Author Topic: Bench (Read 73313 times)

VW MICK · « **on:** November 17, 2014, 12:21 PM »

Hi guys
Have been waiting until it's finally finished but .thought I'd preview my

It needs a bit more sanding and a coat of oil [Inline mode=1][attachimg=2

fivealarm · « **Reply #1 on:** November 17, 2014, 12:25 PM »

Very nice. Did you guy the Festool 495543 Replacement Perforated Top or did you make you own?

If you made your own how did you do it?

VW MICK · « **Reply #2 on:** November 17, 2014, 12:28 PM »

I'm actually lucky a friend with a CNC Owed me a favour .

jbasen · « **Reply #3 on:** November 17, 2014, 12:41 PM »

Very nice!

Are the domino slots on the legs used to support large work pieces?

James Metcalf · « **Reply #4 on:** November 17, 2014, 12:42 PM »

Good job. One of the best I have seen.

squawkin · « **Reply #5 on:** November 17, 2014, 02:12 PM »

That's awesome! How long was the build?

Bauskac · « **Reply #6 on:** November 17, 2014, 02:19 PM »

OK that is AWESOME!!, I want one! I like the "T" slot through the vise, but How does it open up, I can't see the parting line. Must line up perfectly.

Very cool, great job!

ivanhoe · « **Reply #7 on:** November 17, 2014, 02:39 PM »

Excellent job!

Peter Parfitt · « **Reply #8 on:** November 17, 2014, 02:47 PM »

I love it - what an excellent piece of work - well done.

Peter

Untidy Shop · « **Reply #9 on:** November 17, 2014, 02:58 PM »

Well I am certainly -
I M P R E S S E D

Congratulations VW,
I see that you have a few spare systainers now.

jmbfestool · « **Reply #10 on:** November 17, 2014, 03:02 PM »

Quote from: Bauskac on November 17, 2014, 02:19 PM

OK that is AWESOME!!, I want one! I like the "T" slot through the vise, but How does it open up, I can't see the parting line. Must line up perfectly.

Very cool, great job!

The dark colour section of timber which the T slot is in is where the joint is.

I'm assuming the dark section the timber slides out with the vice as it opens up

badtastex · « **Reply #11 on:** November 17, 2014, 03:03 PM »

It looks like it is very rigid and there is a lot of storage, what kind of materials have you used (wood/dimensions)? How is the vice attached - does it allow for the clamps all the way out?

Really impressed with the finish and looks of the bench - you should proud of your work!

roblg3 · « **Reply #12 on:** November 17, 2014, 03:07 PM »

Very sturdy, fuctional and beautiful to boot!

VW MICK · « **Reply #13 on:** November 17, 2014, 03:26 PM »

It's actually taken me 18months (spare time)

I did have a complete file of the build but I lost my iPad (long story)

It's made from reclaimed beech we had a load of door linings left over from a job
Every dim is based on the 32mm system ie height length width

Distinctive Interiors · « **Reply #14 on:** November 17, 2014, 03:32 PM »

Mick,

It may be a cheeky question, but is there any chance your mate would be willing to make another CNC'd top? I would obviously be more than willing to pay the going rate for the top, but as your mate has made one already, he will already have the relevant information he needs regarding the CNC program etc.
Yours looks about the size of the bench I want to build for my work workshop.

I cant be too far from you as we are both from Essex...!!

Regards, Tim.

Charlie Hill · « **Reply #15 on:** November 17, 2014, 03:41 PM »

That is a stunning bench, even before you apply the finish! Shame you lost the file of the build as like others I'd love to learn more about it.

VW MICK · « **Reply #16 on:** November 17, 2014, 03:47 PM »

Well my wife has some on her phone and I think there is still some picks on the cannon so I might be able to piece something together soon .

VW MICK · « **Reply #17 on:** November 17, 2014, 03:53 PM »

Quote from: jmbfestool on November 17, 2014, 03:02 PM

Quote from: Bauskac on November 17, 2014, 02:19 PM
OK that is AWESOME!!, I want one! I like the "T" slot through the vise, but How does it open up, I can't see the parting line. Must line up perfectly.

Very cool, great job!

The dark colour section of timber which the T slot is in is where the joint is.

I'm assuming the dark section the timber slides out with the vice as it opens up

JMB the dark coloured timber is walnut .and yes it is attached to the tail vice with the T slot running through and then along the bench

VW MICK · « **Reply #18 on:** November 17, 2014, 03:55 PM »

Quote from: Distinctive Interiors on November 17, 2014, 03:32 PM

Mick,

It may be a cheeky question, but is there any chance your mate would be willing to make another CNC'd top? I would obviously be more than willing to pay the going rate for the top, but as your mate has made one already, he will already have the relevant information he needs regarding the CNC program etc.
Yours looks about the size of the bench I want to build for my work workshop.

I cant be too far from you as we are both from Essex...!!

Regards, Tim.

I will ask the question

Distinctive Interiors · « **Reply #19 on:** November 17, 2014, 04:03 PM »

Quote from: VW mick on November 17, 2014, 03:55 PM

Quote from: Distinctive Interiors on November 17, 2014, 03:32 PM
Mick,

It may be a cheeky question, but is there any chance your mate would be willing to make another CNC'd top? I would obviously be more than willing to pay the going rate for the top, but as your mate has made one already, he will already have the relevant information he needs regarding the CNC program etc.
Yours looks about the size of the bench I want to build for my work workshop.

I cant be too far from you as we are both from Essex...!!

Regards, Tim.

I will ask the question

Thanks Mick, I would appreciate it.

Tim.

Kristian · « **Reply #20 on:** November 18, 2014, 08:20 AM »

What a great job. Perfectly thought out and executed design. Thanks for sharing.

Sjur · « **Reply #21 on:** November 18, 2014, 11:13 AM »

I'm currently planning to build a workbench. I haven't been able to figure out a design, but man, you hit it on the spot!
What does it look like underneath the table top? Where does the dust shavings go?

Fingers crossed your able to find some pictures

Either way, thanks a lot for sharing!

Peter Parfitt · « **Reply #22 on:** November 18, 2014, 12:07 PM »

Mick,

With your design is it possible to get to the underside of a bench dog if you needed to screw it in place (as one might wish to do with a Parf Dog or Festool's clamps)?

Also, in the UK can you or anyone else give an approximate cost (not mates rates) for the CNC work? Perhaps a quote per hole or per square metre of 96 mm spaced holes.

Many thanks.

Peter

Roseland · « **Reply #23 on:** November 18, 2014, 12:36 PM »

Fabulous. Just fabulous.

Andrew

VW MICK · « **Reply #24 on:** November 18, 2014, 12:46 PM »

Quote from: Peter Parfitt on November 18, 2014, 12:07 PM

Mick,

With your design is it possible to get to the underside of a bench dog if you needed to screw it in place (as one might wish to do with a Parf Dog or Festool's clamps)?

Also, in the UK can you or anyone else give an approximate cost (not mates rates) for the CNC work? Perhaps a quote per hole or per square metre of 96 mm spaced holes.

Many thanks.

Peter

Peter the top is just screwed down at the moment as I got a bit impatient to get it finished .but was thinking of making it hinge up from the back edge and I've some rather nice gas struts left over from a job .I do also need to think about dust going through into the drawers. but also there is a bit of wasted space in that area

VW MICK · « **Reply #25 on:** November 18, 2014, 12:59 PM »

Quote from: jbasen on November 17, 2014, 12:41 PM

Very nice!

Are the domino slots on the legs used to support large work pieces?

Jbasen ..sorry for late reply .yes that's exactly what they are for and the ones on the inside of the leg will take a festool clamp .but I've yet to sand down some dominos .as they are a bit tight at the moment .think I will sand them down and add some heat shrink to the protruding part .as a softener and also to identify them

jbasen · « **Reply #26 on:** November 18, 2014, 01:37 PM »

Quote from: VW mick on November 18, 2014, 12:59 PM

Quote from: jbasen on November 17, 2014, 12:41 PM
Very nice!

Are the domino slots on the legs used to support large work pieces?

Jbasen ..sorry for late reply .yes that's exactly what they are for and the ones on the inside of the leg will take a festool clamp .but I've yet to sand down some dominos .as they are a bit tight at the moment .think I will sand them down and add some heat shrink to the protruding part .as a softener and also to identify them

Great idea. Thanks

One thing I've thought about doing, but it would be tough with my home made MFT, is to have a removable bottom far enough below the MFT top that it won't interfere with the Crestron clamps. This "bottom" would have a 4" dust port and if I hook it up to my big extractor would turn the MFT into a full downdraft table. As I said, it would be tough to do on my table but I'm just throwing it out to everyone else in case it helps someone.

Sjur · « **Reply #27 on:** November 18, 2014, 02:04 PM »

Quote

One thing I've thought about doing, but it would be tough with my home made MFT, is to have a removable bottom far enough below the MFT top that it won't interfere with the Crestron clamps. This "bottom" would have a 4" dust port and if I hook it up to my big extractor would turn the MFT into a full downdraft table.

Avoid shavings in the drawers and get down draft at the same time. I've thought about this for a while ago as well, but I came to the conclusion that it would use too much space to properly work, as downdraft table should have an aeorodynamicly constructed area below the table, effectively making the air suck equally-ish all around the table. That's atleast what I've read. If someone actually tried this I'd be intrigued to hear about it.

Of course, one could do as you say - place a bottom just enough down to allow clamps and have a dust port, however, I'd say its function would be to clean the inside out whenever it fills up. This way you avoid the dust in the drawers. Rightfully, there would be a certain amount of downdraft just near the dust port.

Wooden Skye · « **Reply #28 on:** November 18, 2014, 02:05 PM »

That is a fantastic bench! I have the same thought as Peter about access underneath, with the drawers, it just seems like it would be difficult to get under.

Now as for dust, if you are using Festools only, it may not be a huge issue, but maybe the top drawer could have a clear piece of acrylic to stop dust, but still see inside.

Maybe you could take pictures with each drawer open, because I really like the layout of the clamp drawer.

VW MICK · « **Reply #29 on:** November 18, 2014, 02:11 PM »

This is the top drawer .haven't done anything with the others yet .but they will prob be hand tools and . One for abrasives ..

Sparktrician · « **Reply #30 on:** November 18, 2014, 03:28 PM »

That is very seriously one sweet bench!!! Well done!!!

charley1968 · « **Reply #31 on:** November 18, 2014, 06:22 PM »

Bloody marvelous!

Don T · « **Reply #32 on:** November 18, 2014, 06:38 PM »

That is a very nice bench. Well organized.

shed9 · « **Reply #33 on:** November 20, 2014, 11:53 AM »

Not delved into the jigs and tool section for ages, only just noticed this - What they all said up there ^, that bench is just superb

Iceclimber · « **Reply #34 on:** November 23, 2014, 08:19 AM »

Agree that is one very nice bench.

That reclaimed pile of lumber is pretty nice also.

Schwartzy · « **Reply #35 on:** December 14, 2014, 12:49 PM »

Beautiful job and well though out. I have been planning a similar unit but smaller for a roll around bench. I too have access to a CNC machine for the top which is critical.

One question, where did you source your T-track, and what size? I think Lee valley track will accomodate the Festool clamps, but not sure if they're are others. I've reveiwed Seths post about track compatability from some time ago.

Again, great job!

Thanks!

VW MICK · « **Reply #36 on:** December 14, 2014, 02:12 PM »

Quote from: Schwartzy on December 14, 2014, 12:49 PM

Beautiful job and well though out. I have been planning a similar unit but smaller for a roll around bench. I too have access to a CNC machine for the top which is critical.

One question, where did you source your T-track, and what size? I think Lee valley track will accomodate the Festool clamps, but not sure if they're are others. I've reveiwed Seths post about track compatability from some time ago.

Again, great job!

Thanks!

I got the T track from rutlands .dont know how to post a link

Peter Parfitt · « **Reply #37 on:** December 14, 2014, 02:32 PM »

Incra do "T" track which is perfect for Festool clamps. In the UK I get mine from The Woodworkers' Workshop but there must be zillions of places in NA.

Peter

sydgeraghty · « **Reply #38 on:** December 17, 2014, 05:29 PM »

Quote from: VW mick on November 17, 2014, 12:21 PM

Hi guys
Have been waiting until it's finally finished but .thought I'd preview my (Attachment Link) (Attachment Link) (Attachment Link)
It needs a bit more sanding and a coat of oil [Inline mode=1][attachimg=2

Absolutely brilliant design and build, congratulations...

VW MICK · « **Reply #39 on:** December 18, 2014, 01:57 PM »

Quote from: Cochese on December 18, 2014, 12:06 PM

Any chance we could see what's in the 2nd and 4th drawers? Your clamp solution has me begging for more good ideas.

Sorry the 2nd and 4th drawers are empty at the moment but will end up with hand tools I think .will probably be another year as I've a couple of festools To get then I'm going to have a look at my hand tools .might do something temporary in the meen time

Sjur · « **Reply #40 on:** December 22, 2014, 03:53 PM »

I'm planning on making a workbench heavily inspirated by your design (and a few other designs). I bought a domino, rotex 150, ctl26 and a MFT replacement top today, and I'm eager to start!

. I'm planning on using the MFT top as a template. I hope it's not too much to ask for, but can you take some pictures inside the bench, or perhaps you have some sketches lying around?

Dan Clark · « **Reply #41 on:** December 22, 2014, 05:30 PM »

VW,

That is one excellent workbench! VERY nice work!!!

I'm in the planning stages to create two workbenches - one is a heavy rolling version of your workbench and one is longer, narrower static workbench. Your design will be a major influence.

A consideration for your workbench might be a narrow slot with a "crumb tray" beneath the work top. Take a look at most all toasters. They have a metal crumb tray to catch crumbs from toast. The crumb tray typically slides out from the side or back of the toaster. A metal tray might work to catch sawdust, shavings, screws, etc that fall through the holes in the work top.

Regards,

Dan.

Sjur · « **Reply #42 on:** December 22, 2014, 05:48 PM »

That's a nice idea Dan! I'll be going into the sketching phase soon, and I'll see if I can make it work.

Cheers

Tinker · « **Reply #43 on:** December 23, 2014, 07:52 AM »

Great job, VW mick. I am working out plans (so far drawings are only in my skull) for a small table to extend capabilities of my MFT/3 or MFT 600. One of my major problems is lack of head room, so i may go with the MFT 600. Or maybe adjustable legs on a new extension bench. I like those drawers. Are they full depth front to back?

Dan's idea is a good one. I currently have a couple of rolling cabinets under my MFT/3. The tops capture all of the debris that drops down thru the holes, so i get none in the drawers unless i leave any of them open, even just a couple of inches. Dan's idea wood solve that.
Tinker

Dan Clark · « **Reply #44 on:** December 23, 2014, 11:52 AM »

Thanks.

One possible enhancement might be to add clips to hold rosin or craft paper to keep the crumb tray clean of glue or finishing materials that drip through the holes. I.e. if it's filled with sawdust and shavings, just dump them. If it gets gunked up, just toss the paper and replace with new paper.

I'm not sure if this would be worth it, but it's something to consider.

Regards,

Dan.

Peter Parfitt · « **Reply #45 on:** December 23, 2014, 01:27 PM »

Having stored stuff under my MFT3 I am well aware of the debris that drops through the holes. In fact it is not so much the debris that is a nuisance it is the odd screw or small thing that you drop that then has to be retrieved.

On my mobile bench I created the "Push-me Pull-you" drawers at the top and these work as both debris collectors and places to put pieces of the current project.

Peter

VW MICK · « **Reply #46 on:** January 25, 2015, 03:06 AM »

Quote from: Sjur on December 22, 2014, 03:53 PM

I'm planning on making a workbench heavily inspirated by your design (and a few other designs). I bought a domino, rotex 150, ctl26 and a MFT replacement top today, and I'm eager to start! . I'm planning on using the MFT top as a template. I hope it's not too much to ask for, but can you take some pictures inside the bench, or perhaps you have some sketches lying around?

Sorry Sjur .I lost track of this thread .

Hope this helps

VW MICK · « **Reply #47 on:** January 25, 2015, 03:09 AM »

Found it

EV · « **Reply #48 on:** January 25, 2015, 06:22 AM »

Very Nice indeed, Similar to what I had built at my last work place (in my own time) but was not been given permission to take it with me when I left there. Ill be building a new bench hence I was asking about T-Track in my other post.

Looks Nice!!!

Regards

EV

John1102 · « **Reply #49 on:** October 31, 2019, 10:15 PM »

Do people prefer the 20mm holes in 3/4 material over a solid 3" top using holdfasts? While holding option do you prefer and why?

RightAngleDesign · « **Reply #50 on:** November 01, 2019, 10:55 AM »

Quote from: Schwartzy on December 14, 2014, 12:49 PM

Beautiful job and well though out. I have been planning a similar unit but smaller for a roll around bench. I too have access to a CNC machine for the top which is critical.

One question, where did you source your T-track, and what size? I think Lee valley track will accomodate the Festool clamps, but not sure if they're are others. I've reveiwed Seths post about track compatability from some time ago.

Again, great job!

Thanks!

I recommend Orange Aluminum. It's in CA and I've bought tons of track from them. They have THE best price by far.

Dusty.Tools · « **Reply #51 on:** November 14, 2019, 12:46 AM »

Quote from: RightAngleDesign on November 01, 2019, 10:55 AM

Quote from: Schwartzy on December 14, 2014, 12:49 PM
Beautiful job and well though out. I have been planning a similar unit but smaller for a roll around bench. I too have access to a CNC machine for the top which is critical.

One question, where did you source your T-track, and what size? I think Lee valley track will accomodate the Festool clamps, but not sure if they're are others. I've reveiwed Seths post about track compatability from some time ago.

Again, great job!

Thanks!

I recommend Orange Aluminum. It's in CA and I've bought tons of track from them. They have THE best price by far.

Ditto, I've been very impressive with their products and prices.

martin felder · « **Reply #52 on:** December 24, 2019, 10:41 PM »

Nice work!

It is very interesting how these perforated tops have taken over, for good reason. My first real bench was a more traditional workbench, and now that I have a perforated top bench, the traditional bench only gets use )other than for storage and counter service) when I want to use the bench slave AKA deadman.

robump · « **Reply #53 on:** May 24, 2020, 09:01 AM »

Fantastic looking bench. Really like how you have combined both an MFT top and traditional vices.

You didnt happen to use plans to build off did you?