Finished workbench top

[Kurt Loup]

I finished the workbench top that was previously posted on 12/2. Not sure if I am finished with the base as I may add some drawers for storage and/or a lifting mechanism. Right now, I am leaning towards storage.

Kurt



more photos and text

[Scott Behrens]

The bench looks great! With my 10 degree shop this weekend I'm almost as envious of the green grass in the background. What did you use for finish? I need to build a bench in the spring but unfortunately the only finish I've ever used is poly. I've got a lot to learn.

Anyway, I'm sure that bench will help you turn out some great projects.

Scott

[Roy Wall]

Kurt,

Very nice work......it looks very stable and solid!!!! your link is great for following the major steps involved....

What is the finished size - LxWxH......you started with 8' long oak boards so just curious.

You should be very proud - a nice looking bench to serve you for years...

[Bruce Page]

Well done Kurt, that's a beautiful bench! It will give you many years of satisfying enjoyment.

[Kurt Loup]

Thanks for the compliments. Scott, I used two coats of natural Watco Danish oil on the top. I brushed it on then wiped off the excess with paper towels. Tomorrow night it will get down to 27*, so the grass won't be green for long. Roy, the finished size, not counting the overhangs for the vises, is 6 1/2' wide x 31" deep x 33.5" high. If I add the lifting mechanism, I will get about another 12-16" of adjustable height. Notice the jack with sprocket on the tablesaw. I hated to cut off at least a foot of width, but I decided that I didn't have enough room for a wider bench. 6 1/2' is the same width as my tablesaw with 52" fence.

[Ken Fitzgerald]

Great looking bench Kurt!

[John Dingman]

Kurt,


That is one great looking bench! You did a fantastic job on it.

John

[Mark Singer]

Really terrific looking bench! Great work!

[Roy Wall]

Where did yo get the jacks? THey look like they operate on the same principle like a tire jack.....Will you attach one to each (outside) edgo of the legs...(4 total)???

Again, the bench looks fantastic!!!

[Kurt Loup]

Roy,

The trailer tongue jacks are from Harbor Freight. They were about $13 each. I removed the handle from the jack and attached a bicycle sprocket in its place. The bicycle shop gave me enough chain to attach to each jack. The plan is to add a fifth sprocket with a crank attached. I tested out one of the jacks on a corner of the bench. I can easily turn the sprocket by hand to raise up that end of the bench. There is no doubt it will work, just haven't made up my mind if I will use it on the bench or on an assembly table. I intend to put the jacks on the inside of the stretchers. One problem may be the smaller footprint. It may not be as stable.

Kurt

[Keith Christopher]

Beauty bench Kurt !

[Terry Hatfield]

Kurt,

Excellent job!!!!!! The bench should serve you well for many, many years to come.

Terry

[Jim Dunn]

Kurt that's a pretty bench. Be sure you post pics of progress of height adjuster as you get a chance to either add it or build an assy table.

[Jim Becker]

BEAUTIFUL job, Kurt. That's a fine looking benchtop and your workmanship looks wonderful.

Good idea on the height adjustability...I'm getting a lot of mileage out of that on my own bench even in the first month of it being in my shop. (http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=13609 http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=13783 and http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=13799) Having that surface "right where it's best" is a nice thing!

[Kent Cori]

Kurt,

Well now you've gone and done it. You've made a bench that is so nice looking that it is too pretty to use. Oh well, you'll just have to force yourself to get it dirty. Great job!