Ready-made Bench Question

Anyone?

Hi George, I am building workbenches now, if your intersted contact me at: bigwoodworkbenches@yahoo.com maybe I can build one for you. Something heavy, with a leg vise. Thanks, Ernie

I think the lack of responses may indicate a relative lack of good options. I had a Sjoberg bench to start. It’s decently built, but light. If you’re primarily a power tool user, it would probably get you by. It’s a bit spendy for what you get, but it goes together quickly and is serviceable. As I started working more with hand planes and had to replace the bench; it was so light I ended up planing with one leg on the stretcher; not a good situation. These benches are also not large, which makes working on them a bit more of a challenge.

Realistically (although I understand what you said in your post), I think your best option is to build your own ‘down and dirty’ bench; 2×4 base with three or so 3/4” ply layers for the top, and a simple vise. It will be just about as good as what you’ll buy in your price range, and you won’t feel bad when you decide to replace it.

Good luck.

-- John

Thanks John – good suggestions.

My uncle built his bench in his basement by attaching it to one wall with heavy duty hinges and hinged legs. He would fold up the bench when he didn’t need it and lower it when he did. The bottom of the two legs had locking adjustment screws so he could level it and he had four side mounted vises attached – one on each end and two on the front. He used the bench up until the day he passed away. The bench itself was a solid-core wood door laminted 1/4 inch plywood.
Just an idea if room/space is a consideration.

-- Raymond, Charlotte, NC -------- Demonstrate the difference!

Hi TorqNut,

Thanks – Room/space is not a major consideration. Time and to some extent $$$ is.

I’ve got some small furniture – two side tables and a hall table in the pipeline.