chrisb Posted December 21, 2014 Report Share Posted December 21, 2014 Does anyone have any experience with this workbench? I currently do not have a workbench and this one looked pretty straight forward to build. I am curious how it holds up over time and if you get any sagging on the side with the vise. Thanks, Chris. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cabinfever Posted December 23, 2014 Report Share Posted December 23, 2014 I have the DVD, but haven't made it. I think he uses glue and screws to "clamp" it when laminating the top. Beech is a classic bench wood. I will probably follow the lag bolt etc method he shows for the base, but construct a laminated top rather than buy countertops. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wdwerker Posted December 23, 2014 Report Share Posted December 23, 2014 I scoped out the videos and it does look like a functional design for a bench. As for the top do you know anyone with a vacuum veneer press? That would be perfect to laminate a couple of those tops together. The longer you can let the lumber dry and acclimate to the shop the better your results will be. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Llama Posted December 23, 2014 Report Share Posted December 23, 2014 What are your expectations for the bench? I wouldn't call it a "lifetime" bench, but certainly get you through a few years of solid work. Then you'll have your own list of what features you need in a bench. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cabinfever Posted December 23, 2014 Report Share Posted December 23, 2014 As for the top do you know anyone with a vacuum veneer press? That would be perfect to laminate a couple of those tops together. Seems like a lot of work for a bench. They just use drywall screws, and then remove them when it dries. Sounds like something a buddy of mine would think up. But hey if it works.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wdwerker Posted December 23, 2014 Report Share Posted December 23, 2014 The drywall screws provide point pressure and not so much an inch or so away. It works but the top by Schwartz's admission needed more flattening. Any kind of even clamping pressure like a veneer press would yield a flatter top, if you have acess to one. It's just a plastic bag and a vacuum pump. If anyone in Atlanta needs acess to one give me a call. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrisb Posted December 23, 2014 Author Report Share Posted December 23, 2014 Unfortunately, I do not have access to a veneer press. So I will most likely be using drywall screws. I decided against laminating a top since I don't have a planar or jointer (I hope to at some point). My expectations for the workbench are pretty modest. Solid, simple to build, and something that will tied me over until I am ready to construct a more elaborate one in a number of years. Chris. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coop Posted December 23, 2014 Report Share Posted December 23, 2014 Chris, I built mine using part of his design. I used 3 pieces of 3/4 ply with the glue and screws. Have only been using it for 2 or 3 months, but that sucker's not going anywhere. I did a journal on it back in August. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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