hutch328

When Linens 'n Things went bankrupt, the stores in our area sold off their carts, shelves, storage bins, slat walls, hooks, etc., for a song. It's cheaper and easier to get good "shop" furniture via this route than spending time building (unless your hobby is building your shop).

Great use of space. Are there any noise issues with the rest of the house?

How about some details and inside photos?

Because of an untimely move, my "stationary" workbench is in storage. I needed to do some renovation work at my new locale and traditional saw horses just wouldn't have been sufficient. I built the two benches from Joshua's article while working on my driveway (in 20 degree weather), carried them inside (light and easy to navigate up a narrow stairway), and was able to do everything I had to do (with the addition of a couple of clamps.) The use of "cull" lumber from my local big box store kept the total cost under $25.

There are so many options for workbench tops and Homasote is only one of them. I would recommend to anyone considering this bench setup NOT to feel that without Homasote this won't work. Use your imagination! Hardboard, cork, a yoga mat, vinyl, laminate, carpet padding, carpet--whatever suits your need. Hard, soft, resilient, nonstick, nonscratch, waterproof, etc. Homasote is nice because is fulfills many of these needs, but it's not the only answer. I stuck with plywood and used a moving blanket when I needed to protect a finish.

Once my tablesaw comes out of storage I'll consider building the beams. I could've had the lumber yard rip a plywood or melamine sheet for me, but I didn't want to spend the money since I already had material (also in storage).

Great project with a million uses. Thanks!

A spell-binding tour and real treat if you're in Paoli, PA, and have called ahead to set up a time for a tour of Esherick's house. Wow. Even my 13-year-old daughter who's never interested in "old places" was captivated. Her only complaint? "Dad asked too many questions."

If a book can capture the charm of the Esherick house, then it is a keeper!

Rob Livingston
Bryn Mawr, PA

Ian,

Your shop looks great. I've wondered about doing the same thing since I lost my workshop space when I had to downsize. Do you mind saying what your rent/utility expense is for your space?

Also, I can see the plastic sheeting on the wall over the stonework. Is that to cut down on powdering, or is it an insulation issue? Or something else all together?

I agree that there's never enough natural light. Well done!

Rob

Although it doesn't get as much "ink" as the cabinet shop at Williamsburg, I found the Joiners' Shop to be a much better opportunity to get up close, chat with the craftsmen, and watch them work. At the time I visited the cabinet shop, we stood over at one edge of the workshop and heard a good description of what was done there, but nothing was happening and there was no "up close" opportunity as with the Joiners' Shop. My hunch that it had more to do with my timing than with differences between the shops.

Bottom line: don't miss the Joiners' Shop! The toolmaking shop about which much is said and written was completely off limits--a big disappointment.

I hope to visit Williamsburg again and try to make my visit coincide with the Period Furniture Society meeting.

Mark,

I'm headed to Williamsburg soon and am wondering what the best way is to see and do all the woodworking-related activities? The official Williamsburg web site didn't provide specifics except for identifying "Hay's Cabinet Shop" and the toolmaking shop that is "tucked away in the corner of a maintenance building." I'd like to be a bit more prepared. . .

Unfortunately my trip didn't coincide with the Working Wood conference, but I'm looking forward to it nonetheless.

Many thanks,

Rob

Since comments help Taunton understand what their customers want, I'll put in my 2 cents:

1. Accumulating past issues of my favorite periodicals becomes more problematic each time I have to move.
2. I can't afford to get the print edition AND buy the cumulative DVD editions, PLUS pay a subscription fee for online content.
3. I already use an eReader program on my laptop and desktop computers, but the drawback is usually lack of a portrait orientation in the display. The iPad type of device would excel in this regard. I like to see the full page before me, and it needs to be big enough for me to read the print or see details in the photos.
4. A new technologic approach such as the iPad is never perfect at the time of launch. I believe the current drawbacks will quickly disappear.
5. I think Taunton should embrace electronic publishing as the (inevitable) progression away from traditional print media and not run the risk of getting left behind.
6. The buzzword in real estate is location; the buzzword for publishers (regardless of format) will remain CONTENT.

I guess that was more like a nickel instead of 2 cents. . .

Very nice concept with the expandable top that can double as a cutting table. Any issues with rigidity in the unexpanded setup or do you have a way to lock the halves together?

Well done!

A fine job and wise use of resources! I've been grabbing discarded lumber and cull lumber from the big boxes for a similar project, and likewise will use the Frid/Klaus design. What was your source for the tail vise mechanism?

Rob in Downingtown, PA