Replies

1. 
   GEide | Mar 18, 2009 12:00am | #1

   I don't know the story on community-generated plans on the bench but here's an article with links that aggregate a bunch of new-fangled content: http://www.taunton.com/finewoodworking/subscription/workshop/workshoparticle.aspx?id=30353

   Gina, FineWoodworking.com

1. 
   davideg | Mar 18, 2009 02:17am | #2

   Gina,

   Thank you for responding.  Yes, I had seen (and been all through the materials in) the website you provided.  Unfortunately, I wasn't able to find a plan.  It might be that I'm just missing something.  Nevertheless, thank you very much.

   David

1. 
   sleepydad | Mar 18, 2009 06:24pm | #3

   here is the sketchup plan

   I used this plan to build one about a year ago out of red oak.  I was really disappointed in the hand tool aspects of the new f bench.  I found it's clamping ability to be limited.

   I was able to move it around while trying to plane stuff.  I would have had to bolt it to the floor.

   a month or so ago I whipped up a Schwartz style roubo bench.  see pict.   much better bench for hand work.

   I know a lot of people like the new f bench but I did not find it very useful.  it depends on your woodworking needs.

   
1. 
   Jammersix | Mar 18, 2009 09:32pm | #4

   That's one beautiful drawing!I'm going to do a bench similar to that, but I'm in refusal.I refuse to buy new vise hardware, I'm going to recycle my Record 52 1/2 and my plane jane end vise hardware. I was going to do a Fortune/Nelson bench until I read Chris's book, now I'm going to do a Fortune=Nelson-Schwartz bench. Or maybe it's a Schartz Nelson...oh, wait.No, it has to have Nelson, because it's going to have Nelson tail vise. Maybe it's Fortune who's toast, and isn't contributing anymore...Anyway, you did a beautiful job on that drawing. I wish I had that patience with computers, I need to make a lan.Fortune-Nelson, except the legs are going to be flush, Schwartz style, and they're going to be 6x6s, not puny little 4x4s, and there's going to be a jack, what Schwartz calls a deadman.I'm still debating the finish, and it's going to be Broadleaf Maple, for two reasons. One, I have the maple, and two, hem-fir, is spite of what Chris says, is too soft.So there you go.Nice job, again!P.S. Would you consider posting a drawing of your deadman? That's the only thing I'm not convinced I'm visualizing completely.

   Edited 3/18/2009 2:35 pm ET by Jammersix

1. 
   sleepydad | Mar 18, 2009 09:54pm | #5

   I can't take credit for the sketchup. I got it someplace else.  but ya whoever did it went all out.

   I used whatever Schwartz put in his book for the deadman.  but I did do stopped chamfers on the edges.  I don't think Schwartz did that.

   I build my bench out of Canadian cardboard fir.  home depo style.

   LL maple would be a good wood.  I would save it for furniture and use something less desirable; but that's just me.  a bench is a means to an end IMO and I don't want to worry about denting it or spilling stain on it or whatever else might happen to it.  my son already drew a picture on it. aggrrrr.

   to tell the truth I'm pretty bummed I wasted good solid red oak on my attempt at the New f bench.  like I said I don't really like it and I'd caution you against using anything else other than framing lumber.  If you really like the bench after your done and had a chance to use it for a year or so then rebuild it out of LL maple.  then you can fix all those things you don't like about it without having to feel bad about wasting good lumber of the first attempt.

   just trying to give you some advise because I feel like I made that mistake.

   good luck.

2. 
   Jammersix | Mar 19, 2009 12:59am | #6

   Well, I'm going the other direction.I've had a bench made of hem-fir for ten years, and I'm sick of it.It absorbs any liquid that comes within 8 feet of it, it dents when I raise my voice, it got a dent and hasn't been flat since four and half minutes after I finished it, (although I do have a pretty accurate mental map of the surface, and I know which dents stack with which ridges to get to half a bubble off level) it's too light, and it's WAY too soft.I should have used maple in the first place. I'd still be right here, but I'd have the money I spent on the hem-fir.Good luck to you, too! :)

3. 
   habilis | Mar 19, 2009 01:32am | #7

   Yeah, just think if you'd invested in the stock market, ..., er nevermind.

4. 
   sleepydad | Mar 19, 2009 03:42pm | #8

   he could have a million dollars right now.  if he started with 100 million.

   whoops

5. 
   Jammersix | Mar 19, 2009 10:01pm | #9

   I'd be rich!oh, wait...