Monk's bench
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- This topic has 8 replies, 8 voices, and was last updated 9 years, 10 months ago by Mark Armstrong.
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Hi, I am in the process of designing a monk’s bench such as this
http://thewoodstore.co.uk/boxes-settles/oak-monks-bench-4.html
The carcase construction is fairly straightforward I think, basically a lot of mortise/tenons and the fielded panels to slot in.
I am not too sure what would be the best way to attach the side pieces though.
My options so far:-
Screws, (I would like to use joints really)
Dowels, (possibly not that strong)
Barefaced tenons continued from carcase cross pieces
Tenons as above with locking pegsAny thoughts or suggestions welcome.
I’m no expert on furniture design, but I’ve seen the following joints used on these kind of pieces:
– A rabbet down the back edge of the side panel to accept the back panel
– A housing dado near the front of the side panel to take the front panelIf the back and front panels are more than 3/4″ thick then I guess you could think about a rabbet on their edges as well. The bottom section would likely have some sort of internal framework to add rigidity and support the seat. You could use a housing dado with a through tenon like Paul did on the tool chest drawers (see photo).
If you’re not making an exact copy of something you’ve sat on, you might consider making a prototype out of something cheaper than oak! These kind of benches often aren’t that comfortable but it would pay to experiment with the seat height and depth.
Would be great to see how this progresses.
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You must be logged in to view attached files.7 June 2014 at 12:43 pm #57979Sliding doevtail would be strong or go with what Martin suggested through tenons that are wedged if done properly looks quite attractive and is very rigid.
Well see attached for the joints I went for, they worked ok but due to some poor planning they were a little to close to the edges and so tend to be on the weak side, especially the dovetails on the bottom which are an accident waiting to happen. I made it from pine anyway so hopefully will have learned something if I get round to making it in oak.
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You must be logged in to view attached files.2 July 2014 at 6:38 pm #59059Nice looking bench and I’m certain it will be useful too. Good work!
Cheers
3 July 2014 at 1:02 am #59071Nice work! I like the way you tackled the assembly problem. It’s a good looking bench.
5 July 2014 at 4:22 pm #59124That looks great. Time with tell with the concerns you pointed out, but I think the strength is there. Thanks for sharing.
6 July 2014 at 12:53 am #59133Looks great really good effort 😉
My concern would be dovetail on the back rest part as that is where you will lean back on. I know with glues now most likely strong enough but a mortise and tenon would be more favourable in that situation .
If you did not want to see tenons through side you could have used a blind foxed wedge tenons. Basically you make a blind mortise and tenon. Then put a couple of saw kerfs in tenon. Then put some small wedges in saw Kerfs in tenon. Also you angle sides of mortise slightly. You must make sure your wedges not to long as joint will not seat properly. Also a one shot wonder. Once in not coming out because the dovetail effect the wedges have on the tenon when pushed down into saw kerfs.
A very useful joint for strength and being unsighted. -
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