A Workbench for the shop

Very nice, the bench looks very solid and the storage below fits in well. I like the mahogany, it looks great.

From what I can see it looks like you run a clean shop.

I’ve learned to expect t nothing but the best from you, Gary; this is no exception.

-- CanuckDon "I just love small wooden boxes!" http://www.canterburybaptist.org/

Very nice … looks like you made your own drawer slides too?? No metal full extension slide … I like that.

Gary, you are a true craftsman! That’s a beautiful bench!

-- You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation. (Plato)

This bench isn’t as beautiful as your other pieces….which is why I like it so much! It’s exactly what a bench should be…strong, rugged, utilitarian, and practical. It looks like you could build a boat on top of it. Exactly what I’d love to have someday. Sotheby’s will sell this at auction for big bucks some day 200 years from now.

-- Bob, Carver Massachusetts, Sawdust Maker http://www.capecodbaychallenge.org

I’ve made two workbenches from bowling Alleys. And I’d recomment to everyone. Why did you take it apart. I left mine all nailed up as it was.

I glued some more strips on the edges so that I could drill bench dog holes without hitting nails. My project

Great looking bench.

-- Karson Southern Delaware karson_morrison@bigfoot.com

I took it apart because it was loose, had some kind of filler between some boards, and I couldn’t stand the idea of having about 1000 nails that I might have to deal with some day.

Who knows what the future holds. With my luck I would need to drill a hole and hit a nail. Those are hardened steel nails.

I guess that I’m a glutton for punishment!

-- Gary, East TX -- The longest journey begins with a single step.

can we say very stout, boys and girls? As I builld onto my shop, I’m finding that everything is in the wrong place except for my table saw so … you mind if I copy your bench?

-- http://ye-olde-cabinet-shoppe.com/

Great project, as always, Gary.

-- Charlie M. "Woodworking - patience = firewood"

That is one very nice workbench! You have a great router sled there, too. Thanks for sharing your story and pictures.

-- Jesus is Lord!

Gary your projects look great. In most woodworking articles about benches that I have read, maple is the prefered wood. It has a such a nice look. Bowling alley for a top? Now that is coming up with an idea. I know it was frustrating for you but you made it work.

Gary, I will say it again, you are a Craftsman.

-- WaywardHoosier - Behind schedule and over budget, but who's counting?

another great project…thanks for all the details…

-- Matt, Napa, CA...177 days to sanity...

VERY nice project. Wish I had the room for a permanent bench like this. Plenty of work area and storage!

-- Bob A in NJ

Gary – great workbench!

I had someone give me some bowling alley for a workbench too. And, like you, I found out why it’s not the best way to make a bench. Those are some nasty nails in those things – and they are plentiful. I ended up giving away one of the pieces I was given, and then used the other one for a non-woodworking bench.

With your woodworking ability, you deserve to have a bench that nice.

-- Tom, Surfside Beach, SC - Romans 8:28

Nice bench. I am definitely going to get around to building one some day. Gotta get a bigger shop!!

-- Measure twice!!

Nice bench. Unless my eyes deceive me that is a Legacy Ornamental Mill in Pic #1. I have wanted one of these after seeing one demo’d at a WW show many years ago but they are kinda pricy then add the router and the bits…. My question is do you use it much and your overall take on how is the learning curve to get comfortabe with it’s numerous functions. I didn’t see many spiral legs in your project pics and this is one of the features this is noted for. I guess I’m asking if you felt it was worth the price new or should I keep looking on E-bay for used one.
Thanks for the heads up on the bowling alley draw-backs.

-- DocK, WV

Hello DocK16,

I have not had a lot of chances to use it yet. My first use was to make 4 spiraled columns for a coffee table that I am making. (You can see it in picture #3) It took a little figuring at first, but it did come with a couple of DVD’s that explain things pretty well. It’s a little hot in the shop right now so I am taking a break until it cools down a bit. As far as is it worth the price. That would depend on how much you use it and what your plans are. I can see some things down the road that I will be using it for. I sure won’t be using it every day though.

-- Gary, East TX -- The longest journey begins with a single step.

I have just added a new addition to my bench.

On each front leg I added two 120V power outlets. I ran a conduit under the slab for the wire when
I built the shop.

It pops up right behind the bench.

Just got around to wiring them up while I was waiting for some glue to dry. Only been there
two days and don’t know what I’d do without them!

Gary

-- Gary, East TX -- The longest journey begins with a single step.

Gary that is one nice, sturdy and functional looking bench. I’m in the market for one, just can’t decide whether to build one or buy one. I think I’ll come out the same $$$ wise, but building one – I can get exactly what I want.

-- Bill - "Suit yourself and let the rest be pleased." http://www.cajunpen.com/

Gary, love the bench.

Dock16 you need to be lucky like me and have a friend who has a Legacy. If you go to my projects you will see the wall unit I built with rope twists up the sides of the cabinets and shelves.

The same friend who has the Legacy worked with me and 2 other friends when we all built our workbenches at the same time.Mine looks quite a bit like Gary’s.

-- No piece is cut too short. It was meant for a smaller project.

I just acquired a 30” x72” butcher block top. I want to build a good work bench. Did you have a plan or did you design the base. Need some help so I can begin planning my new work bench.

-- Brad,--"The way to eat an eliphant is one bite at a time"

No, no plan. I just designed it myself. All it really is 4 legs connected at the top and bottom with
stretchers between them.

Just look at pictures of what other people have done and pick one.

Good luck!

-- Gary, East TX -- The longest journey begins with a single step.

I really like the drawer system you used. It appears to be a large insert. I’ve done the same a few times. I wonder how long a period elapsed before it went in? In fact all my benches have inserted cabinets: main workbench, radial saw off-feed tables, and radial saw stand. My radial saw insert cabinet was about 36 years before it went in. Ha! That’s a real nice bench.

-- bobdurnell, Santa Ana California.