Dream Workbench
The top of the bench is independent of the cabinet portion. The top sits on top of the legs and is actually separated from the underlying cabinet. The top is held in position and alignment by two dowel rod pegs on the front legs and simply sits on the back legs. This allows the top to "float" during expansion/contraction with no stress on the legs or cabinet portion.
My ultimate workbench– finally finished! The bench has a tail vise, a 24″ face vise, and a patternmaker’s vise. Overall size is 36″ x 92″. The top is 4″ thick laminated hard maple with a 5″ bubinga apron. With all the vise hardware, the bench weighs approx 1000-1100 lbs. The cabinet’s underside was reinforced to allow use of a special low profile dolly that was built. The dolly can be placed under the bench, allowing it to be easily moved around the shop if needed. The bench was constructed in 3 components (cabinet, legs, and top) and can be easily disassembled into the components to allow for transport and reassembly.
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The top of the bench is independent of the cabinet portion. The top sits on top of the legs and is actually separated from the underlying cabinet. The top is held in position and alignment by two dowel rod pegs on the front legs and simply sits on the back legs. This allows the top to "float" during expansion/contraction with no stress on the legs or cabinet portion.
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24 inch Hovarter face vise with a 7 inch wide bubinga front jaw. The front apron is flush with the the front legs to allow utilization of the leg surfaces for clamping in both the face vise and the tail vise.
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The workbench includes 20 drawers and a storage cabinet which are accessed from both sides.
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Lie-Nielsen tail vise with a custom sized maple/bubinga case.
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14 inch wide pattern maker's vise
Comments
Congratulations. Very nice.
one of the most beatifull benches I have ever seen. Are you finding the 84 inches long enough? I really like your choice of vises. The 2' face vise more than makes up for a shoulder vise and the pattern vise is a very wise choice AND THE TAIL VISE IS A GREAT PIECE OF WORK.
Really beautiful. But what's for an patternmaker's vise?
Incredible workmanship!! You must be an exceptionally talented and patient woodworker. Definitely the best workbench I have ever seen! CONGRATULATIONS on a fantastic job! So beautiful I would be afraid to scratch it by using it!! :-)
Really nice Bench. For wolf335599 a patternmakers vise is the ultimate vise. They they can rotate in any direction and the jaws pivot. An expensive but nice addition.
Beautiful bench. I notice the apron runs across the grain on the ends. Aren't you worried about splitting when the top expands & contracts?
I_SED8M-- The end aprons are not glued on. Rather, I dadoed groves on the apron and bench and placed a long wood spline in the grooves to secure it in place. Lag bolts with washers and large holes to allow for expansion and contraction hold it in place. The top can expand and contract while the end aprons "float" on the spline.
This is the most beautiful bench I have ever seen and I am sure you are very proud. I appreciate tour attention to detail and the craftsmanship exhibited in your fine bench.
Fantastic table! This seems really well designed and the workmanship appears outstanding. This table would work great in my shop. If you have plans I would surely build one for myself as soon as time permitted. You seem to have thought of everything a woodworker needs in a bench.
I agree with the others...this is one of the finest, well planned bench I have seen. I love it. Hopefully, you
will share the plans someday.
That is one beautiful workbench Jon. I love the contasting maple and bubinga. I also would be afraid to put the first scratch on it while using it. It looks like there are drawers on both sides? Can we get your plans? Maybe you could even sell them to Fine Woodworking and they could post the plans?
Beautiful. Only one thing wrong with it.
It is not in my shop!
Gosh I wish I had the space to utilize this size workbench. Out of necessity I'm struggling to create a much more compact bench that will provide convenient clamping and stability.
Jon,
I am in awe. Can we get your workplans. I have been loking for a bench and until now I have not been impressed.
It is a truly beautiful work of art, and looks functional too! However, from the photo's, I don't see a speck of sawdust. Does this shop get used or are you just the most AR woodworker in the world?
Sorry, My wife noted that I made a negative comment about a beautiful product. I only wish that I had time to devote to such a wonderful endeavor. Fantastic JOB!
Thanks for the answer. I had a feeling someone who could make a bench that nice would plan for just about everything.
Having just spent several months making my own bench, I can really appreciate the time,effort,and vision this beautiful bench represents.
An outstanding bench, it looks too good to use. It should be in an exhibit hall or something. I remember I felt like crying the first time I got an unwarranted scratch on my $150 bench. I can't even imagine a scratch on this one. I'd have to be committed.
Jon; fantastic bench and design. I have been researching workbenches for some time now, from the books to the blogs and like your bench. Will you share your plans. It's about time I stop researching and start doing. Thanks.
So nice, I'd be afraid to work on it.
WOW!-Don't know what to say.. I love everything about this workbench. It looks big and heavy(how much does it weigh?), it looks very functional, and it is BEAUTIFUL! I have been thinking about making my ultimate bench but did not know which way I wanted to go. This has truly inspired me. The planning and workmanship is obvious. Where did you get your plans or ideas? Do you have plans and are you willing to share. GREAT JOB!!
Starting to research and saw your piece of art. Is it for sale? Only kidding, but the more I look at your layout the better I like what you have done. Would you share your drawings and plans.
Thanks for everyone's comments. It really makes one feel good and raises one's enthusiasm when you get positive feedback from fellow woodworkers. Like most of you, I am a weekend warrior, an amateur woodworker trying to get better, learn new things, and have fun in my workshop. I really did enjoy finally building the bench that I had been thinking about (and putting off building) for over 7 years. While I am very proud of my bench, it really is nothing compared to the real works of art and talent which are on display in this gallery. I only hope that I can someday become as talented as many of you are. I guess the amount of interest and comments simply confirms that if there is one project that nearly every woodworker wants to do is to build, it is a better workbench.
For many years, I thought about and planned my dream workbench. I read every book, blog, website and, magazine article that I could find to help come up with ideas. My bench represents what, for my needs and in my opinion, is the best features of all the benches I read about and saw. Your situation may be different.
I would love to share my ideas and experiences to anyone who is interested in my bench or interested in building their own. My problem is I really do not know the best way to open a line of communication with those who want to learn more details about my build. At this point, I do not have a set of plans. I built it with notes and rough sketches. I learned a lot in my research and even more with the build (meaning trials and errors). I already know a few changes I wish I had made or thought about. Do not put it off any longer! It is very fulfilling to routinely use and enjoy a piece that you made.
I would love to talk to or e-mail anyone who is interested in my bench or in building their own! Just don’t know the best way to do it yet. May try to put together some plans to share.
P.S. my shop is usually a mess and, yes, I have already proudly scratched the bench.
Jon,
Awesome bench. I would like to talk to you about building one. I've been looking around for some designs to make one but have not been satisfied with anything yet. Yours is definately a bench I could never be dissatisfied with.
Can you send me an e-mail to discuss.
Thanks,
Johnnyc7
How can you look at that and not get bitten by the bug? It really is beautiful. I hope to be able to steal a lot of you features someday.
For me, I would want to lengthen it out a couple of feet and put a kneehole between the drawers. I have back problems, plus I like to sit at my bench working on other hobbies as well.
Jeff, Great working with you on this project. You taught me a ton.
I echo the rest. Inspiring. And not a single woodworker who looks at this can honestly say they have no envy. Congrats on creating a true heirloom that will live past all of us to be sure.
For anyone interested, I have now put together a detailed step by step description of how I built my bench. It is not a set of standard plans but does include some diagrams, pictures, and drawings. I think it might be helpful in building a bench.
If you are interested in building a bench similar to mine, I would be happy to send you this information.
Jon, trying to figure out how to take you up on the offer of sharing plans. I am not sure how to get ahold of you though.
Jon, I am to the point of building a workbench that I want to last forever and I love what you've done. I would love to have any information that you would be willing to share. You have done an amazing job and it is beautiful! My email is Majwhitaker@gmail.com Thanks!
Jon,
What a beautiful crafted, solid piece of work! Like many of us, I have dreamed of making the ultimate bench. I would love to receive any basic diagrams and/or drawings that you have on your bench (or additional pics even) just to get a better sense of how you constructed it. If you are still willing to keep up with all the requests please send me along anything you are willing to besilly@gmavt.net . Thanks so much!
Jon,
I guess it's unanimous. Beautiful job. I am curious, though, and I think we can all learn a bit more. Having built this beauty, what would you change, what would you do differently, how would you tweak the design if you were to start from scratch, what are your regrets, and what was the most important thing you learned in the design and construction phases of the project? Lots of questions, I know, but it would be of great value to those of us embarking on this type of project. Thanks and congratulations,
Ron
Jon,
Beautiful just beautiful and very practical..if you are still sending or interested in sending me some info on your bench,I would've most grateful..
Again thank you for sharing your work with us.
Brentrlong@msn.com
Hi Jon, I will throw my email address in the mix to see if I can get some plan info on your bench. I have looked around and have not found any good plans on what I need, yours fits the bill almost exactly. Please send here...
sagrieb@yahoo.com
Thank you.
Jon,
My e-mail, too
ron@ronkaplanlaw.com
Any info would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Ron
Hi Jon,
You have deigned a very beautiful and functional work bench.
I would enjoy making this workbench to replace one I built many years ago as a temperary workbench.
if you are still sending the design out
brady.tucker12@gmail.com
Thank you
Larry
Hey any info you would share about build would be great andyallday@optonline.net Thank you
I would be very appreciative to recieve anything regarding constuction of that awesome woodworking bench! THANKS
In all the excitement I forgot to give my e-mail. jackh@utri.com THANKS AGAIN!!
Wow... I took for granted having my fathers shop and bench to work on and had some ideas of what I wanted for my self but this is it. Can you please send me anything you have on your bench? Thank you and great job
Calebderek1979@yahoo.com
Jon, if the plans are still available on this workbench, I'd appreciate a copy. Thanks, cgdavis88@comcast.net
Jon, I don't know what other compliments I can add. I would very much appreciate receiving plans for the bench. IT IS TRULY AMAZING! tlfortner@gmail.com
Wow !!! What a beautiful and practical work of art. I have been looking for some good bench plans for some time. this is by far the best i have seen so far. Please send me any info that you can on plans or build sketches. That would be more than appreciated. Thank You James email jim.guitar@hotmail.com
Jon,
I would be interested in the plans, sketches, or anything you have. It's good to see a fellow Kentuckian do such fine work. Thank you.
eastern_shore@lycos.com
Really beautiful design and superb craftsmanship in the execution. How do we contact you to obtain the construction information you so generously offered?
Thanks
planeguy@comcast.net
What an absolutely gorgeous piece! Bravo.
I'll be very curious how the top in particular ages given the problem with cross-grain construction (i.e., the seasonal expansion & contraction due to swings in the moisture content). I built a bench similar to your's ONLY in the sense that I locked the entire bench top within a frame of huge lumber (in my case it was 4" x 3" maple) and therefore I ended up needing to seal the thing in varnish to prevent the top from going through the whole compression/expansion cycle and in the process, presumably, cracking. So far so good (10 years plus) but I do wish I hadn't ended up needing to apply the varnish … my workpieces slide around too much for my liking.
Hi Jon,
What a wonderful piece of workmanship. I would really like to get any information you have (plans, sketches, or notes on your Work bench),
I can be contacted at Ghostrider6650@gmail.com.
Once again thanks for sharing a wonderful piece of wood work.
R.E Garside
Garside Racing
P.S. The first scratch is the worst, then it's on to enjoy bench...
I have been researching my new workbench and keep coming back to yours. Absolutely beautiful. I would love to receive any of info you have. You can send to j.c.hutch@gmail.com
This is one of he most beautiful benches I have ever seen, bravo my fiend. Did you use a plan or did you come up with it on your own? I love the two colors. One question though,"The outside edge surrounding the bench, is that another species altogether or is it stain?"
This is one of he most beautiful benches I have ever seen, bravo my fiend. Did you use a plan or did you come up with it on your own? I love the two colors. One question though,"The outside edge surrounding the bench, is that another species altogether or is it stain?" Strike that from the record I just read the body of the bench description.
If plans for this bench are still available, I would love to take this project on! Great work... my email is eclifton@mywijjit.com
Thank you in advance.
Jon, I, too, would like to see your notes and plans as I am planning to make a workbench this summer (though I'm not quite sure I'm up to this masterpiece, just yet). Really magnificent.
Tay Moss
tay.moss@gmail.com
Superb work. If possible, I would greatly appreciate your plans and notes. I am going to be building my workbench this fall and winter.
john62yg@gmail.com
Thanks much!
John
That is one incredible workbench!!! I do hope you have been getting some good use from it. It might be difficult to think about getting it scuffed and dinged while using it, cause it really looks like a work of art. It does look like it has been designed to be as practical as it is beautiful.
You had mentioned having some construction notes and information -- do you still have that information available, and how can I get a copy?
Excellent work!
Hi Jon,
I have been studying workbench designs for a long time. Now that I'm ready to build, I keep coming back to your magnificent design, and I intend to build one similar this fall. I would love to receive any information you have compiled on this design and construction, and I would be very grateful if you would be so kind to send me whatever you have. Of course, I will cover any cost associated with copying, mailing, etc. Congratulations on creating such a work of art!
paul@engineerseye.com
Paul Casper
Hi Jon,
I have been studying workbench designs for a long time. Now that I'm ready to build, I keep coming back to your magnificent design, and I intend to build one similar this fall. I would love to receive any information you have compiled on this design and construction, and I would be very grateful if you would be so kind to send me whatever you have. Of course, I will cover any cost associated with copying, mailing, etc. Congratulations on creating such a work of art!
paul@engineerseye.com
Paul Casper
Can you add me to the list of people requesting plans, notes, or whatever you have? Congratulations on a fantastic piece of work.
schniggeldorf@gmail.com
Wow incredible job mate I think its the best I've seen and I would very much appreciate you sending me details and plans as well thanks so much in advance.
kitchenrenodesign@yahoo.ca
I love what you have done with this bench, it is a beautiful piece of work. I am thinking about upgrading the bench i built almost 3 years ago and this bench has really sparked my interest to get going with my new bench. I would love to know what you love most about this piece and what if anything you would consider doing differently. You mentioned that you had put together plans and drawings and other information that you had used to build this and i would love to see what you have. If you would contact me and open the lines of communication i would be extremely grateful . christopher_gunn@me.com Thanks so much in advance
Chris
Beautiful! How did you attach the bubinga aprons? Are they glued or bolted to the ends of the bench?
to EdSaldana: To attach the end aprons, I cut a ¾” wide dado in the end grain of the table top and also in the aprons (don’t extend dados to end where they would be visible). Position of the dados has to be perfect so that the top of the table and top of aprons are perfectly aligned. I then cut a maple spline to go in the dados. Make the spline a tight fit—with the spline in place, the end aprons should be held in good position. I sealed the end grain, apron, spline and dados with some Danish oil and applied some paste wax to the spline before attaching the end aprons to the top. While the splines hold the end aprons in fairly good position, I secured them with lag screws and washers. Used Forstner bit to recess head of screws and washers into apron. The holes for the screws are oversize through the aprons to allow for wood movement. I then used maple wood “plugs” to fill the whole over the lag screws, gluing in place and sanding smooth
If you give me your E-mail- I will forward you more detailed info on how I designed and built the bench.
Jeff
Most beautiful bench I have seen. If you have plans available, I would like to get them.
Jon,
This is one of the most elegant, yet sturdy, workbenches I have seen so far, and I have been looking at workbenches for the last few months. Incredible attention to details and excellent ideas to allow everything to "float" and be able to assemble and disassemble back together.
I would greatly appreciate any advise/plans you are willing to share to help me finalize my design.
My email is rehaimy@gmail.com
Congratulations on a job well done!!
I find your bench truly outstanding If you could send me any plans and build information you have collected together it would be very, very much appreciated. You have done an outstanding job!
carldillon@shaw.ca
Fantastic work!!
I built a workbench a number of years back but over the years I have learned that I am not happy with it. I would really like to dismantle and rebuild it using your design. If you could email me on any details you have on your bench that would help me out I would greatly appreciate it.
Fortunately I will be able to reuse a lot of parts from my first bench. I have a pattern makers vice, front vice and a tail vice so im well on the way.
finefurnitureworks@gmail.com
Keep up the good work!!
Jon
Nice work, How long did it take to make, and what woods did you use? can you forward me any detailed info of your bench.
marion46411@comcast.net
I am a new member, and one of the reasons i joined was because of the beautifully crafted workbench you designed, and built.
I would like to inquire about your plans, as i would like to replicate the basic plan with my personal touches, and requirements.
Would you be willing to provide these? I will be designing my project in Google Sketchup first (my most valuable program next to email).
I too have been looking for a bench I like for a few years and I think I found it! Like some of the others, I'd like to get your information on your build details. I especially would like to see you details on the tail vise. Hopefully you still read the responses to your great bench.
Thanks,
Brian
slozuke@live.com
Posted with out my email, for the plans.
antoniojochoa@yahoo.com
Beautiful bench Jon...I would love to see your plans if you are still sending out info on your build. My email is
gt22779@aol.com
Thanks,
Fantastic! I'm very interested in getting your plans and what you would change for your next bench. tjmccanna@gmail.com
Hello Jon; Any plans yet for your bench? Will gladly purchase. Very nice work. Russ
clarkrc1@gmail.com
Fantastic!!
I would love to have the plans if they are available.
Rhfrick@comcast.net
Beautiful design and implementation. Congratulations.
Would love your plan. nosedocman@comporium.net
Very Impressive bench. I have been planning to make a bench for years now, tossing up different features. Yours is both aesthetically beautiful and practically functional.
Great Job! Could I also request your plans/ drawings etc.
Hi Jon, I've been searching for solid workbench designs for a little while and I am very impressed with yours, having all the features I've been looking for and it looks fantastic. Hopefully you still participate on this forum. I would be grateful if you would share your plans with me. My email is vanvr@bigpond.com. I live in Australia.
Any chance you are still sending out copies of the plans? chrisc@nwaemail.com
Jon, what a magnificently designed bench. I'd really appreciate the plans and would be happy to send you something in return. Thanks. sales@flameboxelder.com
I see a lot of comments requesting your plans... and I'll add one more! The bench is an amazing piece of work! Great job! If you're willing / able to send out some plans, I'd greatly appreciate them... ryanpett@icloud.com - thanks!
Wow! Beautiful! I too have been looking and reading about building a workbench much like the rest of the people below have commented, I just recently purchased most of the wood, I would love to receive any info that you may be able to forward to me about your design. I hope I am not too late in asking? Thank you in advance!
Congratulations on finishing your project!
outerlimits@shaw.ca
Adding my name to the request list for plans. Fantastic workbench. Fusionrx@gmail.com.
Thanks!
Jon, nicest bench I've seen. do you have any plans and BOM. Thanks....lhp4294@gmail.com
Really nice bench Jon, you should be proud of that. Count me in as well if you are still sending plans out.
Well done sir....
Rich
rich@petersenfamily.net
Any chance you are still sending out copies of the plans? indruindru@yahoo.com
Thx.
John,
I have looked to and fro for plans for building a workbench, but have not been successful as I am very particular in what I want. I saw your workbench and was quite impressed. I have not seen any other like it.
I am very interested in purchasing the plans if they are available.
Please respond at your earliest convenience.
Bruce
Hi Jeff,
well there's not much more to be said.. that is one heck of a workbench! I think the contrasting wood really sets it off. I would really appreciate any plans or diagrams you may have.
Thank you,
Scott
sdearoic@gmail.com
Truly beautiful bench, Jon. I would be interested in purchasing plans as well.
can I PLEASE buy the plans to this awesome table??
David
boz@mastersranch.org
Really nice craftsmanship. Is your step by step guide you reference still available anywhere.
Ken.petro@gmail.com
If it is still possible I would love to get the plans! I am starting to build up my own shop and I know how important having a good workbench is.
hollogram92@hotmail.com
I absolutely love your workbench. I am in the process of setting up my workshop as a retirement project. I would really appreciate receiving your plans. One of my first projects will be building a workbench.
Thank you immensely.
My email is: btouchings@nichollandakers.com
Barrie
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