Replies

1. 
   Northboundtrain | Dec 07, 2006 04:26am | #1

   I should think that stiffness would be at least as important as weight.  You can always bolt the bench to the floor, but if it racks at all while in use. that won't be pleasant. 

2. 
   TJGILL | Dec 07, 2006 04:44am | #2

   Depinding on your project . You can always add sand bags for more weight

3. 
   AdamCherubini | Dec 07, 2006 05:16am | #3

   Randy,

   Forget the weight. I think its a good idea to put a shelf on the stretcher and keep your planes and other stuff there. The tool trough will also fill up with stuff and weigh the bench down. My recommendation is to get the longer model, which looks like its $25 more? A longer bench is a bigger advantage than a heavier bench any day.

   You probably got a lot of flak about buying a bench. I think its great. These are nice benches for not so much money. You could have easily spent $500 on lumber and vises.

   Good luck with your new bench

   Adam

4. 
   JeffHeath | Dec 07, 2006 07:21am | #4

   rshelly

   I have to agree with Adam.  Get the longest bench you can afford.  My current bench, my 2nd that I've built, is 84" long, and it's tooooo short.  My next one is going to be 10 feet long.  I'm doing alot more hand work now, and am constantly working on long boards.  I'm tired of rigging up extensions to my current work surface.

   You can always build a toolbox under the bench, which, when stuffed with planes and tools, will add weight in a hurry.  As long as the bench is sturdy, and Diefenbach's are definately that, than it won't be an issue.

   Enjoy.

   Jeff

5. 
   philip | Dec 07, 2006 12:51pm | #5

   Well I am the unconventional, again. I like a bench to be as heavy as possible with legs like an elephant so when you need to hammer something there is no messing around.
   Although I have cupboards under mine I don't put oft used stuff there- dark in there, and things hide, also irritating having to bend and look into the depths....The only exception is my diamond plate plus a couple of stones.
   Bench tops are for working on , not storing tools, so the bigger the better. I use another bench with wheels close to hand on which tools in use are put, but this would not suit those with space limitations.
   185 lbs does not sound like much, but I would place rigidty in first place before weight-as others have said, you can bolt it down.

   Philip Marcou
1. 
   JeffHeath | Dec 07, 2006 04:11pm | #6

   Philip

   Hello from the winter wonderland of northern Illinois.  We just got 14" of snow! Do you even get snow where you are?

   I agree with you about the tool tray.  I built one on my current bench, and all it has become is a black hole for which tools and other items disappear into.  My new one will be all work surface, with maybe a drawer underneath for the wee things we all need.  I took the month of December off (for customers) to build some christmas presents for family members and the such..... and also to build a new hanging tool box behind where I stand at my bench, for all my hand tools.  That way, there will be no more need for the black hole....

   Happy Holidays!

   Jeff

    

6. 
   bones | Dec 07, 2006 06:03pm | #7

   Thats heavier than mine by far, but you can help it out if you need to. I have a shelf on the strechers under mine. I have my 12" makita planer, 10 chopsaw, and small toolbox. With all that, it don't budge much. Good luck. 

1. 
   rshelly | Dec 07, 2006 07:05pm | #8

   Thanks for all of your helpful replies. I pulled the trigger! I added the option of 2 additional stretchers in lieu of the drawer which should provide some additional rigidity.

   Thanks again.

   Randy.