the drill press. My proper bench will be a dedicated work surface, not a place to mount machinery. Maybe when that day finally arrives and construction of my proper bench begins, one of the cars will have to give up its spot in the garage so that I can increase my woodworking real estate.

[silentC]

Here you go: http://www.woodworkforums.ubeaut.com.au/showthread.php?t=10923

[Waldo]

G'day,

OK, here's my benches.

I've got two:

• the real workbench: which I commence working at about 3-4:00 onwards every arvo; and

• the working hours workbench: next door to the above bench but seperated by a place called BrandHOUSE (the offical office for my business)

I've cheated, these were taken a couple of weeks ago, although the real workbench has changed very little. Basically what's on it has moved position as I work between it and two doors masquerading as temporary workbenches while I work on my hand tool cabinet.

[silentC]

What interests me is the number of people who have their benches up against a wall or in a corner (yes, I'm talking about you Waldo :) ). I suppose it's a matter of necessity for people who insist on keeping their cars indoors but don't you find it a pain in the rear end having to turn things around all the time?

[Waldo]

G'day SilentC,

Good points.

Yep, turning things around can be a pain, but the benches I've worked at have always been against the wall, so I don't know any different :shrug: - which in turn gives wall space behind the bench.

My bench also ended up in the corner, as when we bought this place I had to think ahead of what I wanted to put in the shed (9mx7m) and what had to fit or go into it down the track, ala office.

Chances of permantly moving SWMBO's car outta the shed: nil.

Mine: more and more likely, and in the event that I do so. A TSC-10HB will take up the space and maybe another bench, to aleviate the problem of room of needing another bench.

[silentC]

I suppose I've been lucky to always have room for an island bench. It's just so handy to be able to work from all sides. For example, cross cutting in the vice. I can clamp the wood in the vice, walk to the far side of the bench (what is against the wall in your case), and cut with the offcut to the right, which is more comfortable and better for sighting the layout lines for me.

[journeyman Mick]

...............Am I the only one who just drops stuff on the bench thinking I'll clean it up later..............................

Nope:wink:

My benches (2@ 2.4m x 1M & 2@ 1.8M x 1.2M & 2@ 1.2M x .9M) are always covered with "work in progress" :rolleyes:

Mirboo,
where do you get the Gramercy hold fasts from and are you happy with them?

Mick

[WoodGirl]

Finished it a couple of weeks back. Was a cruddy old steel framed storage rack my cousin cut down to workbench height and rewelded. Bolted on a thick pine top, filled in the sides, added some doors, used the old top for the backboard, painted it all purple and tada! ... a girly bench! :cool:

[bitingmidge]

Here you go: http://www.woodworkforums.ubeaut.com.au/showthread.php?t=10923

The sad thing about that thread is that I built my little fumping bench as a result/while it was happening, and the pics show my DC ducting was pretty well advanced back then. Further advanced than it is today!! :oo:

I'll post an update pic on all the benches tonight or tomorrow!

Cheers,

P

[Brown Dog]

What interests me is the number of people who have their benches up against a wall or in a corner (yes, I'm talking about you Waldo :) ). I suppose it's a matter of necessity for people who insist on keeping their cars indoors but don't you find it a pain in the rear end having to turn things around all the time?


here's a bench not up against a wall for you Silent

First photo was taken when I finished building it a couple of months ago.thats why it looks unused:D

Second pic is an attempt at a bit more of an "arty" photo. but a little more recent

cheers
BD:2tsup:

[Lignum]

Brown Dog thats my idea of a ripper bench... Top stuff:2tsup:

[MajorPanic]

This is my current tool bench, it belonged to SWMBO's Great Grandfather & is well over 100 years old, made of European Beech. Her family built bay cruisers for Morton Bay for several decades. It's only a very small bench at just on 6'. I had to replace the legs as they had been eaten by white ants but I just did an exact copy in Oregon.

http://www.majorpanic.com/images/woodwork/BB/Lighting_2.jpg

I've got a 3000mm X 900mm 'quickie' bench with a 25mm MDF top that is a stand-in until I build my REAL bench. The REAL bench will be made of Jarrah & Silver Ash based on this design, except, it will have a matching shoulder vice on the right as well.... :U

http://www.majorpanic.com/images/woodwork/BB/Bench-1.jpg

[underused]

Browndog, nice bench!
whats the shooting board made from? looks like a heavy beast

[himzol]

Hi Wongo,

Don't have anything to post as mine is currently a work in progress, great idea you had of getting everybody to show me their benches so I can get the best bits..:roll: :;

Himzo.

[fletty]

I was going to photograph my planes this weekend ..... but here's my workbench!
Fletty

[MajorPanic]

Very eligent Fletty :2tsup:

[martrix]

Heres by bench at present. I just recently added a new 1" MDF top to it and also added some Domino bench dogs (thanks Lignum:wink: ). Never have used bench dogs before so they are a new luxury to me.

The Dawn 10" quick-release and little 4" engineers vice I scored off ebay and the small blue vice on the front was made by my grandpop.

The bench sits on a crappy chipboard cabinet and the other half of the bench is supported by an old table saw my grandpop also made.

Sorry for people on dial-up, I don't know how to add pics as thumbnails for pictures that have already been uploaded on another thread I did on the domino bench dogs.:shrug:


http://www.woodworkforums.ubeaut.com.au/attachment.php?attachmentid=42863
.
http://www.woodworkforums.ubeaut.com.au/attachment.php?attachmentid=42864
.
http://www.woodworkforums.ubeaut.com.au/attachment.php?attachmentid=42865

[Wongo]

Fletty and brown dog, very nice benches. :2tsup:

Here is mine. It has a simple design and it is very heavy. The base is made from recycled Oregon and the top is made of Blackbutt.

[Mirboo]

What interests me is the number of people who have their benches up against a wall or in a corner (yes, I'm talking about you Waldo :) ). I suppose it's a matter of necessity for people who insist on keeping their cars indoors but don't you find it a pain in the rear end having to turn things around all the time?

Yes, it is a pain. My bench is in the corner of a 2 car garage and having it along the wall is the only way to fit it and the cars in. Tonight I mentioned to my wife that I'd like to build a new bench and asked her whether she'd mind parking outside from now on. http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g190/mirboo/Smilies/cover.gif Her response wasn't an outright "NO" so we'll wait and see.

[Brown Dog]

Thanks Fellas,

Wongo, I like your simple design, and the fact you had the patience to use recyled timber and do a bloody good job of it... all my other other benches before this one have been made from stuff I had lying around. The bench before this one was made from the old shed :D (it now sereves as my assembly bench). But this time I thought bugger it Im going to use the best stuff I can afford (hence the jarrah base and Vic ash top).

Looking forward to seeing Majors jarrah and silver ash beast, that will be a very nice bench, but the old bench is very cool aswell



Browndog, nice bench!
whats the shooting board made from? looks like a heavy beast

thanks underused...the shooting board is jarrah.

Do you mean is the bench or the shooting board heavy ?....the shooting board is pretty heavy but the bench is way heavier:U :;


cheers
BD:2tsup:

[underused]

I meant the shooting board, although the bench looks like a heavy beast too:2tsup:

Heres mine, better late than never eh.
This is my budget bench, made from cheapy wood:-
Next is my glue-up, finishing bench/table. Just MDF on three trestles, wedged to flat. Hardwood edge:)
Made this so I can have somewhere to glue up, and get half assembled stuff out of the way to free up the bench.
Cheers.

[Mirboo]

This is my budget bench, made from cheapy wood:-

Your budget bench doesn't look budget at all. Nice job.

[Skew ChiDAMN!!]

[sigh] I'd post pics of mine but I can't find it... I probably put a pen blank down on top of it. Yes, it's that small. :(

Don't mind me, I'll just stand quietly in this corner and sulk. With the odd, covetous glare, of course. :wink:

[derekcohen]

What can I say? :oo:

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a262/Derek50/Workbench%20and%20Workshop/Bench-whatsonit.jpg

.... I am sure it is there ... somewhere ... it was here yesterday! :U

... there is it ....

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a262/Derek50/Workbench%20and%20Workshop/lengthtoplane.jpg

more functional than pretty. It began life about 12 years ago (when we moved into the current house) as a very basic top and legs. Mostly Karri salvage roof trusses. As I increasingly became involvedwith handwork it began to evolve - I never could justify the time to build another bench with so many household jobs to do (but the time is getting close when I will build the "dream bench"). Sometimes is pays to wait and understand how one prefers to work.

So there are "clever" add-ons, such as ...

an adjustable planing stop
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a262/Derek50/Workbench%20and%20Workshop/Benchstop.jpg

a dovetail vise
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a262/Derek50/Workbench%20and%20Workshop/image010.jpg

Why two face vises? Because I can clamp large boards between them when jointing with handplanes. And, being right-handed, I actually prefer to clamp large boards on the right when sawing.

Regards from Perth

Derek

[Wongo]

Underused, you have a beautiful workbench.:2tsup: and whatever you are working on is beautiful too.

[scooter]

Skew, thou shalt not covet thy fellow member's bench :no::D

[fletty]

What interests me is the number of people who have their benches up against a wall or in a corner (yes, I'm talking about you Waldo :) ). I suppose it's a matter of necessity for people who insist on keeping their cars indoors but don't you find it a pain in the rear end having to turn things around all the time?

Like many others my workshop doesn't allow me to put the bench in the middle ... but I do dream of being able to one day!
In case that dream ever comes true, I made the last slat on the bench top loose so that it can be slid up to stop tools from rolling to oblivion down the back or dropped down level with the bench height.
One day ......
Fletty

[rhancock]

You can see my 'first' bench here: http://www.woodworkforums.com/showthread.php?p=464618#post464618 which is designed to get me through the next few years until I build the real thing. I'm firmly with the recycled timber gang - this one's made from a friend's deck, the rest is feeding termites at the bottom of the garden as an on-ground deck. The photo is the day I put it in place - it now looks more like Derek's only with fewer quality tools! I'll post more pics when I've sorted out the vices.

Derek, I notice you've got a hand powered grinder - what do you use it for? The one I have has a smaller gear box, but it's the only thing I have to sharpen with. Oh, and can you explain how you fit your vices flush with the front of the bench? Thanks!

[Andy Mac]

There are some great benches posted here, envious of more than one!:rolleyes:
I have to post photos of two benches, because I work equally in metal and wood, maybe use the metalwork bench more. The frames are both made from recycled material, mostly cypress, with a bit of hardwood and ply etc. Some through-tenons, all bolted together. Above each is a flouro, sliding along a swinging arm so I can throw light exactly where I need.
The metalwork bench is higher, and consists of 2 'towers' at each end with a gap in the middle, into which rolls my mechanic's toolbox. This allows me to move it to where I'm working, but also clears a space for sitting on a stool at the bench. There is a ply front on the steel frame, with a handle-cum-rag rack out front, and it locks into place when home. Cheap pivoting vice, would love to replace it with an offset one.
The woodwork bench is pretty basic, and has copped a real caning. I have just installed a homemade Wonderdog setup, but have only drilled holes where I needed them. Before that I just nailed cleats for wedges onto the bench when planing, working aginst a large drop-down stop at the far end of the bench. The vice is a quick release Chinese version, with a slip-in pivoting jaw I made. I'm planning a new bench, which will be trad European...even have some timber set aside (very large pine, 7"x 5"). That ugly metal sheeting in front is an unused door, and will one day be replaced with a wall and window.
Thanks for looking!:)

[BobL]

Yuv'all seen my main bench before before but just in case, plus a couple of additions.

http://www.woodworkforums.ubeaut.com.au/attachment.php?attachmentid=24102

http://www.woodworkforums.ubeaut.com.au/attachment.php?attachmentid=24103

Attached Photos show.
1) New front vice handle
2) Small tools/machine assembly/repair bench, underneath used to store power tools, drawers store all manner of bits and pieces.
3) A sort of metal work bench, frame welded up 27 years ago from a bed frame. Underneath you can see my sharpening stone tray - dripping onto a nice bit of sheoak - damn!!! Never mind have plenty more of that now.

Cheers

[Mirboo]

Mirboo,
where do you get the Gramercy hold fasts from and are you happy with them?

Mick

Mick,

I purchased the Gramercy Holdfasts directly from Tools For Working Wood (http://www.toolsforworkingwood.com/Merchant/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=toolshop&Product_Code=MS-HOLDFAST.XX&Category_Code=CGT) in the USA. I included them in an order with some other stuff in an effort to spread the cost of shipping over a few items. I've since found out you can buy them in Australia from Micheal Connor Woodwork (http://www.michealconnorwoodwork.com.au/gramecytools.htm).

I haven't had the holdfasts for long so I haven't used them a lot. So far though, they have worked fine. They lock down nice and firm with a simple whack from a mallet and they hold on tight. I'm very happy with them.

[Bob38S]

My work benches aren't anywhere near as fancy as some but I could easily compete in the messy department - most horizontal surfaces have a magnetic attraction for all manner of bits and pieces.

I mainly use and old steel framed ping pong table [cut and shut to ply sheet size] on which I have attached a sheet of 19mm form ply and a support and storage shelf underneath - I also have 360 degree access.

As an "extra" table I use my trailer with a jockey wheel and brace at the tailgate end - inside is a removeable support frame which supports a top deck which is located with cleats. This allows me to move 360 degrees around the job or move the entire job from one place to another by moving the trailer - I have even on rare occasions worked by standing on the deck.

Regards,
Bob

[boatchippy]

There's some nice set ups here. Very sexy.:D

Mine's a little more basic.

First bench is made of spotted gum and bluegum, with shipwrights dovetails. This is my favourite bench, although it's very heavy, can be moved out from the wall to alow access around perimeter. 7ft x 3 ft and perfect height.
Second bench was slapped together in 2 seconds, just made from scrap pine, comes apart, one side has radial arm saw. 16ft x 3ft
Workshop is long and skinny so can't fit too much in @ just 65ft x 12ft. Still trying to work out how to fit my panel saw in, with a footprint of 22ft x 12ft:?

[boatchippy]

View of rest of the workshop.

Photos could be bit better.

[SWR]

Here is my current workbench.

It uses salvaged 32mm chipboard covered with white laminex, where the base uses salvaged hardwood that is seriously hard...

Workbench is about 8 foot long and as the workshop is only 18 foot wide it tends to dominate the shed a bit.....

Like most woodworkers, want to build a more traditional workbench but I still have a s*#tload of laminex covered MDF, then I will probably replace the top and do my welding somewhere else to avoid burn marks...

Couple of shots, which also show off the variety of my collection of hand tools.

Scott in Peakhurst..

[TassieKiwi]

When it was finished.....it is now surrounded by 20mm conveyor belt, after the #20 incident. I will be adding another LV holddown, and a tail vise, and a planing stop, and mebbe a dovetail vise using the holddowns on the front, and...

After about 2 yrs the top needs flattening - it has developed a 3mm cup for some reason.

i really like working on this bench, and that I recyled the timber for the legs from a 100yr old bridge.:)

I am happier working with it against a wall, though haven't really tried it in the open. I like the idea of having the tools on the wall in a cool cupboard, which is one of the winter projects planned.

[MurrayD99]

Here it is, about 6', Canadian oregon top made out of 6 x 3's. I made it about 20 years ago and it has followed us around.

[MurrayD99]

..........

Couple of shots, which also show off the variety of my collection of hand tools.

Scott in Peakhurst..

Scott, I see you borrowed my claw hammer and a couple of my chisels for this photo!:D :D

[Brown Dog]

After about 2 yrs the top needs flattening - it has developed a 3mm cup for some reason.

.

Very nice bench Tassie

My bench did the same thing but only after a couple of weeks...I think it cupped because mine sits under a sky light so the top surface gets a bit hot :- . It seems to be under controll now. I had too fix a couple of extra braces across the underneath of the top. And when its really stinkin hot I cover it with a piece of insulation:)

cheers
BD:2tsup:

[Dan]

Started about this time last year and not finished yet.

The top is 1900x600x70 and made from old, rusty nail infested, hard as buggery, tear out prone, bowed, out of square demolition yard timber.

I cleaned and dimensioned all the timber by first removing as many nails as I could find then using a Scrub Plane (to find the nails I missed:D ) then HNT Gordon Jack and HNT Gordon Try Plane. It's all very easy really.:rolleyes:

The top has 5 bolts going through it width ways and these were used to clamp each piece as it was glued on (about one a day) and are still there because I didn't see much point in taking them out.

The other tools I used were a Bandsaw, Drill Press, a couple of Handsaws, Circular Saw and a few other hand tools.

Pics:
1. Off cuts
2. Bench
3. Raw materials

[Poppa]

That's very nice Dan, especially considering the timber you started with. I've come up with a design for my bench, which I think is finished (although I tinker with it every couple of weeks), and it is pretty similar to yours but I want some drawers under it as well. This thread is great for someone about to build a bench. I have to say though, that I'm going to build a small bench first, so that I have somewhere to build the big one.

[Dan]

If you need inspiration (apart from this thread) have a look at what Stephen Andrews (http://uk.geocities.com/sapele_bench/workbench/index.html) has done. I used his method to build my top.

[Waldo]

G'day Dan,

Your link doesn't work.

I was going to reply pretty much the same as Poppa's first sentence, but clients distracted me, then I got distracted with something in the shed.

[andymcw110]

Hi BobL

Like the bench, Did you use a back on your sliding draws/cupboards does it need it? if you were to put shelves there do you think a back is required?

I was going to do sliding draws similar to yours with a cut out for both side access ... but you uses only half as much timber for the side/centre with a great result.

Thanks for the pix

Andy

[zelk]

This may be a little off the topic, but are there any reason why the vices are mostly towards the left hand side of the bench, to me it seams a little awkward if right-handed. I am about to make a bench so I am getting a few good ideas from this thread.
Zelk

[Waldo]

G'day Zelk,

Being right-handed, I like a vise on the right side of my bench so you can get right up and close as you work on whatever by coming in from a bit behind the whatever.

[Sturdee]

This may be a little off the topic, but are there any reason why the vices are mostly towards the left hand side of the bench, to me it seems a little awkward if right-handed.

I put a vice on either side of the bench and find that I use both about equally. The best of both worlds.:D


Peter.

[zelk]

I put a vice on either side of the bench and find that I use both about equally. The best of both worlds.:D


Peter.

Good idea Peter, or even have them both on the same side, one on the left and the other right hand side of the bench, to support long pieces of timber. As I am considering a mobile bench, one side would have no vices.
Zelk

[TassieKiwi]

Nice work there Dan, you have a real silk purse there.

With the vise on the left, the left hand catches the offcut when sawing, and the right hand has heaps of benchspace for handtools. I like the idea of having 2 vices. Esp. the LV twinscrew at the RH end. :rolleyes:

[BobL]

Nice work there Dan, you have a real silk purse there.

With the vise on the left, the left hand catches the offcut when sawing, and the right hand has heaps of benchspace for handtools. I like the idea of having 2 vices. Esp. the LV twinscrew at the RH end. :rolleyes:

I like the idea of 2 vices, but OTOH, when you want to put something long in one vice, the other vice can get in the way. I'd be interested to know how often this happens.

[Dan]

My first bench had a vice on the right, then I read about how a right hander should have a vice on the left. So, that's what I did on this latest bench, but so far I would still prefer it on the right.

[Sturdee]

Good idea Peter, or even have them both on the same side, one on the left and the other right hand side of the bench, to support long pieces of timber. As I am considering a mobile bench, one side would have no vices.
Zelk


Sorry I wasn't clear enough. My bench is fixed against the wall so the vices are both on the front on either side.

In addition I have a raisable bench stop on one side and a small 5" vice on the other end side. However I seldom use them as they are more for darksiders.:D


Peter.

[Sturdee]

I like the idea of 2 vices, but OTOH, when you want to put something long in one vice, the other vice can get in the way. I'd be interested to know how often this happens.


If the piece is long enough for the other vice to get in the way, you would clamp it with both vices. In my case as the bench is over 3m long it doesn't happen very often.


Peter.

[BobL]

If the piece is long enough for the other vice to get in the way, you would clamp it with both vices. In my case as the bench is over 3m long it doesn't happen very often.


3m long - SHEER LUGXURY MATE - there shoulde be rules against that sort of thing :D !!.
I was thinking of something more like a door or a frame which goes all or part way to the floor that you might side clamp rather than top clamp.

On another matter I have had some requests to show you what's in my bench vertical drawers, so here as some new pics.

There are 3 drawers so there are 6 sides and a space under the vice.
First the tidy end.
Drawer 1) Chisel/Plane drawer on both sides. Yes I have a set of those blue plackky handle jobbies but they're just filling the spaces of some lovely 70 year old FILs chisels that need restoring.

Drawer 2) Marking out. On the very right you can also see the dark Sheoak marking gauge I made 40 years ago in High school woodwork class.
The second side is still not fully populated. Note the restored 45 year old Brace and Spiral Screw driver that still work a treat.

There is also hanging space on the inside back of the drawers that could be used, but it's quite hard to reach.

[BobL]

Now the less well organized bits.

Drawer 3: I don't have a lathe but I picked these cheapies up at a garage sale still in their plastic so I stuck them in a rack. I have used them in anger at work a couple of times.

Cuppboard under the vice. Holds my mini-shooter, bench hook, feather boards, various other clamps and jigs etc. This is the cupboard that I always need to get something out of when I have something in the vice blocking the access to it.

Like everything in a shed it's a WIP.

Cheers

[derekcohen]

Why two face vises?

Here is a an early picture of my bench using a board spanned between two vises to make a dovetail vise.


http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a262/Derek50/Workbench%20and%20Workshop/Twinvisesetup1a.jpg

Another idea: clamping two long boards together to edge joint.

Regards from Perth

Derek

[zelk]

Derek, your vices look like beasts. I was wondering, should one of the vices be in the way, can they be easily removed? I have a 4 inch Record mechanics vice which I would like to attach to the bench when required, I am considering using the woodworkers vice to somehow hold and support the mechanics vice. I will certainly be using the workbench to store my clamps, giving the bench some weight and freeing up some workshop wall space
Zelk

[IanW]

I was trying to keep out of this one, cos I didn't know whether to show-off the nicest bench, which was done for a friend, or my own somewhat more prosaic model.

OK, why not both? Here's mine (pics 1&2) - made about 22 yrs ago (I can age it because one of my daughters is the same vintage). Made from Sugar maple bought from a small Mennonite mill in Ontario (the top) and the undercarriage from sugar maple I salvaged from a windfall tree. The back stretcher has a small 7/16 hole and metal stain from a spial (the 'tap' they drive in to collect the sap in Spring).

It's basically a good bench and serves me well, but dammit, I made it just 100mm too short, judging by how many times I want to clamp a piece about 2M in the dogs, and it just won't quite fit! (The size was largely dictated by the material I had, which in turn was dictated by my rather small budgetry allowance at the time!). If holding long bits in the front vice I use a board held in the tail vice, drilled to take a peg every couple of inches (which went AWOL in the last move, so gotta make a new one. :~ )
Also been meaning to make a clamp for dovetailing wide boards something like Dereks, 'cept my idea is just to tap a hole in the apron & use the vice plus a wooden screw. I'll definitely do it next time I have a wide board to dovetail (which is what I said before I did the last one :rolleyes: ).

The vices are made with scraps of black walnut, with leather facings in the jaws. The tail-vice screw is a chunk of Rosewood (Sth American) that someone once gave me - gorgeous to turn & thread. (Hate to think what it would cost today!) This shot also shows the small cupboard and set of drawers that fit underneath - they are screwed to the stretcher so that the whole thing is easily demountable, though I hope I don't have to move it ever again - by some perversion of the laws of conservation of matter, the #%@!! thing gets heavier every year!

And pic 3, my solution to keeping wooden dogs in place - a bullet catch in the side. And you probably know why wood is my preferred dog material. :C

Pics 4&5 are of the 'fanciest' bench I've done. The top is mainly Sydney bluegum (a trade for a job done for a former colleague) and the base is Redgum, again harvested from an old fallen log. The tail vice screw is Bull oak (Casaurina Leumanii) and the handle is a scrap of nice, dense Blackwood. This one doesn't move under any sort of reasonable use!

Cheers,

[IanW]

...I am considering using the woodworkers vice to somehow hold and support the mechanics vice...

Yeah, Zelk, I did that for quite a while when I had extremely limited shop space. Just bolt the metal vice to a solid chunk you can grip firmly in the woodworking vice, without raising the second vice too high for comfort.

Only downside is you often do messy things with metal vices, & metal filings seem to be able to jump several feet to find sharp edges! Even when your tools have never been near a magnet, they are frequently magnetised enough to pick up small ferrous particles. It's one of the reasons I shun using magnetic tool-holders - hate magnetised tools! (Unless it's a screwdriver bit that's meant to hold screws while you start 'em.)

Cheers,

[zelk]

[quote=IanW;498238]
Only downside is you often do messy things with metal vices, & metal filings seem to be able to jump several feet to find sharp edges!

Good point IanW, might make a smaller fixed workbench for the mechanics vice and bench grinder.
Zelk

[IanW]

Yep - now I have the luxury of a bit more space, I made a metal-working bench, AND a separate grinder station.

(Smug B.! :D - but I am revelling in the comparative luxury after so many years of being cramped beyond endurance)

[bitingmidge]

After about 2 yrs the top needs flattening - it has developed a 3mm cup for some reason.
TassieK,

Almost without doubt the cup is due to differential movement in the laminations. In my view the pieces would have been better oriented at right angles, or "quarter sawn" in effect. Had that been the case, the movement would have been almost entirely in a horizontal direction.

As it is, even though the differences between each board may be slight, they are moving vertically, and at different rates.

I'd welcome discussion on this, but have been a stickler for this in joinery specs for nearly three decades without major failure! :rolleyes:

cheers,

P
:D :D :D

[derekcohen]

Ian

I would kill for either of your benches! You do really great work. And you have good taste in timber. AND you have a near endless supply of it! Damn I'm envious. :)


Keep in mind that the above picture of my bench is some years old. One day I will find the time (and space?) to build one like Ian's, but mine does go through a gradual upgrade every now-and-then.

Here is a recent picture ...


http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a262/Derek50/Workbench%20and%20Workshop/Bench-whatsonit.jpg

How many objects can you name?

Actually, while only about 5 feet, I do not use an end vise, and the planing stop (see earlier picture) enables me plane quite large panels.


http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a262/Derek50/Workbench%20and%20Workshop/Levelling.jpg

And here is one more add-on for a basic bench .. I lacked the correct place for a metal vise, which had to be moved to make way for a grinder, so I screwed it to a base that could be clamped in one face vise (and over a leg) ..


http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a262/Derek50/Workbench%20and%20Workshop/Metalvise.jpg

Regards from Perth

Derek

[Mirboo]

Almost without doubt the cup is due to differential movement in the laminations. In my view the pieces would have been better oriented at right angles, or "quarter sawn" in effect. Had that been the case, the movement would have been almost entirely in a horizontal direction.

Hi Bitingmidge,

I'm interested in what you've said about the movement in TassieKiwi's bench and just wanted to check my understanding. If you look at the end grain of the laminated pieces of timber in bench you can see that it runs roughly horizontally. Are you suggesting that the grain would be better running vertically from the point of view of wood movement?

[rhancock]

Derek, I notice you've got a hand powered grinder - what do you use it for? The one I have has a smaller gear box, but it's the only thing I have to sharpen with. Oh, and can you explain how you fit your vices flush with the front of the bench? Thanks!

Derek? I really am interested! :U

[IanW]

Well Derek - we need to discuss this!


Ian
I would kill for either of your benches!


Please, me old China, no need for violence - if you was THAT desperate, I'm sure we could reach some sort of raprochement! Much as I like my bench, It can always be improved on, so if my better half were to catch me building a new one, I could offer the excuse that a nasty man in Perth has threatened me......hmmm? :wink:

Like everyone else here, I know when you stop churning out the endless line of pretty impressive things from your present set-up, & turn your mind to it, you'll probably produce something to make the rest of us envious! See, ya don't need a fancy bench to do great work. On the other hand, ya DO need REALLY good bench tools. Now, about some of them fancy planes and saws in YOUR kit - I think a little bit of constructive homicide needs arranging, eh, fellas??? :D



And you have good taste in timber.

No argument. :D
To be truthful I don't think I have any! My tastes are VERY catholic - if it's free, it tastes good! :D :D


Ian
AND you have a near endless supply of it!


I was going to protest this one, too, but then I thought maybe this is a point that deserves a serious answer. You're right, if you keep an eye out, and you're in th eright place at the right time, there is a lot of both good & free wood to be had, alright. I think we are a bit better off for choice over here, & yeah, I do seem to amass the stuff faster than I can use it at the moment. Just can't bear to pass up useable wood of almost any kind. T'other day I was out for my daily jog & saw a whole heap of dumped packing crates waiting to go to landfill. I went & had a look, and there was all sorts of useful stuff, like several large sheets of pretty good quality 3/8 ply (I'm slowly lining the shed with cast-offs!) and enough pine/spruce softwood of various shapes, lengths & sizes to make the last cupboard I need twice over (with less than the usual complement of nails, even). So I spent the rest of my lunch-hour dragging out as much as I could get at. The tractor operator came back from his lunch in the middle of the operation, to my initial embarrasment at being sprung, but he was all for it, and even offered to drag some of the less accessible bits out for me.

And there has been a goodly number of street trees/other kinds of windfalls come my way over the years - I'm lucky that I'm the only wood nutter with chainsaws and attitude known to a bunch of people, so I get called when something looks promising. Of course, I've had to forgo more than my fair share of goodies, too, either from lack of time or in too difficult/dangerous a situation.

There is tremendous satisfaction in making something lasting from raw trees, like the kitchen chair set I'm (very slowly!) completing at the moment (spindles of River-Oak from a couple of windfalls in the creek adjoining our property, and seats & backs of Jacaranda that blew over in a big storm a few yrs ago). I often think I'm nuts for spending all that time and effort (milling rough stuff like this gives about a 30% yield at best, so a lot of sawdust and firewood gets created) but it's the only way to get wood with the properties I'm after, many times. The clincher, of course, is the satisfaction you get when something you make from scratch works really well, and the material you chose suits the purpose perfectly, as you well know, I'm sure, each time you weild that thumping big new jointer of yours!

Avagooday,

[bitingmidge]

Hi Bitingmidge,

I'm interested in what you've said about the movement in TassieKiwi's bench and just wanted to check my understanding. If you look at the end grain of the laminated pieces of timber in bench you can see that it runs roughly horizontally. Are you suggesting that the grain would be better running vertically from the point of view of wood movement?

Mirboo, that's EXACTLY what I'm suggesting! :wink:

Unfortunately I don't have time at the moment to find some suitable diagrams, but if you consider that the bulk of movement happens perpendicular to the growth rings, and that varies depending on the curve and the spacing (soft/hard wood), it's almost impossible to line up identical boards which will have the same movement characteristics.

On the other hand, if the grain is aligned vertically, and adjoining boards expand/contract at different rates, it has no impact on the horizontal plane.

I hope that's clear enough.. maybe I need to go hunting! Usually articles on milling timber have fairly clear information on this, but I am surprised that very few people seem to consider it.

Cheers,

P

[IanW]

.... but if you consider that the bulk of movement happens perpendicular to the growth rings....


Peter - this ain't necessarily so. In fact, I think with most woods, radial movement is LESS than tangential. "Stable" woods are those with almost equal radial/tangential movement, according to Hoadley. You're probably far more adept at maths than I, plus your background, so I'm being pretty cheeky to debate this with you!

The simplest explanation for the differential movement is that the further out you go in the tree, the 'younger' the wood, therefore less gunk ('extractives') has been deposited in the lignin walls, so the more room there is for water, & when it leaves during the 'drying' process, more shrinkage. This is why a plainsawn board always cups concave on losing moisture (viewed from the outer side) and convex on taking in more moisture (e.g. when a board kiln-dried to 5% is left to equilibrate in a Brissy shed in a normal January).

The relative stability of quartersawn boards is just that - relative. You still get shrinkage and contraction, but if the growth rings are perfectly parallel to the narrow dimension, you a) minimise movement and b) it's EVEN. BUT, there will still be more movement in the younger wood than the older ('inside') wood. The only time I pay attention to orienting wood for glueing is if it's quartersawn, and then I make sure to match heart to heart, and outer rings to outer rings. Otherwise, the difference in seasonal shrinkage/expansion will put undue stress on the glue joints at best, or create palpable ridges, at the joins, at worst.

There are just so many other factors that affect the way wood moves in a glued-up lamination - the species, thickness, proportions of 'sap' to 'heart' wood (not very easy to determine with many of our hardwoods!), etc., how well-equilibrated it was to begin with.........

Glad I'm not an architect!
Cheers,

[Dan]

Unfortunately I don't have time at the moment to find some suitable diagrams.
There's a fairly good illustration in post #40 of this (http://www.woodworkforums.ubeaut.com.au/showthread.php?t=13725) thread. Also a fairly good example of a thread hijack.:)

[bitingmidge]

Well done Dan!

It seems I may have espoused this theory before! :-

Here's the pic Dan referred to:
http://www.woodworkforums.ubeaut.com.au/attachment.php?attachmentid=6423

and the benchtop before glue-up:
http://www.woodworkforums.ubeaut.com.au/attachment.php?attachmentid=6442

And the finished bench. Note that two years down the track and Oregon, the top is still flat, albeit with a couple of nicks in it! I'll post a pic of it's current state in a day or two. The full build story in the above link.

http://www.woodworkforums.ubeaut.com.au/attachment.php?attachmentid=6707

Cheers,

P
:D :D :D

[TassieKiwi]

I carefully selected quartersawn, and tried to arrange them for a 'self balancing' effect:? :? :?

[derekcohen]

Originally Posted by rhancock
Derek, I notice you've got a hand powered grinder - what do you use it for? The one I have has a smaller gear box, but it's the only thing I have to sharpen with. Oh, and can you explain how you fit your vices flush with the front of the bench? Thanks!

The hand grinder actually works reasonably well once you learn to balance the blade and move it and turn the handle all at the same time! :oo:

The reason I started with one was because I wanted something that would turn more slowly than a powered jobbie and thereby reduce the risk of burning a blade. I found that an overenthusiastic effort could spin that wheel fast enough to burn as effectively as a powered grinder! So be careful out there.

I still use it occasionally, but my current plan is to change the 60 grit Norton wheel for one in MDF with a leather surround, that is, convert it to a strop/hone.

Fitting the vises flush? In a nutshell: Turn the bench upside down so that you can work on it without carrying the weight of the vise(s). Mine have the rear face connected from behind the bench apron. Pack the bench/vise until it is flush.

Regards from Perth

Derek

[McFly]

Hi TassieKiwi.:)
Your bench looks nice. Quartersawn timber would normally be ideal for a table/bench top and stay flat but when it is turned 90 degrees and laminated I think it will behave more like flat sawn timber. (I stand to be corrected by someone with more experience than me:D).
As Bitingmidge explains, I suspect this is why there has been some cupping of the surface of the slab (.
It's pretty difficult getting the grain to run truly vertical as many boards will have diagonal grain rather than vertical or horizontal.

BTW - where do you come from in NZ?

[bitingmidge]

I carefully selected quartersawn, and tried to arrange them for a 'self balancing' effect:? :? :?
Yep Tas,

As McFly has observed, your carefully selected quartersawn has been glued back together to work as a flatsawn lump.

Don't bother yourself too much, it looks lovely and you have the technology to flatten it every now and then. I'm guessing it's 60mm or so thick, that gives you three mm every year for a decade at least!

cheers,

P
:D

[Timmo]

Here's what kept me occupied this weekend. I will build an island bench one day when i sort out the clutter in the shed.

Not a bad effort for an ex fitter come fridgey.

[BobL]

. . . when i sort out the clutter in the shed.


I don't see any clutter - it looks pretty tidy to me!

BTW - nice bench.

[Cliff Rogers]

...Not a bad effort for an ex fitter come fridgey.
Yeap, BUT.... you might want to make a window in the wall at the end of the bench for cutting long stuff. :D
I have been using a borrowed SCMS to do skirting & door jams/architrave etc. The shirting & architrave come in 6m & 5.4m lengths.

[Timmo]

There is still another 4m at the other end. its in a 7x10m shed. I could cut a hole in the wall but i backs onto a fence.

So i think i'll just use the free end for long bits.

[bitingmidge]

Timmo,

You need more clamps!

P
:D :D :D

[Wongo]

Buy a lot of clamps or die wondering. :bowdown:

:D

[Wongo]

2 clamps are better than 1. :bowdown:

:D :D

[Sturdee]

In post No 7 of this thread I posted a link to my workshop workbench. In my garage I’ve also had some workbenches used over the years to repair numerous car parts etc whilst servicing and maintaining our car fleet over the years.

As part of the garage makeover, building overhead shelves etc I renovated and improved these crappy workbenches.

Here are some photos.

Photo 1 shows the original type of bench, being some pine studs across some simple supports.

Photos 2 & 3 show the benches enlarged with some old donated kitchen bench tops.

This gave a nice level surface to nail the timber on. BTW I had to use some small wedges in one corner. They always come in handy.:D

Photo 4 & 5 show the finished workbenches, covered similarly to my workshop bench with some more hardwood flooring from the original pallet purchased from the mills. Thanks again Bruce, maybe you can identify the timber.

Finish is 2 coats of sanding sealer and a coat of Ubeauts traditional wax. Great finish for workbenches.


Peter.

[lignator]

Wow, such a diverse conglomeration of horizontal work areas. Particularly impressive are the ones that look like they have been well used. If those benches could talk.

As with many others, my bench is not done, nor is it likely to ever be done-done. It has a smattering of gouges; most due to weekend recklessness, not years of hard work. I'm only posting it since I spent so dang much time building it.

Bench Approx 34” x 72” x 3 ½ ” thick ipe , ~350 lbs.
Emmert turtleback vise.
Self built wooden screw vise.
Adjustable height (Noden A-A-B) legs.

[Wongo]

lignator, I like your bench. It is very stylish and the colour of the top is beautiful. Welcome.:2tsup:

[bitingmidge]

OK so it's not strictly a workbench, being for a lathe and all, but since I've just finished the shelf, which I'm rather chuffed about, I thought I'd post the pic anyway! After all it was this thread that reminded me to update my workshop thread!

I suppose it should go on the thread about using that old flooring stuff too eh Wongo?

cheers,

P
http://www.woodworkforums.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=45019&d=1177844278

[Cliff Rogers]

Nice bench Midge... not going to mention the white thing again... :D
Can you play that there geetaar on the other side? :p

[bitingmidge]

Can you play that there geetaar on the other side? :p

Nah, it's the old Doodle Bass (http://www.woodworkforums.com/showpost.php?p=167795) I built for my Son-in-law, back in the shed for some electrimication. I've got a couple of $2.00 peizos and a bit of wire to make it all go, but since the owner is in the UK indefinitely, it can be a decoration for a bit!

:D :D :D
P

[Wongo]

Midge, you are not turning pens too, are you?:doh:

[Ramps]

I know it's a bit late ... but after looking at all these benches I've been inspired.

My current one (http://www.woodworkforums.ubeaut.com.au/showthread.php?t=8482) (posted under an alias a few years back ... forgot my login for a while) still works a treat ... still needs its drawers underneath... no regrets ... but in my new shed ... bigger ... both sides ... hmmm Good ideas fellas :2tsup:

I Still like the idea of recyled ... plenty of Jarrah but I have to find something light in colour for the top ... think I have a lovely chunk of Marri somewhere that was going to be for a coffee table or two :;

[bitingmidge]

Midge, you are not turning pens too, are you?:doh:
Wongo, Wongo, Wongo.... you know me better than that!

:D :D :D http://www.woodworkforums.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=5721&d=1104393926

Remember?
(http://www.woodworkforums.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=5721&d=1104393926)
P

[Wild Dingo]

Soo after what? 7 pages have we yet defined the "ultimate" bench? :U

And as Im presently getting a shiteload of Jarrah boards cut down from 6in x1 1/2in x 6ft to a final of 2 1/2 D x 1in W x 5ft 10in L for a top that will span 28in width and 6ft long... which is the better way of laying out the top timbers? Across the width or lengthwise?

After having seen Dereks at first hand up close and personal I will be doing the end thing for the shooting board as he has and scoring a couple of bench vices to set up again as he has... hey I was impressed :roll: So another question... I have also cut some down that will end up 2in x 1in these I had figured to use as the drop down tray like affair... but do I need such?... mind you I did like that double sided bench with the centre tray thingy someone showed... so that may be the go?

I intend to keep the 2 almost 4mtr benches against the walls but am aiming when the thicknesser is up and running again to make some proper type FLAT tops for them (just ply bunged on top at present not the best but functional) and the rough as guts steel frame with 3in of ply top for knock about work (ahem which most of mine is of course) but after some discussions with her bloody highness and checking the Jarrah boards Id jointed and thicknessed the other day just prior to the thicknesser chucking a wobbly and I reckon Ive got enough done if I cut a few more lengths of Jarrah to do both her computer desk (flat lengths of 4in x 1in x 6ft... just the length I cut the damned things back to... they are just over 4mtrs long so a bit cumbersome to move and play with at that length) and a ubeaut snazzy as heck work bench for myself... without denting the stocks too badly :;

oh and I was thinking of making the back legs go through and above the bench to include an overhead cupboard setup... and since Ive already got so much open underbench areas I was thinking of doing some cupboards so I better prepare myself for turning the darkside on and make plenty of plane and japanese chisel racks eh? :2tsup:

And another thing... the benches all seem to have a larger frame around them so given the bench top will be 2 1/2in thick how thick should I make that frame or are there no absolutes just what turns you on?... should it be the same wood or something different? I have to get rid of the Sepiature so I was thinking of using that or Durian for the frame and Kapur for the legs... but do I cut them to 5in thick and 1 1/2in wide or what? anyways thats the plan so far

So what think ye?

and like clamps and tools a bloke just cant have enough benches... damned things collect stuff!! :doh:

[Paul O'H. Ingersoll Canad]

Scroll down this page to see my Work bench
Paul
http://pohallor.fp.execulink.com/tool_cabinet.htm

OOps Lost The link

[Cliff Rogers]

That's an Irish joke right? :?