beech1948
Established Member
I am going to build a bench in the next 4 weeks. Yes I know that sounds like a short time but needs must. I wondered if some of you very skilled people would be able to comment on my ideas. So far they are as follows:
1) Use only hand tools...well except for planer thicknesser and chop saw.
2)This is really a first bench for me as I previously used mainly tailed apprentices but I'm now moving to use more hand tools. So the bench is a real challenge to my poor skills. Previously used a stong assembly table with a small vice attached.
3)Bench based on "£A Good First Bench" at[http://www.terraclavis.com/bws/benches.htm].
4)Central rails would be lowered to permit mounting 8 drawers between top and bottom rail.
5) Vices would be Veritas double screw end vice (24") for front and rear...potentially cheaper than Record 521/2 with a more extensive vice jaw. However, Record is tried and tested and possibly more reliable.
6) Dog holes in four strips along bench to align with tail vice cheek dog holes...useful for cramping up wide glue ups + bar clamps. Maybe a few less..?
7) Timber. UMMMMM. With a name like Beech the choice should be obvious. However, I am concerned that my machine skills are very good but my hand skills are rusty. Beech cost about £500. Trouble is this is a learning experience for me and I am beginning to wonder if my hand skills would just butcher the beech. I wondered as per Bobs web site about using pine, ( Norwegian...slow grown..narrow rings straight grain few knots) or even a pine and ply mixture where top is ply. Using a hardwood may be a waste as I may not like or want this bench in a two or three years.
Look forward to comments please.
regards
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1) Use only hand tools...well except for planer thicknesser and chop saw.
2)This is really a first bench for me as I previously used mainly tailed apprentices but I'm now moving to use more hand tools. So the bench is a real challenge to my poor skills. Previously used a stong assembly table with a small vice attached.
3)Bench based on "£A Good First Bench" at[http://www.terraclavis.com/bws/benches.htm].
4)Central rails would be lowered to permit mounting 8 drawers between top and bottom rail.
5) Vices would be Veritas double screw end vice (24") for front and rear...potentially cheaper than Record 521/2 with a more extensive vice jaw. However, Record is tried and tested and possibly more reliable.
6) Dog holes in four strips along bench to align with tail vice cheek dog holes...useful for cramping up wide glue ups + bar clamps. Maybe a few less..?
7) Timber. UMMMMM. With a name like Beech the choice should be obvious. However, I am concerned that my machine skills are very good but my hand skills are rusty. Beech cost about £500. Trouble is this is a learning experience for me and I am beginning to wonder if my hand skills would just butcher the beech. I wondered as per Bobs web site about using pine, ( Norwegian...slow grown..narrow rings straight grain few knots) or even a pine and ply mixture where top is ply. Using a hardwood may be a waste as I may not like or want this bench in a two or three years.
Look forward to comments please.
regards
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