Popular Post Scott Meggison Posted December 4, 2016 Popular Post Report Share Posted December 4, 2016 I wanted a portable tabletop bench for carving and small boxes etc. I wanted something that I could take in my motorhome. I had some 2" red oak and went from there. I made 2 Moxon vices for the front and end. I made the 3/4" oak screws in 3 different lengths. I did not glue them in as I was concerned about them sticking out and getting broken off in transit. I made the tool tray with a sliding hardboard top. There are matching slots for the top underneath to store the top. The tray is sized to fit all the vice parts, bench dogs and other pieces. The tray is attached with two 1/2" brass rods drilled into matching holes in the bench. Finished with Linseed oil. This is my first try at this type of bench and I am already thinking of changes on my next one. The overall dimensions are 26" x 11" x 2" without the vices. My next one will be a little smaller, about 14" x 8" x 2". Always looking for improvements and suggestions. Any and all comments welcome. 8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bradpotts Posted December 4, 2016 Report Share Posted December 4, 2016 Very cool idea Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PlaneOleWoodWorker Posted December 5, 2016 Report Share Posted December 5, 2016 Like this idea. I also have been keen on joinery bench like Shannons but lack floor space for another specialty bench. This table top version for dovetails and carving looks like a great compromise. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anna S Posted January 18, 2017 Report Share Posted January 18, 2017 How did you make the wooden screws and nuts? I looked into several ways to make them for another project, but ultimately decided I needed the finer thread count on metal screws, but I'm not thrilled with that option. Do you have problems with them sticking or getting loose as the wood moves? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scott Meggison Posted January 18, 2017 Author Report Share Posted January 18, 2017 Hello Anna, The wooden screws and nuts are made from red oak. Due to the coarse grain of the oak, the threads on the rods chipped a little but it doesn't affect the function. I bought a tap and dye set from Grizzly and am very happy with them. I used 2 coats of linseed oil and a generous coat of Johnson's Paste wax on the threads. They spin on and off easily and stay tight. If your project needs the nuts to stay tight for a longer term you could double nut it to lock them on. I drilled a 5/8" hole in 3/4" thick red oak for the nuts. Different wood species may require a different size hole. Hope this info helps. Feel free to ask again if I wasn't clear. Scott Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brendon_t Posted January 19, 2017 Report Share Posted January 19, 2017 Awesome idea and looks like great execution. I was wondering about the longevity of the red oak threads. I wonder if something harder with smaller pores and tighter grain like hard maple or purple heart would last longer. It would probably be an epic pita to cut them but?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chet Posted January 19, 2017 Report Share Posted January 19, 2017 Thats a great project Scott. I missed this when you originally posted it. Anna I think that both Woodcraft and Rockler have tap and dye sets for wood. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scott Meggison Posted January 19, 2017 Author Report Share Posted January 19, 2017 2 hours ago, Brendon_t said: Awesome idea and looks like great execution. I was wondering about the longevity of the red oak threads. I wonder if something harder with smaller pores and tighter grain like hard maple or purple heart would last longer. It would probably be an epic pita to cut them but?? I agree completely. The purple heart was my first thought because I like the color next to the red oak. Maple would have been a better choice for threads also, but didn't have any of that either, that weekend and wanted to get it done. Thanks for reminding me, I will stop at my buddy's sawmill and grab some small pieces and make new rods. BTW: thanks for the kind words about my project. I used the short moxon vice face and made a hold down. Works but a little flex in it. Looking for ideas Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhighlander Posted January 19, 2017 Report Share Posted January 19, 2017 Any way to use a thicker dowel for the part that locks through the hole in the bench? I'm sure that long threaded rod is the flexing part. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brendon_t Posted January 19, 2017 Report Share Posted January 19, 2017 I wouldn't think twice about throwing a Veritas inset vice in it. You could use dog holes as small as nails if you were so inclined. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scott Meggison Posted January 19, 2017 Author Report Share Posted January 19, 2017 I'm sure you are right. I was trying to use existing parts. The threaded rods are 3/4" Dia, same as the dog holes. Maybe a shorter metal rod would be better, but I like the look of the wood. Still thinking The Veritas vice is definitely on my radar for my next version. I want to make a smaller one. About 14" x 9" x 2" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhighlander Posted January 19, 2017 Report Share Posted January 19, 2017 Slip the threaded rod through a piece of pipe. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scott Meggison Posted January 19, 2017 Author Report Share Posted January 19, 2017 Good thought, that would help. thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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