| Project by Bill Akins | posted 400 days ago | 1392 views | 3 times favorited | 8 comments |  |
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Well I have finally finished my new workbench. If you missed part 1 you can view the base of the bench here:
http://lumberjocks.com/projects/10532
Remember, I am with limited funds. I started the top by screwing a row of SYP 2×6’s across the base and then trimmed the ends. Next, I covered that with a layer of 3/4” MDF which I screw to the 2×6’s and then trimmed the excess with a flush bit on the router. I topped it with a layer of hardboard stuck down with carpet tape. Flush trimmed that as well then went around the edge with a sander.
For the skirt I used more SYP 2×6’s screwed into the top. As with the base, I used walnut plugs to cover the screws. After a good sanding here I used more of the golden pecan stain and a few coats of poly, even on the hardboard.
Next I made the jaw for my new large shoulder vise ordered at Highland Hardware. I sandwiched a peice of pine between 2 pieces of oak scraps I had. Stained and sealed that and then mounted the vise. They were out of handles at the time so my father turned me one on his lathe out of black gum. After that, I drilled my holes for the bench dogs.
I picked up some bench pups and wonder pups at Highland to complete the bench. The bench is 7 ft. 3 inches long by 30 inches wide. In the future I plan to install a small shoulder vise at the other end of the bench instead of a tail or twin screw vise. I think I may add a drawer as well but we will see. I chose to tape the hardboard down and I can replace it every couple of years when needed. The bench is solid as a rock and perfectly level. I love my new workbench and can’t wait to start new projects.
-- Bill from Lithia Springs, GA I love the smell of sawdust in the morning.
8 comments so far
thetimberkid
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1944 posts in 598 days
posted 400 days ago
Great Workbench!
Thanks for the post
Callum
-- For wood working podcasts with a twist check out http://thetimberkid.com/
GMman
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1380 posts in 592 days
posted 400 days ago
Great job wish I had room for one of those my work place is too small but health don’t permit to go bigger…I also see the front of my chev pickup in your yard
-- --<<<<<< I will not stop until I get it right. >>>>>>--
Scott Bryan
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20668 posts in 717 days
posted 400 days ago
Congratulations on completing this. A bench like this is something that most of us need in our shops. This one is a beauty.
Well done!!
-- With God's help all things are possible- even woodworking. Woodworking is not just a hobby, it is an (expletive deleted) expensive hobby.
Texasgaloot
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467 posts in 595 days
posted 400 days ago
I think that is a very clever, frugal bench and will last you many years. Sometime beauty rests in function, and the bench you now have is extremely functional, vs. the bench I have, which is a store-bought top from Woodcraft, is both ugly and something to be chased around the shop floor every time I pull a plane out. This is great!
-- There's no tool like an old tool...
SCOTSMAN
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2244 posts in 480 days
posted 400 days ago
Nice big strong bench just what the Doctor ordered, not too much, not too little.I made a nice built in bench running along a good portion of the wall it became an extra shelf with the top soon being eaten up one machine botlted to it after the other.At the moment I am using my shop to store wood too as I lost my wood store to the missus actually it was hers originally her office lol anyway I need something like this myself kindest regards and well done again Alistair
-- excuse my typing as I have a form of parkinsons disease
mjlauro
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239 posts in 656 days
posted 398 days ago
I love workbenches, never get tired of looking at others….plenty of examples on this site…..hope it serves you well,looks like it should. nice job.
brianinpa
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1365 posts in 618 days
posted 398 days ago
Great looking work bench, now go put it to use. Enjoy!
-- Brian, Lebanon PA, If you aren’t having fun doing it, find something else to do.
BarryW
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872 posts in 801 days
posted 317 days ago
I know you posted this some time back…but I just checked it out…nice bench…I’m heading in the benchbuilding direction.
-- /\/\/\ BarryW /\/\/\ Stay so busy you don't have time to die.