My bench costs rose slightly today. I bought some lag bolts to attach the top to the base. $3.50. Let’s see, about 60 in wood, 65 for the vise, a bottle of glue; I figure I’m close to $135 into this so far. I still have to get some hardwood jaws for the vise but I’m pretty sure I’ll keep total cost under 150. Here’s a pic with the top attached …
After flattening the top I went ahead and attached the vise. I found the instructions kind of complicated so I’m using scrap wood from the bench for the jaws temporarilly. Now that I’ve got the hang of it I’ll move on to hardwood. Oh, by the way, I glad I picked up a transfer punch set recently; I found it pretty indispensible today in mounting the top and vise. So here it is with the vise in place …
So that’s it for today. I cleaned up the shop after and check out this pile of shavings!
I guess the next step will be adding dog holes and getting proper jaws. Thanks for stopping by!
8 comments so far
PurpLev
home | projects | blog
2759 posts in 544 days
posted 313 days ago
nicely done!
-- When in doubt - There is no doubt - Go the safer route.
BarryW
home | projects | blog
872 posts in 802 days
posted 313 days ago
Shavings…the pillow of the wood gods.
-- /\/\/\ BarryW /\/\/\ Stay so busy you don't have time to die.
Scott Bryan
home | projects | blog
20707 posts in 718 days
posted 312 days ago
This is going to be a nice bench, especially given the “investment” that you are putting into it.
Well done.
-- With God's help all things are possible- even woodworking. Woodworking is not just a hobby, it is an (expletive deleted) expensive hobby.
dsb1829
home | projects | blog
369 posts in 523 days
posted 312 days ago
Not too shabby there Rob. Looks like it is coming together well. Two good points: vises are a bit nerve wracking and transfer punches are a fantastic tool to have around. I got my transfer set at HF, for what they are used for that level of quality has proven fine.
On the vise front, don’t get too wrapped up in perfection. I found that the hardware itself is imperfect. Not only that, but the wood is going to move some seasonally. Just remember that form should follow function. So long as it securely holds the wood you are in like Flynn.
That pile on the floor is great. You should really look into dust collection :-)
I prefer dust pan for these types. Better yet is to train any small mammals you have around to do the task for you. Preferably one that is properly aged (my 3yr old just makes a bigger mess, but the 7yr old is fairly good at clean-up)
-- Doug, woodworking in Alabama
ShannonRogers
home | projects | blog
370 posts in 684 days
posted 312 days ago
Once again I like the simplicity of this bench. The single face vise should serve you well and with the legs flush with the top you can hold most any size board by just putting a few dog holes in the legs. Invest in some good holdfasts and bench dogs. If you get some Veritas Wonder Dogs you can forego a tail vise for face planing too.
-- Check out my blog and podcast "The Renaissance Woodworker" at www.rogersfinewoodworking.com/blog
John Gray
home | projects | blog
1753 posts in 781 days
posted 312 days ago
I like it, thanks for the posts.
-- Only the Shadow knows....................
HokieMojo
home | projects | blog
1142 posts in 624 days
posted 312 days ago
man that is a lot of planing but it did come out great!
Todd Thomas
home | projects | blog
4831 posts in 345 days
posted 311 days ago
looks good..reminds me I need to get on with making one….I like your design, and budget allot….
-- Todd, Oak Ridge, TN, Hello my name is Todd and I'm a Toolholic, I bought my last tool 10 days, no 4 days, oh heck I bought a tool on the way here! †