searching sites for classic/european workbench

[jimbo]

Hello,

this is a little off-topic but since this site has a broad audience I am hoping someone can give some input. I am searching for sites for the classic style/european style workbench. I have gone through a handful of american websites that have been useful but lacking in detail. So I am trying to expand the search to european sites since that is where this style of workbench orginated. I am looking to construct one myself.

the following is an example of what I am looking for.


What I would like to know is the correct translation for european languages so that I can search for those sites. I have a feeling that either some words dont translate completely because I dont find many sites. What is the proper phrase for the type of workbench I am looking for. The google translator returns:

workbench
établi
Werktisch
banco da lavoro

[jimbo]

If you have already built one of these workbenches. I'd also like to hear about it.

[Moondog]

Hello Jimbo

Nice bench.

I built myself one similar but heavier some years ago from plans in a book called Workbenches published by the Fine Woodworking magazine.

I had a look on the net for you and I came across this site http://store.yahoo.com/plansnow/eurobench.html that may be of interest. They have full detailed plans that you can buy.. $9.95. small price to pay for good plans.

The book is titled ' The Workbench Book

Author: Scott Landis
Publisher: The Tauton Press Inc.

My only criticism of the bench you shown is it is too light. If you are going to make the effort of building this workbench treat it as a piece of fine furniture and build it more solidly. The image below is from the book I mentioned and this is the workbench I made. There are full plans of this bench in the book plus others. It is a very inspiring book. Also a great coffee table book

Happy building. If I can provide any advice please email me.

cheers

[ger21]

I was going to recommend the same book. Also, just about every woodworking magazine has at least one article on building similar woodworking benches. You might want to look for back issues or old articles.

[jimbo]

The picture was only an example. I believe a friend has that book. But I dont recall seeing that bench in it. I will have to look again. I am building my own design.

I really like these two I found...
http://users.erols.com/hihouse/workbench
http://www.threeplanes.net/Bench.html

Questions I have:
Recommend length and width for top? I am leaning towards 7' x 28"
Preferred finish to use? I heard waterlox was good.
Joinery of end caps?
How big to build the base? how much overhang?
I am planning to build a base with built in drawers. How best to integrate this?
How to join top to base?
Do i build the top first (accomodating the vises) then build the base to fit the top?

I have the wood already and vises are on their way. I am planning on a 3.5" thick beech top. The wood I have is short, only 60" so I will have to splice them together for 7' long.

Oh and thanks for the suggestions.

[ger21]

I believe that book should have examples of most if not all the questions you're asking.

For the finish I've recently been using a product called Velvit Oil. Very easy to apply and repair, and supposedly makes the surface of the wood up to 25% stronger.

http://www.velvitproducts.com/products/VelvitOil.html

[Ken_Shea]

And yet another , this is listed as a "European-style Maple Workbench Woodworking Plan"





http://www.plansnow.com/eurobench.html

[Moondog]

Jimbo

I think you will find 6ft will be long enough.
For the ends, when I built mine the end caps were made from 100*75 silver ash and I joined them with the large dovetails. Dovetails not only look good but are very strong and traditional.

Won't matter if you build the top or the base first. To join the base rails I used large mortises into the posts with countersunk bolts to pull the mortises together. Also means I can dismantle the bench if need.

The bench doesn't have to be too big, just solid and well built.

[jimbo]

ger21, I looked at the website for velvit oil. sounds very interesting. I like the long onetime application.

moondog, what finish did you apply on your workbench.

I dont have any experience with finishes other than polyurethanes. I have read wax based finishes or danish oil based finishes are popular. But dont these involve repeat applications of the finish? I picked up some waterlox stuff at woodcraft and will try on some scraps. Havent committed to a finish yet.

also guys, did you plane or sand the top? Both have pros and cons. I think I will try hand planing. I am using biscuits for alignment when glueing the top so it should be a only be a reasonable amount to get it flat.

[Moondog]

I built mine several years ago. I recall using a Danish oil. Mine needs to be resurfaced again and re-oiled. I sanded the top. Same as you I joined the top with biscuits and needed minimal sanding.

I use a belt sander going across the timber first and then along the grain to remove any marks. Finish off with a freshly sharpened scraper. Then you will only need to sand with about 400/600 grit. Remember its a benchtop not a French Polished tabletop... what ever finish you use it needs to be durable and easily re-finished. Stay away from polyutheranes etc.