Replies

1. 
   Alan | May 08, 2002 04:50am | #1

   Doc,

   I have one of the S (I'm not about to try spelling it) work benches.  I got the 58 1/2" from Rockler when it was on sale.  I modified it so I could easily knock it down.  (I was living in the upstairs of a two family house.  I stored it in the downstairs hall.  When I wanted to work I would take it out on the front porch.  That was great; everyone who walked by would stop and chat for a while.)  I've been very happy with it.  I use hand tools only, but even so I found it very tough, and the top very flat, even after many cold/hot humid/dry seasons in upstate NY.  Its top is not all that thick, but being fairly light was what I wanted.  I would buy it again.

   Alan

1. 
   KraigY | May 08, 2002 07:09am | #2

   Alan-

   Thanks very much for the information. I will be setting up a garage shop so portability is an issue for me too. I may have to take a drive to Rockler and check one out. Thanks again for the input-

   Doc

2. 
   bsutton12 | May 08, 2002 11:34pm | #3

   I recently got the Cabinetmaker's Bench from Woodcraft (about 65 in. top) after years of thinking I would build my own.  I began to consider the cost of the wood, vise screws, and hardware plus the time required to build it and decided that the Sjoberg was a good value.

   I am very happy and wonder how I got along without it  The only change I would make is I would like it to be a couple of inches higher (just a personal choice) but that can be remedied.

   The bench is solid, the vises are very secure and the jaws stay parallel even when clamping to one side of the screw (I don't have torque down on the vise to keep the workpiece from moving).

3. 
   JVeillon | May 09, 2002 03:02am | #4

   They look pretty good actually.    I decided to build my own but I cheated.   Woodcraft sells what is really a kitchen countertop that is laminated hard maple that is 2 1/4" thick and comes in several widths and lengths.  I got one that is 24" wide and 84" long.   It was $400 I think.  I made legs out of maple and used the Veritas twin screw vise on one end and a Jorge 12" quick close on the other corner.   I also added a 2" thick X 86" maple board to the edge so that it hangs down and I put dog holes in it and the Jorge vise and it line up so I can clamp long things in the vice and support the other end with the dogs.   The vises were the reason I built my own as the whole thing cost about $800 and was quite a bit of work.  If you want to go that route email me and I can send you pictures.  I am very happy with my bench and I did make it taller and it knocks down in 5 minutes so you can move it .  In fact I moved from Louisiana to North Carolina and back and it was no problem even though it weighs a ton once all together.

   Good Luck

   John