Hi all!
I have not seen any comments on the Sjobergs SB119 bench (here on highland). I am in the "more money than time" category, not because of an excess of cash, but a total lack of time due to numerous homeschooled children, homestead to look after, and business. So I am planning to buy a bench. Many furniture items need building for the house (desks for kids, dining table, nightstands, etc.) and I would like to learn hand tools over the next few years as well. We do also have a Tom Donahey shaving horse, which I love.
This seems similar to the Elite in that the legs are flush with the front, but it has two big differences:
- I believe the term is "shoulder" vice with a wooden screw on the SB119 as opposed to the end vice on the Elite
- Dog holes are square along the front for use with the shoulder vice, then 3/4" round holes are inline with the front vice (as opposed to the Elite which has all 1" round holes, with two rows along the length)
I have an Elite 2000 ordered but delivery will be in June based on the backorder status. The SB119 is in stock.
As a novice hand tool woodworker, will it matter having square vs. round and the shoulder vice, or will I just get used to what I've got and enjoy it? Or is the more "modern" flexibility of the Elite worth waiting for? In many ways I appreciate the nostalgia of the SB119 very much, and picture it being beautiful in the shop. But I want to make sure it would be just as functional as well, and it's effectively the same price.
What are your thoughts on these? For the record I also really like the H&H All Round as well (and Highland has some), in case anyone has comments on that.
For the record - as I am just learning hand tools I will be primarily a power tool operator for at least a few years until I build up some skills. And being a father with limited time I anticipate using mostly power tools for many years regardless. So I'm hoping the bench will be just as useful for routers, Domino, etc. within reason. But my 12 year old son is very excited about green woodworking, especially spoons, so we'll be in both camps.
And finally - yes - I would consider an L-N bench (who wouldn't?) but as far as I can see they are not available and there is no indication when they will be.
Thanks all!
Patrick