Workbench Project


jgfore

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I do not remember which episode it was that Marc made the comment, that he had alot of issues with his workbench, but I thought that it would be GREAT to do a build on him making the DREAM BENCH (whatever that might be). I am saying this because I do not have a GOOD woodworker's workbench. I have an assembly table that I use clamps to clamp boards to the side of every time I need to use my planes. If there is already a video of a really nice workbench, then please point me to it.

Marc, is there a possibility that a workbench could be in the future?

It does not neccessarily have to be a Guild Build, however that would be nice.

Jeff

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This one, although non-traditionnal, is getting good reviews. I'll built it this summer:

http://www.finewoodworking.com/Workshop/WorkshopArticle.aspx?id=28530

Sketchup model here:

http://sketchup.google.com/3dwarehouse/details?mid=eff8d172d27871ecde019935c0df97c4

Right now, I love this plywood bench design, they are heavy and rock solid. I've got two of them on casters:

http://www.finewoodworking.com/PlansAndProjects/PlansAndProjectsArticle.aspx?id=29507

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There are lots of resources on benches. Fine Woodworking recently had a series that I liked. In their usual very short (relative to the actual build) and not the detail you get with Marc. But still good for catching some details and excitement. Might need to be a member for that, though they probably offer the teaser intro free. Marc's good buddy Aaron, aka Renaissance Woodworker had a very detailed step-by-step Roubo series. Check his blog for details: http://rogersfinewoodworking.com/blog/. That might have been two years ago.

For something as major and important as a workbench where most videos come short is in the analysis or pros and cons of various approaches. For anyone serious or who loves pondering these important topics, check out Chris Schwarz two books on Workbenches. I only read the 2nd. Refer to it often as I dream of the dream workbench. He analyses perhaps a dozen of the benches he has built or consulted on over the years, including a look back after living with the bench for a while. Some are the deluxe models, others the quickie budget or the "we need it for the show next weekend." So great range that Chris offers with great humor and style. I wouldn't consider designing or building a bench without my dog eared copy of that book. Once you design the bench, then you can find videos or PDFs to help with actual construction.

Marc's old video where he discusses where his bench did well and where it disappoints is a great piece as it helps you actually think about how you will use it, rather than just looking cool, or rock solid. Same with the CS books.

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I think that you mean Shannon Rogers. Aaron Rogers is the QB for the Packers... unless you know something that I dont know..

Sac, I probably know something you don't, but once again, you know better than I this time. Thanks for the correction.

Marc has so few friends, you'd think I could keep track of ’em.

; )

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This one, although non-traditionnal, is getting good reviews. I'll built it this summer:

http://www.finewoodworking.com/Workshop/WorkshopArticle.aspx?id=28530

Sketchup model here:

http://sketchup.google.com/3dwarehouse/details?mid=eff8d172d27871ecde019935c0df97c4

Right now, I love this plywood bench design, they are heavy and rock solid. I've got two of them on casters:

http://www.finewoodworking.com/PlansAndProjects/PlansAndProjectsArticle.aspx?id=29507

I've been really pleased with the Rock-Solid Plywood Workbench. As a starting woodworker I just needed a sturdy work platform with a good vise. I just finished building two shaker end tables. The workbench was a vast improvement over my previous makeshift setups.

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  • 2 weeks later...

Hi, did you buy the kit or did you build from scratch? I'm thinking of building from scratch or close to it anyway. Thanks

I did not build one. I am a member of TalkFestool and remembered that a few there had. A couple posted descriptions and photos as they built. Join the forum, check out the builds and contact the builders with any questions you may have. You will find they will be very helpful. Benchcrafted has it's own section on TalkFestool.com and Jameel is an active participant.

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