Replies

1. 
   tkumpf | Feb 19, 2003 11:05pm | #1

   Jay,

   I just finished the bench from the August 2000 issue, I don't think there are any scale drawings or cutting lists available. I just went through the article and drew up full size drawings on 1/4" plywood and got my cutting list and patterns  from there.  There was one mistaken dimension in the magazine drawing, I forget which one but when you draw it up full scale it will be obvious. 

   My only disagreement with the author is the glue up.  He did the whole bench in one shot.  I didn't have the guts for that so I did two glue ups. First I did the back, when that dried I did the rest of the bench.  It came out great the only problem is every one who sees it wants one! Good luck on a great project.

   tom 

1. 
   spooner | Feb 20, 2003 05:14pm | #5

   Thanks guys for responding.  I was just trying to shorten the length of time it takes for the project --on the front end.  I live twenty miles from the nearest copier and that's at the bank in town.  They're kind enough to copy things from time-to-time but to occupy their machine for a length of time on this plan may be asking too much.  Just part of the challenges.  I will overcome them. In fact, just had an idea to use my girl friends sewing pattern layout board for the drawing. I welcome any other suggestions or ideas re: this project.

2. 
   Jimma | Feb 20, 2003 06:02am | #2

   Check out the website for New Yankee Workshop. Norm made one a couple of years ago. Ambitious project.

3. 
   JackLindsey | Feb 20, 2003 11:03am | #3

   Jay,

   I built the bench last year and heartily agree with Tom's comments on glue up. There are simply too many joints to do it all at once. Also used Franklin's hide glue since it has a fairly long open time. My bench is used indoors, though, so you might want to use the epoxy if yours will be outside.

   To get a plan for the crest board and legs I made enlarged Xerox's of the drawings in the magazine, and then kept blowing the copies up until I got full scale drawings. Glued them to 1/2" baltic birch and cut out patterns. Then traced the outline, and rough cut on the bandsaw. Attached the patterns and finished up with a 1/2" straight cut router bit with a guide bearing. The bench looks great and I've had several friends and neighbors ask me to build one for them.

   Jack

1. 
   UncleDunc | Feb 20, 2003 11:16am | #4

   >> Glued them to 1/2" baltic birch and cut out patterns.

   That sounds awfully expensive for patterns. What did 1/2" do for you that something thinner wouldn't do? Or even some other material. Isn't MDF cheaper than BB?

1. 
   JackLindsey | Feb 21, 2003 10:54am | #6

   I bought quite a few sheets a while back at $15 each for the express purpose of making patterns and jigs. It is stable, uniform, and much more pleasant to work than mdf. I used less than 1/3 of a sheet for the templates and didn't think the $5 cost was excessive.

   Jack

1. 
   UncleDunc | Feb 21, 2003 11:18am | #7

   Hard to argue with that. I haven't priced any lately, but I always think of baltic birch as being way expensive.

   Edited 2/21/2003 3:21:01 AM ET by Uncle Dunc

1. 
   AlanTurner | Feb 22, 2003 02:25am | #8

   I get 12mm baltic for 60 cents a foot, but with a connection.  I think retail is closer to $1/ft.