Hi all,
I am debating between two designs for my workbench: Scandinavian (I LOVE this design) and a Roubo which has recently peaked my interest.
Roubo has some interesting advantages in the it’s tail vise is internal (I’m placing this in my garage workshop, so the smaller the better) but typical Roubo designs place the bench at around 8′ long. I could, of course, shorten it I realize…the sliding bench slave is nice as well.
Scandinavian is a wonderful design IMO. I love some of the details I’d be going for (based on Frank Klausz’ design). The fact that the shoulder vise can clamp an angled or round piece of work is a nice advantage too…
I was also looking at vise hardware: Benchcraft has some beautifully designed vise’s and I would like to use them…not sure if I can use them in place of a shoulder vise screw and a tail vise on a Scandinavian bench.
Any insight is appreciated; I realize a lot of this comes down to personal preference more than anything else.
Cheers
Andrew
Replies
Depends on what you want to make and how you work
For me, for traditional handtool woodworking, . . .
Scandi Klausz bench hands down. My favorite topic other than maybe the modern bandsaw. To quote my self in full cry :
Trust Klausz and get on with woodworking
Roubo is for selling books and for those who may need a bench quick to use to build the good bench.
The Scandi Klausz will take a while. Here are some links to spirited view points :
http://forums.finewoodworking.com/fine-woodworking-knots/general-discussion/tail-vs-end
http://forums.finewoodworking.com/fine-woodworking-knots/workshop/bench-dogs-round-or-square
http://forums.finewoodworking.com/fine-woodworking-knots/hand-tools/klausz-frid-scand-bench-dead
Either bench works, but be careful about vises
Andrew:
You've already stated your preference, just build the thing. You want to really think through the vise thing though. Most frustration with a bench comes from poor work holding, i.e. bad vise choice. Also, take the time to cut square dog holes and make yourself some nice sqaure dogs. Don't fall for the shortcut of just drilling holes. Biggest mistake anyone makes.
gdblake
Bench Holes
I've used benches with square dog holes and with round ones. I greatly prefer the round. Lee Valley/Veritas and others make quite a range of dogs and other types of bench holders for round holes. I also make jigs and devices such as desk lamp holders which use dowel sections that fit into the bench holes. The round holes let your dogs and jigs swivel easily. Plus if you find you need a hole in a particular location it's five minutes work.
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