New Bench

[easterngray]

I thought I would share a picture of the new bench I am building - this is a simple design from a special issue of WOOD magazine.
Some may remember the new shop I put in this past March - I just got the electric done a few weeks ago and am finally getting my shop up and running!
This picture shows the two pieces of 3/4" MDF glued up for the top. I will glue an edge on the perimeter that is 1/4 proud of the MDF and lay in a flush piece of masonite for the final top. It can be lifted out and replaced as needed, as per the plans. The bottom shelf is not yet cut - the piece in the picture is temporary. This design also has some drawers and tool totes that are accesories to the bench - I will post more pics when I get them built.
I put this bench on heavy duty locking casters as I want everything in the shop to be mobile. The addition of casters, even when they lock, does sacrifice an absolutely rock-solid bench, but movement is minimal and the convenience is worth it to me. You can make out my 1960 "Goldie" in the background.
Here's wishing all you Shopsmith fans a safe and happy new year in your shops! Alec

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j209/flytackle/mybench2.jpg
New Bench

[baysidebob]

Nice looking bench, like the way you have built the top. Having a replaceable top cover is a great idea. I also understand the mobility of your bench, sometimes they can be in the way, so just roll it aside. As a guestion would the caster set that is on our SS be able to be installed on a work bench? Maybe they are not wide enough, just a thought. If they would work then they would rollup out of service and you would have stability.

Bayside Bob, Calif.

[kd6vpe]

Oh man now that is a nice looking shop. I love the exposed supports. Your bench is really nice and sturdy looking. I just recently built a bench for myself also. It is so nice to work on something you built. I know you will use it and be safe. Happy New Year.

[reible]

Hi,

All those of you with the nice shops are making me jealous. On the other side of the coin I think you all deserve them!!!

I think I have the plans for this bench in my collection, I liked the design and thought hey maybe someday I might have room for one. I liked it also because you can do it in steps, make the base unit then add on.

Since I had been thinking of it let me mention that I had also been thinking about making it mobile and thought back to a project that Norm did where the bench sits on its legs, then when you lift an end this board with casters comes under at that end. You go the other end and do the same thing. (At the moment I can't remember the details of how this all worked but maybe someone here can.) The reason I mention it is that I really think you need to have the workbench solid and the casters are not going to do it.... well they will for something but not others. At least that is my opinion.

I hope you keep us updated as you progress. And maybe a few more shots of the shop??

Ed

[JPG40504]

Somewhere in my memory banks is recollection of tool cart casters which have a lowerable pedestal. These were foot operated. Thought that were the best of both worlds. Can't offer a source, but an industrial supply house rather than woodworking per se may be fruitful.

Nice BENCH/WORKSHOP...... What is the shot gun for?????;) .......................... tability s/b Stability

[sawmill]

I like the bench and really like your shop. What type of light is that you have over your bench. I have been looking for something like that and have not been able to find on with that type of shade. Thanks Ivan

[easterngray]

Thanks for the feedback gents - the caster ideas sound great - I should've enquired here before I used these! As I am primarily a small project hobbyist, these should be ok, but a retractable caster feature would certainly be excellent.
I'll post pics of progress and more shop shots at a later date..
Ivan, it's just an old tin lamp shade I found at the dump - Just about all my lighting came from the dump!!

JPG- it's just a pellet gun... A Benjamin pump. I think I have a sling shot around somewhere to... I may be getting older, but I still love tin-can plinkin'! :D

Alec

[reible]

Hi,

Took me a few try's to come up with the right thing to search on but here it is:
http://www.newyankee.com/getproduct.php?0207

Now if I could only remember how to make them do that... Seem so simple when I saw it but now I'm confused... it's an age thing I think... now were did I put my glass of warm milk????

Ed