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I am sure we have all had that project that just won't get done. The components litter areas of the shop as constant reminders of your inability to complete it. I can't say exactly when I started this bench, but let's just say I always got interrupted by some project, some necessary, some fun. The last couple weekends I made it a point to put whatever spare time I had to this bench.

What a difference. The bench I used before was too short and was a constant hazard as well as negative reinforcement to use the entire saw plate. Now my cuts are faster, require less set up time, and are a bit more accurate.

As with most of my shop projects, I left the wood natural, time and use tend to be the best finish I can come up with.

Why didn't I finish this project sooner…who knows, but it's nice to see progress.

1. The bench and the tools commonly used with it.
2. The bench at the right height makes all the difference.
3. A sense of scale,
4. Removable shelf with a chamfer on the joinery to make life easier (sorry about the blur)
5. putting the shelf back
6. I'm beat, but now I have a bitchin' shop chair.

Gallery

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Any thoughts to building a second one? Also, what is your strategy for ripping?
 

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I like the it , nice work. I like the color contrast. also nice job on the photo essay, the last photo is great, with you resting and the coffee cup in the back ground . great post
 

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different heights is a great idea

so what song were you playing
on the saw
that put in that trance
 

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A shelf? Man you can't go doing things like that. That's not the way it is supposed to be. Okay, fine. I'm just cranky that I see this post now after I just got done building my last saw bench. Looks great though, mine gets used as a sit down more often than a saw bench I think.
 

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RG - Great sawbench, and I agree on the (lack of) finish too. I'd say "Enjoy," but it looks like you already are!
 

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Wayne, Yes I plan to build a second but it will be much more like Christopher Schwarz's $5.97 (if I ever find 6d cut nails) that way I can compare mine against the traditional model.

Tim, thanks a lot, I was quite please with the contrast myself. The other consideration was weight. I wanted the thick top for the purpose of holdfasts (eventually) but I did not want things to be too top heavy, so I used poplar for the top, and heavier walnut for the base. It feels pretty darn stable to me.

Patron, I believe "take me away" I can't remember the band. That Disston makes a sweet song.

Neanderthal, I guess I should not mention that I placed the struts the way I did so I could flip the bench over and saw 15 logs down the center, using legs as supports.

Smitty, thanks a lot, (that walnut cabinet you are making got me going again on this project)

Anji, I used 3 layers for each leg, not by choice, the guy who mills my lumber failed to understand what I meant when I said I wanted thick stock. I prefer not to laminate when I can avoid it since it REALLY increases the time spent on ah hand tool project.
 

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My plan is to make the pair that are in Jim Tolpin's new book. They are pretty interesting. They have one side with angled legs and one with strait legs. You can rip between the benches on the sides with the square legs. I really like the contrast in the wood you used.
 

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Here is one of my original plans. I shot it down for this project because the top is too thick. I still want to try this one at some point because I like the joinery.



The back leg joint.
 

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That is pretty close to the design (less complex joints) in the book. Looks like it would be fun to build.
 

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hey Ryan that is pretty nice one, it looks stunning, in fact I didnt expect that look since I knew your previous skechtup. Well done I am sure you´ll get lot of fun at sawing and it will becomes more confortable. Cheers !
 

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Sonny, Thanks,

Julio, I really appreciate that. The design has changed quite a bit since the first one a drew up, but I am pleased with the results. I am really glad I went with the solid wood shelf, that saved a lot of time and it give the bench pleasing proportions. I am glad you like the look, I have been trying to put the effort in to make my shop stuff a bit more pleasing to the eye, and I feel it's been well worth the effort. How's that Asian cabinet coming?

Cheers!
 

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Hi RG, that is a migthy fine sawbench.
Sturdy and with a wonderful heavy top.
You are just wonderful on thet last picture, I also thought you were playing that saw.
Best thoughts,
Mads
 

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Awesome bench. Who's that handsome fella napping in your shop? I always enjoy seeing pictures of actual LJs; it's funny how I construct a perceived image in my mind, based upon postings. I envision most people here as hulking Lumberjack types with red flannel shirts on;)
 

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Mads, thank you for the kind words. The last picture was supposed to be more upbeat, but when I sat down I realized how exhausted I was. The camera went off, and I closed up shop for the day.

Just a skinny guy wearing flannel Al. I do the same thing. Thanks for looking. PS I am so glad you decided to put that plane to work anyway.
 

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You look most like Clapton on saw!
Perhaps a tired Clapton.
Big smile,
Mads
 

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Smiles here too.
 

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Absolutely BVDON. That is what is all about.
 

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I need to make me one of those. my current one is 7 feet long and in the way most of the time. thanks for showing me a cool idea.
 
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