After some careful layout for the bench top, position of the legs, aprons and dog holes, so the threads do not interfere with anything. I set out get the working part of the Moxon set up.
Used a fostner bit to get a radius near the bottom of the rear chop, left 2” at bottom to use clamps to hold this small bench down. Off to the bandsaw to cut the remainder out. Clamped it vertical to the bench and cleaned up the saw marks.
Over to the drill press to drill out the holes for the threads in both chops, with a fostner bit. Had to use a file and small sanding drum to make the holes just a tad bit larger.
After I had the threads fitting nicely, I started on the back of the rear chop. Instead of drilling a counter bore, I chose to chop out a mortise for the nut. Think about 20 minutes each, yea they fit snug.
The back of the front chop needed to have the holes tapered from side to side, used a gouge to chop a slight angle about 2/3rds of the way through. Test fit, works fine even when the chops are not parallel. (Reason for the tapered hole).
I then took the front chop off and back to the drill press, drilled (2) 7/8” dog holes 12” on center, 1-3/4” deep. I am debating to place an angled relief on the top leading edge of the front chop. Have to think about that.
I then put the chops together, tightened the vise and grabbed a hand plane to even both surfaces to match.
Back side of assembly
And just a bit of a mess on the floor and press, for those that like to see chips and shavings.
The next steps are to get dog holes drill for the bench portion, and drill some dowel holes to keep the top lined up during glue up, and strengthen the rear corner where there will be a through mortise (maybe).
Thanks for looking, and comments are welcome.
-- Eric, building the dream
9 comments so far
Dave Polaschek
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10272 posts in 2039 days
#1 posted 05-05-2022 02:24 AM
Looks like it’s coming right along, Eric! The one thing I really like about the Veritas Twin Screw hardware is the chain that couples the two screws together, so you can just wind one of them, and they both open or close together. Its easy enough to decouple them so you can skew the front chop, but I think I do that maybe once a year or so.
In any case, its looking like you’ll have a nice little bench to put on your bench.
-- Dave - Santa Fe
Eric
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5033 posts in 1330 days
#2 posted 05-05-2022 10:07 AM
Thanks Dave. That was the plan along with having a comfortable working height.
-- Eric, building the dream
doubleDD
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11282 posts in 3500 days
#3 posted 05-05-2022 12:37 PM
This bench top will make things easier as you work. Looks like things are coming along nicely.
-- Dave, Downers Grove, Il. -------- When you run out of ideas, start building your dreams.
adot45
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601 posts in 2081 days
#4 posted 05-05-2022 01:51 PM
Your project is starting to look impressive indeed. Looking forward to more progress pictures.
-- “Often wrong but never in doubt”. Dave in WV.
Eric
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5033 posts in 1330 days
#5 posted 05-05-2022 03:03 PM
Dave D, thanks. Easier height, since I like to stand doing some projects.
Dave in WV, thanks. I happy with it so far.
-- Eric, building the dream
Yonda
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142 posts in 145 days
#6 posted 05-05-2022 04:06 PM
Thanks for sharing Eric, I have been keeping an eye on your progress and design. I can see myself doing something like this for my ‘home’ work bench area.
-- Yolanda Gee
Eric
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5033 posts in 1330 days
#7 posted 05-05-2022 09:00 PM
Yolanda, thanks. I will continue posting blog updates as I get next steps completed. So far it hasn’t been to bad, I just like to think things thru a few steps ahead. All I started with was a sketch done on graph paper.
-- Eric, building the dream
BurlyBob
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10467 posts in 3722 days
#8 posted 05-05-2022 11:05 PM
That’s going to be a great addition to your shop. I know your going to love it. I’ve found my moxon to bee indispensable.
Eric
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5033 posts in 1330 days
#9 posted 05-06-2022 12:23 AM
BBob, thanks. It will be much better than the plywood glued up at 90 degrees and using clamps to hold stuff. Ran a test fit last night and it gripped very well. I will pick up a smammie cloth at the auto parts store to glue on the faces. (Heard that works great).
-- Eric, building the dream
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