wdwerker Posted January 27, 2015 Report Share Posted January 27, 2015 I want the clamping and stability . Every sheet goods topped bench I have ever made sagged ,chipped,or distorted in some way . Plus that Criss cross vice seems awesome Probably going to make a wider top. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dwacker Posted January 27, 2015 Report Share Posted January 27, 2015 You can use a bigger outfeed table attached to your saw for many hand tool operations. This is the 21st century there are loads of clamps, clamping fixtures and other holding devices available. I could see using a hand plane or scraper easily on my outfeed table, its not going anywhere my saw and table weigh over 700lbs. As long as you put a little thought into what you need to clamp its easy to come up with a solution. My favorite is Kreg key hole plates but the possibilities are pretty much endless. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim Kohl Posted January 27, 2015 Report Share Posted January 27, 2015 I'm new also, I built a 2 by and plywood bench added a vice and some shingles on lower shelf (for weight), 50 bucks, does not budge. At some point a better bench will get built. Part of the dilemma is I did not know what my needs were going to be. Only time will tell. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
collinb Posted January 27, 2015 Report Share Posted January 27, 2015 Woodcraft has a top at a modest price. http://www.woodcraft.com/Product/145685/24-x-60-Laminated-Maple-Bench-Top-70-Lbs.aspx That's the toughest to build. Just add a frame underneath. Could be a pretty nice table for about $300. That said, I do a lot with the older B&D Workmates as benches. Great for clamping and mounting tools like a drill press or small router table. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhighlander Posted January 28, 2015 Report Share Posted January 28, 2015 Although soft, a bench top of laminated construction lumber works well and is very inexpensive. Having the extra mass is great for pounding on stuff, without having to locate over a leg. Dog holes are great. Vices are great. Don't really need any of it for all power tool work. I prefer my smaller (22" x60") bench, because I can reach all of it without moving, and it fits my work habits. A piece of plywood over some horses does me for an assembly table when I need the extra real estate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tim0625 Posted January 28, 2015 Report Share Posted January 28, 2015 This might stir up some controversy but I'm thinking of buying a workbench. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ponderingturtle Posted January 28, 2015 Report Share Posted January 28, 2015 D I've been vacillating between build or buy for months. There are a lot of great benches available on the market depending of course on how much you want to spend. I was and still am considering it... here's one that I have been eyeing... Getting in the vicinity of a LN bench at this price point. Still probably 65/35 on Build/Buy spectrum myself... http://www.americanworkbench.com/WoodworkingBench.html Why on earth would you name a woodworking bench after a silver smith? Totally different trades. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhighlander Posted January 28, 2015 Report Share Posted January 28, 2015 Recognizable "American" name to suit the all-American theme of their ad campaign, is my guess. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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