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Form follows function ... My new Fun Bench

Project by Bob A in NJ posted 156 days ago 1054 views 12 times favorited 18 comments Add to Favorites
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Bob A in NJ

303 posts in 450 days


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Form follows function ...     My new Fun Bench Form follows function ...     My new Fun Bench Form follows function ...     My new Fun Bench Click the pictures to enlarge them

I prefer to call this a Funbench vs Workbench since woodworking is such a great way to relax.

I started by looking at other benches and using features and options I could use.

It took awhile to design this for my needs.

So, what if? ..... you need a bench that:

Is inexpensive
Is heavy duty
Has some features of the Fine Woodworking “new fangled workbench” http://www.taunton.com/finewoodworking/Workshop/WorkshopArticle.aspx?id=28530 (edge clamp) & (end pony clamps)
All pipes must be easily removable, especially the 3/4” clamps on the end as to afford more walk-around space.
Has wheels so easily moved around a small garage shop
Has drawers for extra tools incorporating full extension slides for maximum access
Has a sacraficial top with several hold down options for carving and dovetailing.
Can support a Craftsman vise
Can be used as a outfeed table for my tablesaw.

Well, here it is.

Legs are made with fir 4×4’s, joined with 1 1/2 dowels and lag bolts. Tool box is made from 3/4” plywood and solid oak front to match my lathe table. Work top is 2 laminated pcs of 3/4” x 2’ x 4’ plywood with an additional 1/2” piece. Top is wrapped with solid walnut and oak trim and a large dovetail. Pony clamps and front side stop for edging removes quickly when not being used. Sanding sealer and laquer finish gives protection and a nice shine.

Cost about $300.00 not including the vise I’ve had for years. Took about 25 hours to build.

This is the project I broke my arm on, check my blog for details. Other than the arm thing, this was fun to build and meets all my design criteria.

-- Bob A in NJ


18 comments so far

View Blake's profile

Blake

1876 posts in 325 days


posted 156 days ago

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

-- Dust collectors suck.

View TomFran's profile

TomFran

2340 posts in 445 days


posted 156 days ago

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

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

View Thuan's profile

Thuan

152 posts in 269 days


posted 156 days ago

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

-- Thuan

View WoodJack49's profile

WoodJack49

189 posts in 213 days


posted 156 days ago

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

View Scott Bryan's profile

Scott Bryan

8577 posts in 273 days


posted 156 days ago

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.

View Patrick Jaromin's profile

Patrick Jaromin

206 posts in 283 days


posted 156 days ago

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

View Ad Marketing Guy - Bill's profile

Ad Marketing Guy - Bill

314 posts in 249 days


posted 156 days ago

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

View Bob A in NJ's profile

Bob A in NJ

303 posts in 450 days


posted 156 days ago

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

View MichaelW's profile

MichaelW

28 posts in 199 days


posted 156 days ago

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

View jcees's profile

jcees

451 posts in 250 days


posted 156 days ago

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

always,
J.C.

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

View GaryK's profile

GaryK

8411 posts in 439 days


posted 156 days ago

That’s a great bench! Looks very useful.

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

View rikkor's profile

rikkor

7197 posts in 325 days


posted 155 days ago

That is definitely a winner.

-- Maplewood, MN

View Lee A. Jesberger's profile

Lee A. Jesberger

2596 posts in 430 days


posted 155 days ago

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

View biff_kpv's profile

biff_kpv

209 posts in 314 days


posted 155 days ago

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

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

View Hal Fitch's profile

Hal Fitch

4 posts in 197 days


posted 155 days ago

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

View Bob A in NJ's profile

Bob A in NJ

303 posts in 450 days


posted 155 days ago

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

View blackcherry's profile

blackcherry

195 posts in 274 days


posted 99 days ago

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

View Dusty56's profile

Dusty56

1024 posts in 139 days


posted 39 days ago

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

-- Dusty56@comcast.net

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