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MJCD
173 posts
and
9 followers
in about 10 years
in about 10 years
More from MJCD
96mm-based Workbench
I recently posted pictures of this onto my Photobucket account, and elsewhere. It pales in comparison to the many, very robust offerings that I’ve seen. Having said this, I didn’t need the extensive capabilities of the modern Roubo benches; and, I had a very capable base.
Essentially, I utilized the Festool LR32 rail and MFT/3 to create a 96mm-based dog hole layout in 5/4 Hard Maple, and affixed this to a Hard Maple base. Also, I’ve added the Veritas Twin-Screw vise.
Festool’s MFT/3 has spawned a 3rd-party cottage industry on fixtures, clamps and ‘holds’; and this bench allows me to tap into this broader accessory set.
The process to make this is a bit convoluted… there is an excellent YouTube video of someone making a replacement MFT/3 top (saving about $150 per top); however, he utilized a full $1,000+ Festool system (router, LR32 rail, 32mm System) – in addition to the MFT/3 and Tracksaw (about another $1,000) – to get there. The approach used to make this bench requires just the LR32 rail (it has spacing-holes to ensure perfect 32mm increments), and while I did use my MFT/3 Table, it’s not a requirement. I used my Bosch router.
If anyone finds this approach interesting, I’m happy to share the details. Again, as a bench, it’s quite ordinary; but it works for the work I do, and allows access to a robust assortment of fixtures and clamps.
5 Comments
Super bench,very nice work.
woodworking classes, custom furniture maker
Good to hear from you… I hope you’re doing well; and thanks for the compliment.
I’m in awe of some…, many benches I’ve seen on various forums; and I doubt that I could make one – the full-height, articulating vises, Sliding Deadman, and dovetailed end-vises: no way could I do that; nor want that, frankly.
That said, this is a very functional bench. With Parf-dogs (from Lee Valley) and the Twin Screw Vise, I’m a happy woodworker; and I’ll spend the saved money elsewhere.
You Take Care
I’VE SEEN MANY WORK TABLES, THE ONE I LIKED THE MOST HAD A SHELF FOR THE TABLE SAW THAT THE SAW TOP WAS LEVEL WITH THE TABLE TOP, ON THE OTHER END WAS A BUILT IN ROUTER TABLE.
THERE’S A NAME FOR THE TABLE BUT IT ESCAPES ME NOW , NEEDLESS TO SAY THAT’S MY NEXT PROJECT !
jackie9toes
Looks absolutely great. I like your Veritas vise too. There are so many different types of benches and the best design is always the one suited to the type of work a person wants to do. This one is a real beauty.
Mike, an American living in Norway
Mike40:
Thank you – what I can say is that the bench has made a significant difference in my methods of work – both the horizontal and vertical clamping capabilities are better than I had hoped.
The Veritas Twin Screw vise is a heavy-duty workhorse. I lined the interior faces with 1/8" full-grain leather – this improves the grip and saves marring of the workpieces. A Rocker’s Seat blank is essentially a 2′ × 2′ by 2" hardwood slab that will be routed, chiseled and sanded: the vise handles this, no-sweat.
There’s nothing special, per se, about the 96mm spacing of 20mm dog holes – I’m not trying to be cnc precise about it; however, everything lines-up, everything works.
You Take Care.
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