Looking for the proper name of the device/jig that one can build that allows long boards held in front vise to be supported at their ends. It usually consists of a series of holes in to which a peg/dowel can be placed to support boards of varying widths. Any pictures/plans/ideas appreciated. Looking for one that I can build that would not be attached to the bench.
Thanks. Kieran
Replies
Do you mean a deadman?
Sounds right.
Try here
http://www.popularwoodworking.com/features/deadman.pdf
Having used this type of support, I found it does not always work well by itself - a long board wants to move back and forth sideways if it is flexible. My suggestion is to plan for a method to hold the board against the bench when necessary, and a flexible board only 4' long can need clamping. Clamping can be achieved with a bar clamp, a holdfast, and other options.
Thanks Don and AB.
I think the thing you want is called a sawhorse. Deadmen are pretty useless. You trip over their feet. They aren't stable enough to be useful. and when you are wrestling long stock onto your bench they are never where you want them to be.
I know of what I speak. I hold the dubious distinction of having I built 2 short (6') workbenches. What a mistake. The second one had it's top overhang the legs (to allow the all important uninterrupted dog holes). Unbelievably stupid, thoughtless and pointless.
Only silver lining is I feel like I complained so bitterly about my errors that I've inadvertently helped other avoid the same mistakes. So to be clear, if you find you need a deadman, chances are you screwed up your workbench design (probably precipitated by a thorough reading of Scott Landis' workbench book). All workbenches need to do 2 things without compromise: Plane a flat face and plane an edge of an 8' board of any width. My Nicholson bench excels at both. I built it in a weekend with about $100 of materials.
Sorry for the rant. Also sorry you need a deadman.
Adam
Edited 8/24/2008 2:46 pm ET by AdamCherubini
It is not actually a bench I built or designed but an Ulmia bench I received as a gift from my wife 20 years ago. I am try to make it more functional. I appreciate the input and although I do own Scott Landis' book, I would assume you would not recommend it to future woodworkers?
Yeah- not my favorite book. You know what you could try? Try boring holes in your ulmia's legs. Then get a couple of good holdfasts. Next- get something like a 4x4 or two. Glue them together. Bore two holes to fit the legs holes and use that as a bottom support. I do something similar with my 6' german bench. A lot of times, I just use a board across the holdfasts. My jorgensen's have a tall hook. So what you can end up doing is getting the plank such that the hold fasts will reach the front edge of the work bench top. Now you'll probably hold the left side in your face vise. But securing your workpiece to the front face of the bench is advantageous.If this isn't clear, I'll look for a picture or take one.Adam
Grazie for the info/suggestions Adam. Ciao. Kieran
Adam,
It sound like you're thinking of a bench slave, rather than a deadman. From my understanding, a dead man is an integral part of the bench and has no feet of it's own. Because they are part of the bench, they are as stable as the bench itself. A bench slave, on the other hand is free standing and I would best describe it as looking like a dwarf's coat rack.Chris @ http://www.flairwoodwork.spaces.live.com
- Success is not the key to happines. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. - Albert Schweitzer
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