I wanted the bench to have as many features as an adult bench, so having dog holes drilled in the top and a dog built into the vise puts this bench into the running. With one more feature to add, I'll begin arranging and captioning the photos and prepare the text for submitting to Popular Woodworking magazine for publication. The completed bench will be put to use in our lower elementary classroom.
Blog reader Sylvain asked a few questions about the bench. I placed the vise on the right because most of my students are right handed. The vise being relatively lightweight compared to some does not provide enough counterbalance to tip the top board, even when extended, so no latch on the top boards appears to be needed. Their weight is enough to hold them in place.
I was more concerned about the hinges being able to bear the strain. The top boards extend beyond the apron allowing clamps to be used along the edges, and also allows the boards themselves to stop the travel of the hinges. They open to about 110 degrees and no more. I was concerned that check straps might be necessary, but the hinges are strong enough and the outer edges of the planks rest just right on the apron making the check straps unnecessary.
One more feature will be added, a rest that will support the other end of a board while it's being planed. One end of the board will fit in the vise and the other will be supported by the adjustable rest.
It feels good to be back in the classroom live with my students at the Clear Spring School. They love woodshop. I do, too.
Make, fix and create. Assist others in learning likewise.
An adjustable rest hanging from the edge of the workbench-top is feasible if the vise is protruding.
ReplyDeleteTo see the main benefit of a protruding vise, look here from about 12'20":
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SozekTvPpJM
Sylvain, thanks for the video link. Paul's system is truly remarkable. My bench is designed so it can be made with or without the dog holes and could easily be done with the vise sticking out. My intent is to offer a bench that resembles what most woodworkers are used to, with the features they expect and associate with quality work. While Paul has his vise mounted more in the center of the bench, in this case, the vise had to be at one end to provide clearance for mounting from underneath. Again, thanks for directing me to Paul's video. His methods for clamping things to the bench are well thought out.
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