That is a beautiful bench! Is it a bit top heavy, though? Chuck
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Workbench Build
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While it is heavier at the top, it isn't what I would consider top heavy. It's very stable. Many, many workbenches are built in similar manner - with a big, thick, heavy top. The legs on this are stout, and the stretchers are good sized as well. There are also no large overhangs that could yield near enough leverage to tip the bench if you put something heavy on an edge or end. So, yes, most of the weight is up top, but it's not top heavy in the way you would think of top heavy - tippy or unstable. If I build a cabinet to go under the bench, the cabinet, filled with tools, would add more weight down lower.
Absolutely phenomenal bench Matt. Will that first scratch or ding bum you out - like a new truck?
It might, but I'll get over it, lol. I'm really looking forward to having a good bench to work at.
Beautiful work, Matt! Thanks for sharing the build with us!
Fantastic build. A nice work bench has been on my wish list for the last 40 something years. Maybe one of these days. Thanks for the inspiration.
woodtickgreg
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How did you get in my head and steal my vision? 
That's pretty much what I want to do when I build mine. Only thing I might do different is add a tool tray, but that's not etched in stone yet, or should I say etched in ash. Bench looks great Matt! Well done sir.
That's pretty much what I want to do when I build mine. Only thing I might do different is add a tool tray, but that's not etched in stone yet, or should I say etched in ash. Bench looks great Matt! Well done sir.
Missed this until just now! That is too cool. Love the puck feet. Soooo...... immensely superior to my pickup tailgate
Well, the finish has had some time to cure. Today I had someone help me move it into place. I levelled it and mounted the vise.
And dog holes will probably happen sooner, rather than later. I ordered a 3/4" Wood Owl bit - which I've seen some recommend for drilling dog holes - and a guide bushing that I'll use in a jig I'll build to give me precise hole placement - and with the guide bushing the holes will be straight, not at an angle.
I ran the bit through a scrap piece to test how it drilled. It drilled fast - and with virtually no tear out. This is the back side of the hole. What's nice is that I won't need to use a backer board under the top when I drill out the dog holes.
And dog holes will probably happen sooner, rather than later. I ordered a 3/4" Wood Owl bit - which I've seen some recommend for drilling dog holes - and a guide bushing that I'll use in a jig I'll build to give me precise hole placement - and with the guide bushing the holes will be straight, not at an angle.
I ran the bit through a scrap piece to test how it drilled. It drilled fast - and with virtually no tear out. This is the back side of the hole. What's nice is that I won't need to use a backer board under the top when I drill out the dog holes.
woodtickgreg
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Never heard of that bit, interesting.
I remember reading some time ago of people using a special bit to drill dog holes, so I went searching and found mentions of that one. At $20 it wasn't the cheapest drill bit I've ever bought, but I've used enough cheap drill bits to realize that sometimes it's worth it to buy a better bit.
I will probably drill a few more test holes before I use it on the bench, but I was very pleased with it on the one test hole thus far.
I will probably drill a few more test holes before I use it on the bench, but I was very pleased with it on the one test hole thus far.
Will you please post pictures of your jig also? I don’t think I have ever drilled a straight hole except maybe on the lathe......
Yup! Will do so whenever I build/use it. This will be a purpose built jig built specifically to drill the dog holes. Anything that needs a good/straight hole usually gets drilled on the drill press or, occasionally, the lathe. That's not an option with this!
For an auger bit, that sure made a clean exit. Impressed. Drilling holes in a bench top like this reminded me of an incident happened in the wood shop in high school. They got some new benches and Mr. Holloway, the other shop teacher besides my Dad, was drilling the holes to install the vices. He was using a big 3/4" drive drill motor, the kind with two handles sticking out from the sides. He accidentally hit one of the steel braces that ran along the underside of the bench. The drill bit stopped, the motor kept spinning. The cord wrapped around Mr. Holloway's wrist snapping the bones.
