tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3554186870925500720.post5110604808065301989..comments2023-05-20T10:47:25.792-04:00Comments on Close Grain: Apartment WorkbenchSteve Branamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10526202082032043903noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3554186870925500720.post-49761014469413268692017-01-12T20:57:44.551-05:002017-01-12T20:57:44.551-05:00You might like Chris Schwarz's Milkman's W...You might like Chris Schwarz's Milkman's Workbench: http://www.popularwoodworking.com/workbenches/schwarz-workbenches/the-milkmans-workbench-in-useSteve Branamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10526202082032043903noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3554186870925500720.post-44006657207302800642017-01-12T20:43:10.963-05:002017-01-12T20:43:10.963-05:00I like this idea, but it's a bit more complex ...I like this idea, but it's a bit more complex than I am looking for and not as sturdy as I need. I need a solid foundation for a vice and ammunition reloading gear. It has to be solid. I have been playing with the idea of building a workbench surface that I can C-Clamp to my small dining room table (say 3x4'). I'd like to split it long-wise to add hinges for folding and storing, and wonder if anyone has done this before. <br /><br />Thanks,<br />MikeMikehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06719511110425071431noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3554186870925500720.post-35819770406015155552014-01-13T20:17:56.473-05:002014-01-13T20:17:56.473-05:00Hi Remi, thanks! Yes, I will definitely be putting...Hi Remi, thanks! Yes, I will definitely be putting dog holes in it. I'll cover that in part 5 or so. I highly recommend a pair of Gramercy Tools holdfasts from Tools For Working Wood. That's why I listed the 3/4" spade bit in the tools.Steve Branamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10526202082032043903noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3554186870925500720.post-66445835067190144462014-01-13T14:19:45.095-05:002014-01-13T14:19:45.095-05:00Hi Steve,
I'm going to build this as my first...Hi Steve,<br /><br />I'm going to build this as my first ever project. I would like to know if you will put some dog holes eventually ? If not, what would be the best way to hold things while working with planes ?<br /><br />Thanks a lot, this is a very great workbench build !!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00448548514646653035noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3554186870925500720.post-2543439101976880432013-12-29T09:25:17.528-05:002013-12-29T09:25:17.528-05:00Hi Matthew,
Thanks! One of the great things about...Hi Matthew,<br /><br />Thanks! One of the great things about this hobby is that it's accessible to everyone, regardless of age or gender. All that matters is the drive to create.<br /><br />You could certainly make the top from plywood or MDF, building up layers of precut 4'x2' panels. I used solid wood because I really liked the way my Paul Sellers bench came out using those materials. I like the more traditional flavor.<br /><br />The main functional argument against sheet goods is their tendency to chip and delaminate under edge stresses. Specifically, I want the top to be able to take round holdfasts (like the Gramercy Tools holdfast), one of my favorite work-holding implements. Because a holdfast is driven down into a dog hole for a jam fit, the top edge of the hole takes a beating. Plywood and MDF will get torn up over time due to this. Not immediately, and you could screw down a replacement layer when it gets too bad.<br /><br />You also need to be careful about edge screwing into these materials. The front apron of the bench would have a weaker attachment and might eventually tear out. You could back it up with a long corner block under the front, screwed into the top from below, and through the apron from the front; just make sure it didn't block the legs folding up.<br /><br />So you could build a top from modern materials and build the undercarriage as shown. The plan is adaptable in a variety of ways to suit your specific needs.Steve Branamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10526202082032043903noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3554186870925500720.post-62374070667234500362013-12-29T03:21:59.191-05:002013-12-29T03:21:59.191-05:00I'm really looking forward to this project, as...I'm really looking forward to this project, as it fits me to the T (except that I'm not female). Your tool selection is very well thought out, and the design looks very solid but simple to execute.<br /><br />Only one question--why not a plywood top?<br /><br />I'd imagine that stacking some precut panels would be more stable and easier to glue up. I have access to some Russian birch ply, and I was thinking of using that for the top instead of the wood. I was thinking of a sacrificial layer of MDF on the top.<br /><br />I'd love your thoughts. I build guitars mostly by hand tools, but I'm definitely only a hobbyist.Matthewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05321194894153863694noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3554186870925500720.post-79526882674016612012013-12-26T18:41:04.530-05:002013-12-26T18:41:04.530-05:00Thanks, Seth! I've corrected the link. Yes, th...Thanks, Seth! I've corrected the link. Yes, those are all SketchUp drawings. This is my second project using it.Steve Branamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10526202082032043903noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3554186870925500720.post-88017584817200305092013-12-26T18:27:29.355-05:002013-12-26T18:27:29.355-05:00Hi Steve --
Great article. Really looking forward...Hi Steve --<br /><br />Great article. Really looking forward to the next one.<br /><br />One note, the Amazon link to the Pony vice actually goes to the Stanely plane.<br /><br />Did you do all the graphics using Sketchup? Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18051153014956106530noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3554186870925500720.post-66785137008378430322013-12-24T20:24:10.801-05:002013-12-24T20:24:10.801-05:00Hi Steve,
I didn't think that far ahead and I&...Hi Steve,<br />I didn't think that far ahead and I'm easily confused.Ralph Boumenothttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10606484453109932074noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3554186870925500720.post-35753023809665593872013-12-24T09:20:51.906-05:002013-12-24T09:20:51.906-05:00Hi Ralph, thanks!
The bench is 4' long, so yo...Hi Ralph, thanks!<br /><br />The bench is 4' long, so you only need to buy one 8' 2x8 and 1x8 and cut them in half. I've updated the post to indicate that.Steve Branamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10526202082032043903noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3554186870925500720.post-62122209992001878272013-12-24T09:18:37.140-05:002013-12-24T09:18:37.140-05:00Thanks! Built by some obscure New Englander!Thanks! Built by some obscure New Englander!Steve Branamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10526202082032043903noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3554186870925500720.post-53606874318466927822013-12-24T06:31:35.171-05:002013-12-24T06:31:35.171-05:00Hi Steve,
great post on an apartment bench. This c...Hi Steve,<br />great post on an apartment bench. This could also be used as a traveling bench to help out the in-laws. I don't need one but I would like to make one just to do it.<br /><br />One question - the plans state 2 -2x8's and 1 2x6 for the bottom layer and the same dimensions for the top with 3/4 stock. The cost sheets only list 1 2x8 and 1 1x8.Ralph Boumenothttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10606484453109932074noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3554186870925500720.post-84434421075944302892013-12-23T20:57:08.164-05:002013-12-23T20:57:08.164-05:00A great design and should motivate those who want ...A great design and should motivate those who want to get started in woodworking. Doesn't cost an arm and a leg, and wasn't even built by some obscure Frenchman! Good job.<br />Rickhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11990760547448248436noreply@blogger.com