| Project by Justus | posted 256 days ago | 1711 views | 1 time favorited | 10 comments |  |
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This was my first project where I extensively used the plug-it-&-strap-it-concept. The bench is made from construction grade timber with OSB panels resting in grooves. The top is a 24 mm baltic birch multiple ply board, the most expensive part of the whole bench.
The construction relies on the I-beam concept: the panels join two rails/posts in way forming an I-beam, provided there is some force holding it together. And that is provide by the straps. As long as the panels do not buckle out of plane, they can take the weight of a Soviet tank.
The bench is constructed in such that all rails and posts have their joinery cut into them (a kataba job), grooves routed where needed and then the appropriate rails, posts and panels get pulled together with the web clamps. A long strap runs the whole length right under the top and back under the bottom side rails. The top is screwed on using M8-machine screws. Two leg vises and a back vise complete the set-up.
At present the back vise is at the left hand side. All it would take to put it on the right hand side is to screw of the top, loosen the web clamps and reassemble the rails and accordingly. I am right-handed, but for some reason or another work always on the left side of the bench.
The bottom shelve is only half – that way my shop vac fits nicely (second picture). The front rail is flush with the top and commonly used as a clamping surface.
The panels may be a sore sight for a bench traditionalist – but boy, do they make the bench rigid! And at a very low cost.
Of course I keep on dreaming about building the next, truly nice bench, but this one works. And as already many other people noticed: it takes a bench to build a bench. You can see it from the fact, that the lumber of this bench is not planed: I did not have a bench to plane the lumber. It just does not work on a workmate. But it does work on a bench like this (picture 5).
As with most of my projects, there are plans available.
Cheers, Justus
10 comments so far
CharlieM1958
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7608 posts in 1111 days
posted 256 days ago
You must get a quantity discount on those strap clamps.
I’ll bet I know what’s holding the baby’s diaper on! :-)
-- Charlie M. "Woodworking - patience = firewood"
Matt
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178 posts in 265 days
posted 256 days ago
Hahaha, you’re killin’ me. Nice idea, however.
-- Matt - My Websites - http://www.bestinwood.com - Hand Tools :: http://www.workshopgarage.com - Small Shops
PurpLev
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2733 posts in 541 days
posted 256 days ago
great idea, and it does look rigid!
like many have stated – a work bench gets beaten up hard! so this might be a more suitable work bench than a “traditional” hardwood “hand carved” bench… although, it is a woodworker’s dream to have that furniture grade bench… at least now you have a bench to build it on :o)
-- When in doubt - There is no doubt - Go the safer route.
JuniorJoiner
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166 posts in 333 days
posted 256 days ago
the bench looks great, very functional. I would seriously try to find a better way to run those cords though.
nice work
-- Junior -Quality is never an accident-it is the reward for the effort involved.
Derek Lyons
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259 posts in 461 days
posted 256 days ago
I’d check the tightness of those clamps on a regular basis – at least weekly. They aren’t meant to be used long term and any slippage/stretching that wouldn’t be noticed with normal usage, especially as you stress the bench, could really bite you on the butt.
Other than that caveat, you have a really clever idea there!
-- Derek, Bremerton WA --
ND2ELK
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6155 posts in 667 days
posted 256 days ago
Nice looking bench and work area. You have a beautiful family. Thanks for posting.
God Bless
tom
-- Mc Bridge Cabinets, Iowa
Justus
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20 posts in 368 days
posted 246 days ago
Derek, you are right, there are a lot of junk straps around – but for these projects I use swiss made industrial quality. 4 € each. I tightened them two years ago – no sign of fatigue yet. You can pluck them like a chord and the sound tells you the tension. I have been head of a polymer research department for quite some time and can tell you – use PES straps and the wood is going to give in first.
Cheers, Justus
Mark Shymanski
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1555 posts in 605 days
posted 246 days ago
Nice shop and I think that is a unique way to make the bench. Best of all it works.
-- ...it's rennovation time!!!
Pete_Jud
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116 posts in 646 days
posted 198 days ago
Love your natural lighting, would love to have that big window in my shop.
-- Life is to short to own an ugly boat.
a1Jim
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16683 posts in 470 days
posted 194 days ago
thats one young woodworker
-- Jim from Heirloom Woodshop Southern Oregon