Thread: Simple Portable carving Bench options

I carve in the round, mostly western red cedar. The pieces vary from 30 - 180cm x 4-10 x 4-20cm, more or less.
I carve on 4 different benches and I have a basic "stump" as well.

You're asking a lot to mate portability with stability. For me, it's the repetitive heavy (940g lead core) mallet work that makes the benches walk.
Outdoors, I suppose any of them on the lawn and they wouldn't move.

Freight pallets with legs, outdoors for wood prep = hogging out core rot, removing sapwood. Most bash-worthy.
If they fail, I'll make more 2 are at counter-top height, 2 at desk top.
Bow saws, Skil saws, axes and big Stubai adzes.

Indoors, the smallest 3-legged bench has a hole in the center and an adjustable shelf,
meant for working on the ends of a carving.
Next bigger bench is just 28" high, to put the carvings at a good height ( I need to sit to carve.)
The deck is 12 x 48", made of 4x4" , 4 legs 4x4". Adjustable stop blocks and strap clamps. The darn thing walks.

Main bench is just that, a general purpose work bench. I've drilled a bunch of holes for eye bolts.
The thing is 32" wide and 96" long. It doesn't move, due in part to the clutter and a lower shelf covered on paint cans.
= = == =
I'd build two benches, different heights, meant to be left outside, maybe covered with a tarp.
Make them robust, make them bash-worthy. If they must be things of beauty, so be it. I fail
to find anything other than functionality in all of mine.

I haven't found anything better than a Super Jaws for outdoor work. I've built a padded cradle to hold work that needs to be laid down and rotated and also a block for hatchet work. Both these have a large rail screwed to the underside of them for the jaws to grip. I also tent peg the feet if I'm working outside on earth but this usually isn't necessary. I've done lots of stuff in a bitumen car park without any real trouble. In place of an axe I'd suggest a small battery or mains powered chain saw. I reckon the jaws will cope with anything else you can hit it with.

Hi,

Thanks for the Reply, I realize that I am asking a alot and I will have to compromise some where. You Bigger Bench with the 12"x 48" x 4" top sounds really solid. To hear you say that is walks is telling me your doing so very heavy work. Which is something I am looking to do in the future.

As for now I am working with what I need, I fully intend to cover it up of I go for the super Solid outside option. Something similar to the image bellow but in solid Iron Bark from old railway sleeper.

Thanks for the reply,

Ok so its not just me being mad that thinking that a Super Jaws is a good idea for carving and I really like Idea or making different Jaw options for it. I am skeptical though as to how much impact and shock it would handle. I will have to play and see.

I am always a fan of a razor sharp axe for clean heavy carving cuts chain saws are really not my thing. For much heavier work I am thinking I may have to sand bag it or as you do tent peg it.

Thanks for this Reply,

I really like the sound of your bigger bench built with 4x4" as its the kind of solid I like and as for leaving it outdoors I would cover it with a tarp just for good measure. I am considering using 8x4" used Iron Bark railway sleepers as it would be super solid and could take a good bashing.

As for not making it into a work of art as I cabinet maker that's easier said that done my I am trying to be less will perfect and work more organically hence why I want to learn to carve.

A bench similar to this is what I am thinking of https://www.pinterest.com/froglips11...orkbenches%2B/

interesting thread
I only have a small workshop but fortunately it has a 5 ply poly carbonate roof so it has very good light and don't suffer with the wet weather .Problem there is its perishing cold and even then on a overcast day you get poor light.
but interested in your benches as mine takes up most of the work shop and needs cutting down. But would have to take it to bits to remake it. what I like about it its solid and get a lot of heavy wear.
All I need is a better woodwork vice mines to small. but a record carvers vice are very good