Aplantfan

I'm in the middle of building a classic bench...and now you show me this!?!?!?!? lol
I''ve been using a rolling computer chair that goes up and down to get the right height for dovetails.
Jeeze, that is the coolest thing I've ever seen.
Nice job.

Hmmm, this is the precise moment, when it's still perfect... lemme' just enjoy it...

For me, the use of plywood boils down to two things. First, am I creating an heirloom? Not everything fits in to that category. Second, wood movement. I just designed and executed a piece that had a very tricky relationship of wood movement. So, I used plywood for the base. I used box joints and dados to create strength points. Then I wrapped it in 1/8 inch black walnut.
One other note. Some previously mentioned that fine wood plywood is very expensive and doesn't save much. That 100% true. I will say, that it save a lot of time.

Enjoy!
Marc

I've been an avid woodworker for 21 years. I started with a cloth tape measure and a sears circular saw. I've been injured many times. My table saw incident was caused by not paying attention. There was no setup that would let me make the cut with the guard on. I didn't know about push sticks yet. I'll never forget the feeling of my finger tips as they started to bounce over the spinning blade. The bounced because it was hitting bone. OUCH! I recovered.
It's amazing. I agree the Pro's need the SawStop technology but I think we part timers need it more. We see our table saws once a week. We have to get used them again and rethink our strategies. We're more likely to make mistakes. Of course, I understand companies like Delta and Jet needs to maximize their profit margin and if they have to pay for SawStops license that might not work for them. They're short sighted however and should look at the refill money! We're bound to screw up again sooner or later...
(btw: I have at least five different push sticks now).

There is peace in working wood.
I hope it's the same for you.
Marc

My largest jumps came from.
1) Reading a book on finishing. (understanding wood finishing)
2) Rosewood studio class that taught me to sharpen my hand tools and make dovetail joints. Rosewood rocks.
3) I read somewhere, "Why not practice on all your shop fixtures. Since then, I've handmade everything in the shop.

Oh, and buying a Jointer, Planer, and Bandsaw helped!

My largest jumps came from.
1) Reading a book on finishing. (understanding wood finishing)
2) Rosewood studio class that taught me to sharpen my hand tools and make dovetail joints. Rosewood rocks.
3) I read somewhere, "Why not practice on all your shop fixtures. Since then, I've handmade everything in the shop.

Oh, and buying a Jointer, Planer, and Bandsaw helped!

My largest jumps came from.
1) Reading a book on finishing. (understanding wood finishing)
2) Rosewood studio class that taught me to sharpen my hand tools and make dovetail joints. Rosewood rocks.
3) I read somewhere, "Why not practice on all your shop fixtures. Since then, I've handmade everything in the shop.

Oh, and buying a Jointer, Planer, and Bandsaw helped!

The crosscut sled is one of my most used jigs. I have two with a front/back fence and dual glides. One small one (24"x16") and one large (47"x24").
And I have a similar single glide. I view these not only as time savers, but also I feel a lot safer.

I learned this from the guys at Rosewood Studios. If I had known it before then I wouldn't have spent 15 years trying to avoid chisels and planes.

I'd be happy with your old bench! Right now, I do everything on my cast iron table saw.
However, I've got several slabs of maple for my top and some hickory for the base. Just need to get done with building two guitars and one wedding present...I'll get to my bench... I swear... I will...

Keep us informed!