Hello All,
I finally have a chance to work on my workbench and was wondering what is the concensus on length of base for a 6′ long (27″ wide) workbench top? I was thinking of 40″ but I’ve seen others go as long as 50″. I am using 4X4 Douglas Fir posts for the base (legs and stretchers). I’m just looking for a proper ratio to ensure a solid base. Thanks.
Regards,
Buzzsaw
Replies
I would think function would rule supreme here: take dimensions for whatever vises you are mounting, and make the base so you have room for them.
If you aren't using vises, let the top overhang the base by 2-3" so you have space for clamping.
Buzz,
I let the vises dictate...front and end vises...and made the base as long as I could.
I made a second workbench with a 5/4 top for the lathe and used 4x4 doug fir which came with rounded edges....I did not square up the edges, later on I wished I had..better looking joinery...
I think it turns on the vice sizes and configurations. I think mine is 39", but am not in the shop to measure. It is inset on the right side quite a bit for the tail viace, so that a board clamped in the tail vise at an angle will clear the leg. On the left, where my shoulder (Emmert) vice is, it is to the right of the jaws, for the same reason. I actually built the bench for a different shoulder vise, then ran into a good deal on an Emmert No. 2, and it fit the overhang, so mounted it. Had it been a No. 1, . . . .
Alan
Alan
http://www.alanturnerfurnituremaker.com
This forum post is now archived. Commenting has been disabled