Project by jonsprague0000 | posted 02-14-2014 04:17 PM | 3464 views | 14 times favorited | 16 comments | ![]() |
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I’m new to woodworking and decided to build a bench as my first real woodworking project. The bench design is based off of Garrett Hacks bench plans and resembles a European Style Cabinet Maker’s Bench.
The project took 6 months and was a great learning experience. The bench is constructed entirely of mortise and tenon joints, dovetails, and breadboards (with the exception of the leg stretchers which are attached with a rod to allow for movement). The bench top is made of 3” Hard Maple.
Materials:
Hard Maple – Top and base
Beech – Top breadboards
Walnut – Tail Vise
Tigerswood – Pegs
Red Oak – Front drawer
Finish:
Boiled Linseed Oil / Pratt and Lambert #38 / Mineral Spirit Mix
16 comments so far
blackcherry
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3337 posts in 3788 days
#1 posted 02-14-2014 04:23 PM
You not only picked a great first project but you just learn some valuable lesson in the art of woodworking. Now that your have your new workmate life in the shop just got easier, congrats on your first and most important project enjoy the journey…BC
jonsprague0000
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104 posts in 1554 days
#2 posted 02-14-2014 04:31 PM
Thanks. I built the bench while sitting on the floor of my garage. Life as gotten a lot easier already. I’ve started my new project, a side table, and its so nice having a table to work on with vices.
clarkey
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468 posts in 3021 days
#3 posted 02-14-2014 05:15 PM
Really Nice!!!
JL7
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8644 posts in 2930 days
#4 posted 02-14-2014 05:49 PM
Beautiful. What a great first project and a real testament to your skills…...enjoy your new craft.
-- Jeff .... Minnesota, USA
kdc68
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2649 posts in 2242 days
#5 posted 02-14-2014 06:35 PM
Are you sure you are new to woodworking ??.....hmmm…The level of detail and workmanship displayed here is very good and very high. Awesome bench….well done
-- Measure "at least" twice and cut once
ChipOffTheOldBlock
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65 posts in 1704 days
#6 posted 02-14-2014 08:34 PM
What an impressive first project! Well done.
-- "Excellence is a thousand things done just a little bit better"
Rick
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9432 posts in 2998 days
#7 posted 02-14-2014 10:24 PM
Very Nice Indeed! Thanks For Sharing.
Rick
-- LIFE is what happens when you're planning on doing Other Things!
jonsprague0000
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104 posts in 1554 days
#8 posted 02-14-2014 10:37 PM
Thanks for the compliments. And to think I made it all without a table saw. I learned a lot and am looking forward to applying everything to my next project.
Greg D
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238 posts in 1917 days
#9 posted 02-14-2014 10:39 PM
Very nice!
-- Greg D, Cen. CA, "Keep it on the Level, Do it Right the First Time!"
Tim
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3781 posts in 1927 days
#10 posted 02-15-2014 01:35 AM
Very impressive. I don’t see many tools there at all, so you used what you had well. That’s a great start
Andygulfcoast
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29 posts in 1803 days
#11 posted 02-15-2014 01:48 AM
really beautiful
PJ72
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55 posts in 1772 days
#12 posted 02-16-2014 09:38 AM
Great bench and excellent work.
-- PJ
DavidH
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519 posts in 3708 days
#13 posted 02-25-2014 06:54 PM
Really great build for you first bench!
here’s my most recent one:

-- David - Houston, Texas. (http://www.justsquareenough.com/)
Jetlag
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29 posts in 2124 days
#14 posted 03-01-2014 04:40 AM
Absolutely beautiful bench. Great job.
Paul Fisicaro
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7 posts in 1498 days
#15 posted 03-17-2014 01:49 AM
That’s so sick dude. I’m jealous. I wish I was that talented to put something like that together.
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