Replies

1. 
   mwill222 | Feb 14, 2005 07:52pm | #1

   I recently built a couple of these benches, and actually had an original Herman Miller production version as my point of reference.  I used the Bosch 4000 table saw with stacked dado to cut the 3/4" slots on one of them, and used the depth adjust on my Bosch 10" sliding miter saw to cut the slots on the other.  Both of these techniques generated great results, but were not at all efficient.  (Really, I just wanted to see what I could do with my new tools.)

   I am building another one right now, and am using a router with a 3/4" bit and a jig that I set up for spacing the slots accurately.  This technique makes a lot more sense, and saves a ton of time.  As for the joinery, the production version just used basic, interlocking slots.  The joints must have been held by some industrial strength glue, since there were no screws or dowels pegging the joints in place from the underside.  For mine, I actually used some hardwood dowels set from the underside, so you don’t see them from above.  I don’t know that this follows the original design, but I didn’t trust the outside joints without a little extra strength. 

   The joints for the legs are finger joints cut at an angle.  Easy to do in a production facility, not easy to do in a home workshop, so I designed a different set that I liked better. 

   I put together a set of plans, if you are interested.

1. 
   sharp | Feb 14, 2005 11:32pm | #2

   thanks, i would love to see the plans. Can you post a couple of pictures?

   jeremiah

1. 
   mwill222 | Feb 16, 2005 04:34am | #3

   Here are a few images.  I will tr to post the plans tomorrow in PDF format. 

   
1. 
   lwj2 | Feb 16, 2005 06:15am | #4

   Resized to load quicker.Leon Jester

   
2. 
   cherryjohn | Feb 16, 2005 03:44pm | #5

   This may sound like a dumb question but what are they used for?  If i sat on one of those there would be substantial butt ozze thorough the slats.  If I laid face down ..........forgetaboutit!!!Wicked Decent Woodworks

   Rochester NH

   " If the women dont find you handsome, they should at least find you handy........yessa!"

1. 
   mwill222 | Feb 16, 2005 08:23pm | #6

   Actually, they aren't at all uncomfortable.  Though I don't think this is a design well suited for your living room, it has its place.  They have a very commercial feel to them, and seem to occupy an office setting pretty well. 

   Here are the plans if anyone is interested.

   -Michael

   
2. 
   sharp | Feb 17, 2005 08:04am | #8

   thanks for taking the time to share your plans.. have you built any other peices from this era?

    

3. 
   mwill222 | Feb 17, 2005 05:37pm | #10

   Most of what I build is Mission Style, lots of red and white oak, and a little bit of ash(stained black).  Truth is, I never use plans and the designs usually grow as I go along.  The Nelson benches were a good change of pace, and it was very nice to have the plans to work from. 

   Here is a chest and a bed that I built.  No plans, just followed a couple of basic line drawings.

   
4. 
   sharp | Feb 17, 2005 08:00am | #7

   perhaps you should stick to raised panel oak cabinets....

    

   Edited 2/17/2005 12:09 am ET by TURNSTYLER

5. 
   cherryjohn | Feb 17, 2005 02:59pm | #9

   Perhaps you have me confused with some other saw dust generator since I have never made an oak raised panel cabinet in my life.   I did do a mission coffee table in the prarie style recently with a slat configuration on the top but not to that extent and certainly not meant to sit on.  They do look good though.

   Wicked Decent Woodworks

   Rochester NH

   " If the women dont find you handsome, they should at least find you handy........yessa!"

   Edited 2/17/2005 7:07 am ET by CHERRYJOHN

6. 
   douglas2cats | Feb 17, 2005 05:54pm | #11

   Where I went to school, they had almost identical benches spread about the campus area. Can't recall what kind of wood they made them from, but they seemed to be holding up well outdoors. They weren't really any more or less comfortable than a solid slab bench, but with the benefit that water wouldn't pool on them like a slab.

    If you build it - he will come.

2. 
   user-7022535 | Dec 30, 2021 09:45am | #12

   I know this is 16 going on 17 years old. But I'm wondering if the plans shown above from mwill222 are original Nelson Bench plans. Everything I have seen usually uses 3/4" stock. 13/16" seems more in line with the original bench but who knows?? It would be cool to get a look at an original Nelson Bench pre 1960's to take some actual measurements off!