Reply To: Bench modifications
Welcome! / Forums / General Woodworking Discussions / Projects / Bench modifications / Reply To: Bench modifications
Congrats on finishing your bench, Steve. Now the real fun begins!
Martin, I’ve had timber between the cross rails before and it has helped but I now prefer to keep it upright leaning against a wall as I had problems with the wood moving. I used stickers but that reduced stability and I ended up with timber falling on my feet!
Most of the student benches had a drawer in the apron that left both ends of the bench free for shelves, so you could still use a clamp or install a vise. I’ll dig up the photos I took detailing how the drawer and it’s runners were fitted but it’s mainly plywood, blocks and screws.
The holes in the tool well to accommodate gauges was a simple but useful tweak. The end-shelf and drawer were useful, especially in the context of a student bench where all the tools you need for the course have a home in arms reach. I think it would work well for storing everyday tools.
I’m also looking forward to the drawer making. Paul went over half-blind dovetails in the course and it’s much more straightforward than I anticipated. I haven’t tried chopping any yet though. Still practicing through dovetails making more boxes!
George.