So I've finally got every tool I need (for now) with the acquisition
of my table saw. My first project is going to be a mobile workbench.
Already have the bench, but currently it has a melamine top which is
kinda beat up. I have a buncha 3"x6" white oak in 6 to 7 foot lengths
that were taken out of our timberframe when we remodeled.
Anyhoo, I have a vise and plan for bench dogs. I will not be putting
a tray into it as I really don't do a lotta hand work.
Any other suggestions?
D'ohBoy
On Sep 15, 10:23=A0am, alexy <[email protected]> wrote:
> Larry Blanchard <[email protected]> wrote:
> >On Sun, 14 Sep 2008 14:35:30 -0400, Lee Michaels wrote:
>
> >> One feature I have on my bench is simply a shelf under the bench top. =
It
> >> extends full width/length of the bench and is about ten inches below t=
he
> >> bottom of the bench top. =A0When working on a project on the bench, I =
can use
> >> the entire surface and stash tools under the bench while working. It i=
s an
> >> incredible time saver and organizer. It doesn't take care of everythin=
g, but
> >> it does reduce the clutter.
>
> >You're right. =A0I did the same and it's really handy. =A0It's also nice=
to be
> >able to run bolts through the dogholes and tighten from underneath to ho=
ld
> >a grinder, scroll saw, planer, etc. to the bench.
>
> Or mounting holes purpose-drilled for the item being mounted. And
> slightly off-topic--don't forget wing-nuts. In 5/15" or 3/8" size,
> they provide enough leverage for temporary mounting =A0of something on
> the bench, and make installation and removal much easier.
>
> For me, this makes a mechanic's vise readily accessible without
> sacrificing part of my flat surface.
> --
> Alex -- Replace "nospam" with "mail" to reply by email. Checked infrequen=
tly.
Thanks to all for the valuable input. Already had some drawers and
storage in mind for underneath the bench. The addition of dog holes
that accommodate the attachment of my planer and other portable items
(cms, etc....) is a great suggestion!
Thanks again!
D'ohBoy
B A R R Y wrote:
> Larry Blanchard wrote:
>> On Sun, 14 Sep 2008 07:07:46 -0700, D'ohBoy wrote:
>>
>>> Anyhoo, I have a vise and plan for bench dogs. I will not be putting
>>> a tray into it as I really don't do a lotta hand work.
>>>
>>> Any other suggestions?
You haven't said what you plan to do at your bench. Most of my work is
done with power tools, and my bench is most commonly used for tool
maintenance.
At one point I built a tilting panel cart to make it easier to move
stuff around the shop. I still use it that way, but it's actually more
used as an assembly bench. There're a couple of photos at
http://www.iedu.com/DeSoto/Projects/PanelCart/ - and strangely enough,
one of the things that make it most useful is that it /doesn't/ have a
solid top. I built it so that the top of the aluminum 'slides' are
exactly even with the bed of one of my machines.
I also found it convenient to have a number of portable mini-benches -
so I combined a sturdy, flat work surface and wobble-proof sawhorse into
the stackable critter at http://www.iedu.com/DeSoto/Projects/SawHorse/
>> I saw an article in a magazine recently where someone used t-tracks in a
>> bench instead of dogholes. Looked like a good idea to me.
>
> I saw that too. I wondered why they just didn't drop the "odd shape
> holders" into the dog holes?
>
> The whole idea didn't seem to offer much that round dogs don't, in the
> context offered.
>
> I can see t-track being useful to hold things down, but can't imagine
> the implements holding very well against a vise. It seems to me that
> the aluminum could be easily deformed.
It would seem that way to me, but that hasn't happened to me yet (and
I've put some /serious/ stress on mine).
I've built a number of my own clamps and fixtures for use with t-track,
and I like that I can use fixtures originally built for one setup to
fill an unforseen need on a different setup - and I like that the
fixtures are inexpensive and easy to make. The only photos I have on the
web site currently are at http://www.iedu.com/DeSoto/RadialArmSaw/ - but
you might find it interesting that my adjustable fence/stops and the leg
levelers were all cut from the same 6' piece of aluminum. :-)
--
Morris Dovey
DeSoto Solar
DeSoto, Iowa USA
http://www.iedu.com/DeSoto/
Morris Dovey wrote:
> I've built a number of my own clamps and fixtures for use with
> t-track, and I like that I can use fixtures originally built for one
> setup to fill an unforseen need on a different setup - and I like
> that the fixtures are inexpensive and easy to make. The only photos I
> have on the web site currently are at
> http://www.iedu.com/DeSoto/Projects/RadialArmSaw/ - but you might
> find it interesting that my adjustable fence/stops and the leg
> levelers were all cut from the same 6' piece of aluminum. :-)
Argh! I screwed up the URL and tried to post a correction right
afterward - and just noticed that the correction didn't appear. It's
corrected in the text above and in my sig below. Sorry.
--
Morris Dovey
DeSoto Solar
DeSoto, Iowa USA
http://www.iedu.com/DeSoto/Projects/RadialArmSaw/
On Sep 14, 10:07=A0am, "D'ohBoy" <[email protected]> wrote:
> So I've finally got every tool I need
snip
> D'ohBoy
I'm new to WW (but not "new" - six grand kids). So, I don"t feel
qualified to answer most questions here. But, I am in the first bench
phase of my new hobby and thought I would share what I went through.
I looked at a lot of pictures, plans, etc. I love those big heavy
hard wood benches with all the bells and whistles. I knew I had to
get away from the plywood on sawhorses "bench", but what did I need?
I came to the conclusion that spending a lot of money and time on some
ultimate bench was not going to happen on the first try. I came
across a plan in WOOD magazine (issue163 june/july 2005). Their
description was "Build a rock-solid, low-cost workbench". Perfect!
If it dosen't work out or I move up, I can still put it to some other
use.
I built the basic bench with a solid core door top. The only thing
extra I did was to mill the two bys in the frame. I attached a wood
vise from the BORG and goodby sawhorses.
Since building I have added a couple of drawers, a second larger quick
release vise, and a shelf under one side of the bench top. I use both
vises. I find the shelf very handy to keep things at hand, but not
clutter the bench top. The drawers are full.
Originally I thought I wanted casters. However, I haven't had a time
where I wanted to move the bench. I could still put them on but I'm
not sure I would like them as it seems that the bench would be more
apt to slide. Maybe someone reading this will have experience with
casters and will comment.
My next add-ons will be more drawers. I also am considering adding
feet. These two will add weight and surface contact with the floor. I
always assumed that I would drill holes for the dogs. Haven't got
around to it. Right now I get by with clamping a board to the
benchtop and dogs in the vises.
Bob
Larry Blanchard <[email protected]> wrote:
>On Sun, 14 Sep 2008 14:35:30 -0400, Lee Michaels wrote:
>
>> One feature I have on my bench is simply a shelf under the bench top. It
>> extends full width/length of the bench and is about ten inches below the
>> bottom of the bench top. When working on a project on the bench, I can use
>> the entire surface and stash tools under the bench while working. It is an
>> incredible time saver and organizer. It doesn't take care of everything, but
>> it does reduce the clutter.
>
>You're right. I did the same and it's really handy. It's also nice to be
>able to run bolts through the dogholes and tighten from underneath to hold
>a grinder, scroll saw, planer, etc. to the bench.
Or mounting holes purpose-drilled for the item being mounted. And
slightly off-topic--don't forget wing-nuts. In 5/15" or 3/8" size,
they provide enough leverage for temporary mounting of something on
the bench, and make installation and removal much easier.
For me, this makes a mechanic's vise readily accessible without
sacrificing part of my flat surface.
--
Alex -- Replace "nospam" with "mail" to reply by email. Checked infrequently.
Keith nuttle wrote:
> D'ohBoy wrote:
>> So I've finally got every tool I need (for now) with the acquisition
>> of my table saw. My first project is going to be a mobile workbench.
>> Already have the bench, but currently it has a melamine top which is
>> kinda beat up. I have a buncha 3"x6" white oak in 6 to 7 foot lengths
>> that were taken out of our timberframe when we remodeled.
>>
>> Anyhoo, I have a vise and plan for bench dogs. I will not be putting
>> a tray into it as I really don't do a lotta hand work.
>>
>> Any other suggestions?
>>
>> D'ohBoy
> This may seem obvious, but make all of the benches the same height. I
> have a mobile workbench that is the same height as my table saw. It can
> be used as a run out table when sawing long pieced of lumber. Or it can
> be used as a staging area when making a lot of similar cuts as when
> making picture frames.
>
> If we ever find our selves in one place for an extended length of time I
> am considering making several additional mobile units, so the
> arrangement can be truly customized to the project on which I am working.
>
>
Make the mobile workbench the same level as the table saw AFTER the
rollers have been lowered. There is a slight difference.
"D'ohBoy" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:83951e49-6d6c-4654-897f-2a23310dfdeb@c65g2000hsa.googlegroups.com...
> So I've finally got every tool I need (for now) with the acquisition
> of my table saw. My first project is going to be a mobile workbench.
> Already have the bench, but currently it has a melamine top which is
> kinda beat up. I have a buncha 3"x6" white oak in 6 to 7 foot lengths
> that were taken out of our timberframe when we remodeled.
>
> Anyhoo, I have a vise and plan for bench dogs. I will not be putting
> a tray into it as I really don't do a lotta hand work.
>
> Any other suggestions?
>
One feature I have on my bench is simply a shelf under the bench top. It
extends full width/length of the bench and is about ten inches below the
bottom of the bench top. When working on a project on the bench, I can use
the entire surface and stash tools under the bench while working. It is an
incredible time saver and organizer. It doesn't take care of everything, but
it does reduce the clutter.
D'ohBoy wrote:
> So I've finally got every tool I need (for now) with the acquisition
> of my table saw. My first project is going to be a mobile workbench.
> Already have the bench, but currently it has a melamine top which is
> kinda beat up. I have a buncha 3"x6" white oak in 6 to 7 foot lengths
> that were taken out of our timberframe when we remodeled.
>
> Anyhoo, I have a vise and plan for bench dogs. I will not be putting
> a tray into it as I really don't do a lotta hand work.
>
> Any other suggestions?
>
> D'ohBoy
This may seem obvious, but make all of the benches the same height. I
have a mobile workbench that is the same height as my table saw. It can
be used as a run out table when sawing long pieced of lumber. Or it can
be used as a staging area when making a lot of similar cuts as when
making picture frames.
If we ever find our selves in one place for an extended length of time I
am considering making several additional mobile units, so the
arrangement can be truly customized to the project on which I am working.
"Lee Michaels" <[email protected]> wrote:
>
>"D'ohBoy" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>news:83951e49-6d6c-4654-897f-2a23310dfdeb@c65g2000hsa.googlegroups.com...
>> So I've finally got every tool I need (for now) with the acquisition
>> of my table saw. My first project is going to be a mobile workbench.
>> Already have the bench, but currently it has a melamine top which is
>> kinda beat up. I have a buncha 3"x6" white oak in 6 to 7 foot lengths
>> that were taken out of our timberframe when we remodeled.
>>
>> Anyhoo, I have a vise and plan for bench dogs. I will not be putting
>> a tray into it as I really don't do a lotta hand work.
>>
>> Any other suggestions?
>>
>One feature I have on my bench is simply a shelf under the bench top. It
>extends full width/length of the bench and is about ten inches below the
>bottom of the bench top. When working on a project on the bench, I can use
>the entire surface and stash tools under the bench while working. It is an
>incredible time saver and organizer. It doesn't take care of everything, but
>it does reduce the clutter.
Good suggestion. Two more "learn from my mistakes" suggestions:
Keep the shelf and stretchers high enough for easy access to the floor
under the bench. Mine is too low making it next to impossible to
clean, or to find dropped items that roll under the bench.
Provide overhang on all sides so that you can clamp to the top rather
than having to include the skirt depth in your clamping.
--
Alex -- Replace "nospam" with "mail" to reply by email. Checked infrequently.
On Sun, 14 Sep 2008 07:07:46 -0700, D'ohBoy wrote:
> Anyhoo, I have a vise and plan for bench dogs. I will not be putting
> a tray into it as I really don't do a lotta hand work.
>
> Any other suggestions?
>
I saw an article in a magazine recently where someone used t-tracks in a
bench instead of dogholes. Looked like a good idea to me.
On Sun, 14 Sep 2008 14:35:30 -0400, Lee Michaels wrote:
> One feature I have on my bench is simply a shelf under the bench top. It
> extends full width/length of the bench and is about ten inches below the
> bottom of the bench top. When working on a project on the bench, I can use
> the entire surface and stash tools under the bench while working. It is an
> incredible time saver and organizer. It doesn't take care of everything, but
> it does reduce the clutter.
You're right. I did the same and it's really handy. It's also nice to be
able to run bolts through the dogholes and tighten from underneath to hold
a grinder, scroll saw, planer, etc. to the bench.
On Sun, 14 Sep 2008 16:37:22 -0700, rjdankert wrote:
> Originally I thought I wanted casters. However, I haven't had a time
> where I wanted to move the bench. I could still put them on but I'm
> not sure I would like them as it seems that the bench would be more
> apt to slide. Maybe someone reading this will have experience with
> casters and will comment.
I put casters in the bottom of each leg. In normal use, the bench sets on
a piece of 4x4 at each end so the casters are off the ground. Doesn't
move even when handplaning. To move it I just jack or lever up each and
and remove the 4x4s.
Larry Blanchard wrote:
> On Sun, 14 Sep 2008 07:07:46 -0700, D'ohBoy wrote:
>
>
>> Anyhoo, I have a vise and plan for bench dogs. I will not be putting
>> a tray into it as I really don't do a lotta hand work.
>>
>> Any other suggestions?
>>
>
> I saw an article in a magazine recently where someone used t-tracks in a
> bench instead of dogholes. Looked like a good idea to me.
>
I saw that too. I wondered why they just didn't drop the "odd shape
holders" into the dog holes?
The whole idea didn't seem to offer much that round dogs don't, in the
context offered.
I can see t-track being useful to hold things down, but can't imagine
the implements holding very well against a vise. It seems to me that
the aluminum could be easily deformed.