Replies

1. 
   highfigh | Jan 08, 2007 06:42pm | #1

   The wood to make a nice bench shouldn't cost $650 if you choose it wisely. The tricky thing is that having a bench makes building a new one easier. You could use 2x4s and plywood to make a temporary one and reuse those materials after the new one is finished.

   If you're looking at the Sjoberg Nordic Plus bench, while it looks like a nice bench, your needs will have to determine the size and configuration. This one looks to be less than 2' deep, which may be fine if you're not working with large boards or panels but if you plan on doing everything with one bench, I think it'll be too small for a lot of things. Also, if you'll be using hand planes, the legs are oriented in a way that "racking" will occur and the bench will move in some cases.

   Bench tops are sold at WoodCraft, with vises installed. Also, Grizzly has maple tops in various sizes. Again, you'll need to determine what the bench needs to be. If you need storage underneath, a set of drawers is pretty easy to make. If you'll be placing project parts and sub-assemblies underneath, a few shelves, firmly attached to the legs will add stability.

   "I cut this piece four times and it's still too short."

   
   

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   Edited 1/8/2007 10:52 am by highfigh