Workbench

Nice bench, and nice plane. I got one as well…. We’re lucky. :-)

-- Jarrod, Eagle Nest, NM

It’s a beauty, that’s for sure.

-- Bob Vila would be so proud of you!

Hi John,

Again this is a gorgeous bench. Thanks for the update on the construction.

-- With God's help all things are possible- even woodworking. Woodworking is not just a hobby, it is an (expletive deleted) expensive hobby.

Very nice job. I wish I had room for a real woodworking bench!

-- --Chuck

Gorgeous work bench. At 38” tall, I am sure it helps ease the discomfort from bending over. Btw, did you estimate the cost of those Ebony shavings? LOL.

-- Even the best of men relish a little spice every now and then... HG Somers, circa 1905

a great bench

-- Thos. Angle, Owyhee Design, Oregon

Nice bench, the finish on the top is great.

-- Bill - - Ad-Marketing Guy, Ramsey NJ

Hi

Question for all,

I like John, prefer a higher workbench, so I always end up building my own (simple affairs, not a Master piece like John’s) So, my question is why are some many (nearly all) work benches so low?

-- Keep your tools sharp, your mind sharper and the coffee hot

WOW absolutely awesome looking bench.

-- Hope Never fails

Yettiman, the older benches were low so you would have the most leverage for hand planing, and wouldn’t have to raise your arms to high for chisel work. The optimum height was for the workman to let his arm hang at his side, bend his hand forward 90 degrees at the wrist, and that’s how high the bench should be. Since I don’t do that much plane work, my bench is about 38” also.

-- Tim -- http://tmuli.com

Great followup John to the original post. Thanks for giving us more insight and again….Nice bench!!!

-- Kevin -- (http://www.kevinswoodshop.blogspot.com)

Hi John;

Well you keep showing us that gorgeous bench, and now it’s “pokin at me, pokin at me”.

You’re going to force me to build one, (strictly out of jealousy), for such a beautiful, and useful piece.

It’s just an incredible work of art. When I look at the picture, I feel compelled to salute it!

Lee

-- by Lee A. Jesberger http://www.prowoodworkingtips.com http://www.ezee-feed.com

Very nice! My own bench is higher than people usually like, but I’m 6’ tall and going up a little higher just felt better.

I missed the first round of comments on your workbench. It is very nice. All you need now to finish it off is a few dents and scratches. Ooooo that might hurt.

-- Ron in Osseo, Minnesota

Thanks alot John you put this on my hot list, your bench is first rate and it must be a joy to work off of thanks for the show…Blkcherry

Fair Oaks … You snuck right in here past me. I didn’t notice my neighbor from down the hill. Sorry for that.

That workbench is too beautiful to use.

-- Odie, Confucius say, "He who laughs at one's self is BUTT of joke".

Your workbench is about as flat (judging by the light reflected off the surface) as they come. Nice job. I was able to get mine flat by having access to a 22” wide industrial scale planer, so I could put the whole top through at one time (with the help of several others!) I suspect you did yours the old fashioned way with that lovely L-N 4-1/2!

-- SteveL

Great Job John !! I want to make one of these but, haven’t really found the right set of plans yet. I have seen about 10 different ones and there was one I liked but could have been a little bigger. I like your style cause its longer & Thicker than a normal size bench and a wood vice with a holding bracket out from the end of the bench. Again, John good job, and it even shines. What are your demensions of the whole bench.

-- duelly in Perry, NY

Lovely bench, John. You answered my question from the other blog about the height. I had worked on a bench that was a shade over 34” in height and found it almost perfect for a lot of the kind of work I do. BUT, you’re right about raising the height for router work and small scale planing as shown. That height has to be easier on the back. Again, nice work.

always,
J.C.

-- "Imagination is more important than knowledge" -- Albert Einstein

Hi John,

This bench is beautiful! I just finished reading “The Workbench” by Lon Schleining and I am planing my own workbench. I just love the details on your bench. One of my toughest decisions to make is whether I build a tail vise like yours or use a twin screw vise (Veritas). I will have to check out the plans on woodcraft.com

btw, we are neighbors, I live in Folsom.

-- bfd, Folsom, CA

Good God, man, you could do auto repair on that thing! Wow.

-- -Be Blessed!, Patrick

Hi John. That is one fine bench you have there. I was just down your way visiting my Mom in Citrus Hights yesterday. Not too far away up here in the North State

-- Scott - Chico California http://chicowoodnut.home.comcast.net