Workbench base WIP - COMPLETED!

Workbench base WIP - COMPLETED! · 07-11-2007, 11:29 AM

As some of you may remember I bought a Maple pattern makers bench top from Tarhead a while back. I am now in the process of making a base for the top. I have most of the wood cut and it's time to start gluing. I am using the Black Walnut and Maple that I got from Jeff. Everything will be mortise and tenon. I am using the Maple for the legs and Black Walnut for the feet and rails. I'll post more pics as the gluing continues.

Here are the legs glues up.

Monty · 07-11-2007, 12:03 PM

Should make a nice project - keep us posted on your progress!

07-11-2007, 12:10 PM

Glad that wood you got from me is finding it's way into a project

nelsone · 07-11-2007, 12:46 PM

That should result in a nice bench!

sapwood · 07-11-2007, 01:01 PM

Thanks for sharing Mike. It's great to follow a project from glue-up to finish. Maybe you will surpass Monty's "longest thread"

Roger

pcooper · 07-11-2007, 01:48 PM

Looks like you're off to a great start on a heavy bench, I like heavy benches, they don't move when you push and tug and beat and bang.

MikeH · 07-11-2007, 03:06 PM

Thanks all. I'll keep everyone posted. I should be gluing more pieces tonight.

07-11-2007, 03:18 PM

Which pieces are those pictured 4x8 legs and how tall will they be? Some folks (me) have not build one on those fancy benches before so it would be cool if you could take us on a guided tour.

MikeH · 07-11-2007, 03:36 PM

Originally Posted by jeff...

Which pieces are those pictured 4x8 legs and how tall will they be? Some folks (me) have not build one on those fancy benches before so it would be cool if you could take us on a guided tour.

The wood you're looking at is the soft Maple that I bought from you a while back. I've planed the pieces down to 1" and ripped them to 3 1/4". Final dimensions "should" be 3"x3". The plan is to barely rip the glued edges to get rid of any glue and roughly square the edges before running them through the planer. The top of the leg will be flat with a 3/4" post drilled and centered into the post. This will be the attachment point for the top. The bottom will be a 3" through tenon which will mate with a 36" foot made from Black Walnut.

I'll post pics tonight when I glue up the feet. Does anyone have any alternate ideas in attaching the top?

07-11-2007, 03:55 PM

Originally Posted by hpm67

The wood you're looking at is the soft Maple that I bought from you a while back. I've planed the pieces down to 1" and ripped them to 3 1/4". Final dimensions "should" be 3"x3". The plan is to barely rip the glued edges to get rid of any glue and roughly square the edges before running them through the planer. The top of the leg will be flat with a 3/4" post drilled and centered into the post. This will be the attachment point for the top. The bottom will be a 3" through tenon which will mate with a 36" foot made from Black Walnut.

I'll post pics tonight when I glue up the feet. Does anyone have any alternate ideas in attaching the top?

What about a 1" hard wood dowel? Or do you want the top to be secured to the base? If so, I think I would attach the top with a big ole long lag bolt and a washer, covered the hole in the top with a flush sanded plug That way if you want to disassemble later (incase you move), dig out the plug out and unscrew it with your impact wrench and your ready to rock and roll.

Thanks

MikeH · 07-11-2007, 03:58 PM

Originally Posted by jeff...

What about a 1" hard wood dowel? Or do you want the top to be secured to the base, if so I think I would attach the top with a big ole long lag bolt and a washer, covered with a flush sanded plug to cover the bolt hole. That way if you want to disassemble later (incase you move), dig out the plug out and unscrew it with your impact wrench and your ready to rock and roll.

Thanks

Either one would work. The top weighs about 200 lbs. so I don't think it is going anywhere.

07-11-2007, 05:34 PM

Originally Posted by hpm67

Either one would work. The top weighs about 200 lbs. so I don't think it is going anywhere.

So are you going to join the boards for the top with lengths of threaded rod or is it going to be one big glue up?

Thanks for answering my questions - I've always wondered about making a cool bench and will try it myself one of these days.

MikeH · 07-11-2007, 06:16 PM

Originally Posted by jeff...

So are you going to join the boards for the top with lengths of threaded rod or is it going to be one big glue up?

Thanks for answering my questions - I've always wondered about making a cool bench and will try it myself one of these days.

The top is already built. It is from a pattern makers shop in Richmond and I'm guessing its 50 yrs old or older. I bought it from Tarhead.

Here it is:

It's the top one.

Tarhead · 07-11-2007, 07:04 PM

Looks good Mike! I need to get started on mine

I'm still researching...yeah...that's the ticket...researching, analysis paralysis

I'm thinking about building 2 different benchs of different heights, configurations and types of vises. One for handplaning/sawing/whacking/chiseling and one for powertools/assembly/gluing/sanding/sharpening/metalwork and other things I spend too much time hunched over doing.

Jeff,
Yep there are threaded rods spaced along the length of the bench. If you look at the photo above you can see the holes for the nuts on the side.

07-11-2007, 07:18 PM

Cool - that maple top will clean up nice with a few passes in the planner.