Starting out now with my new blog about working with wood, words can fall short of describing the details of the journey leading to the present configuration. The entire path can be measured out to about sixteen years time (and counting). I am going to show how my current projects and previous ones work together towards a goal which, unfortunately, is always changing. There will be times during my blogging where I might find myself getting off topic and mixing in some personal humor. That being said, I am going to leap feet first into the current project.
Making this Antique Work Bench Work for Me.
This is how she looked the day I brought her home.
Here’s a shot of the major components that make up the top work surface and two vises.
Tonight, I am starting the joinery layout for the new tool trough. The design will allow me to lift out a two-piece bottom made from half-inch birch plywood to clean it out. The new framework will both stiffen the bench and support the updated drop in top pieces. When any top piece is removed along with a bottom tool tray, there will be access for clamping to the tabletop. I will finish this blog by adding a pic of my current bench. She has served me well for a quarter century its configuration has been massaged numerous times, more than I can count. I may keep it around for the occasional hammering episodes.
This bench pictured above has a slide out power tool tray and a machinist vise mounted to a quick change aluminum plate. The beer is shown for perspective .Stay tuned in for my next installment featuring the finished product. Hopefully work/ life events will not interfere with me finishing things.
Below is the bench top turned upside down to allow for some measurements. The gaping hole is where the new tool tray is going to be installed.
John Shinners and His Woodworks Stories 