Thread: Advice on making a bench please.

Pics?

Cypress can be very knarly, doesn't suit me but is probably appropriate. Personally I would go for something more durable.
Ironbark will be extremely durable but being so hard and somewhat brittle it's quite prone to splitting with seasonal movement. You would need to have a pretty significant structure to keep it straight and expect it to move a far amount.
Merbau will be hard enough and durable, but will also suffer seasonal movement. This would be my pick if these were the only choices.

No matter which you choose you will need to account for seasonal changes. In bench building this is the biggest challenge. Any hardwood that is seasoned for a long time will work quite well, think recycled framing timber or similar. Depending on the age of the Ironbark this might be an ideal option.

Oh, and welcome! I gave up working on cars to take up woodworking, I've never looked back.

Thanks Kman-Oz.
Pics coming when it's more together.

Pete.

I would go the ironbark too if it is seasoned. Only concern is at 200 wide there is more chance of warping than at 90 wide. You could rip them down into 90ish before doing the glue up. On glue up reverse the grain direction to alternate boards.
(((( ))))((( ))))(((())))(((( as seen on the board ends. This will reduce the trend to warp as the forces are made to work against each other.
Regards
John

John,
Thanks for that good advice.
The ironbark is not seasoned. Just sitting at the local garden supply joint, recently cut, so not good for the bench top. I might buy some and stack it for to season for future use.

I now think I should lash out and buy the Merbau, as in the total costs of the bench with vises and hold downs etc., the merbau would not a significant difference.
Also, as I plan to use it for boat building not cabinet making, absolute flatness is not such an issue, as nearly all the fitting is done ON the boat, not the bench. And I can plane it back from time to time.

One other question.
Would it be wise to dowell the 4" x 4" merbau right through with 1" dowell.

Thanks,
pete.

Originally Posted by orraloon

I would go the ironbark too if it is seasoned. Only concern is at 200 wide there is more chance of warping than at 90 wide. You could rip them down into 90ish before doing the glue up. On glue up reverse the grain direction to alternate boards.
(((( ))))((( ))))(((())))(((( as seen on the board ends. This will reduce the trend to warp as the forces are made to work against each other.
Regards
John

if you REALLY want a bench top that you can wail on all day, why dont you get a 300 year old red gum slab. (or similar) Would not cost too much extra.
I have a jarrah slab 300 x 77. LOVE it. it hasnt warped/moved ever.
and some day someone will be horrified that anyone could use such a slab for a workbench and turn it into half a dozen coffee tables. but i will will have had a beaut workbench all my life.

Don't mean to be pedantic....but do you mean whale....if you were to cry over the bench all day, would be time to hit the grog.

nope

Wail.

1. Verb. To hit or punch repeatedly.

Go the Ironbark and dress it down if it moves. My first was from unseasoned cypress, 30 years later its still OK. I did clean it up after about 10 years.