To whom it may concern,
My name is Joe and I am have only been woodworking for about a year and a half and I have a problem with a woodworking bench. Now, every woodworker requires the use of a bench for such tasks as planing, sawing, and chiseling. For this purpose I purchased a work bench from a local woodworking store. However, whenever I would perform a task the bench would shake and wobble or the vise would slip out of control. The connection from the base to the top was a simple hex screw and washer. So, with a new project at hand, I decided to build my own bench.
In order to simplify the process I chose to keep the thin base from the old bench and order a 2 1/4″ thick laminated Maple top. Also, I plan to attach a twin screw vise for vertical cutting and edge planing. Yet, I am afraid that the top and base might wobble again because it will be simply laid down. Can anyone help me find the best, cleanest, or most stable way to attach the top to the base? Would either a L-shaped bracket, spacer, or bolt work? I appreciate the help.
Replies
Joe-
I have seen lots of benches in the woodworking stores that seem to shake rattle and roll just by looking at them!! A bench has to be heavy and solid- no movement, no racking, etc.
I think you may be making a mistake in using the thin base from the orig bench- that is the foundation of the workbench- ####2 1/4" maple top is more than adequate. I am attaching a picture (hopefully!)of the workbench that we make in my school (there is a class coming up in November if you are in the CT area).
It meets all the criteria for a good bench- it is heavy- the legs are
1 7/8 X 4 inch ash (or poplar)the stretchers are 1" thick ash and the top is 2 layers of 3/4" particle board topped with one layer of 3/4" MDF wrapped with maple edging.- Very heavy and flat.
the top is attached to the base very simply with 6 steel angle irons.
A good quality end vise which also serves as a shoulder vise and bench dogs does all the holding you will need )I am not crazy about those twin screw vises- lots of potential for problems- but try it-
The Workbench Book by Scott Landis is a great resource also.
Let me know how you make out.
Bob Van Dyke
Thanks Bob for that reply. After careful inspection of the photograph that you sent me and the bench base that I currently have, I have decided to rebuild the base to make it bigger and stronger. However, with the substantial 2 1/4" x 24" x 60" Maple top I will need something even bulkier than what you describe. The design will be using the book you suggested and the other book on Workbenches by Lon Schleining. My thought is to make a strong leg with rails & stretchers and then even add a small cabinet for added vibration support. Do you think this is a good idea or is it too much trouble? Also, I need to ask if you believe that the most important vise is the shoulder vise or the end vise (for my twin-screw vise)? I am looking forward to your reply.
Sincerely,
Joe
Joe- I think you should put as much work and detail into it that you want. The stronger the better- The bench picture I sent was what I call a utility bench- It is plenty strong for what we do- but my own bench in my shop is a similar to the Frank Klauz bench which is in the workbench Book.- A little over kill- but why not? I used to think having a cabinet under the bench for drawers was a bad thing- until I put one in my bench at the school- now I could not live without it!
As far as which vise is more important? I use the end vise way more than the should vise- but it depends on your work- I do a lot with handplanes and scrapers so the bench dogs and end vise is essential.
Also- the end vise can hold whatever work the shoulder vise can hold- so you just walk around to the end of the bench to do your work- it is not that long of a trip!
Joe,
I had a similar problem with my workbench. Not so much of the wobble but it wanted to slide. So, I found an article "6 ways to upgrade your workbench" It suggested sand. I turned the table over and poured a 50 lbs bag of sand on the underside of the bottom shelf. Then sealed the shelf eith a piece of 3/4 mdf. I turned the table back over and built two boxes that attached to the upper rails. One box holds 3 work totes and the other holds 3 drawers. This thing is rock solid. But I cannot move it alone. So build it where you want it.
Hi Joe I was considering making a bench out of solid maple but after looking at the cost , I didn't rule it out completely but I looked for alternatives. I subscribe to Shopnotes and I saw the perfect bench for me ( I included a picture of it if you would like to have a look ) it is from issue 89 and I modified it with the front vise from issue 92. It is make entirely of 3/4 birch plywood, 3/4 mdf and I trimmed the out side with red oak. The plan called for the top to be made of 3/4 mdf but I made the top lay of birch plywood. If you would like to see a picture of my finished bench I can send it. It is a very solid and very heavy bench you will not move it easily. I hope this helps.
Mark
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