My new workbench top is done (for now)

[mpholway]

I added my twin screw vise last weekend and drilled the dog holes this weekend. I'll actually get to use it next weekend. I am so excited I can't hardly stand it. I must admit that I measured at least 6 times before I drilled my first dog hole for fear of wrecking something I had worked on so lovingly. Yes I said "lovingly" - I expect most of you will understand....

It is 3/4 maple and walnut wrapped around a solid core office door. Length 90" x 36" x 2.5". Dog holes are are 9" apart with 6" spacing from the vise end.

Once I am done with Christmas gifts and other neglected projects, I will be building a proper base which will allow for holdfast clearance and drawers for tool storage.

Regards,

Matt

 

[Raymond]

Looking good, Matt. :thumbs_up

 

[Phil S]

Nice job but it looks too good, spill some dye on it or burn it with an iron. I have done both

 

[Graywolf]

Looking great, I'm excited for you. And a little of what Phil said :rotflm:

 

[Jim M.]

Wow, that looks great Matt.

 

[Bill Clemmons]

Sweet! Look forward to seeing it w/ the base.

 

[jgpncll]

Nice, how did you drill your dog holes if you don't mind me asking?

 

[Melinapex]

Looks great and is on my to do list also. I would start the break-in process with a coffee ring or two before I gouge,stain, or cut into it!

 

[mpholway]

To all who commented on how good it looks, I have a confession. I actually marred it before it was even finished. As I was drilling the final hole for the speed knob on the twin screw vice I drilled right through my scab and about 1/4" into the surface. Now that it is no longer pristine, I can treat it like a workbench.

 

[mpholway]

Jeremy,
Of course I don't mind you asking. I made a "bushing jig" with 3/4 in bolts. I'll send a photo and description this weekend when I get back down to the shop.
Matt
.

 

[Michael Mathews]

Great job Matt! This will serve you for many years to come!

 

[MikeH]

Matt that is beautiful! Great job!

 

[walnutjerry]

To all who commented on how good it looks, I have a confession. I actually marred it before it was even finished. As I was drilling the final hole for the speed knob on the twin screw vice I drilled right through my scab and about 1/4" into the surface. Now that it is no longer pristine, I can treat it like a workbench.

Clear epoxy will fix that nicely

Jerry

 

[Ward Green]

I have been watching some videos on how woodworkers have designed their benches, specifically which kind of vice they used. I really like what you have here. I think the dog holes on the vice will come into great use. This is a characteristic I intend on designing into my own bench some day. Best of luck

 

[jgpncll]

Matt, I would really appreciate that. I need to drill dog holes in a bench that I just completed.

Jeremy,
Of course I don't mind you asking. I made a "bushing jig" with 3/4 in bolts. I'll send a photo and description this weekend when I get back down to the shop.
Matt
.

 

[mpholway]

Jeremy,

I created a drilling guide/template by epoxying 3/4 inch nuts into a 2x4. I then use a 3/4 drill bit in my drill press to ream a perpendicular 3/4 inch hole that I will refer to as the bushing I then cut the end of the board to ensure 6 inch spacing.

To actually drill the holes I did the following:

a) Clamp a straight edge (#1) to the bench top.
b) Clamp guide (#2) to the straight edge, centered over the twin screw vise end
c) With a 3/4 inch brad point bit, drill the dog hole through the guide bushing
d) Put the 3/4 inch dowel (#3) into the hole you just drilled
e) Position the guide and clamp, as show resting against the dowel and the straight edge
f) Drill the next hole
g) Rinse and repeat

Let me know if you have any questions.

Regards,

Matt

 

[czhao1009]

Very nice!

 

[Tom Queen]

That is a nice top.