Replies

1. 
   TomMGTC | Mar 03, 2003 10:05pm | #1

   I like having an enclosed bench rather than the open but I don't like the space at the top that the recent bench in FWW had. There are some pics of my bench here http://forums.taunton.com/tp-knots/messages?msg=10941.10 I like having the base go all the way to the floor as it is a lot easier to sweep around than the typical trestle bases. The top drawers in my bench are all divided and give me easy access to screws, brushes, etc.

   Tom
1. 
   squeaky_jeep | Mar 03, 2003 11:25pm | #2

   Tom,

   Thanks for the pictures of your bench.  Very nicely done.   Gives me a great idea of what to shoot for.  Did you use any adjustable leveling feet?

   Thanks

2. 
   lwilliams | Mar 04, 2003 02:03am | #3

   Hmmm, I don't remember the space you're talking about. I visited Jon and saw his bench a couple years ago. But then I didn't look real close. I don't like storage cabinets in a bench. It never fails that when I have some tool inaccessible behind some project, that's the tool I need. I've got a couple open trays on the stretchers of my bench and what's in them can be reached no matter how my bench is being used at the time. I also don't like storing  frequently used tools where I have to constantly bend over to get them.

   I can say that Jon's bench is more impressive in person than in the article.

3. 
   HowardAcheson | Mar 04, 2003 02:35am | #4

   What space do you mean? My bench has a space between the top of the cabinet and the benchtop so that bench dogs can be raised and lowered.

   Here's a picture:

   
1. 
   squeaky_jeep | Mar 04, 2003 02:59am | #5

   Well...

   The space I am referring to appears to be the same one that you have on your bench Howie.   If you read the article in the current issue of FW, he states he uses it for storage.  However,  it could be that its main purpose is to allow clearance for the bench dogs, as you state Howie.   I never used a bench dog before so don't know if all benches need the clearance space, or if it is dependent on the type of dog being used.   In Scott Landis' book The Workbench Book, the shaker bench looks enclosed to the bottom of the top, however the drawers to look like they were set a little low,  perhaps to accommodate dogs. 

   Thanks for the help.

1. 
   AlanTurner | Mar 04, 2003 03:33am | #6

   O'll offer a thought or two on the spacing issue. 

   I'm going to be making a proper cross cut sled, and I think this might fit nicely in such a space.  In my old bench I finally put drawers for storage since it was no longer to be my main bench.  It lives across from the front of the TS.  I am space challenged, but have always wanted a largish cross cut sled.  One of the problems was where to store it when not in use.  Perhpas on top of the underbench cabinet.

   One other point.  If one uses a holdfast, one needs a pretty large space between the bottom of the bench top and the top of the cabinet.  Those guys are long.

4. 
   Wateren | Mar 04, 2003 04:37am | #7

   Squeak, I didn't look closely at the article, but the bench I am using has enclosed drawers with a gap of about 1½" between top of enclosure and bottom of stretcher on which the benchtop sits.

   I use this for some storage, mostly saws (backsaw and a crosscut saw) and guides for my circle saw. These are long and narrow, flat, and store well there. This was a matter of happenstance rather than intentional design. Other locations could be designed to suit these things better.

   Yes, sometimes stuff 'disappears' there, to be found much later, also lots of sawdust sifts down through the dog holes.

   I also have some open shelf storage on either side of the cabinets, one side holds a shooting board, the other has some misc. stuff.

   Cheers,

   Chris.