| Blog series by Mike Lingenfelter | updated 267 days ago | 4 parts | 2954 reads | 36 comments total |
Part 1: What kind of bench do I need?
I have been experimenting more and more with hand tools, and I learned quickly you need a proper workbench to get the most out of hand tools. The last bench I built works really well for power tools and assembly, but it’s not stout enough to handle hand planning. It also lacked the necessary vises and bench dogs needed to secure your work. So I began my search for the perfect bench to use with hand tools. I’ll tell you right now, perfection is hard to come by for workbenches. Everyone ...
Part 2: Final Sketchup Images
I spent more time with with Sketchup and have finished the base for the bench. I drew the stretchers up with through tenons. Most plans show using bolts on the stretchers. I haven’t decided which way I’m going yet.I also spent a day visiting my local lumber suppliers. I found a good deal on some Ash. Ash is a nice hardwood and has the stiffness a bench needs.For those of you in the Seattle area, you might want to checkout Compton Lumber. They are over near Crosscut Hardwoods...
Part 3: More thoughts on Workbench Design
I’ve been giving a lot of thought to which bench design would work best for me. I still like the first bench I designed, based on a Frank Klausz style bench with a few modifications. As I started to think about building the bench I knew it was going to be ambitious, in skill and time. I went back to the drawing board so to speak. I reviewed all of the information I had gathered in my workbench research. One bench started to standout and it was the Holtzapffel bench, which Christopher Sch...
Part 4: Sources for Large Wooden Screws
I’ve decided to go with the Holtzapffel style bench, and I’m going to give the large wooden screws, on the face vise, a shot. I talked with Christopher Schwarz about them again and he just loves them. He gave me a couple of sources for the wooden screws. I don’t want to post their email addresses in this blog. If you send me a private message, I will give you the two names he gave me. I will tell you they aren’t cheap. One guy has them for $125/each and the oth...
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Blog Series
- Building The Holtzapffel Workbench - 15 parts
- Jigs and Fixtures - 1 part
- My journey in workbench design - 4 parts
- Rookie Mistake - 2 parts
- Small Workbench - 4 parts
- Tool Care - 2 parts
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