Can I see Your Custom Workbench?

[Greatwhitewing]

In the planning stages for a custom 4x8 top custom built work/assy/fab workbench. Thinking jointed and planed 2x4's edge up glued together for top.

If your bench has any or all of the following features or alternatives I would love to see what you have done.
1. Position for job site saw with add on 50" fence system.
2. Holes in top for dogs maybe with space underneath for chip and dust collection
3. Retractable miter saw position probably hinged with gas struts to assist. Something I haven't seen yet.
4. Side vise and drawers witch seem pretty straightforward but sure you folks could surprise and inspire me with clever ideas.

Appreciate any lessons learned along the way.

 

[Jgaz]

My bench has been posted several places around this site.
It meets a couple of your criteria.

60”L x 30”W
Dog hole locations have evolved over time. Some added for a specific project.
The bench will be a work in progress

After two previous tries I finally got the tail vise figured out and I love it!

Don‘t let any shelf or drawers interfere with your ability to clamp work in all locations around the bench top edges.

Check out the thread on this site, “Let’s see your workbench”.

I really like the holes drilled horizontally into the front edge. They are used with a custom bracket to help hold long pieces in the front vise.

Power strip is a must have feature for me.

Top is 4 thicknesses of Baltic birch laminated together. It has been worked on hard (not just woodworking) for 20 years and has held up fine. I’m honestly surprised.
The maple edging is important IMO.

I wish I had mortised the rear jaw of the front vise into the top when I originally built the bench.
It was a ***** to do it later but so worth it.

This might be worth your time to look at. Download is free. One of the best woodworking authors out there IMO.

Now Available (for Free): ‘The Anarchist’s Workbench’ - Lost Art Press

You can now download a free pdf of “The Anarchist’s Workbench” via this link. It is a direct link. You don’t have to register for anything, submit your email

blog.lostartpress.com

Other questions? Ask.

 

[Greatwhitewing]

My bench has been posted several places around this site.
It meets a couple of your criteria.

60”L x 30”W
Dog hole locations have evolved over time. Some added for a specific project.
The bench will be a work in progress

After two previous tries I finally got the tail vise figured out and I love it!

Don‘t let any shelf or drawers interfere with your ability to clamp work in all locations around the bench top edges.

Check out the thread on this site, “Let’s see your workbench”.

I really like the holes drilled horizontally into the front edge. They are used with a custom bracket to help hold long pieces in the front vise.

Power strip is a must have feature for me.

Top is 4 thicknesses of Baltic birch laminated together. It has been worked on hard (not just woodworking) for 20 years and has held up fine. I’m honestly surprised.
The maple edging is important IMO.

I wish I had mortised the rear jaw of the front vise into the top when I originally built the bench.
It was a ***** to do it later but so worth it.

This might be worth your time to look at. Download is free. One of the best woodworking authors out there IMO.

Now Available (for Free): ‘The Anarchist’s Workbench’ - Lost Art Press

You can now download a free pdf of “The Anarchist’s Workbench” via this link. It is a direct link. You don’t have to register for anything, submit your email

blog.lostartpress.com

Other questions? Ask.

Looks very rugged. Are those 1" holes? I never had dog holes so rather new at it but I thought 3/4 was the standard?

 

[Beerhippie]

I doubt you can--it's covered in tools and projects.

 

[Greatwhitewing]

I doubt you can--it's covered in tools and projects.

Fully understand that. Feels like I spend more time to prepare for a project putting stuff away than actually doing the task

 

[niget2002]

Mine has none of that. Just a big bench with a replaceable top and built in storage. I put it on wheels to make it easy to move. The 3/4" top has a 2x4 frame under it. I do have a tail vise I still need to install.

 

[Nofries]

Might be able to see mine. More for fabrication than wood. But I do love the removable vise. I mounted it with some square hitch material.

 

[Greatwhitewing]

Mine has none of that. Just a big bench with a replaceable top and built in storage. I put it on wheels to make it easy to move. The 3/4" top has a 2x4 frame under it. I do have a tail vise I still need to install.

Not a judgement, just a question. Do you find the amount of overhang adequate? Looks like you sit there.

 

[Greatwhitewing]

Might be able to see mine. More for fabrication than wood. But I do love the removable vise. I mounted it with some square hitch material.

grass doesn't grow on a busy street

 

[Jgaz]

Looks very rugged. Are those 1" holes? I never had dog holes so rather new at it but I thought 3/4 was the standard?

3/4” dog holes

 

[niget2002]

Not a judgement, just a question. Do you find the amount of overhang adequate? Looks like you sit there.

The overhang is 3.5". It works well for me. I can sit at it with a tall chair, but most of the time I'm standing. It gives me enough room to use clamps along the edge to clamp stuff to the table top.

 

[Jgaz]

Since you’re new to dog holes I will give you a few things to consider building, modifying, or buying.

Some interesting ideas here, (not mine).


This is what I mean about not being afraid to add dog hole if needed. Also I’m not above screwing a jig to the bench top if it makes a glue up quicker and more accurate.
In my orginal photo of the bench top, not all the filler was added because of an oops.

Custom hold down clamps in use.


The custom clamp “how to”. I have a few with different length bars. Get these at HF when they are on sale.