Comments

1. 
   GT64 | Jan 23, 2010 03:36pm | #1

   Great looking workbench. Make or buy that is the question. which shoulder vice did you use? I have heard some have a tendency to lift under load.

2. 
   tskinner | Jan 24, 2010 11:55am | #2

   Thanks for the comment, the tail vise uses a standard 1" vise screw with standard wooded runners ang guides, I have about 1/8" of lift under load.

3. 
   jollypond | Jan 24, 2010 01:21pm | #3

   Great looking bench. I have a laminated maple top 30" wide x 60" long and have been looking for some plans to build the base and add vices. Yours bench is very similar to my idea of what I want. I am a beginner/intermediate woodworker so I have a limited knowledge of how to proceed with my idea.

   What are the dimensions of your bench and what kind of wood did you use for the base?

4. 
   jollypond | Jan 24, 2010 01:31pm | #4

   Oh, I forgot to include, any suggestions on how to add holes for a bench hold downs for a top that is pre-made but not attached to a base?

5. 
   tskinner | Jan 24, 2010 05:28pm | #5

   jollypond, my bench is 30 1/2 x 73 1/2 the 30 1/2 includes a 7 1/2 tool tray.

   The base is hard maple glued up to get heavier legs and cross members for both weight and support.

   For the bench hold downs, I would try and use my drill press and a couple of unspecting relatives to help move the top around. adding vises to the laminated top should be pretty straight forward, need 3 1/2" thick at point where added (depending on vise used) could add a spacer block if needed, one on the front, one on the end, some of the heavier vises have a pop up dog in the vise jaw, add a few round dog hole while your are on the drill press and you will be good to go.

6. 
   jollypond | Jan 26, 2010 06:58pm | #6

   tskinner, Thanks so much for the information. It will go a long way in helping me build my base.