Bench Finalie - Of "Vice" and Men

[Jim Becker]

Thanks to great service from Lee Valley and FedEX Ground, the front vice I ordered earlier this week arrived this morning "just in time". So after consuming the morning latté and pastery, I got to work getting it installed. This thread will mark the completion of this little weekend project that started when the Adjust-a-bench system followed me home last weekend from the Ft. Washinton Woodworks show and some preliminary work I did on it yesterday afternoon after a fun-filled morning of conference calls. I'm pleased with the results and look forward to using this bench for many years to come. I may revisit it from a project standpoint in the future should I decide to build a cabinet to replace the tension-rod stringers and provide more formal tool storage.

So, here are today's pictures:

• Rather than aquire and install a tail vice system right now, I decided to use the Veritas "pups" system for retaining long items on the bench. I can always add the vice in the future if I determine I need it for my work.
• With the help of Dr. SWMBO, I flipped the top over onto the MFT for the vice installation. I also took the time to remove the lacquer on that side, too, which should reduce the chance of warping. A little BLO like the top recieves will be more than enough to "protect" it and still allow moisture to be released evenly.
• Marking for the holes. In fact, even with the template, they were not exactly where they needed to be, so a little extra work was necessary to allow for smooth operation of the mechanism.
• The moving vice face was glued up oversize and only trimmed on the 'Top' initially. By clamping a board under the edge, I could make sure that that surface was even with the benchtop while drilling and scribing the face for final fitting.
• Once the vice was installed, Dr. SWMBO and I moved the benchtop to the floor so that the base could be reattached. I had to slightly ofset it to clear the vice by "one hole" of the original set. The TDK drill with the right angle attachment came in handy when drilling the additional four holes to complete the mounting.

[Jim Becker]

Two Final Pictures

[Mark Singer]

Jim,

That looks great! Really a nice bench. The bench is a key element in any shop and you have a great one. I would suggest the Veritas twin screw as an end vice ....that makes more of a modern style panch for larger panels and joinery...planing etc.

[Jim Becker]

Originally Posted by Mark Singer

I would suggest the Veritas twin screw as an end vice ....that makes more of a modern style panch for larger panels and joinery...planing etc.

That's the one I already have picked out should I decide to equip the bench with one. Geoffery already messaged me that I would need the "extended chain" to make it fit on this bench for clearance with the base unit.

[Scott Parks]

It sure would be nice to have a functional workbench like yours. Looking good! Even more so, I'm "green with envy" of what else I see in your pictures!

[Brian Hale]

I like it Jim! Looks like a nice sturdy addition and i can see the end vice being another nice add on in the future.

BTW, does the LOYL take the pics or are you using a tripod and timer. Inquiring minds want to know!

Brian

[Jim Becker]

Originally Posted by Brian Hale

BTW, does the LOYL take the pics or are you using a tripo and timer. Inquiring minds want to know!

Tripod and timer or IR shutter release...prefocusing, especially when the flash is called for. Photoshop Elements to make them presentable...

[Tyler Howell]

Nice Jim,

Thanks for sharing

[Ken Fitzgerald]

I like that bench! When I get my shop done....that's one of the first items on the list of many things to do!

[Frank Pellow]

The bench looks good Jim. And, the rest of your shop that we can see in the photos looks pretty good too.

[Michael Stafford]

That's a fine looking bench. I am particularly jealous of the facts that you can roll that puppy wherever you need and change the height when you get it there if need be. As usual a fine job and great addition to any shop.

[Jack Hogoboom]

Jim,

Love the bench. Thanks for sharing. I also like the clamp storage. Care to share your techniques????

Jack

[Jim Becker]

Originally Posted by Jack Hogoboom

I also like the clamp storage. Care to share your techniques????

Sure...but be patient. I have to deal with the "real job" for a few days and will not have access to my personal computer during that time period. I'll post a thread specifically on that topic, including a simple drawing for the clamp racks I build.

[Jason Tuinstra]

Jim, I've been out of town for a bit, so sorry for the the late response. Looks like you've been busy with that great looking bench. I really like the simplicity of everything. I'm sure this will serve you well for years to come. Nice job!

[Greg Narozniak]

Very nice looking bench, nice upgrade! The demo @ the show where amazing.

I wish my finances allowed me to purchase your old bench, I would have loved to make that purchase.

Congrats again!

Greg