Vertias Workbench, Time vs Money decision

[Jay Knoll]

Anyone have any experience with the Lee Valley Vertias workbench with the twin screw vise?

I'm going through the old time/money evaluation between buying the finished product or going the kit route.

I'd be interested in anyone who has used this bench. How sturdy? Any racking issues? Is the center trough a good design feature?

I haven't gotten a final quote from LV yet (shipping) but they estimate $200 freight costs.

So and "out of the box" solution with a finished bench would be about $1200.

The kit would be $660, I would have to buy the wood for the base, mill and assemble it, install vises etc.

I've been reading workbench books, looking at the web etc, so I'm aware of other altenative approaches, I'm pretty sold on the twin screw end visein any event, so that is why I got interested in the bench that was especially built to accomodate it.

However if those of you who have the bench aren't happy with it, I'll be starting my decision making over again.

I look forward to your collective advice!

Thanks

Jay

[Chris Padilla]

Jay,

http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=12001

Muttle your way through that thread a bit. I talk about the Veritas bench.

[Alan Tolchinsky]

I like the new look better although it's not as interesting. Alan

[John Miliunas]

I like the new look better although it's not as interesting. Alan

Ahhh...The miracles of modern day medicine! That's one heckuva' plastic surgeon you got there, Chris!

[Chris Padilla]

Paint Shop Pro...works like a charm!

[John Miliunas]

Paint Shop Pro...works like a charm!

Right on! PSP rocks. I just don't have the time to learn all the schtuff on Photoshop!

[Roy Wall]

Jay,



I've talked to LV about the bench. The one they use alot is about 5 years old (I think) and they say it's very solid. The center tool tray, to me....is not deep enough @ 1.5 inches ( I would rather it hold a plane on its side at least...) - but maybe I'm just picky
They claim no racking or anything....they have such good CS that if you're not pleased with it - they'd allow you to return it I'm sure.

I think its a great "do anything" designed bench.
I too, believe the twin screw vise is an excellent choice. It would probably cost you $600 or so to build it yourself..

[Steve Cox]

I'll second the twin screw vise option. For my bench I used three layers of PB with masonite top and bottom (very important that bottom part ). I have the twin screw vise on the end and four rows of dog holes across the bench top. It is extremely versatile for clamping just about anything.

[Jerry Olexa]

Chris P. Nice new avatar... maybe you should use the Brad Pitt one you gave me

[Steve Swinton]

Jay,
I was in your position about a year ago and decided to buy the bench. Not sorry at all. It's solid and has served me well so far. I didn't think I would like the tray down the middle but it's a handy place to put extra dogs, pencils, notes and sometimes tools. It does accumulate alot of crap that needs to be cleaned out once in awhile.
Good luck,
Steve

[Michael Ballent]

Popular WW mag has some plans on their site for a workbench and it looks pretty good. They used southern yellow pine to save some bucks on the materials and they claim it's pretty tough. Just another option to throw your way

[Tyler Howell]

[QUOTE=Steve Cox]I'll second the twin screw vise option. For my bench I used three layers of PB with masonite top and bottom (very important that bottom part ). QUOTE]

Steve, Tell us more about the bottom!

[Steve Cox]

Tyler,

The first one I did I just used the masonite on the top. Warped like a pretzel. I really didn't think that 2.25" of PB would do that but everything was flat until I laminated the top on. When I built the second top I put the masonite on the bottom to balance the panel. It has been flat as a pancake, stable, and so heavy it is just held onto the base by gravity. Lesson learned.

[Chris Padilla]

PB = particle board?

[Steve Cox]

Yes, particle board, sorry if my shorthand was confusing.