Projects #10: John White FWW Workbench - Knock-down Variation

Very, very cool…..That will definitely do the trick. The only thing I might add/change is to use big wing nuts to make it quick. I will be moving it frequently. Awesome job…I hope I can make one as nice as what you’ve done…..great Sketchup work too…:)

-- Bob, Carver Massachusetts, Sawdust Maker http://www.capecodbaychallenge.org

I didn’t think of wing nuts… Good idea. I wonder if T-knobs would be just as good and provide a better grip?

Thanks for the compliments my friend. You’re too kind.

-- Jeff, St. Paul, MN

WEDGED THROUGH TENONS MIGHT BE AN EVEN FASTER WAY TO ASSEMBLE AND TAKE DOWN THE BENCH. GREAT JOB ON THE DETAILED DRAWINGS, JEFF!

-- Jesus is Lord!

Thanks, Os.

You know, the wedged tenon brings up a good question. I’ve often wondered if those are meant to be wedged once and then left alone or if they were created with the intent to be used many times. My thinking is that over time with the slot or tenon will be damaged and the joint loosens. However, since it’s a wedge, you always have thicker stock with which to keep the joint tight.

Does anyone have any input?

-- Jeff, St. Paul, MN

Very nice Jeff, It looks to me that it should work fine.

I’m still in the dark ages, with my old drawing board.

-- -** You are never to old to set another goal or to dream a new dream ****************** Dick, & Barb Cain, Hibbing, MN. http://www.woodcarvingillustrated.com/gallery/member.php?uid=3627&protype=1

Thanks Dick. I wouldn’t knock that drawing board though. Honestly, I feel there are some things that can be done just as quick if not quicker with the old pencil.

-- Jeff, St. Paul, MN

I think wedged tenons could be used over and over and over; wear (or damage to the tenons – or wedges) would be pretty dependent on the hardness of the wood.

-- Dorje (pronounced "door-jay"), Seattle, WA

I agree. I think it might be a bigger issue with this design since it calls for fir. However, the fibers don’t crush indefinitely. Thanks for the feedback Dorje. I’ve already decided that the next bench I build will be sans mechanical fasteners. Just because.

-- Jeff, St. Paul, MN

Yeah – Just because! That’s good enough reason!

-- Dorje (pronounced "door-jay"), Seattle, WA

Portable looks like a great idea Jeff. However, we are all doomed anyway if we have to move our shops. I would have to hire a separate truck. How do you move a jointer and bandsaw?

-- -John "Do I have to keep typing a smiley? Just assume it's a joke." www.flickr.com/photos/gizmodyne

Yeah, that will be a bitter sweet day. I worry about the transport but look forward to the need to do it.

-- Jeff, St. Paul, MN

Using wedges could creat one problem. If you knock them in too hard you might split the piece
you’re knocking it into along the grain.

You can prevent this by adding a couple of splines across the grain to strengthen it.

This is an exagrated version if the grain were running from left to right.
If the grain were running up and down you would run the splines perpendicular to the
way they are in the picture.

-- Gary - Never pass up the opportunity to make a mistake look like you planned it that way - Tyler, TX

Good stuff Gary and great use of Sketchup to illustrate. A little text and an illustration combined go a long way.

-- Bob, Carver Massachusetts, Sawdust Maker http://www.capecodbaychallenge.org