Replies

1. 
   jsharp | Dec 20, 2004 04:33am | #1

   I was looking at that too - there doesn't appear to be a back apron. I've looked at two similar examples and neither had a back apron. I've decided on the bench I'm building to add an additional strip along the back edge for ridigity (bringing the thickness of my 2" bench to 4" along the rear edge).

   And, yes... the 2004/2005 Tools and Shops issue is out. Unfortunately not as great a resource as the last couple. There is a thread under "FWW feedback".

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   Edited 12/19/2004 8:56 pm ET by jtsharp

   
   

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   Edited 12/20/2004 8:34 pm ET by jtsharp

1. 
   Buzzsaw | Dec 20, 2004 03:36pm | #2

   jtsharp,

   I just picked up the Tools and Shops annual issue yesterday at Barnes and Noble.  I haven't read through it yet but, at quick glance, it appears it isn't as comprehensive as the other annual issues.  Were you planning on using a tongue and groove for the end caps (kind of like a breadboard effect)? I'm not really sure if this is really necessary but obviously people do it do maintain flatness of the bench top.  I'm a little intimidated by the half-blind dovetails as I have yet to cut a dovetail.  Are you planning on the half blind dovetails?Regards,

   Buzzsaw

1. 
   jsharp | Dec 21, 2004 04:16am | #3

   Hi ya Buzzsaw,

   Yep, I plan to use the tongue and groove method on the ends. I agree - those hand cut dovetails seem intimidating. I plan to use them because I think they are an important style element and a great way to show-off (and develope) skills. Check out Taunton's Tage Frid Handcut Dovetails video. He makes it look easy. Your library may have or be able to get a copy. I plan to practice on lots of scrap before I tackle the real thing.

   I also have the advantage of having access to tons of talent and experience via my local woodworkers guild. One of these fine Gents will be guiding me through cutting the dovetails for my bench apron. I am sure if you hunt around you can find a similar group where you are, or maybe just an old timer in your neck of the woods who would love to help. Most of the other woodworkers I've run across are very generous with their skills and experience.

   We'll have to swap bench pics when we get these done, eh?

   Best of luck and Happy Holidays!

   jtsharp

1. 
   Buzzsaw | Dec 21, 2004 03:37pm | #4

   Actually jtsharp I take a 12-week woodworking class at a local woodworking school in NH.  It is pretty much ongoing and you work on what you want to work on.  They have everything as far as equipment goes and the teacher knows his stuff.  He will help me out.  I just bought Tage Frid's book and it has a lot of pictures.  I'll have to check out the video. I sure will post a picture after it is done...Regards,

   Buzzsaw

2. 
   BarryO | Dec 21, 2004 11:09pm | #5

   I'm planning on building that bench and have read that article over several times.

   There is no back apron.  The main reason is that there is no way to attach one, and allow for seasonal movement of the top.  The top is rabbetted and sits in grooves in the side aprons.  The top and the side aprons are glued together only near the front.  Toward the back, they should only be attached by a lag screw, with the holes in the aprons preferably elongated a bit to allow for movement.

1. 
   Buzzsaw | Dec 21, 2004 11:57pm | #6

   Thanks BarryO. I have heard from others to butt joint a back apron and the end caps in the back. That is a really nice bench.  I was planning on using White Ash for the apron and the end caps.  Here is my bench so far...

    Regards,

   Buzzsaw

   
2. 
   Buzzsaw | Dec 21, 2004 11:58pm | #7

   BarryO,

     I was just going to add a front vise and leave out the end vise for now. What type of front vise are you thinking of buying?Regards,

   Buzzsaw

1. 
   BarryO | Dec 22, 2004 11:44am | #8

   Nice job on the bench so far.

   My front vise:  I read here on this forum a while back that Record was discontinuing distribution here in the U.S.  I right away went to a local shop that carries them, and picked up what they said would probably be the last 52 1/2 ED they would ever get in.  It's been sitting in a box covered with grease ever since.

   Major projects such as a new bench have been "on hold" since we did a house remodel (and most of the shop got used as storage space).  But I'll finally have time this coming year to get it all squared away.