My Workbench

I completed this workbench using reclaimed barn timber from a barn that had stood for over 90 years in southern Maryland farm. The barn was taken down and the timber had been left out for mother nature to care for it when I got to them, a lumber jock dream….
The wood timbers took a couple of months to dry fully while I research the workbench project. for years I have been using an old solid wood old military desk that I purchased from a garage sale while I was in the service. This shiny workbench will serve me well but it will not shine for long.
I spend about 4-months working out the details as I like to work of my ideas and a rough drawing with basic measurements only. As I considered the design and settled for an ideal height and length consistent with my special physical needs.
The top is 60” Long, 24” Width, and 34” Tall. The vises used are both from Veritas Large Front and the Large Tail Vise. The Tail vise is mounted on a solid 5X5 oak sections which I routed, drilled and carved to fit the hardware. I used used oak and walnut dowels to bring together all of the joints. I used dowels to secure the timbers from splitting in the future. The only metal hardware are the vise’s. The bench was built in two sections, top and bottom support frame/legs. I used a series of dowels to secure the two sections. I want to be able to separate the two section in the event that I have to move it to another location in the future. I have a history of moving around, this bench is moving with me. Next is the tool rack and cabinet witch I am working on in combination to the much needed drawers.
The cabinet unit is composed of 4 drawers designed for hand tools and 2 large drawers to store power tools and more. I used a combination of old and new woods as you can see from drawers handles, they are left over oak and old pine that i reclaimed to follow my building tradition.
I want to give credit to my good friend Lou Aranda for allowing to use the wood from his grandfather barn which is dated to approximately 90 year old oak..

-- Artesano