My initial idea was to build a standard 2- 1/2 inch thick laminated top from 8/4 maple lumber. But I am short of 8/4 lumber and want to keep waste and price under control. So I am thinking of making only the first 7 inch from the front edge up and doing the rest of the top with the boards face up, each board will be around 5 inch wide. My lumber is kiln dried and plainsawn. My main worry is stability
I would like to get some comments or suggestions on how I could go by with this approach and if it make any sense.
also I am thinking of mixing some oak in the lamination, any issue with that? kiln dried also
thanks
Replies
It should work fine, there wouldn't be any special wood movement issues. You can mix the oak with the maple without any problems.
The big advantage to a thick top is that it gives a solid backing for chopping mortises and dovetails, operations that are always done along the front edge anyway. A thick top also allows for deep pockets for bench dogs so you won't be able to have a second row of bench dogs further back on the bench.
John White
I would think you could add a 2x2 (or something) under the board that you want to have dog holes in.Doug
The Wood Loon
Acton, MA
Martin,
Take a look at Lon Schleining's "The Workbench." Specifically look at Mike Dunbar's bench. It is built exactly as you would like to build yours, except that he uses plywood for the back of the top. It's in Chapter 8. I think that you should be able to buy just that chapter from our online store if you can't find the book. You could also check out the "English" bench that Chris Schwarz discusses in his book "Workbenches: from design & theory to construction & use." He gives complete plans.
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