I finally completed my workbench, almost. The top is 48" x24" x 2.75" thick. The entire bench is made of 8/4 ash. The base is mortise and tennoned and also contains oak dowels through the tennons for strength. All end pieces are 4" x4" and the stringers are 8/4 stock and 3 1/2". for the top rail and 4" for the bottom rail I ebonized the base using tannin treatment followed by iron acetate ( made from vinegar and steel wool). The final color has some deep blue undertones so I applied a coat of min way polyurethane followed by 4 coats of satin polyurethane. The top is banded using some of the lumber run walnut. It is dovetailed at the corners and the ends are attached with lag screws to allow fo movement of the ash top. The rear tool tray base is also ebonized both top and bottom. This should be heave enough as to not move across the shop when using a handplane like my former Sjorberg bench.
I still need to add a front vise and then drill the dog holes. I am waiting until the summer to go th Atlanta and pick up a Patternmakers vise and want to have the top fastened and dog holes aligned properly with the vise. I am also planning to build a cabinet with drawers to go between the stringers to hold my hand tools and sharpening supplies.
I still need to add a front vise and then drill the dog holes. I am waiting until the summer to go th Atlanta and pick up a Patternmakers vise and want to have the top fastened and dog holes aligned properly with the vise. I am also planning to build a cabinet with drawers to go between the stringers to hold my hand tools and sharpening supplies.