Operation Holtzapffel #1: Getting started

I think that is a great idea to build your own and you will certainly appreciate it a lot more this way.Yes as you stated the narrow boards will be more stable.I can’t wait to see pics

Great! This will be a fun series to read.

-- Eric at http://adventuresinwoodworking.com

This should be intresting!

-- Gary, East TX -- The longest journey begins with a single step.

either will work but I would think that the thinner ones would be less expensive to use.

Keep us posted as it progresses.

-- Hope Never fails

Hi Damian,

I have been thinking about what to do for my bench as well…Whether to buy or build and found your previous post very interesting. It prompted me to start my own research. Although I would love to have a Lie Nielsen custom built workbench I also don’t want to drop 2k + shipping charges to CA. And like yourself would rather spend the time building furniture then building things for the shop, however, the notion of building one’s own bench, the heart of any shop, is a hard one to pass up. In some respects building a workbench is the ultimate furniture project, it must be built to the same tolerences and exactness. And like any furniture project you want to build something that is useful and will last a lifetime. What a great sense of satisfaction it will it be to know every future project you build will be built on a bench that you made. Seeing your previous projects this bench will be AWESOME!
The bench you have chosen is beautiful. Are there detailed plans that you are working off of? Please keep us posted on the progress as I want to learn as much from your experience as possible before I embark on my own.

-- Brian, Folsom, CA

At the end of the day it wasn’t that hard of a decision; twice the bench for the money and the satisfaction of having built it myself :)

I’m working from the plans in Woodworking Magazine #8 and the only difference will be using the Lee Valley Twin Screw instead of the wooden screws Chris used.

-- I am always doing that which I can not do, in order that I may learn how to do it. - Pablo Picasso

Looks like you have a good start. Please keep us informed.

-- Only the Shadow knows....................

Damien, I think I’d use the 8/4 for the top and the rip to 1 3/4 wide is probably a good idea as well. it will be more stable and you get to have all that fun getting it flat. Remember, you’re building a tool, not something to impress your fellow Lumber Jocks. LOL

-- Thos. Angle, Owyhee Design, Oregon

And aaaawaaaay he goes….this is great that you’re going on this!

If Mike Lingenfelter doesn’t run across this – you may want to contact him re: the top. He’s in the process of building this bench now too.

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

I love shopping at PALS…so does my dog. It’s nice to see someone who knows a place I go to.

-- Steffen

There ya go man:) I Can’t wait to see it finished

-- http://rjoneswoodworks.com/

This is the same type of bench that I am leaning towards right now. Mine will be Ash top and Pine base (reclaimed lumber). I am looking forward to watching your progress as I will not be able to start mine until I get the lumber reclaimed.

-- Kevin, Wichita, Kansas

You are going to need about ten people to help you move it into place. Looking forward to the pictures.

-- Maplewood, MN

Damien;

You’re very fortunate to have the opportunity to do this. Many of us lumber jocks would love to be able to build this project, and especially the bench you chose to build. That’s a beauty all right.

Makes mine look like a toy. (well almost)

It’s quite an undertaking, as those pieces will get very heavy, very quickly!

8/4” is probably the way I would go.

Have a great time building this, as it will be with you forever so enjoy the process.

Lee

-- by Lee A. Jesberger http://www.prowoodworkingtips.com http://www.ezee-feed.com

I have the greatest respect for the Hotlzapffel bench – I’m building one myself. Maybe we can start our own club of other European fusion bench builders! I’m using Ash – a local tree and probably Green Ash as opposed to a Northern White. I look forward to seeing how your progress goes. Mine is slow-going as I have a lot of cart-before-the-horse issues to work out.

-- It takes a viking to raze a village. &mdash Blog'r: http://www.gradin.com

Olaf, I liked your description of man handling the rough cut ash. I don’t think pictures really convey just how heavy one of these benches truly is. Hopefully I can get to the lumberyard either tonight or early next week for the remaining lumber and then construction will begin in earnest. I just got my shipping confirmation from Lee Valley for the two vises, most exciting.

-- I am always doing that which I can not do, in order that I may learn how to do it. - Pablo Picasso

Great project. I’ll be watching closely to see how it progresses – good luck.

Awesome Damian! Can’t wait to see it develop and get a glimpse into your experience. I’ve been busy with shop projects myself lately. They are totally satisfying in a way furniture isn’t….. I think it’s the function and customization and how in touch with ourselves and our own workflow we have to get to perfect the nuances. Anyway, good luck man!

-- Fritz Oakland, Ca http://www.muegenburg.com (dedicated to my other hobby)