Author Topic: Roubo'ish bench (Read 14813 times)

DynaGlide · « **on:** June 27, 2022, 02:31 PM »

I've been putzing on this for the past 8 weeks or so between work and family obligations. No real rush to finish it although I'd like to have the base frame done in July when I have some time to myself. We'll see how that goes. I don't know why but I got the bug to make a real workbench a few months ago. I guess the seed was planted a few years back when I got my first hand plane.

It's Roubo'ish because I can't fit a full size Roubo into my workshop. The frame however is closely following The Wood Whisperer Roubo bench plans that way if somewhere down the road I decide I really do want that full size bench and tail vise I can make a new top for the existing frame. That would require a new workshop space, though. For now it will receive the Benchcrafted Leg vise, maybe a planing stop, maybe a vise on the end. Haven't made those decisions yet as I've been focusing primarily on working on the frame. I just wrapped up final dimensioning of the legs. The rails are rough dimensioned and I'll deal with those after I do all the mortising on the legs. I need to look around for material for a leg chop next, pretty sure the local dealers carry 12/4 which would save me from laminating boards together.

No real snags yet. I talked myself into an 8" jointer after starting the project and glad I did. There's just so many trips back and forth with the planer and jointer on something like this that I'd be miserable if I tried scheduling time to use my neighbors little 6" every time I needed it. Now I find myself scouring the classifieds for a bandsaw, it just never ends.

Matt

Joelm · « **Reply #1 on:** June 27, 2022, 03:10 PM »

That looks like a great start. I'll definitely be following your progress as I'm going to do something similar this fall.

What size will your top be? What wood did you decide to use?

I decided to pick up the vises for my bench before I start. I went for HNT tail vise because it was so compact and their no racking face vise. They haven't shown up yet but I can wait.

DynaGlide · « **Reply #2 on:** June 27, 2022, 03:43 PM »

Quote from: Joelm on June 27, 2022, 03:10 PM

That looks like a great start. I'll definitely be following your progress as I'm going to do something similar this fall.

What size will your top be? What wood did you decide to use?

I decided to pick up the vises for my bench before I start. I went for HNT tail vise because it was so compact and their no racking face vise. They haven't shown up yet but I can wait.

The top will be 24" wide, standard split top size. The length is probably going to end up in the 60-72" range. The Roubo is 87" long according to Benchcrafted/TWW plans. I'd be stretching it to get the 72" long. Anything bigger and I'd have to give up a space I use to store stationary tools like my planer in the shop so that's a no go. And I don't really want to tackle making that top it's very involved.

I'm using hard maple because it's what I could get easily at a fair price. I haven't bought the lumber for the top yet. Marc used cherry for his most recent Hybrid workbench which sounds silly on its face until you consider its hardness is similar to soft maple, another often used material for workbenches. I wouldn't have had any issue using soft maple either, it's just they had the right sizes of boards in hard maple when I went looking.

Sparktrician · « **Reply #3 on:** June 28, 2022, 08:45 AM »

I'm looking forward to this project's conclusion!

Crazyraceguy · « **Reply #4 on:** June 28, 2022, 05:52 PM »

Looks like a great start. I'll be looking out for progress reports.

Mini Me · « **Reply #5 on:** June 28, 2022, 09:08 PM »

Quote from: DynaGlide on June 27, 2022, 03:43 PM

The top will be 24" wide, standard split top size. The length is probably going to end up in the 60-72" range. The Roubo is 87" long according to Benchcrafted/TWW plans. I'd be stretching it to get the 72" long. Anything bigger and I'd have to give up a space I use to store stationary tools like my planer in the shop so that's a no go. And I don't really want to tackle making that top it's very involved.

I'm using hard maple because it's what I could get easily at a fair price. I haven't bought the lumber for the top yet. Marc used cherry for his most recent Hybrid workbench which sounds silly on its face until you consider its hardness is similar to soft maple, another often used material for workbenches. I wouldn't have had any issue using soft maple either, it's just they had the right sizes of boards in hard maple when I went looking.

The larger the bench the more stuff commonly known as junk seems to accumulate on it. I cut mine down several times before reaching a size that discouraged leaving anything on it as I needed all the space to work. I have knock down assembly table which I use when it is needed for larger projects.

derekcohen · « **Reply #6 on:** June 29, 2022, 09:24 AM »

Quote from: DynaGlide on June 27, 2022, 03:43 PM

Quote from: Joelm on June 27, 2022, 03:10 PM
That looks like a great start. I'll definitely be following your progress as I'm going to do something similar this fall.

What size will your top be? What wood did you decide to use?

I decided to pick up the vises for my bench before I start. I went for HNT tail vise because it was so compact and their no racking face vise. They haven't shown up yet but I can wait.

The top will be 24" wide, standard split top size. The length is probably going to end up in the 60-72" range. The Roubo is 87" long according to Benchcrafted/TWW plans. I'd be stretching it to get the 72" long. Anything bigger and I'd have to give up a space I use to store stationary tools like my planer in the shop so that's a no go. And I don't really want to tackle making that top it's very involved.

I'm using hard maple because it's what I could get easily at a fair price. I haven't bought the lumber for the top yet. Marc used cherry for his most recent Hybrid workbench which sounds silly on its face until you consider its hardness is similar to soft maple, another often used material for workbenches. I wouldn't have had any issue using soft maple either, it's just they had the right sizes of boards in hard maple when I went looking.

You do not say whether you will use your bench for hand- or power tools? If hand tools, I can give you a number of ideas to add to your bench.

The width of mine is 22" wide and 75" long. The top is 3 1/2" thick European Oak and the base is Jarrah.

This is as long as I could fit in my workshop. The width is that recommended for Roubos to be used for handtools, as I do. Unless you have arms like a gorilla, a narrower bench is easier to work across.

I later added a cabinet for tools. There is clearance above it for hold downs.

The leg vise has a wooden screw (with chain drive), and the tail vise comes from Benchcrafted.

Regards from Perth

Derek

DynaGlide · « **Reply #7 on:** June 29, 2022, 10:01 AM »

@derekcohen Beautiful bench you have there.

As it stands I'm 95% power tool but hoping to change that. I do happen to have some gorilla arms so I'm not worried about the depth.

I already have the Benchcrafted leg vise hardware which I will be using. Due to my inexperience with hand tools and not owning a bandsaw or even a real size table saw, I'm avoiding doing the tail vise like you have. I think I would be perfectly content with a screw vise with prairie dogs for clamping longer boards.

Matt

hdv · « **Reply #8 on:** June 29, 2022, 11:04 AM »

@DynaGlide : Sorry to jump in with a somewhat off topic question. I hope you don't mind.

@derekcohen : If I am not mistaken I see Veritas hold-downs besides the more traditional Gramercy's (which I absolutely love). What are your feelings about those? I have been thinking of getting a pair of them myself, but haven't found many reviews by people who have actually used them. If you could share your thoughts on them, that would be much appreciated.

DynaGlide · « **Reply #9 on:** June 29, 2022, 12:50 PM »

In my Google research I came across this Hovarter Wagon Vise:

I like that it is a simple install, no crazy joinery required, and in use it appears you just slide the dog block up to the work and engage the handle about a quarter turn. All pluses in my book.

I dipped out at lunch and found this 12/4 Cherry to use for the Benchcrafted leg chop:

I think it will give a nice contrast against the maple bench.

derekcohen · « **Reply #10 on:** June 29, 2022, 01:01 PM »

Quote from: hdv on June 29, 2022, 11:04 AM

@DynaGlide : Sorry to jump in with a somewhat off topic question. I hope you don't mind.

@derekcohen : If I am not mistaken I see Veritas hold-downs besides the more traditional Gramercy's (which I absolutely love). What are your feelings about those? I have been thinking of getting a pair of them myself, but haven't found many reviews by people who have actually used them. If you could share your thoughts on them, that would be much appreciated.

Yes, two Gramercy and three Veritas hold downs.

They are slightly different in their applications (for me). Both are really excellent.

The Gramercy are compact, that is, have a low profile and shorter throw. The only downside is that they need to be loosened with a tap to the rear, and need clearance for this … my bench can get busy!

Some find the Gramercy can come loose in their dog hole, but I have never experienced this. I suspect it is more likely to occur with benches 4” thick and greater. I made a video of how well they hold ….

The Veritas has a longer throw, and this is important when a longer reach is needed. The screw clamp is also easy to set and release, and does not require any rear clearance. As with the Gramercy, I have never had one slip or loosen on its own.

The only downside of the Veritas, compared with the Gramercy, is the cost. These are quality products but are about three times the other. Why three? I was fortunate that Rob Lee, who is a good friend, made a gift of one. Then some years later I purchased two more from a woodworker selling up his tools.

Regards from Perth

Derek

hdv · « **Reply #11 on:** June 29, 2022, 01:25 PM »

Thanks for sharing your experiences.

I never had a Gramercy come loose myself in my Sjögrens workbench. But I did experience some marring. However, that might have been user error (this user, that is...

). Since then I've made some thin wooden strips with a leather hoop to use between the holdfast and the workpiece (an idea I took from a German woodworker called Heiko Rech) and that really did help.

The "tapping from behind to loosen" was exactly why I was wondering if I should get a pair. Often my workbench has to be against the wall due to space constraints and then it can be a lot handier to be able to loosen the holdfast from above. I hadn't realised they had a greater reach. That can be quite useful.

I noticed their price. Yeah, that hurts a bit. But up to now all the Veritas gear I ever bought was of great quality and built to last longer than I will. That makes it easier to swallow. I am more of a "cry once" guy anyway.

The post seems to have the same "aggressive" barbs as the posts for the toggle clamp plates do (I expect them to be the same). Did you notice any detrimental effect on the dog holes in your bench because of that?

DynaGlide · « **Reply #12 on:** July 07, 2022, 05:12 PM »

I took care of all the leg mortises. I clamped start and stop blocks to each leg to control where the edge guide started and stopped for each pass. Each mortise took 8 plunges/passes to hit 2" deep then I had to re-set the edge guide and do another 8 passes to hit the right width and depth. That was extremely tedious and time consuming.

I'll probably finish up dimensioning the chop before moving onto fitting the benchcrafted leg vise hardware.

festal · « **Reply #13 on:** July 09, 2022, 07:55 AM »

Looking good

question about holdfasts. Can holdfasts work in larder diameter dog holes then 3/4"? My bench is 30mm dog holes and I can't seem to find larger diameter holdfasts

guybo · « **Reply #14 on:** July 09, 2022, 09:22 AM »

https://www.leevalley.com/en-us/shop/tools/hand-tools/clamps/111781-workbench-adapters-for-bessey-hold-down-clamps

Quote from: festal on July 09, 2022, 07:55 AM

My bench is 30mm dog holes and I can't seem to find larger diameter holdfasts

https://www.pecktool.com/product/pair-of-round-bench-dogs/

Bob D. · « **Reply #15 on:** July 09, 2022, 10:10 AM »

Quote from: festal on July 09, 2022, 07:55 AM

Looking good

question about holdfasts. Can holdfasts work in larder diameter dog holes then 3/4"? My bench is 30mm dog holes and I can't seem to find larger diameter holdfasts

Maybe you could sleeve your 30mm dog holes so you could use a smaller diameter holdfast. A 30mm tube with 5mm wall thickness with a 20mm flat washer tack welded to one end to keep it from slipping down in the hole.

Or possibly find a sleeve bushing of the required size. I didn't find one doing a quick search but I only looked at McMaster's site.

https://www.mcmaster.com/5448T552/

hdv · « **Reply #16 on:** July 09, 2022, 10:55 AM »

Here's some links to 30 mm products (dogs and holdfasts):

https://www.sautershop.com/workbench-dogs-oe-30-mm-pi-bench-3
https://www.dictum.com/en/accessories-and-clamping-devices-baoe/ulmia-aluminium-bench-dogs-oe-30-mm-1-pair-706086
https://www.dictum.com/en/accessories-and-clamping-devices-baoe/klemmsia-hold-down-clamp-adapter-basic-shaft-oe-30-mm-clamping-height-150-mm-708127
https://www.fine-tools.com/spannelemente.html

The last one refers to Bessey adapters for 30 mm holes. I think that could be your best option. It would allow you to make use of the broad range of 19 and 20 mm tools available.

DynaGlide · « **Reply #17 on:** July 09, 2022, 12:19 PM »

I'm having fun with this build. Prior to starting this I had never:

1) Bought rough lumber
2) Jointed or planed anything
3) Cut a real mortise (and soon to be tenons)

I'm using a healthy amount of stop blocks clamped to my table and to the parts I'm routing to keep the setup as repeatable as possible for all the passes I'm making. When it came time to do the chiseling portions I went slow. Luckily I sharpened the chisel I'm using a year back nicely and haven't used it since doing so.

With the leg done I'll go do the chop mortise next for the Benchcrafted Criss Cross and Glide Retro hardware.

Matt

festal · « **Reply #18 on:** July 09, 2022, 01:30 PM »

@DynaGlide apologies for hijacking the thread.
Looks great. I'm starting a build where i'll be doing all 3 for the first time as well

Thank you all

Bob D. · « **Reply #19 on:** July 09, 2022, 03:16 PM »

"The last one refers to Bessey adapters for 30 mm holes."

There ya go, I didn't realize someone had an adapter
out there already. I should have known better.

Steve1 · « **Reply #20 on:** July 10, 2022, 08:13 AM »

Quote from: DynaGlide on June 27, 2022, 03:43 PM

The top will be 24" wide, standard split top size. The length is probably going to end up in the 60-72" range. The Roubo is 87" long according to Benchcrafted/TWW plans. I'd be stretching it to get the 72" long. .

One good thing about making it a little smaller is that you may actually be ably to move it, when you need to. All that maple ain't going to be light.

My workbenches fortunately have enough height between the floor and the bottom beam, that I can slide my pump jack under it to lift it a bit, then slide a set of dollies under it.

DynaGlide · « **Reply #21 on:** July 10, 2022, 08:17 AM »

Quote from: Steve1 on July 10, 2022, 08:13 AM

Quote from: DynaGlide on June 27, 2022, 03:43 PM
The top will be 24" wide, standard split top size. The length is probably going to end up in the 60-72" range. The Roubo is 87" long according to Benchcrafted/TWW plans. I'd be stretching it to get the 72" long. .

One good thing about making it a little smaller is that you may actually be ably to move it, when you need to. All that maple ain't going to be light.

My workbenches fortunately have enough height between the floor and the bottom beam, that I can slide my pump jack under it to lift it a bit, then slide a set of dollies under it.

I was planning on a set of Rockler workbench casters. They remove when not needed leaving just the bracket behind.

festal · « **Reply #22 on:** July 10, 2022, 09:44 AM »

Quote from: DynaGlide on July 10, 2022, 08:17 AM

Quote from: Steve1 on July 10, 2022, 08:13 AM
Quote from: DynaGlide on June 27, 2022, 03:43 PM
The top will be 24" wide, standard split top size. The length is probably going to end up in the 60-72" range. The Roubo is 87" long according to Benchcrafted/TWW plans. I'd be stretching it to get the 72" long. .

One good thing about making it a little smaller is that you may actually be ably to move it, when you need to. All that maple ain't going to be light.

My workbenches fortunately have enough height between the floor and the bottom beam, that I can slide my pump jack under it to lift it a bit, then slide a set of dollies under it.

I was planning on a set of Rockler workbench casters. They remove when not needed leaving just the bracket behind.

I just installed Powertec version on my bench. Excellent idea

DynaGlide · « **Reply #23 on:** July 11, 2022, 11:03 AM »

https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-q5pCGLk/0/7a91bc68/1280/i-q5pCGLk-1280.mp4

I'm having way too much fun with this. I was pretty nervous about drilling out for the giant acme screw. I bought that WEN benchtop drill press to do it and it was a little sketchy but coming at it from both sides got it done. The rest of the install took some fiddling, careful drilling and tapping and measuring and wiggling but it all came together nicely. I may be putting a pin in this for a while before tackling the tenons on the rails and tops of the legs.

Matt

neilc · « **Reply #24 on:** July 13, 2022, 12:59 PM »

Great progress, Matt! Thanks for the detailed photos.

Have you considered Andrew's vise? https://www.in-kleind.com/store/Twin-Turbo-Vise-c34750217

DynaGlide · « **Reply #25 on:** July 26, 2022, 09:56 AM »

Quote from: neilc on July 13, 2022, 12:59 PM

Great progress, Matt! Thanks for the detailed photos.

Have you considered Andrew's vise? https://www.in-kleind.com/store/Twin-Turbo-Vise-c34750217

Thank you Neil! As much as I'd like a twin screw vise I think the consideration for me is going to be of space. I have decided to go with the Benchcrafted tail vise. I'll have to make some changes to the top and possibly the distance between the legs to fit it in but I should be able to get a 72" or so long bench this way. I use my Festool clamping elements all the time and the thought of having a moving dog block integrated into the bench that does a better job at work holding is enticing.

When I started on this bench build I talked myself out of doing the wagon/tail vise because it seemed like too much work and outside of my skill range. I've built up the courage to tackle it and do the condor tails. If it comes down to it I can phone a friend for help when it comes to that part of the install.

Between vacation and hitting some snags I've been on a holding pattern but slowly starting to get back to it:

I made a sub fence for the Incra miter to reduce tearout while doing the tenons:

And discovered my table saw blade height drops in use. There's no adjustments to tighten it up so I resorted to using a clamp on the hand wheel which worked fine:

I left the tenons oversized for now in all dimensions. I ordered a router plane to trim them to fit and will do so for each mortise and label accordingly.

The other thing slowing this down is wood is expensive as heck. I had sold some tools off recently to start a bandsaw fund but I think instead I'm going to have to use that money to get the tail vise and wood for the top or else this isn't getting finished until next year.

Matt

hdv · « **Reply #26 on:** July 26, 2022, 10:44 AM »

Sorry if I misread your post, or just misunderstand it. A router plane can be used for mortices and grooves. For tenons, a shoulder plane would be better. Of course, you could make a jig/fence to support the overhanging part of the router plane when planing tenons, but even then I would prefer a shoulder plane for such tasks. In my experience sneaking up to a good fit is a lot easier to do by planing the tenons.

tsmi243 · « **Reply #27 on:** July 26, 2022, 04:22 PM »

Quote from: hdv on July 26, 2022, 10:44 AM

Sorry if I misread your post, or just misunderstand it. A router plane can be used for mortices and grooves. For tenons, a shoulder plane would be better. Of course, you could make a jig/fence to support the overhanging part of the router plane when planing tenons, but even then I would prefer a shoulder plane for such tasks. In my experience sneaking up to a good fit is a lot easier to do by planing the tenons.

Router plane for cheeks, not shoulders. Works great.

DynaGlide · « **Reply #28 on:** July 29, 2022, 09:33 AM »

Paul Sellers video turned me onto the router plane for tenon cheeks. Lie Nielsen has a nice one too. Yesterday I purchased the mortise and tenon video by David Charlesworth and he probably demonstrates it better than anyone using a dial caliper to perfectly come up to the fit he wants.

While I'm not as good as any of those people I am liking how precise the trimming is:

DynaGlide · « **Reply #29 on:** August 01, 2022, 03:09 PM »

This is going a lot slower than I planned but that's okay. No rush and other things come first. First rail is fit. Part of the delay is figuring out what techniques work best for me. So far it's table saw to get tenon oversized, router plane to fit the cheeks, then chisel to round over the corners and trim up any problem areas. I added a leather strop to my sharpening routine and that has made doing the fine paring much easier.

Matt

DynaGlide · « **Reply #30 on:** August 08, 2022, 01:59 PM »

Base is coming along slowly but surely. This is a marathon for me not a sprint. I have a decision to make that's keeping me from moving foward: 20mm or 3/4" holes? I have to do the front right leg (and later the tops) with whatever I pick.

Naturally I have a lot of 20mm Festool stuff but zero experience with holdfasts. It seems the overwhelming majority of traditional bench hardware is 3/4".

Thanks for any and all opinions on this,
Matt

Richard/RMW · « **Reply #31 on:** August 08, 2022, 02:29 PM »

Matt, my gut is that there's not a lot of use case overlap with 20mm dogs on this type of bench. The thicker bench precludes using the clamps, and I think longer dogs are more functional in a thick bench than the relatively short MFT style dogs.

Do you have an interest in adding holdfasts to your arsenal? If yes, I think you may be limited to 3/4".

Andy Klein has some interesting takes on dogs for thicker benches in case you are not familiar with them.

RMW

DynaGlide · « **Reply #32 on:** August 08, 2022, 02:35 PM »

Quote from: Richard/RMW on August 08, 2022, 02:29 PM

Matt, my gut is that there's not a lot of use case overlap with 20mm dogs on this type of bench. The thicker bench precludes using the clamps, and I think longer dogs are more functional in a thick bench than the relatively short MFT style dogs.

Do you have an interest in adding holdfasts to your arsenal? If yes, I think you may be limited to 3/4".

Andy Klein has some interesting takes on dogs for thicker benches in case you are not familiar with them.

RMW

That's kind of where I'm headed as well Richard. I don't foresee using traditional Festool stuff on this sort of bench. The holes are really only there for holdfasts, which seem better suited with 3/4".

hdv · « **Reply #33 on:** August 08, 2022, 05:54 PM »

Yeah, I do agree: go for 3/4" in a real bench with a substantial top.

As a matter of fact I have standardised my complete shop to 3/4" holes. I used to have some 20 mm stuff, but I ditched it. I have some worktops with holes in them (not a full grit), but I opted to make those in 3/4" too. I bought a Famag brad point and Forstner just for that. I never missed the 20 mm holes since doing that. No more messing around with 2 different dog hole systems. But that is purely a personal and subjective opinion. It definitely is not based on some objectively determined advantage.

TBH, there is one exception: I have a few 20 mm holes for the TSO triangle, because I really didn't want to ditch that wonderful tool. However, I might not be representative, because I own a slider and therefore do not use an MFT-like top for cutting. When I use the guide rail for cutting I use the TSO PGS and/or GRS and I don't need dog holes for that.

DynaGlide · « **Reply #34 on:** August 09, 2022, 07:26 AM »

@hdv Thanks for the real world experience with the 3/4 holes. I went ahead and ordered a Wood Owl Overdrive bit to make them. It should get here sometime today thanks to the magic of Amazon.

DynaGlide · « **Reply #35 on:** August 11, 2022, 07:55 AM »

Joelm · « **Reply #36 on:** August 11, 2022, 08:02 AM »

That is looking great!

festal · « **Reply #37 on:** August 12, 2022, 07:29 AM »

Looking really good

hdv · « **Reply #38 on:** August 12, 2022, 10:16 AM »

Nice and sturdy!

I am reading the Anarchist's Workbench at the moment and you are dangerously close to getting me to build a new workbench for myself.

DynaGlide · « **Reply #39 on:** August 12, 2022, 11:36 AM »

Thanks guys. It's been an experience that's for sure.

@hdv

neilc · « **Reply #40 on:** August 12, 2022, 04:27 PM »

Fit and finish on those legs is approaching Museum quality! Nice work!

Here's an alternative for you. Rather than holdfasts, check out Jorgensen's hold down clamps. I have four of them on my traditional bench and also use them on my MFT and other shop tables. They work great and will hold just about anything TIGHT to the bench.

https://www.amazon.com/1623-HOLD-DOWN-CLAMP-3-Inch/dp/B0000DD1RD

I contacted Jorgensen and ordered additional bolts that drop into countersinks in my bench. That gave me more clamping locations. They ship with a cotter pin to allow them to more permanently stay in place connected to the bolts.

On the MFT, it's easy to get bolts, wing nuts and fender washers and just stick them through the holes, slide the clamp over them and tighten the wing nut underneath to secure the clamp for repeat work.

Personally, since you are invested in FT, I'd go with 20mm holes if you think you need them on the new bench. Mine has traditional bench dogs from when I made it 35 years ago!

hdv · « **Reply #41 on:** August 13, 2022, 05:14 AM »

I just might. But first I have to wait for my new workshop to be built. I hope to have a shop of 55m2 in a few months time. If the permit comes through, that is.

hdv · « **Reply #42 on:** August 13, 2022, 07:28 AM »

Hi Matt, I thought you might be interested in this.

These are all my options for clamping on the workbench (barring various vices) . All are on a 3/4" post. Even the cookie.

I am still waiting for a delivery from Germany for a dowel maker, so I can make my own 19 mm or 3/4" dowels. I am planning to use either some hardwood or maybe UHMWPE for that. I'll have to experiment which works better. The PE will need to be roughened, because otherwise it will be too smooth. But the material might be better suited to this type of use. Or not. I don't know yet. We'll see...

I also do have a systainer with 3/4" dogs from Woodpeckers I got for my birthday from my wife. But those are just dogs, so not need to make a photograph of those, I think.

This one is in use, so I couldn't make a picture of it, but I do like that mounting post quite a lot:

https://www.dictum.com/en/accessories-and-clamping-devices-baoe/dictum-mounting-post-ssp-for-hold-down-clamp-728990?c=2957

There's also a very nice planing stop from Veritas, but I have lent it to a friend, so no picture of that either.

By the way, the posts from the Veritas saddles are removable and quite cheap. So that is a very good option when you want to make your own jigs with a 3/4" post.

Klemsia has some nice wooden clamps for 3/4" holes as well.

Hope this gives you some ideas.

DynaGlide · « **Reply #43 on:** August 26, 2022, 08:14 AM »

Thanks @neilc and @hdv for the ideas. I've decided to go 3/4" on this bench mainly because I don't foresee using Festool style clamps on a handtool oriented workbench.

I stalled on ordering lumber for the top because the prices are not great right now. Best I could do for 8/4 soft maple in the quantities I need was $6.25/bf plus a nominal delivery fee. There's a place local Vienna Hardwoods that's a bit cheaper but they either never have enough stock or only have wide boards. I was able to get all 9-10' lengths 5-6" wide which is about perfect. Had I planned better I would've bought this in the beginning and used offcuts for the base of the bench and saved a good deal of money. Live and learn.

Matt

hdv · « **Reply #44 on:** August 26, 2022, 02:30 PM »

With hindsight, there's always something you would have liked to do differently...

Yesterday I got a message from Sauter for these:

https://www.sautershop.com/clamp-dog-for-toggle-clamps-vario-sa-cldog-vario

They seem very nice and fit both Bessey and Kreg clamps.

These from Veritas can be used with Kreg clamps too:

https://www.leevalley.com/en-gb/shop/tools/workshop/workbenches/benchtop-accessories/74610-clamp-plate-and-posts-for-kreg-hold-down-clamps?item=50F0211

DynaGlide · « **Reply #45 on:** August 31, 2022, 09:49 AM »

It took me about 7 hours of non-stop work to rip down 16 boards using my TS55 and rip blade, joint a face and edge, and make the opposing face parallel. It was pretty intensive and my back is still recovering 6 days later.

I went ahead and assembled the base and chamfered all the edges as well:

Once I get some more time I'll do another final milling on the top lumber before glue up.

Matt

hdv · « **Reply #46 on:** August 31, 2022, 05:18 PM »

@festal : are you still looking for 30 mm dogs? Last week I got a notice from Sauter for something that might be of use to you then.

See this:

https://www.sautershop.com/clamp-dog-for-toggle-clamps-vario-30mm-bolt-set-cldog-vario-30?c=16534

and

https://www.sautershop.com/bolt-oe30mm-for-bench-dog-adapter-vario-sa-cldog-vario-b30

DynaGlide · « **Reply #47 on:** September 08, 2022, 10:46 AM »

Inching closer to having some tops to work on. All the boards are oversized S4S now in all dimensions.

Starting to pick out which ones I want to use for the front laminate which will receive the Benchcrafted tail vise:

Since the majority of the boards are still 2" thick and 4.5" wide I'll have plenty of wiggle room.

DynaGlide · « **Reply #48 on:** September 11, 2022, 08:01 AM »

Front laminate is glued up and nice and flat on the bottom

luvmytoolz · « **Reply #49 on:** September 11, 2022, 08:34 AM »

Nice work! There's always something very pleasing about seeing large glue-ups, watching a project come together is just great!

festal · « **Reply #50 on:** September 11, 2022, 04:57 PM »

Nice. Did you use the domino?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

DynaGlide · « **Reply #51 on:** September 11, 2022, 05:28 PM »

Quote from: festal on September 11, 2022, 04:57 PM

Nice. Did you use the domino?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I did but that picture is after passing it over the jointer

DynaGlide · « **Reply #52 on:** September 13, 2022, 09:22 AM »

For the rear slab that is 11 1/16" wide I decided to do it in sections:

Reason being it's easier to do the glue up and I can pass each section over the jointer to flatten the bottom before joining them together. Even with Dominos as alignment aids the boards are not flush on the bottom across such a length.

Once both sections are flat on the bottom I'll pay more attention to keeping them flush during glue up since I can't run the joined slab across my 8" jointer. I know about the removal of the rabbeting ledge trick but that hasn't worked too well for me in the past when I tried it. I'm hoping to avoid having to do that.

Matt

festal · « **Reply #53 on:** September 13, 2022, 09:31 AM »

12" jointer

DynaGlide · « **Reply #54 on:** September 13, 2022, 09:33 AM »

Quote from: festal on September 13, 2022, 09:31 AM

12" jointer

As soon as I buy a 12" jointer I'll need to joint something 12.5".

luvmytoolz · « **Reply #55 on:** September 13, 2022, 04:55 PM »

Quote from: DynaGlide on September 13, 2022, 09:33 AM

Quote from: festal on September 13, 2022, 09:31 AM
12" jointer

As soon as I buy a 12" jointer I'll need to joint something 12.5".

That's why a lot of them come in at 13" width of cut!

But as you say, the first project would then probably be 13.5"! ;-)

DynaGlide · « **Reply #56 on:** September 14, 2022, 02:08 PM »

My front laminate that gets the benchcrafted tail vise is squared up. Plans call for 4", it's at 4 5/16" currently. I'll probably take it down
to 4" to make my life easier. The milling and construction of the tops is probably the most intimidating part of all of this. I'm working alone so I have to be selective with how I approach things. The rear 11 1/16" x 4 1/2" x 85" laminate is glued up and that sucker weighs a ton:

Richard/RMW · « **Reply #57 on:** September 14, 2022, 02:32 PM »

Looking gorgeous Matt! Those heavy slabs of hardwoods are so foreign to me in these days of knock-down workbenches, gotta admit you are making me drool a bit.

The final payoff is getting close. You may hit another nerve-wracking phase when installing vises comes into play but then it's clear sailing.

Enjoy the process.

RMW

egmiii · « **Reply #58 on:** September 15, 2022, 08:49 AM »

You know what would make this job a lot easier...a nice heavy workbench!

Looking good. When it's all said and done, I'd love the hear your thoughts on what you would do differently (if anything). I'd like to build a Roubo this winter and have been studying different designs.

DynaGlide · « **Reply #59 on:** September 15, 2022, 10:21 AM »

Quote from: Richard/RMW on September 14, 2022, 02:32 PM

Looking gorgeous Matt! Those heavy slabs of hardwoods are so foreign to me in these days of knock-down workbenches, gotta admit you are making me drool a bit.

The final payoff is getting close. You may hit another nerve-wracking phase when installing vises comes into play but then it's clear sailing.

Enjoy the process.

RMW

Thank you Richard. I got into woodworking thinking I'd only ever do cabinets. I'd argue I got pretty darn good at those. I don't think I'd associate "fun" with cabinetry though. It's satisfying but also kind of I don't know, cold in the precision? I have loads of built ins left to do in my house and I know they'll all turn out nice. I wanted to do this project as a way to force me into the other side of things. The beauty is I can still pop up my Track Tubes MFT tables wherever/whenever I want.

I'm dreading that vise and dog hole strip and condor tails on the front laminate.

Quote from: egmiii on September 15, 2022, 08:49 AM

You know what would make this job a lot easier...a nice heavy workbench!

Looking good. When it's all said and done, I'd love the hear your thoughts on what you would do differently (if anything). I'd like to build a Roubo this winter and have been studying different designs.

Ha not so sure a workbench would've helped me any. This is all grunt work right now. So far the only thing I possibly would've changed would be the height of the leg vise handle. I'm 6'2 and in testing it out it felt a bit low. Raising it up though sacrifices capacity. I'll probably be fine with it set at the standard height in use.

That rear slab was tough. After glue up the two halves slipped past each other, hence the hand plane in a previous post. No big deal, it ended up nice and flat. I re-purposed my @TSO Products parallel guides to use as winding sticks. The slab is at 4 1/8" now and is, as far as I can tell, flat across it's length and square on all sides. I'll probably leave it there for now and mill it down to 4" when I'm completely done with the front slab and associated vise install.

Matt

DynaGlide · « **Reply #60 on:** September 21, 2022, 07:25 AM »

Cruising along. I'm making some mistakes but thankfully none of them are going to be seen or affect anything.

Local dealer had an 8' x 14" 12/4 Walnut slab that he cut off an end for me. I went ahead and oversize milled down an end cap off of it. There should be enough left to make another if this one gets messed up somehow.

TS55 to trim the end off the front slab:

Kerfing the end for the tenon:

In order to clamp the guide rail on the narrow side of the slab to complete the kerf cuts I used my guide rail vacuum clamping pod:

Lots of fiddling later:

Excavating the cavity for the tail vise using two parallel guides and some bar stock:

I'm hoping to mortise the end cap today or tomorrow and see what needs adjusting on the tenon shoulders/end cap to get a good fit.

Matt

DynaGlide · « **Reply #61 on:** September 21, 2022, 05:53 PM »

Richard/RMW · « **Reply #62 on:** September 21, 2022, 05:58 PM »

Nice work. How's your anxiety level now?

RMW

4nthony · « **Reply #63 on:** September 21, 2022, 06:02 PM »

Quote from: DynaGlide on September 21, 2022, 07:25 AM

In order to clamp the guide rail on the narrow side of the slab to complete the kerf cuts I used my guide rail vacuum clamping pod:

My first thought seeing these pictures was how you clamped the rail. Very smart idea! I had no idea guide rail vacuum clamping pods were a thing.

DynaGlide · « **Reply #64 on:** September 21, 2022, 06:17 PM »

Quote from: Richard/RMW on September 21, 2022, 05:58 PM

Nice work. How's your anxiety level now?

RMW

I'll rest easier when this is done that's for sure

DynaGlide · « **Reply #65 on:** September 22, 2022, 10:01 AM »

I finally figured out why they call them benchtop drill presses. You're supposed to use it to build a benchtop!!

Real reason for this: I originally hand drilled the barrel nut holes and didn't get it quite right on the location for one of the end cap bolts that wandered off centerline. The rasp I have wasn't doing diddly. I decided the best cure was the drill press to slightly move the hole over.

I know it looks perfect in the picture but there's a slight gap at the top shoulder line that's bothering me. I'll see what can be done about that.

Matt

Richard/RMW · « **Reply #66 on:** September 22, 2022, 10:57 AM »

This is the type of work I lose sleep fretting over until the time arrives to do it.

Matt, I don't recall but I assume you don't have Shaper Origin? If not, perfect ~~excuse~~ ~~rationale~~ reason to add one to the fleet.

I've got the newly released plate on order, which is perfect for this type of work. Not that an unreleased product helps you at this point.

RMW

DynaGlide · « **Reply #67 on:** September 22, 2022, 11:40 AM »

@Richard/RMW I hear you. I've considered one off and on but the desire to learn a new tool just isn't there right now. I'm trying to go the other way on the technology front and use more tools that don't require electricity.

Richard/RMW · « **Reply #68 on:** September 22, 2022, 12:12 PM »

Yea my hand tools are woefully underutilized, and my skills are on par. I'm still in a shop and jig phase, it's been a while since I actually built anything else. The boss just shakes her head every time I spend an entire weekend rearranging tools and there's nothing to really show for it on Monday.

That workbench will give you a great foundation for hand work.

RMW

DynaGlide · « **Reply #69 on:** September 23, 2022, 05:30 AM »

Quote from: Richard/RMW on September 22, 2022, 12:12 PM

Yea my hand tools are woefully underutilized, and my skills are on par. I'm still in a shop and jig phase, it's been a while since I actually built anything else. The boss just shakes her head every time I spend an entire weekend rearranging tools and there's nothing to really show for it on Monday.

That workbench will give you a great foundation for hand work.

RMW

I can't say I'm ahead of you. I used a jigsaw to help cut waste on the big tenon because I don't own a hand saw unless you count my very dull hack saw. I'm trying though. I'll probably make one of those wall mounted hand tool storage things after this.

I made this jig yesterday to do the square bench dog strip that gets laminated to the bench top section I've been working on.

Matt

DynaGlide · « **Reply #70 on:** September 25, 2022, 09:16 AM »

I mentioned earlier the fit of the end cap was bugging me. I had this idea in my head and executed it yesterday/this morning and I must say it worked beautifully. I made a jig that could wrap around the bench that I made sure was square on both sides in relation to each other. Then I could run a pattern bit referencing the jig to square up the shoulders perfectly.

Matt

Crazyraceguy · « **Reply #71 on:** September 25, 2022, 11:54 AM »

Quote from: 4nthony on September 21, 2022, 06:02 PM

Quote from: DynaGlide on September 21, 2022, 07:25 AM
In order to clamp the guide rail on the narrow side of the slab to complete the kerf cuts I used my guide rail vacuum clamping pod:

My first thought seeing these pictures was how you clamped the rail. Very smart idea! I had no idea guide rail vacuum clamping pods were a thing.

Wait, what? Who makes this thing? Looks like a must-have.

4nthony · « **Reply #72 on:** September 25, 2022, 12:27 PM »

Quote from: Crazyraceguy on September 25, 2022, 11:54 AM

Quote from: 4nthony on September 21, 2022, 06:02 PM

My first thought seeing these pictures was how you clamped the rail. Very smart idea! I had no idea guide rail vacuum clamping pods were a thing.

Wait, what? Who makes this thing? Looks like a must-have.

@Crazyraceguy I found more info here...

https://www.festoolownersgroup.com/festool-sales-dealer-area/new-vcs-r-vacuum-clamping-system-for-festool-guide-rail/

DynaGlide · « **Reply #73 on:** September 29, 2022, 03:10 PM »

Gearing up for the dog hole strip next. I resawed an 8/4 board into 1 5/8 and 7/16 pieces. I'm hoping to get these down to 1 3/8 and 3/8 for the necessary dog hole strip pieces.

I made mirrored templates for routing of the dog holes:

The reason for the mirrored templates is the moving dog block is opposing the dog hole strip. If you just use the same template on it then the 3/8 cover cap won't line up with the rest of the dog hole strip. That will make more sense when it's done.

I ordered a Katz Moses dovetail jig and japanese pull saw to do the condor tails on the final front laminate piece. Bandsaw would be preferable but I don't have one. With any luck the front slab and tail vise will be done next week.

Matt

DynaGlide · « **Reply #74 on:** October 04, 2022, 09:43 AM »

I intentionally left the 3/8" cover strip oversized to plane it down after it was glued to the main dog hole strip:

Glad that's done. Next up are the condor tails I've been not looking forward to doing.

Matt

Joelm · « **Reply #75 on:** October 04, 2022, 09:51 AM »

Wow this is turning out great. Thanks for posting your progress.

DynaGlide · « **Reply #76 on:** October 04, 2022, 10:22 AM »

Quote from: Joelm on October 04, 2022, 09:51 AM

Wow this is turning out great. Thanks for posting your progress.

Thank you. There's little imperfections here and there but I'm being realistic about them as I go. At this stage the top hasn't been through a final flattening which would take care of most if not all of them.

hdv · « **Reply #77 on:** October 04, 2022, 12:15 PM »

It looks like your bench is coming along just nicely.

You are wise not to get too worked up about imperfections. No one will probably even notice, but you (that's the bane of all woodworkers/perfectionists

). Besides, after a few months of use, the wear will camouflage much of those anyway. In the end it is a bench for woodworking, not for show.

P.S. Great to see that new plane being put through its paces. Nice feeling isn't it? Making wood curls.

DynaGlide · « **Reply #78 on:** October 04, 2022, 12:32 PM »

Quote from: hdv on October 04, 2022, 12:15 PM

P.S. Great to see that new plane being put through its paces. Nice feeling isn't it? Making wood curls.

Yeah it's really satisfying. I already dinged the wooden handle on the front by dropping something on it too. I'm looking forward to doing more hand planing tasks when the bench is done.

smorgasbord · « **Reply #79 on:** October 04, 2022, 02:05 PM »

Where are you sourcing your square dogs from? I built a bench 30+ years ago with square dog holes and didn't get enough dogs. I've been thinking I'll need to make them from some hard wood, maybe on my CNC.

BTW, 30 years ago the round dog hole thing was just getting underway. Conventional wisdom at the time was that the round holes would wear (elongate) more quickly. As it was, some couple hundred year old benches with square holes had a lot of wear. But I guess the fashion today is MDF tops that get replaced relatively frequently since people even cut into them!

DynaGlide · « **Reply #80 on:** October 05, 2022, 12:39 PM »

Quote from: smorgasbord on October 04, 2022, 02:05 PM

Where are you sourcing your square dogs from? I built a bench 30+ years ago with square dog holes and didn't get enough dogs. I've been thinking I'll need to make them from some hard wood, maybe on my CNC.

I'll make them. There's a couple videos online showing how to do it.

DynaGlide · « **Reply #81 on:** October 07, 2022, 03:31 PM »

This will be the hackery edition of the thread. Typically the condor tails are cut on a bandsaw. Problem is I don't own one. So I stood the board up on end and went to town with a crosscut saw on a ladder:

To get that waste out between the tails you'd normally use a fret saw. I don't own a fret saw. But I do own a drill press and a Dewalt special edition dovetail saw:

I'm pleased with how everything turned out. There's some slight tearout at the far left of the shoulder line on that last picture. I'll find a way to fill that once it's joined to the end cap. Not bad for my first dovetails.

Matt

Richard/RMW · « **Reply #82 on:** October 07, 2022, 04:15 PM »

OK, so I laughed. Sue me.

Great job, looks like the sorta thing I'd do if I weren't too lazy. I especially liked the hacksaw, did you pick that up fron a back issue of Fine Woodworking?

RMW

DynaGlide · « **Reply #83 on:** October 07, 2022, 04:19 PM »

Quote from: Richard/RMW on October 07, 2022, 04:15 PM

OK, so I laughed. Sue me.

Great job, looks like the sorta thing I'd do if I weren't too lazy. I especially liked the hacksaw, did you pick that up fron a back issue of Fine Woodworking?

RMW

It's actually a reader tip from their sister magazine Not So Fine Woodworking

Richard/RMW · « **Reply #84 on:** October 07, 2022, 04:24 PM »

Quote from: DynaGlide on October 07, 2022, 04:19 PM

Quote from: Richard/RMW on October 07, 2022, 04:15 PM
OK, so I laughed. Sue me.

Great job, looks like the sorta thing I'd do if I weren't too lazy. I especially liked the hacksaw, did you pick that up fron a back issue of Fine Woodworking?

RMW

It's actually a reader tip from their sister magazine Not So Fine Woodworking

Now that's a publication I could actually use to improve my "craftsmanship".

Seriously, you are almost past the nerve wracking stuff, finish line is in sight. Great project to follow along with. Thanks for posting.

RMW

DynaGlide · « **Reply #85 on:** October 11, 2022, 10:10 AM »

Pretty good progress over the weekend working around kids and household obligations. It's not the picture perfect dovetail joint you see from people who do this sort of thing on the regular (looking at you Frank Strazza) but for my first go of it I'm really pleased. I took my sweet time finessing the fit of the tails to the pins on the end cap such that it is nice and snug, not loose, not so tight that I have to pound it in. I can get it seated 90% just by pressing down on it with my upper body weight and driving it home with a few light taps of a rubber hammer.

I didn't invent this idea of doing the pins. It's from Jameel Abraham (of Benchcrafted). He wrote up an article about a decade ago in Popular Woodworking detailing it. It's also featured on TWW build video. Once you have your tails square and are happy with everything you transfer the knife lines to the pin board and very, very carefully chisel and rout out the first 1/4" so you can rout the remaining depth with a pattern bit and a router. I hogged out the majority of the waste with my 1400 and a guide bushing and a 1/2" spiral upcut and proceeded to do the final passes with my little dewalt cordless trim router with the pattern bit. After that was done I had to do some investigating with a pencil to find what was holding it up. Just mark up the tail sides all over and look for rub marks and address the proud areas of the pins with a sharp chisel.

End cap trimmed proud so I can plane it flush after glue up:

I scribed the tails directly to the walnut endcap, then placed tape away from the knife lines and found them again with my fingernail. Reason for this is the first 1/4" gets routed out free hand close to the lines before the chisel. Having the tape was a great visual indicator of when I was getting close enough to stop.

There's about a 1mm gap at the top of the bench between that tail board and the end cap where my knife line didn't meet up perfectly when I wrapped it around. I've already worked out how I'll cut a piece off on the table saw to glue in there after I finish flattening the bench. Otherwise very happy with everything so far. The tails were cut entirely by hand and are my first dovetails of any kind.

Matt

Sparktrician · « **Reply #86 on:** October 11, 2022, 12:22 PM »

Very nice job, Matt!!!

DynaGlide · « **Reply #87 on:** October 11, 2022, 06:50 PM »

Quote from: Sparktrician on October 11, 2022, 12:22 PM

Very nice job, Matt!!!

Thank you Willy

Richard/RMW · « **Reply #88 on:** October 11, 2022, 07:21 PM »

Looking great Matt! After a little oil fills in, you'll be sitting around gazing lovingly on those dovetails and won't notice a thing.

Home stretch.

RMW

hdv · « **Reply #89 on:** October 12, 2022, 06:11 AM »

You said these were your first dovetails of any kind. Well, let me assure you that many woodworkers would be envious to have such nice dovetails as a first!

Just like Richard/RMW says, after a while you won't notice such small defects anymore. And other people will most likely not notice at all. Well done!

DynaGlide · « **Reply #90 on:** October 12, 2022, 07:26 AM »

Quote from: Richard/RMW on October 11, 2022, 07:21 PM

Looking great Matt! After a little oil fills in, you'll be sitting around gazing lovingly on those dovetails and won't notice a thing.

Home stretch.

RMW

Quote from: hdv on October 12, 2022, 06:11 AM

You said these were your first dovetails of any kind. Well, let me assure you that many woodworkers would be envious to have such nice dovetails as a first! Just like Richard/RMW says, after a while you won't notice such small defects anymore. And other people will most likely not notice at all. Well done!

Thank you guys. I aim for perfect and if I fall a little short that's okay as long as it doesn't affect anything structural/functional. I'm cruising now and can't wait to get the tail vise finished up so I can play around with it:

I'm in a chat with 3 other guys building these or variations of it and we all agreed if we had to do another it wouldn't take nearly as long now that we've worked out how to do some of these tricky things involved in the build.

Thanks for following along.

Matt

ToolGuy42 · « **Reply #91 on:** October 12, 2022, 01:06 PM »

Awesome build! Gives me motivation to finally do one of my own…

DynaGlide · « **Reply #92 on:** October 13, 2022, 05:59 AM »

Quote from: ToolGuy42 on October 12, 2022, 01:06 PM

Awesome build! Gives me motivation to finally do one of my own…

Do it. I'm glad I am.

Matt

DynaGlide · « **Reply #93 on:** October 13, 2022, 01:35 PM »

In case you were wondering, yes the TS55 can do a full depth plunge into soft maple. Final length on my tops is 77 7/8".

Matt

Michael Kellough · « **Reply #94 on:** October 13, 2022, 05:52 PM »

That end cut you did is a great test of how well you assembled the blank (and your cutting skills).
Looks like you get an A+

DynaGlide · « **Reply #95 on:** October 13, 2022, 08:52 PM »

Quote from: Michael Kellough on October 13, 2022, 05:52 PM

That end cut you did is a great test of how well you assembled the blank (and your cutting skills).
Looks like you get an A+

Thank you. I carefully wrapped a knife line around the slabs.

DynaGlide · « **Reply #96 on:** October 14, 2022, 02:32 PM »

I mocked up a prototype dog based on the plans included with the STR build. Fit is nice so I used it to create a template so I can batch out the rest with a flush trim bit. I'm tying up loose ends like the dogs and the bottom shelf before I move on to attaching the tops.

Matt

rvieceli · « **Reply #97 on:** October 14, 2022, 07:39 PM »

Looking good Matt

Ron

DynaGlide · « **Reply #98 on:** October 17, 2022, 01:48 PM »

Quote from: rvieceli on October 14, 2022, 07:39 PM

Looking good Matt

Ron

Thanks Ron.

Here's my production setup in full swing. Taper jig to remove as much of the waste as I could before routing:

Double sided turners tape to hold it in place:

Vac sys to hold the template since I'm lacking a router table at the moment:

Each dog is oversized in thickness and planed to fit each hole:

Kind of a fun process. I have to make the rest of the springs and attach them to the dogs and make a custom dog for the sliding block. It's slightly different in size since I made a separate template to route that dog block versus the others. I may just do it by hand.

Matt

DynaGlide · « **Reply #99 on:** October 20, 2022, 07:09 PM »

Glad that milestone is done. I'll let your imagination run free on how I was able to lift that base onto the tops by myself. I've stubbornly done everything up until now solo. I still have a few things left to do like rout for the sliding deadman, make the shelves for the base, shape the leg vise chop, flatten the tops and probably some other things I'm forgetting. I wasn't planning on being this far along so maybe early November to have it 100% done. The tops are surprisingly flat so that is a relief.

Matt

Richard/RMW · « **Reply #100 on:** October 20, 2022, 07:17 PM »

Beautiful Matt! Congrats.

That's an heirloom you'll enjoy using for years.

RMW

hdv · « **Reply #101 on:** October 21, 2022, 06:31 AM »

That's getting to be a really nice and sturdy bench! I expect you'll have many years to enjoy using it ahead of you.

festal · « **Reply #102 on:** October 21, 2022, 07:17 AM »

Looks great

DynaGlide · « **Reply #103 on:** October 21, 2022, 07:18 AM »

Quote from: Richard/RMW on October 20, 2022, 07:17 PM

Beautiful Matt! Congrats.

That's an heirloom you'll enjoy using for years.

RMW

Quote from: hdv on October 21, 2022, 06:31 AM

That's getting to be a really nice and sturdy bench! I expect you'll have many years to enjoy using it ahead of you.

Quote from: festal on October 21, 2022, 07:17 AM

Looks great

Thanks guys. I was thinking decades, not years. I'm only 37

Richard/RMW · « **Reply #104 on:** October 21, 2022, 07:48 AM »

Several multiples of tens of years...

RMW

Mini Me · « **Reply #105 on:** October 21, 2022, 08:20 AM »

What a great bench, I am curious why you did not do the dog holes with an open side and glue a board to it to close the holes.

rvieceli · « **Reply #106 on:** October 21, 2022, 08:47 AM »

@Mini Me

Post #74 on page 3

That's what Matt did

Ron

Sparktrician · « **Reply #107 on:** October 21, 2022, 09:00 AM »

Great progress, Matt!!!

rvieceli · « **Reply #108 on:** October 21, 2022, 09:28 AM »

Looks excellent Matt. Great job. Are you going to use a router sled to do the final flattening or go old school and use a plane and winding sticks?

Ron

DynaGlide · « **Reply #109 on:** October 21, 2022, 09:45 AM »

Quote from: rvieceli on October 21, 2022, 09:28 AM

Looks excellent Matt. Great job. Are you going to use a router sled to do the final flattening or go old school and use a plane and winding sticks?

Ron

Thanks Ron. I think I'm going to opt for the router sled, and here's why. I didn't orient my boards to have the grain running the same direction during glue up and I think I would get a lot of tearout if I tried to do it by hand.

DynaGlide · « **Reply #110 on:** October 22, 2022, 06:31 AM »

I was able to knock this off the punch list. By design that dog lands directly over a tenon on the front leg. I had already made the access hole on the leg I just needed to mortise for the dog once I had the top on. I was nervous doing that but I took it slow with a 3/8 chisel and cleaned it up at the end with my 1 inch chisel.

Matt

DynaGlide · « **Reply #111 on:** October 31, 2022, 10:00 AM »

Welp I lost about 10 days to the flu and strep with my kids but I'm finally getting back to it. Last week I managed to get my leg chop shaped despite having very little shop time. I just plugged away at it a little bit at a time. This is one area where I really, really, badly wanted a bandsaw. I used an assortment of router bits, my drill press, chisels, hand saws to get through it and it wasn't pretty or fun but the outcome is what I wanted:

The top is kind of ugly. I haven't decided if I'll try to hide it or just let it be:

I was also able to knock out the groove for the sliding deadman:

I'm very close to being able to permanently attach the tops with Spax screws through the rails. I just need to do some clean up work before applying finish which will be easier with the tops removed. Once that's done I can go ahead and finish everything and come back and make the sliding deadman, shelves for the base, the gap stop for the top and it should be all done.

Matt

rvieceli · « **Reply #112 on:** October 31, 2022, 12:30 PM »

Looks really good Matt. That spot isn’t ugly, it adds character.

Ron

Sparktrician · « **Reply #113 on:** October 31, 2022, 04:15 PM »

Well done, Matt!

DynaGlide · « **Reply #114 on:** November 08, 2022, 11:07 AM »

Photo dump time. I've been busy. Everything is done except for applying finish. Gap stop is made and planed, I put a little ramp on one end so I can just lift the opposing end up and slide it between acting as a planing stop and being flush. No slots for tools at the moment. My thinking is I want to limit places for junk and dust to fall through the top to the shelf below. I only put in 4 holdfast holes in the rear slab for the same reason. I can always add more, can't take them away. The first holdfast hole I did isn't straight but that's on me for not getting the starter hole perfect before hand drilling the rest of the way. Other 3 are perfect. They all do their job, albeit that first one bugs me when the holdfast goes in skewed. Nothing to do about it now and lesson learned.

Sliding deadman was kind of fun to make. I decided to go with a different look for the sides than most because I don't own a bandsaw and that template shape was one I had lying around. I like it as it gives me a "handle" at the mid point to move it around.

The shelves were finished up yesterday. I had to resaw some 8/4 leftovers to make them and let them hang out for a few days before doing the shiplaps. It took me a while to figure out how wide to make them to get even gaps and still span the width of the bench underneath. Lots of SketchUp involved. I went with a 1/16 roundover on those because I like the look.

Any questions, ask. Too many operations to explain them all.

After adding that crubber material (ground up cork and rubber) to the vises it's incredible how much better they grip a board with so little force. I just lightly spin the leg vise wheel to clamp and the board will not move.

For finish I was originally going to go with danish oil all over. I've since decided not to do that based on this being in my house and not wanting that stench lingering for weeks or more. I'll probably go with water based poly on the base since it doesn't see much abuse and for the top I'm leaning toward 2-3 light coats of 50/50 shellac sanding sealer. My concern isn't so much about having a super durable finish on the top. I want something that will give some protection and is easy to repair. 2-3 light diluted coats should provide that without making it overly slick. Open to suggestions. Whatever they are it has to be easy to use and can't be stinky or too much of a film.

Matt

Doug H · « **Reply #115 on:** November 08, 2022, 11:21 AM »

Beautiful work! I have enjoyed following your progress.

-Doug

rvieceli · « **Reply #116 on:** November 08, 2022, 03:16 PM »

Outstanding work Matt. You’ll be able to use that for many years.

Ron

Sparktrician · « **Reply #117 on:** November 08, 2022, 04:37 PM »

Quote from: rvieceli on November 08, 2022, 03:16 PM

Outstanding work Matt. You’ll be able to use that for many years.

Ron

Hear, hear!!!

mattgam · « **Reply #118 on:** November 09, 2022, 01:43 AM »

I'm a self described Osmo addict and even I went the shellac route on my benchtop. Its going to take an massive beating so shellac is plenty of protection. I did go with pastewax also and am glad it eventually wore off as it was much too slick.

DynaGlide · « **Reply #119 on:** November 09, 2022, 07:51 AM »

Quote from: mattgam on November 09, 2022, 01:43 AM

I'm a self described Osmo addict and even I went the shellac route on my benchtop. Its going to take an massive beating so shellac is plenty of protection. I did go with pastewax also and am glad it eventually wore off as it was much too slick.

Thank you for confirming my decision. I'll make the base look nice with poly and the top will just get the shellac treatment. Hoping to wrap this up this week.

Quote from: Sparktrician on November 08, 2022, 04:37 PM

Quote from: rvieceli on November 08, 2022, 03:16 PM
Outstanding work Matt. You’ll be able to use that for many years.

Ron

Hear, hear!!!

Thanks Willy. Let me know when you want to come see it. Careful though, I fear you'll be itching for one of your own if you do.

Quote from: rvieceli on November 08, 2022, 03:16 PM

Outstanding work Matt. You’ll be able to use that for many years.

Ron

Thank you Ron. I'm looking forward to it.

Quote from: Doug H on November 08, 2022, 11:21 AM

Beautiful work! I have enjoyed following your progress.

-Doug

Thank you Doug.

I'm still a bit in disbelief that I made this thing. I had never milled a board before this project let alone cut a M&T joint, or a dovetail, or so many other things involved with bringing this all together. I haven't picked my next project to put it to use but I do know I need to come up with an adjustable storage solution for the hand tools I've been acquiring with many more to come.

I shut my shop down for the holidays every year so I will have some time to think about what's to come.

Matt

waho6o9 · « **Reply #120 on:** November 09, 2022, 09:41 AM »

Beautiful build and thank you for the pictorial as you went. Enjoy your family heirloom workbench she's a stunner.

DynaGlide · « **Reply #121 on:** November 11, 2022, 07:45 AM »

Likely to be my last post on this one. I put two coats of GF High Performance satin on the base and shelves and I used Shellac Sanding Sealer on the top. It's a 1lb cut of dewaxed shellac out of the can. The workbench casters I added at the very end using the Rockler quick release plates so the casters can come off when I want them out of the way.

Thanks for following along.

Matt

Joelm · « **Reply #122 on:** November 11, 2022, 08:07 AM »

Wow that is beautiful! Enjoy you new bench and thanks for sharing your journey.

Richard/RMW · « **Reply #123 on:** November 11, 2022, 09:07 AM »

Just WOW! Matt. Thanks for bringing us along for the ride. If it were me, the boss would find me standing next to it at 2 AM, spinning the vise handwheel back & forth, with a goofy smile on my face. Enjoy.

Have you put the first tool mark on it yet?

RMW

DynaGlide · « **Reply #124 on:** November 11, 2022, 09:19 AM »

Quote from: Richard/RMW on November 11, 2022, 09:07 AM

Just WOW! Matt. Thanks for bringing us along for the ride. If it were me, the boss would find me standing next to it at 2 AM, spinning the vise handwheel back & forth, with a goofy smile on my face. Enjoy.

Have you put the first tool mark on it yet?

RMW

She hasn't caught me yet but it has happened.

Yep it got some dings when I was using it to finish the rest of the bench. They're beauty marks.

hdv · « **Reply #125 on:** November 11, 2022, 10:20 AM »

Thanks Matt! This thread really was fun to follow along. You just have to love such a beautiful workhorse for your shop. You bet there'll be some jealous looks at that (online and offline)! Now it's time to start enjoying the results of all those hours of pondering how to do it and then actually doing it. Great job!

Cheese · « **Reply #126 on:** November 11, 2022, 10:31 AM »

Nice Matt...very nice.

I'm waiting for the first project that you use this on...that'll put that goofy smile Richard was talking about back on your face.

How much do you think it weighs? Adding those Rockler casters was brilliant.

If I were 30 years younger I'd seriously consider building one of these.

luvmytoolz · « **Reply #127 on:** November 11, 2022, 08:04 PM »

Good enough for the dining room I reckon!

Or maybe it should go straight to the pool room!

DynaGlide · « **Reply #128 on:** February 22, 2023, 01:11 PM »

When I made the bench I kind of settled on a chamfer for the leg chop that I wasn't happy with. I did it with a block plane just to get it done with the intention of doing it the way I wanted later. Well, later came. Very pleased with the results.

Before:

After:

My little DW745 table saw took care of the chamfering with the blade at 45. Then I cleaned it up with the festool edge sanding guide set to the correct angle and my RTS400 working through the grits up to 180.

Matt

Richard/RMW · « **Reply #129 on:** February 22, 2023, 01:40 PM »

Definitely needed the larger chamfer. Work of art Matt.

RMW

hdv · « **Reply #130 on:** February 22, 2023, 01:49 PM »

You will be glad of that larger chamfer when you need to saw something clamped in that vise. It will prevent you from sawing in that beautiful bench.

Sparktrician · « **Reply #131 on:** February 22, 2023, 06:24 PM »

Great decision, Matt!

Well done!

Cheese · « **Reply #132 on:** February 23, 2023, 09:57 AM »

That bench came out terrific Matt...a very nice job. I'm waiting for the photos of the HD lower end being disassembled on the bench.

DynaGlide · « **Reply #133 on:** February 23, 2023, 10:05 AM »

Quote from: Richard/RMW on February 22, 2023, 01:40 PM

Definitely needed the larger chamfer. Work of art Matt.

RMW

Thank you Richard. It puts a smile on my face every time I'm in the shop.

Quote from: hdv on February 22, 2023, 01:49 PM

You will be glad of that larger chamfer when you need to saw something clamped in that vise. It will prevent you from sawing in that beautiful bench.

That was the other reason I wanted to do it. I had been told it needed a bigger chamfer I just wasn't sure how to do it.

Quote from: Sparktrician on February 22, 2023, 06:24 PM

Great decision, Matt! Well done!

Thanks Willy!

Quote from: Cheese on February 23, 2023, 09:57 AM

That bench came out terrific Matt...a very nice job. I'm waiting for the photos of the HD lower end being disassembled on the bench.

Ha well I have those pictures already but they're on the motorcycle jack. That bikes already been completely torn apart by me. I'm debating selling it this year though. I love it (can you love a 'thing'?) but I don't love the way people drive (or don't drive, if you catch my drift).