Brendon_t Posted June 7, 2015 Report Share Posted June 7, 2015 In this era (slash on this site especially I'm sure since it was a guild build) it seems like THE bench to build is a Roubo type with BC hardware. Power tool guys, knuckle dragger types, slashie'ies.. They all love the Roubo. My question is, are there any other popular style benches, maybe that other communities build that plans are readily available for? I really like the style and functionality of the Roubo, but I want to make sure before I drop 2 grand into it that I wasn't missing something. I've spent HOURS searching the "gargle" and it comes up with a lot of cheaper looking styles from 2x4's to home center syp. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tpt life Posted June 7, 2015 Report Share Posted June 7, 2015 Ask Graham about the Nicholson. Ask Llama about a Shaker if he finishes. Google cheap Roubo and find every version including bowling lane floor or laminated plywood. I would refer you to a Scwarz discussion, but I am not sure what video was pirated... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coop Posted June 7, 2015 Report Share Posted June 7, 2015 Brendon, I did a thread on my bench, "Hybrid Workbench", back in 8/14 and really like the way it acts. Fretless Llama started one, "Shaker Workbench" back on 12/21/13 that is super cool. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
..Kev Posted June 7, 2015 Report Share Posted June 7, 2015 This is one that I built for a buddy of mine.. It will eventually have a roubo top and BC hardware but, it is a little different. http://imageshack.com/a/img910/9030/YVWrHS.jpg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Llama Posted June 8, 2015 Report Share Posted June 8, 2015 In the end it just doesn't matter... As long as a bench accomplishes what it needs to be a bench, it's going to be ok. There is far too much written about workbenches. I bought almost every book in my search for the perfect one. In the end, only you can determine what you need. The truth is I built (building) a Shaker workbench because of two reasons. I like their style, and everyone else (Graham excluded) seems to be building a damn Roubo. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tpt life Posted June 8, 2015 Report Share Posted June 8, 2015 I am hoping someone can reference the Schwarz discussion because I do not want to type it out. It was nuts and bolts simple with the basic functions a bench needs to perform. The video I watched and linked here got flagged as pirated content posted to YouTube inappropriately. Ultimately I agree with Mel's assessment and will build what I dang well please just because I want to and understand what it needs to do for me to function well. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
..Kev Posted June 8, 2015 Report Share Posted June 8, 2015 I can understand not wanting to jump on the "roubo bandwagon" but, it does offer a lot of upside. I do agree with the statements above tho about building the bench that's right for your work flow and needs. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tpt life Posted June 8, 2015 Report Share Posted June 8, 2015 Not exactly plans, but good. http://blog.lostartpress.com/2014/09/08/download-free-plans-for-the-knockdown-nicholson-workbench/ Plans. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhighlander Posted June 8, 2015 Report Share Posted June 8, 2015 A workbench needs to accomplish 2 things. First, provide a platform at a comfortable working height for your working style. Second, allow work pieces to be anchored solidly against the force applied by your tools. Generally, a power tool workflow does not require as heavy a working surface as is needed for hand tool work. Frankly, I like the 'joinery bench' that Shannon Rogers has in his shop. It is a good size for chopping dovetails and such by hand, especially if most of your work is with machines. A light and portable worktable is good for infeed / outfeed to machines, and assembly of the project. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Dave H Posted June 8, 2015 Popular Post Report Share Posted June 8, 2015 I built mine for about $300 with vice hardware. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
..Kev Posted June 8, 2015 Report Share Posted June 8, 2015 I built mine for about $300 with vice hardware. Great looking bench Higtron! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FtrPilot Posted June 8, 2015 Report Share Posted June 8, 2015 Great looking bench Higtron! +1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brendon_t Posted June 8, 2015 Author Report Share Posted June 8, 2015 Thanks for the input all. Like fretless said, there is just Wayy too much info out there about benches. I have read a lof of mr schwartz's articles, followed numerous bench builds. There is almost so much info out there that it causes paralysis by analysis. I understand the functions most good benches have. Working for years on a cheap HF bench has made me appreciate the ability to hold work securely, since I can't. I totally get the love of the Robou, I have just never been that guy that builds what everybody else has. Of all of my local wood working buddies, all of them have bought their benches. They are all nice benches and I've worked on them all and thing I could be happy with any number of benches. I'm just adding to the paralysis before I pull the trigger. Besides buying the wood and hardware, I'm also going to be getting a griz 8" jointer before starting this. Jointing these boards on my 24" jointer is a no go and doing it by hand is just masochistic... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jmaichel Posted June 8, 2015 Report Share Posted June 8, 2015 Google "The Naked Woodworker Workbench" check out the video results. It Mike Siemens's take on a Nicholson Bench. Its built out of big box construction lumber and with a limited about of tools. It should serve you well for many years. I am building one soon and I will eventually build a Robou once I have almost every tool I want first. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TerryMcK Posted June 8, 2015 Report Share Posted June 8, 2015 I bought a Swedish commercial bench (made from solid European beech) a few years ago that is adequate and works well allowing me to get on with building furniture, instruments and occasionally shop projects. I might make a workbench in time when this one wears out but for now the commercial one works just fine for me. I can see the value of a Moxon vice in the type of work I do and may build one of those in preference to a bench. Of course it's up to you as to what sort of bench you want/need to fit into your shop space/suit your workflow/meet your budget and whether you choose to build or buy. I've read the Schwarz book on workbenches and you can get some good ideas from that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Gary Posted June 9, 2015 Popular Post Report Share Posted June 9, 2015 I'm certainly one of the people here that jumped on the Roubo bandwagon. I think there have been a lot of very good points already made here, but I have a couple of thoughts to add. I will say that any stable bench that offers multiple work holding options with minimal effort is a good bench design. Your bench does not have to be a Roubo style. I think a big reason that style of bench became so popular, aside from the Schwarz popularizing it; is that it is an effective design with very well-documented plans, sexy high-end hard hardware and the killer guild build video instruction. I may be over-simplifying, but for me it was "an easy way out"... and I don't mean that in a negative way. I needed a bench, and this puppy was practically a pre-packaged, skill-building woodworking pop icon. Oh, one final thought. The vise hardware can be made from much cheaper sources other than BC. I know that some guys have been able to source decent quality hand wheels and acme threads and put together their own vise solutions. 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brendon_t Posted June 9, 2015 Author Report Share Posted June 9, 2015 Thanks SlingGary. A friend of mine works at an aerospace company with a 3d printer that prints in titanium and other metals. The operator comes in on the weekends and runs it for side projects.. I think this May be an awesome solution.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AstroDave Posted June 9, 2015 Report Share Posted June 9, 2015 Thanks SlingGary. A friend of mine works at an aerospace company with a 3d printer that prints in titanium and other metals. The operator comes in on the weekends and runs it for side projects.. I think this May be an awesome solution.. I can see it now... Get your new BC Roubo hardware here "Now with Titanium" Hmmm standby for pricing details... Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim DaddyO Posted June 9, 2015 Report Share Posted June 9, 2015 If you look at an original "Plate 11" Roubo bench, it has no vices at all. They used a crochet, planing stops, and hold fasts (most likely a batten too). That would save a lot of money not having to buy the beautiful but expensive BC hardware. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FtrPilot Posted June 11, 2015 Report Share Posted June 11, 2015 If you decide to build something other than a BC Roubo, then I would strongly recommend that you make your base stout enough for a leg vise. You might even pre-configure one of the base legs like Kev did on the bench he built for a friend. The picture below is Kev's, and it nicely shows the left front leg pre-configured for a BC leg vise. You can download the BC install manual for their leg vise on the BC web site. The install manual gives all of the dimensions required for installing a BC leg vise. If you decide to use hardware from other manufacturers, as Gary mentions, I would still recommend the BC leg vise crisscross. They do sell all of their products separately. Whatever you do decide, we expect to see a journal of your build. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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