Workbench…beginnings.
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17 January 2014 at 7:07 pm #26105
Franco you are doing an excellent job, those legs look a lot better than mine.
Steve
17 January 2014 at 7:41 pm #26108Franko, that is really good work. You are going to have a very nice workbench before too long.
Twins!!
Finally got the legs made. Next is the aprons, and also deciding what length I want to make it. I may opt for an ash, or beech top, just to feel what other timber is like to work with and also for something different; depends on how the trip to the lumber yard goes. 🙂
P.s – Is it worth applying finish at this stage?
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You must be logged in to view attached files.This is so inspiring!!!! Thank you for showing your step by step progress. Breaking it down into components makes it all seem more “do-able”. Your work looks EXCELLENT. I know you’ll love the bench.
The finish question would be a no brainer for me. My bench legs will be a different color than the apron and top, so I’d finish the legs now. Or at least partially finish them once all modifications to the leg assembly are complete.
I look forward to seeing your finished bench.
31 January 2014 at 11:53 pm #26967Frank, your good work continues. Finishing at this point is up to you, no harm either way. Remember to leave the finish off the apron area if you are going to using the glue and screw method. If you are going the bolt and wedge method then there will be no problem.
Keep the posts coming. I’m excited to see your finished bench.
A little further along on the path of workbenchdom…
Nothing particularly exciting. The aprons are both complete; I finished the second one this morning. The finish is smooth, but I am considering using a smoothing-plane to get an even nicer finish. I’ve never used one before, plus, any excuse to buy some more tools! My main concern is that the small defects in the wood (of which some created by me) might pop out after oiling them.
The first picture is of some interestingly shaped shavings after rounding of the edges. Enjoy.
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You must be logged in to view attached files.Franco-
I think aprons ARE exciting, even for workbenches 😉
Seriously, your progressing very nicely. Your making me want to build another workbench to see how my skills have improved.
I would not worry too much about any surface imperfections. It is a workbench that should and will get dented, dinged and marked up in short order!
1 March 2014 at 5:15 am #28467Franco…I agree with Scott. I’m excited for every bench build that gets posted on here. I get to vicariously relive my bench build plus I know what possibilities will open up for each person once they complete their bench.
I also agree not to worry about the small imperfections. Everyone of us who have built a bench worried about them too. We wanted pristine and smooth surfaces. Once you put your bench to work that will change. My bench is over a year old now. It’s been sawed into, chiseled into, nailed into, drilled into and more. The first few blemishes hurt me a little, but now they are good memories of the projects that I have built. I don’t abuse my bench but I use it to its fullest in order to build my projects.
Your bench is coming along great. Keep us posted.
2 March 2014 at 3:38 pm #28502Franco, striving for perfection is a trait of craftsmanship. Another trait is understanding what portions of a project are important. A glass smooth top on a workbench is great to look at, but horrible to work on. Every piece of wood you put on it will slide around. The bench top needs to be flat, stiff and grip the work piece. Those small imperfections will allow air to escape from under the work pieces that you lay on the bench. This will help the work piece to stay in place. Some even goes as far as to use a toothing plane to roughen the bench top.
Concentrate on flat with no twist and the bench will serve you well.
Franco, the joinery needs to be perfect or as near as you can get it. This gives the bench it’s rigidity. The bench should also be planed flat, square, twist free as Scott and Greg say. I took the arris off all edges on my bench to reduce the chances of me getting splinters when you run your hand along the bench.
3 March 2014 at 5:12 am #28540Congratulations on completing the two aprons, Franco. Your work looks very well organized and well-executed, IMHO. My bench will also have two aprons. I look forward to seeing each post of your workbench project.
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