Workbench Changes/Opinions?

Let me introduce you to my workbench!

https://s3.amazonaws.com/ljimg/lfa6yfd.jpg!

The construction of the top is quite simple. The top is laminated walnut with strips of mahogany in between and wrapped with brazilian cherry and african mahogany. The dovetails are only 1” thick and the 4”x4” mahogany is glued and joined with the dovetails on the sides and tenon through the top. The top is 3” thick. with 4” wide apron that is 4” thick. so the looks are 4” thick, 20”x78”.

My number 1 complaint is i miss my first bench setup, this was my second workbench. My first I had a nice L-style tail vise and a front vise.

I have also read much of Christopher Schwarz ideas in bench making. Honestly. I want to change this benches setup. It may be better to start from scratch than to butcher this.

Curious as to some of the LBJACKER thoughts. I do value a leg system that is flush with the side of the bench for long jointer planing support. Also the idea of my L-style tail vise lended well to hand cutting dovetails. I hate my record 10” vise. But I don’t know any vise that doesn’t rack when clamped unevenly.

1) My plans were to build a case to go underneath the workbench with 8 drawers for my planes, chisels, marking tools, sharpening stones, ect… I thought about making a rib or a side panel on that case 3 or 4” wide to be flush with the top (similar to a sliding deadman except wont move) for the use of vertical dog clamp or hold fasts when jointing long boards. Then put another front vise on the side. Anyone ever tried this?

2) Has anyone ever added a tail vise after completing a bench?

3) I wish I was able to purchase a lie nielsen chain vise and tail vise. Great quality but a bit $$ for my budget

thanks, jason

-- "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." - Romans 5:8