Form follows function ... My new Fun Bench

This is an awesome design! Great incorporation of all the features you needed. You will have fun with this.

-- Dust collectors suck.

This is great! That’s the way to design a bench (and have fun doing it).

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

It has so many features, I thought I was watching an infomercial. Makes me want to call the 800 number and order one.

-- Thuan

I’m glad everything went well wit the surgery. I like your bench. It has a lot of features. I have been thinking about making a modified NFW sometime this year. Have you used bench dogs and hold-fasts in a plywood top before? I have wondered, when thinking about making my new bench, whether the dog holes in plywood or MDF would wear too quickly. How did you make the side stop easily removeable? I can’t tell how you have it fastened to the bench. Again, great bench.

Since you won’t be spending much time in the shop untl June, you’ll have a lot of time to design new projects for when you return to the shop.

-- Jack - Mission Viejo, Calif

Bob,

Obviously this bench has already caused you enough pain. If you want I will drive up there and take it off your hands. After all you are proof that it is dangerous to be around this thing so I think it is best that you simply get rid of it. :)

Seriously this is a nice bench and it shows that a great deal of craftsmanship and thought went into its design and construction.

Thanks for the post.

By the way I assume that the surgery went well since you are on-line. But it must be a little difficult typing with one hand.

I hope your pt goes well and may God bless.

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

Nice bench! I’m thinking I’d like a compact/mobile bench that I can tuck away under an open countertop…and may just “borrow” some ideas from this!

Hope you heal quickly.

-- Patrick, Chicago, IL www.TenonAndSpline.com

FANtastsic project – the design & detail are great – and to think you made in for 300$ – now that is being ingenious! Great job!

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

Hi, thanks for all the kind words. As for the top being made of plywood and the holes getting loose after time , I did think about this> It was between a 2×3” top or other wood or thw low cost plywood version> i decided since I’m just a weekend warrior vs full time< I’d go with the low cost opion for now. i could always switch it later, but of course, I’ll make sure I have help.

The brass handles on he drawers are not on yet, but they will match the lathe table handles.
This part only took 5 minutes to make and easily replaceable.

As for the side stop on the left front, it’s just a scrap piece of 2×4 with two pegs glued in that go into the two holes. again, it will get infrequent use but very handy when you need it.

The surgery went well, was in and out in 4 hours. the next two weeks is down time in a splint. Yes, typing with one hand is no fun.

-- Bob A in NJ

Bob,

I admire your creative innovations on the design of the bench. I just starting to build one of my own now and it is great to see some alternative visions.

Best wishes on a speedy and complete recovery.

-- Michael, Seattle, WA

I love it! Great job. Useful as well as FUN!

always,
J.C.

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

That’s a great bench! Looks very useful.

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

That is definitely a winner.

-- Maplewood, MN

Hi Bob;

I’m kind of surprised you’re still calling it a fun bench after what you did to your arm!

It’s a great bench other than the physical risks involved!

Hope you’re healing well!

Lee

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

This bench is genious! It would work quite nicely in any small shop!

-- Kevin -- (http://www.furniturebykevin.com)

can you describe how the end on the right works. I see the 2 pipe clamps, but exactly how do you use them. Very nice old vice you had laying around to add to it. I can’t wait to start on mine, but I keep getting new ideas. Thanks, Hal

-- dofitch

Hal, good question. A piece if wood, yet to be made, fits into the pipe clamps which will be slightly higher than the bench top if I want to use the table top bench dogs. It can also be used to hold a piece of wood or a drawer to the side of the bench. Bob

-- Bob A in NJ

Very cool ideas in making this bench work for your own special needs…its shows alot of planning when into such a compact and functionable bench….have fun and be safe…Blkcherry

what more could you ask for in a funbench ? Great design indeed , very functional and it’s on wheels !

-- Dusty56@comcast.net