first workbench - does it need an overhang for a vice?

leechild · 19 Jul 2017

hi all

looking to build a very simple workbench and have been researching all the various plans out there. one thing i'm not sure about is whether i need to build the top so that there is an overhang to clamp the vice to, or it can be flush with the base and a vice can be added to this.

should not that i've not bought my vice yet, but would assume the type i buy might decide which approach i take.

any thoughts from anyone? thanks.

SVB · 19 Jul 2017

A feel for the type of work you plan to do may be useful.

Also, I can recommend the 'workbench book' by landis as a useful resource.

Happy building

Simon

Steve Maskery · 19 Jul 2017

Need? No. But very well advised, Yes.
A vice is like an iceberg, you see the bit sticking out, but there is a lot more hidden. It has to be somewhere. It is much more difficult to accommodate a trad vice (by which I mean a Record 52 or equivalent) if there is superstructure in the way. Perhaps that should be Understructure.
They are designed to be hung underneath an unobstructed benchtop.
+1 for the Landis book, and also Chris Schwartz.

Really glad you called it your First Bench. There will be others, I guarantee

ED65 · 20 Jul 2017

Traditional English benches have fronts that are flush or nearly flush with the front of the legs and that doesn't hamper the installation or use of a metal vice used as a front vice.

Over here they're generally sited inboard of the leg as shown above but they're not infrequently mounted outboard of the leg in the US and that would put it in an overhang but possibly not the one you mean.

Since books got mentioned, the Landis books is rightly considered a classic and Schwarz's books are both well regarded, but there are two others that I think deserve to be mentioned more. The first is "The Workbench: A Complete Guide to Creating Your Perfect Bench" by Lon Schleining. After finally getting a chance to have a proper look through it recently I rate it highly.

There's an older and more straightforward bench book by Sam Allen (of "Plane Basics" fame) that never seems to get mentioned, "Making Workbenches: planning, building, outfitting". There's much less on history in this and overall it's a slimmer volume but it is very practically geared and has many useful tips on how to use the bench once it's built as well as some additional devices to help get the most from it so it is well worth a look IMO if you can locate a copy. Your local libraries may have it, that's where I discovered it and it's the only place I've seen it.

John15 · 20 Jul 2017

I have a Record 52 fitted just inboard of the leg with the inside face 6mm proud of the apron.
Hope that helps.

John

leechild · 21 Jul 2017

thanks for all the responses guys. i'm getting a portable screw in vice so i don't think i'll actually need the overhang. and most of the 'simple' workbench designs don't use one. and i'll definately be using one of the simple designs to kick things off.