Thread: New Roubo Split Top Workbench

Hi Paul
I did router in a rebate underneath the front of the bench in case I decide I need one. I want to see if I really need it first. It shouldn't take too long to make up simple static one off if I need it quickly.
Yes the two top pieces were much easier than one single piece to move around. I've already used it for clamping through the bench top so it's great. I will make the fill in soon as well. I just realised the photo I put up doesn't show dog holes. More to follow

Hi all. Came home from work Saturday, back felt good, no chores so I fitted the shelf. I used some Vic ash off cuts that I had lying around. The next step was fitting the HNT Gordon tail vice. I used the dreaded router with spiral uncut bit again. I did several passes so it wouldn't be too dramatic but I was still nervous. Of course on the last pass talking about a mm off the wall blew a huge chip off the edge. It's mostly hidden but still....
The vice fitting after that went well, I wanted to use something nice for the cover plate but couldn't be bothered so just used a bit of the vic ash. Which is good because I didn't measure the cut out correctly so I'll have to do another. But it works perfectly. If you have dog holes.
Next job....
It's pretty close. It's already great to use, the leg vice grabs so well.

I gave the top a quick plane then a run over with a smoother. It's pretty flat. I was going to drill the dog holes for the tail vice, then thought about seeing it with some oil on it. I used a mix of thinners linseed oil and varnish. Is come up pretty nicely I think. Dog holes and in fill and I'm finished

So. Infill and dog holes for tail vice done. I put a little ramp next to the cutout in the infill so it pops up to 1/2 inch high with just a sideways push. I can use it as a planing stop.
The benchcrafted classic with criss cross works very well. So does the HNT Gordon tail vice (Thanks Derek Cohen)
I think it's done!
I'm very happy with how it turned out.
Thanks for looking
Pedro