Replies

1. 
   ajg1942 | Mar 12, 2023 06:39pm | #1

   here is a possible solution.

   https://www.instagram.com/reel/CjkxVHqjaOg/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

1. 
   Spellsyphon | Mar 12, 2023 10:38pm | #5

   That is a great solution to my dilemma, thanks. I will put that at the top of my considerations list.

   Also thanks for everyone else's responses.

   Building a longer bench isn't really an option. Making it larger will make it more difficult to break down and put up when needed. Also, I have to do it myself with no help so making a larger bench starts to increases weight which not only adds difficulty assembling and disassembling but also becomes more of a safety issue, and there are enough of those around my shop space. Factor in that I also need space for the jobsite saw (cause it is easily stowed away) and a lunchbox planar on a stand and space is even more tight. My shop space is my one car garage. Can't move houses right now and can't get a separate shop space right now either. I am just starting out with my business doing this so a larger space will, hopefully, come in time. Until then, every shop fixture I have needs to be mobile, stowage, and have the smallest footprint possible when stowed so I have space to work on assembly. I make custom built furniture to order. Large tables, beds, dressers, etc. And we are not talking small versions of these things all the time. People pay big and want BIG. I accommodate as best I can. I have the need for this set up, not just for surfacing, but also for all the decorative chisel work some of my customers want.

   Okay, I feel like I may have over complicated my response here and went into way more detail then needed.

   Thanks for the responses and info. I am still open to ideas on this if anyone has any.

2. 
   lordulrich | Mar 12, 2023 07:59pm | #2

   So I have a wagon vice on my bench but honestly rarely use it. Really the biggest thing I use it for us surfacing boards, and even that can be done with just a planning stop or working into a set of 3 or 4 dogs set in a corner.

   In the rare case I need to actually secure a long board I usually use a couple of F clamps to the bench top.

3. 
   rob_ss | Mar 12, 2023 08:04pm | #3

   You are both over and under thinking this.

   If you work with boards longer than 6' regularly then you need a bench long enough to accommodate this and so you might as well add a tail vice which can also meet this need. They are not essential, but certainly nice to have.
   Your problem is that your proposed no vice solution won't add anything as you can't really work on the unsupported section of the board so you either need a larger bench, accept that you can't work such long stock, or develop a workaround. Whether or not you add a tail vice will not alter this. I've never had one and just use a clamp to hold the work still.

   Suitable workaround options might include a longer board which you add to the top of your bench when you need it. If you are clever, you could make this work with the tail vice, but will you REALLY do that? How often?

   In the end if making baronial hall style tables with hand tools only is your gig then you will need the bigger bench and certainly a larger shop. If not, then just keep it simple and cut the boards to a useful length first which is much less wasteful of material anyway.

4. 
   gulfstar | Mar 12, 2023 10:22pm | #4

   If you regularly work 8 ft boards, make the bench for that, an extra foot will not impede in the small work area and will make your life so much easier than rigging extensions every so often.

5. 
   tedbeyer2 | Mar 13, 2023 09:06pm | #6

   My bench has dog holes on the leg opposite the leg vise. I clamp a long board in the vise and use a holdfast at the other side. There is no problem working a piece longer than the bench.