I just completed my first workbench after years of wanting one. Although it’s mostly a traditional design, it incorporates some unique features.
Tailvise – this is a combination tail vise and wagon vise. It provides the tailvise features of benchdog surface clamping and the open-jaw vice in front. But, like a wagon vise, it eliminates the big tail sticking out of the end (that I knew I’d ram my hip into). It was built from salvaged vise parts and the wheel is an old barbell weight which gives good momentum when spinning the vise closed.
Magnet clamps – embedded at each of the workbench are three rare-earth magnets that are used in combination with the clamping board (shown on top of the bench). This system efficiently holds down plastic or paper sheeting that cover the bench during painting or other messy tasks.
Front vise handle – the traditional handle was replaced by the double handle system shown. This type of handle is easier and faster to spin open/closed, but never pinches my fingers and provides all the clamping force I’ll ever need. It was easy to make on a lathe.
Caster system – The bench is mobile using parts salvaged from a tablesaw mobile base. The wheels at one end of the workbench are buried underneath and the foot lift wheel at the other end allows quick and easy changeover from mobile to fixed and back again. Although the bench weighs over 500lb, it rolls very easy, but when it’s in the fixed position, it doesn’t move. The garage door handle at the end makes it easy to move and steer.
Dogs – the dog spring system is just a hole drilled in the side with a little spring inserted followed by a dowel segment. This seemed easier than some of the more elaborate wooden or hacksaw spring designs I’ve seen. I made a dog for every doghole so all I need to do is push them up from underneath rather than looking for a dog when I need one.
I put a floor underneath the bench for temporary storage of boards and project compontents. The whole thing is made from white oak with walnut vise faces and I kept it under $250 including vises thanks to some cheap wood found on Craigslist. The finish is just boiled linseed oil.
Now it’s time to make something and perhaps get it a little dirty.
Replies
Scag,
Very impressive! Those are some great ideas. I love customization. No one ever makes the perfect thing, do they? The barbell weight, what a great idea. The tail/wagon vise is great, too!
The caster idea, in the center like that, is something I use and love. Were you able to buy that caster separately, or did you get it with a mobile base? I've been unable to find them separately.
Also, when you raise the caster, do you simply push/drag the other end? I don't see any wheels on the side opposite the caster.
Thanks for posting this.
--jonnieboy
Jonnie - Thanks for the kudos. I had an old mobile base that I took apart to get the casters and footpedal (I don't think you can buy one separately). I had to use a grinder to remove that footpedal because it was welded to the frame. There really are wheels at the other end, but you just can't see them. They're built into the base side rails and only lift the bench off the ground by 1/4 inch. I kept it so close to the ground so I could sweep around it more easily without having to sweep underneath.
Crank it up.. Scag-man.. ha.. ha... love that crank. Very solid build and you likely will not have to build another for several hundred years. I am curious as to how you will like the twin handle on your front vise? I prefer a long handle for leverage as you really don't get that much with the handle that short. But.. it sure looks good. :>)
Extremely well built bench but time to put it to use.
Nice bench, do you have specs on size? The magnet idea is great, always fighting with clamps or tape to hold down paper. You could add a roll of paper under the one end of the bench and just pull it up and over to your magnetic strip.
Nice job.
While I like the barbell idea for the wheel, I could also envision an old sailor making a miniature helm wheel for the same purpose. A hydraulic system for rhythmmatically tilting the shop floor back and forth would be optional, of course. ;-)
The solution for most may not be the solution for me Scagman. The idea of using two hands is sound and most could adopt to that but... I always have one hand tied up on a cup of coffee while the other is to get the job done. ha.. ha... ha..ha..ha..
Ah... just kiddin' as it appears to be.... I never thought of that... duh! :>)
Again.. great and innovative bench...
Scag
Beautiful job and some great ideas. 'Pears you have put a lot of thought into this one. Can't think of too much more you need on a bench. I don't recollect seeing a coffee cup holder though.
Don't mind sarg, the only time he puts the coffee cup down is to scratch something!
wot
Nice looking bench, but where on earth do your toes go when working close?
Your Bench
I second the compliments on your excellent work. I would be very interested to find out more about the end vise, how it's designed and constructed.
Nice Bench
Scags,
That has some interesting features. Love your popup dogs now does that make sense or what!
You might think about a follower/deadman on the front to go with front vise. I make my door frames to size and then pare them down to fit, so how do you hold a 30" by 20" door vertical to plane the edge? Also a long board that needs and edge plane would benefit from that simple idea as well.
I think I would like some toe room myself... toe kicks are nice and who cleans under the bench anyway! Hawww!
Like you wagon vise as well. looks much more solid than a tail vise. Do you have a side doghole and along the bench, might answer my first question as well.
Thanks for posting a great bench!
AZmO
Nice Bench
Scags,
That has some interesting features. Love your popup dogs now does that make sense or what!
You might think about a follower/deadman on the front to go with front vise. I make my door frames to size and then pare them down to fit, so how do you hold a 30" by 20" door vertical to plane the edge? Also a long board that needs and edge plane would benefit from that simple idea as well.
I think I would like some toe room myself... toe kicks are nice and who cleans under the bench anyway! Hawww!
Like you wagon vise as well. looks much more solid than a tail vise. Do you have a side doghole and along the bench, might answer my first question as well.
Thanks for posting a great bench!
AZmO
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