The Beginnings of a Workbench

Rip them down to 4” pieces and re-glue in a staggered, finger-joint style of interlock maybe? A lot of work, but it’d create an integrated top. Interested to hear what other responses you get.

-- Don't anthropomorphize your handplanes. They hate it when you do that. -- OldTools Archive

I think Smitty has the right idea. You can’t count on simply butting the existing pieces together and expect them to be flat.

-- Brian in Arlington, TX - Laziness is the foundation of efficiency.

Should be a fabulous top. If there is a cabinet shop in your area, you may be able to have them run it through their industrial sized drum sander for a few bux.

-- Roger from KY. Work/Play/Travel Safe. Kentuk55@bellsouth.net

I wonder if you can finger joint them and use a tortion box underneath to ensure flatness.

-- ok, is it cut once measure twice, cut twice measure once???? I know....I'll just keep cutting until it's long enough.

I wonder if you can finger joint them and use a tortion box underneath to ensure flatness.

-- ok, is it cut once measure twice, cut twice measure once???? I know....I'll just keep cutting until it's long enough.

Spline joint?
Finger joint?
Domino it.

http://www.amazon.com/Freud-99-039-Variable-Height-Finger/dp/B00004T7MB

Looks like the makings of a nice new bench. Looking forward to the finished project.

-- Mike, Missouri --- “A positive life can not happen with a negative mind.” ---

Just as an additional suggestion, if you didn’t want to rip it all down, you could Kreg screw / biscuit / tenon the pieces together at the joint. Then you could add additional support across the joint by gluing more stock across the bottom. I’d wager that after doing that, by the time it’s all supported by a strong bench frame, you’d have a very strong top. I think no matter which direction you go, it’ll be quite a bit of work to get that joint as strong as you’d like it to be. I’m interested to see which direction you pursue. Good luck!

-- Robb

Put a sunken tool tray between them – different but less work than staggered ripped sections. I doubt that a butt joint would stay really smooth over time.

Steve

-- -- I'm no rocket surgeon