Thread: Radiata workbenches

G'day Wizened of Oz,

I especially like the Silky Oak alternating inserts in the top, very smick. People also poo-poo Silky Oak, but I think it's great stuff.

Well done Brian,

I like the idea of castors, I think I will go that way when I make my new bench.

Pedro

Brian,

Excellent workbench. Two questions if I may:

1. How did you attached the top to the carcass? (the top looks extremely heavy).

2. Where did you get the jig that holds your drill when drilling the dog holes? I have seen such jigs at Bunnings but they look a bit flimsy.

Regards,

Mike

Originally Posted by Ekim

Brian,

Excellent workbench. Two questions if I may:

1. How did you attached the top to the carcass? (the top looks extremely heavy).

2. Where did you get the jig that holds your drill when drilling the dog holes? I have seen such jigs at Bunnings but they look a bit flimsy.

Regards,

Mike

Thanks, Mike

The top is heavy, definitely a 2-man lift. I was going to attach with Figure8 fasteners but settled on just sitting it on the base. A few small cleats locate it so it doesn't move around. If I ever find myself lifting it off while working (I should be so strong!) then I'll use the Figure 8 fasteners.
I've had that drill press adaptor for a power drill for 15-20 years from memory. Most I see today do look a bit down-market, but better tool stores may have something of quality.
There is not enough stroke to drill through the top but I got around that by loosening and relocating the clamp on the column while still drilling.

Thanks, Brian.

Regards,

Mike

Hi Brian,

Yes, very nice indeed, and not on the small side either. Well done. The drawers look just great. And yes radiata can make a heavy bench, some of it is remarkably heavy.

Cheers
Pops

looks like the perfect bench. Magnificent.

I have a lot of pine in my bench too. All it needs is something hard on top and around the edges to protect it from dings, but apart from that, it's fine.

it looks great and as far as radiata is concerned although it is not my favourite wood, it would be up there in my favourites - it is certainly my most used timber: I have a nasty form of arthritis and often find it difficult to work the harder timbers so pine holds a special place for me.

Denn

I enjoyed the story in Colin's newsletter. Glad to see you are a member of the Forum.
Any chance of some photo or bigger explanation about how you fixed the top to the carcass? I particularly like the space between the drawers and top and the overhangs.

CJ did the newsletter you got from Colin include pictures? mine didnt... shame cause I like pictures

Well done Brian!! I tend not to use Crapiata where possible... have too much hardwood to bother with it... but I can see its potential and uses wouldnt have expected it in such a fine workbench as that though... as to the silky oak whos got a problem with silky oak???? mad the buggars!! NOTHING at all wrong with silky oak

Beautiful work mate

Okay so I often wander around with my eyes wide shut but what the devil is a "multi master"?

Originally Posted by Wild Dingo

CJ did the newsletter you got from Colin include pictures? mine didnt... shame cause I like pictures
Beautiful work mate
Okay so I often wander around with my eyes wide shut but what the devil is a "multi master"?

Hi Wild Dingo,

I got pictures, using firefox


I also think it's a great looking bench Wizened of Oz

Rgds Phil.

Originally Posted by Wild Dingo

CJ did the newsletter you got from Colin include pictures? mine didnt... shame cause I like pictures


Okay so I often wander around with my eyes wide shut but what the devil is a "multi master"?

Hi Shane

You will get the pictures and the whole long-winded saga at the link I posted. But here it is again:

www.northwoodtools.com.au/resourcesA-07.asp


Read about the Fein MultiMaster here:

www.fein.com.au/main.html

Thanks, Shane and all others here for your kind words.

Originally Posted by sea dragon

I enjoyed the story in Colin's newsletter. Glad to see you are a member of the Forum.
Any chance of some photo or bigger explanation about how you fixed the top to the carcass? I particularly like the space between the drawers and top and the overhangs.

Hi CJ

I've just got the top sitting on the carcass. No attachment.
But there are some little pine pieces screwed underneath the top to locate in the corners of the base cabinet and stop any sliding.

Originally Posted by pedro66

Well done Brian,

I like the idea of castors, I think I will go that way when I make my new bench.

Pedro

Thanks Pedro.
If you do go for castors go for quality. Those I used here are 100mm and cost $40 each. I can wheel around the fully loaded bench with one hand.
Just about everything in my shed is on castors (not that pricey though), drill press, table saw, router table, drum sander, planer/thicknesser, clamps rack, offcuts bin & so on. On a couple of these I took the attitude "I hardly ever move them so cheap castors will do".
After 12 months I was thowing out the Supercheap Auto castors and replacing with brand names.