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My 5 year old likes to use the spokeshave but my bench is too high for him to work so I decided it's time for his first workbench. Had I estimated the amount of effort involved better, the bench would have been much simpler but somehow I thought I could make a small version of one just like dad's quickly. Not. The devil is in the details. In all, about 3 weekends of half days and a few evenings after work in the shop but it turned out well. I did have fun making it and he really likes it. Next time I would buy a metal vise and save the time :) The wooden vises took most the time. I turned all the vise pieces on the lathe and the bench is held together with mortise and tenon joints, only screws used are to lock the vise plates to the threads and the underside to stabilize the long end vise. Mostly pine with cherry and walnut vise screws. Height is 60cm - about 25inches, depth is 40cm - 16 inches and the width is 100cm - 39 inches. Traditional look, my own design, kind of made it up as I went. some proper planning probably would have saved time. Comments welcome!

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Comments

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Way to go Jim. That's an outstanding bench for your little guy.
 

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Jim a great small work bench. Unbelievable detailed and a very nice build. I really hope your son not only love the bench but also like to work on it.

Well done.
 

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Hey, if your son doesn't like it can I have it? :)

Really fine work and outstanding build. Your son getting a fantastic start in woodworking. I hope he keeps with it, he has a great mentor.
 

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Very impressive, hope the little guy wears it out and thinks up improvements for the next one.
 

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WOW! That's too cool! You 've done awesome job for him, I bet there is no end of his happines. You realy paied attention to all details. There is all that such bench must have.
 

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This project just made me smile…especially the pic of work in action. Very very nice!!
 

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Spero che il tuo bambino diventi un bravo falegname,complimenti per il tuo lavoro.
 

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jim that time you spent will be the greatest investment you ever made,not only is the bench killer the shot of your son working on it is precious,i would have given anything for mine to be out in the shop at that age the way i did with my dad and grandfather,but finally at 25 we have done a couple projects together and hopefully more to come.maybe by the time he out grows this one the two of will work together and make the next one.enjoy every moment and hope they last,fantastic job my friend.
 

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That's a really nice job. Hopefully your little guy will be a woodworker too.
 

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Very cool - I'm envious of a 5-year-old's bench!
 

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That's a lot of work on a kid's toy. But you know what, it will pay off in ways you might not know for a while. Literally, a labor of love.
 

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Thank you everyone, grazie tanto, for the very nice comments!
 

· In Loving Memory
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That is a beautiful workbench and your son will always cherish it even after he outgrows it. Even when he does outgrow it he will be able to build another one himself.

helluvawreck aka Charles
http://woodworkingexpo.wordpress.com
 

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Super nice bench for your son! I hope he follows in your footsteps where wood is concerned. Thanks for sharing.
 

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What a awesome job it's so great to get your son involved in woodworking and to build him his own bench is incredible. Awesome job.
 

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He's a lucky little man, but I'm sure it's more than worth it to share the time and the pastime with him in the shop.
 
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