| Project by mzmac | posted 10-13-2008 04:07 AM | 3928 views | 37 times favorited | 35 comments |  |
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I have wanted to make a bench for some time now. The problem was I couldn’t settle on a good plan. I was discouraged by the price and availability of components for the benches. And I didn’t want to end up with a flimsy unusable bench.
After many hours of thought this is what I came up with.
I used 4×6 landscaping timbers for the legs and cross-members. $34.00 There size, price, and weight were just the ticket. I glued up the top out of 14 2×4s and 4 2×6s $35.00 I put a simple box/finger joint on the corners backed up with a 3/8 oak dowel. It isn’t the hardest top, but it will work great in my shop and on my wallet. The hardware for the end vise was purchased from Grizzly for $31.95. The hardware for the shaker inspired side vise was pieced together at the local hardware store for less then $10. I built my own bench dogs. I can’t see why anyone would want to buy dogs when building your own is this easy. Its not the prettiest bench out there, but for under $120.00 total, it leaves you with leftover money to buy what we all really want….....more woodworking tools.
http://www.grizzly.com/products/Cabinet-Maker-s-Vise/H7788
35 comments so far
GaryK
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10262 posts in 3652 days
#1 posted 10-13-2008 04:10 AM
That’s one stout looking bench!
Nice job!
-- Gary - Never pass up the opportunity to make a mistake look like you planned it that way - Tyler, TX
Denappy
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116 posts in 3346 days
#2 posted 10-13-2008 04:18 AM
Wow, that is an awesome bench, and I really like how you pulled it off with those materials! You have inspired me to add something like this to my list! Great work!!
-- -=Den
SwedishIron
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142 posts in 3305 days
#3 posted 10-13-2008 04:23 AM
Great job, that bench looks like a real beast and will server you very well indeed.
-- Scott, Colorado
mtnwild
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3474 posts in 3191 days
#4 posted 10-13-2008 05:01 AM
Like your way of thinking and your craftsmanship. You did yourself proud. Many years of use ahead of you there.
-- mtnwild (Jack), It's not what you see, it's how you see it.
Rxmpo
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266 posts in 3409 days
#5 posted 10-13-2008 05:53 AM
Great work!!
Max
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55999 posts in 3937 days
#6 posted 10-13-2008 06:27 AM
Very nice sturdy bench. I do like your bench dogs!!!
-- Max "Desperado", Salt Lake City, UT
BarryW
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1015 posts in 3571 days
#7 posted 10-13-2008 07:31 AM
great bench…and the price is right….
-- /\/\/\ BarryW /\/\/\ Stay so busy you don't have time to die.
woodworm
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14365 posts in 3255 days
#8 posted 10-13-2008 11:21 AM
I second Barry’s compliment.
-- masrol, kuala lumpur, MY.
Callum Kendall
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1918 posts in 3367 days
#9 posted 10-13-2008 12:11 PM
Very nice bench!
Thanks for the post
Callum
-- For wood working podcasts with a twist check out http://thetimberkid.com/
snowdog
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1164 posts in 3647 days
#10 posted 10-13-2008 01:00 PM
The price is right and it sure as heck beats the bench I have not made yet since you have one and I still don’t due to my over thinking how and what I want to make :)
It looks like a great job. Don’t forget to put your name and a date on it.
-- "so much to learn and so little time"..
CelticDreamer
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35 posts in 3318 days
#11 posted 10-13-2008 01:11 PM
I agree with Gary, that is one stout looking bench! The joinery is fantastic and the price is unbeatable. How long did it take you to build it?
-- last night I played a blank tape at full volume - the mime next door went nuts!
Abiqualumber
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16 posts in 3202 days
#12 posted 10-13-2008 02:12 PM
Great job Gary, I too am not flush with money like so many woodworkers. I have hesitated to get too involved in woodworking because I may not be able to generate enough excess cash. You have inspired me with this bench. Where there is a will there is a way. You’re an inspiration for all of us who watch our pennies.
-- Have you hugged your tools today?
Karson
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35062 posts in 4064 days
#13 posted 10-13-2008 02:26 PM
Great using bench. The fuctionality is all there. A great job.
-- I've been blessed with a father who liked to tinker in wood, and a wife who lets me tinker in wood. Southern Delaware soon moving to Virginia karsonwm@gmail.com †
scarpenter002
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588 posts in 3569 days
#14 posted 10-13-2008 02:38 PM
Great bench at a great price. Very nice job. I am sure you will get many great years out of that bench.
-- Scott in Texas
CharlieM1958
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16265 posts in 3882 days
#15 posted 10-13-2008 02:42 PM
Great job at a bargain price! I’ve been thinking about a bench for a long time, and this looks like one I could afford and possibly even build. Thanks!
-- Charlie M. "Woodworking - patience = firewood"
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