Hi all,
I am thinking of building a proper work bench with end and front vices. I am pondering over suitable materials for the top and legs. I want to make the top 3″ thick with 4″ legs. The bench must not cost a fortune so 3″ maple is not an option.
Living in Ireland some hardwoods avaliable at a resonable price are Iroko,Idigbo,Sapelle.
Have any of you Guys got any suggestions on timber to make a good solid bench?
Thanks
PJ
Replies
If it was me, I'd forget about the tropical hardwoods (especially iroko and sapelle) and ask around for a local source of European native timber. Ash would be OK. Sycamore (maybe a bit soft). You might find airdried oak at a reasonable price (maybe a bit grainy for a top, but OK for the frame). I once bought cherry at a fair price in South Wales - that would be nice. Ask at your local builders merchants, high school (if they still do woodwork) or polytechnic about sources of supply. It's sometimes surprising who has parcels of sawn timber stashed away. Buy a couple of copies of Practical Woodworking or the Woodworker and chase up some of the classifieds.
one suggestion. If you have any industry in your area which imports heavy metal components from abroad it could pay to visit their recieving dept. It is amazing what is sometimes used for packing case timber, and finishes up in the firebox because it is dirty scuffed and oil stained. Perfect for a workbench.
In a past issue of FWW, they made a bench top with three layers of 3/4" MDF laminated together with 3/16" shop sawn maple, veneered to the top and bottom. Heavy as heck and dead flat.
My current shop built bench is made of 8/4 maple planks and is both heavy and pretty flat. Eventually, I may make a bench like I described above.
Just a thought.
Regards,
John
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