This project was submitted by Shannon, and its the first in a series of workbench projects we’ll be posting this week in our “Week of Workbenches”! So let’s take a look:
I just finished off my workbench, and was wondering if you would like to post it. It is 3″ thick hard maple. I laminated 8/4 maple on edge, making 4 rows of square bench dogs holes that span the entire length. I made the square holes prior to the assembly (by doing it this way, I was able to cut the dog holes on the table saw with a home made jig that angled the holes 2.5 degrees towards the end vise). I then routed out 1″ out the top of the dog holes, so the bench dogs can recess flush with the top. The base is solid maple with pinned mortise and tenon at the base, and wedge mortise and tenon for the stretchers. The pins and wedges are black walnut. All base mortises are hand chiseled (not fun in 3″ thick hard maple). The front and side aprons are 7-1/4″ 8/4 maple. I have a Veritas twin screw vise for the end vise (mounted on a 4″ thick maple vise with square bench dog holes), and a quick release front vise made with 3″ thick maple with round dog holes (and 2 rows of of round holes across the bench). It took several days of labor intensive hand planing to get a dead flat top, but it was worth it. I finished it off with several coats of danish oil, and a coat of paste wax. I figure the final weight is around 450-500 pounds. Hope you like it.
10 Responses to “Shannon’s Workbench – Week of Workbenches”
Shannon -
Wow! What a beast! 500-pounds! This bench will last for generations. I wouldn’t want to have to move it.
Wow, Nice piece of work…bench there! I have one I made from an old Solid door (well the benchtop anyway). not nearly as pretty. The old door had good character and now it has a new use, of course with our move stretching into it’s fifth month, my bench doesn’t see much work per-se, except holding tools and house junk. Soon, now very soon I shall reclaim it as mine!
I like the idea of cutting the dog-holes before lamination, good tip. I want to build a work-bench like these when I get my shop setup, can’t wait to see what the rest of the week holds.
Wow, 3 inches thick? Ya don’t see that much anymore. Mine’s in pieces and comes in at 1″ with reinforcement on the edges under it.
Looks nice and must have cost a bundle for all that wood in one place. Just a curiosity question. Why square bench dog holes? I’m an extreme novice (if I could even be called that good) and I’m trying to gather info for a shop I will be building soon.
Dude, this bench is too nice! I’d be afraid to work on it.
BTW, thanks for making my double thick plywood bench look like a piece of crap! ;)
Nice work Shannon! You have the skills and motivation I only dream of.
This is certainly a fine bench. It is clearly evident that a lot of thought and work went into the making of this bench.
This bench radiates with pride and craftsmanship.
The bench for your great grandkids for sure.
I made the square dog holes so when an odd shaped piece is being clamped, the dogs will not rotate, as they could with round holes. Round holes would have been fine, but since I had a choice during the building process, I opted for the square holes.
Great piece! Can I ask how much it cost for all the wood?