Replies

1. 
   RonK | Mar 03, 2006 03:40pm | #1

   http://www.diefenbacher.com/Workbenches.htm

    

   If it's the same bench they have it for $1750.00

1. 
   user-93622 | Mar 05, 2006 06:56am | #2

   Thank you for the direction !!!!!!!!!  It looks like with the cabinet, they are the same price as woodcraft.

   If I was any kind of woodworker, I can make the cabinets for less the $700.00.

    

   I do appreciate your input

    

2. 
   Reginald | Mar 05, 2006 10:07pm | #3

   Having finished construction of the Veritas twin-slab workbench, I'd not soon again make my own, mainly for money reasons. I bought the Deluxe kit's ready-made maple slabs and vise hardware. Veritas offers the bench  slabs and base all ready for final assembly, but I thought I could make the base cheaper. and save at least some woodworker pride as well.

   The bench I made is much more robust than the one Lee Valley sells, but took so long to finish and cost so much more to add that weight and strength, I'd rather have spent both the time and money on other woodworking projects. Nor would I again choose that twin-slab design. Leveling two slabs separated by a tool trough is a tricky business, and the slabs from Lee Valley arrived with each ever so slightly cupped. Send them back? I came close to doing so, then considered the likelihood of receiving replacements no better, or perhaps worse. Decided against risking the hassle and stress of such a situation.

   The arid climate in Boulder, Colorado, contrasts strongly with that of the northeast from which the slabs are shipped. I had queried Lee Valley about that difference before ordering, and queried them a total of three times. "No problem," I was told each time, by different people. "We have had almost no  complaints from buyers."

   True, I do take pride in the finished result -- the parts I built anyhow -- so that compensates me somewhat.

3. 
   byhammerandhand | Mar 06, 2006 01:17am | #4

   I just got this book, http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1561585947/qid=1141596937/sr=2-1/ref=pd_bbs_b_2_1/103-3585584-0009469?s=books&v=glance&n=283155 and haven't read a lot of it yet. But Lon makes a good argument in terms of economics of money and time for buying an "out of the box" workbench (see the "look inside" feature for the actual page where he says this). It might be a good read before you plunk down the $.

   
   

   ---

   Edited 3/5/2006 5:21 pm ET by byhammerandhand

1. 
   user-93622 | Mar 06, 2006 05:18am | #5

   It sounds like three votes for buying a nice / good workbench.  Any other out of the box brands than Sjobergs ?

1. 
   pzgren | Mar 06, 2006 09:46pm | #6

   There's Ulmia -- A German-made bench, and Diefenbach -- also a German-made bench (although I think they have a subsidiary in the US and may make their US-sold benches here in the US). Both companies have a very good reputation for high-quality benches.

   [edit]

   Here's a couple of links

   http://www.workbenches.com/

   http://www.garrettwade.com/jump.jsp?itemID=12401&itemType=CATEGORY

   http://www.lagunatools.com/workbenches.htm

   Edited 3/6/2006 2:04 pm by pzgren

1. 
   user-93622 | Mar 06, 2006 11:33pm | #8

   Outstanding Links............ I really appreciate your suggestions...

    

   Thanks

   Don

2. 
   highfigh | Mar 06, 2006 11:21pm | #7

   Lie Nielsen is selling benches, too. The one they had at the WoodWorking show is $1800 and it felt like a tank.
   "I cut this piece four times and it's still too short."

3. 
   byhammerandhand | Mar 07, 2006 05:35am | #10

   http://www.leevalley.com/hardware/page.aspx?c=1&p=40575&cat=3,43586,43595http://www.grizzly.com/workbench/http://www.mcmaster.comhttp://www.tools-for-woodworking.com/browseproducts/Hoffman---Hammer-Premium-German-Workbench--Compact.htmlTo name a few.

2. 
   woodman1549 | Mar 07, 2006 05:11am | #9

   Now that is what I call a nice bench!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    

4. 
   AntzyClancy | Mar 09, 2006 10:39pm | #11

   Any self respecting woodworker could make a _______ (insert: bench, jig, tool, etc.).  There is nothing wrong with buying a bench, if you would rather spend that time making furniture for family and friends.  I do this for fun, not pride.

   Todd

1. 
   brewdog | Mar 16, 2006 07:34am | #12

   I just spent some time researching benches and found a great website that listed many of the major players and a critique of each. I like the full width end vice and I will buy the Waldmann 74" bench from Amazon.com after I pay off my recent tool purchases. Check the weight of the bench your are interested in. Some cheap ones look good but are light. I wanted a good bench at as cheap a price as possible. $999.999 plus shipping and only $99 shipping is a good price and with a sale it can be had a lot cheaper.http://www.workbenchdesign.net/rreadymade.html

   Edited 3/19/2006 12:57 am ET by brewdog

2. 
   user-93622 | Mar 18, 2006 05:01am | #13

   Hello Antzyclancy

    

   I'm a self respecting woodworker, however do not want to spend the fun time making a first class bench.

   I enjoy working with good equipment as much as the project.

    

   The link to the forms on bench comparison did not seem to work for me ???  Was this another web site or link to another message ?

1. 
   brewdog | Mar 19, 2006 08:00am | #14

   http://www.workbenchdesign.net/rreadymade.htmlTry it now.