Split Roubo Workbench #15: Leg Vise - The BenchCrafted version.

Another step closer. Keep up the good work. What hurdles are left? Seems like you got it pretty well whooped at this point. Look forward to more, as always

My gosh, the level of total precision is amazing… Matched only by the execution…

Wow, that’s amazing work, Scott. Congrats, you’re almost there!

-- Don't anthropomorphize your handplanes. They hate it when you do that. - OldTools Archive -

Shane,

Just off the top of my head…..

Make dowels for draw bore
draw bore pin
mill and construct deadman
legder strips
deadman glide strip
make real dogs
cut legs a half inch shorter
make hinges and casters for left legs
assemble the base
drill top for spax screws
flax seed oil the wheels?
drill 3/4” holes in rear slab for hold fasts
mill and assemble plane stop
level top -hand planes or router sled
mill, cut and lap boards for shelf
apply finish – what kind?
give to Al

-- "It's only wood. Use it." - Smitty || Instagram - nobodhi_here

So…you will be done by tomorrow evening, that is what it sounds like to me?

You’re just having too much fun if you ask me. Great work as usual.

Looking at you To Do list, there are a couple of items that confuse me.

1. Make hinges and casters for left legs.
2. flax seed oil the wheels? Are you really going to do that?
3. level top – hand planes or router sled? Surely it will be hand planes?

-- Andy - Old Chinese proverb says: "If you think something can't be done, don't interrupt man who is doing it."

some nice work going on there.

-- http://timetestedtools.net - Collecting is an investment in the past, and the future.

Andy,

My dedicated shop space is small. I will need to move my bench at times. Not exactly sure when but I am sure that I will. Therefore, I am trying to devise a way to put casters on one side so that I can lift the other side and drag/roll the bench. I thought about these from Rockler but I am not sure of their durability.

-- "It's only wood. Use it." - Smitty || Instagram - nobodhi_here

Scot – At the beginning of 2011 I spent 2 months designing and sourcing the parts for an undercarriage for Benchcrafted’s Split-Top Roubo. When the undercarriage is up, the bench looks just like an ordinary Split-Top Roubo even if you kneel down on the floor and look underneath. When it is down, the bench is raised an inch or so off the floor. I had to draw on my engineering background and went through a number of ideas before arriving at my final design. I invested all the time and effort because my workshop is only 9ft x 9ft and I want a 6ft bench. I have to be able to move it easily because I will be moving it often. I’m not going to reveal how it works until I make my Roubo, but it will happen one day though I promise.

-- Andy - Old Chinese proverb says: "If you think something can't be done, don't interrupt man who is doing it."

Ok Brit, now your just playing with use.

-- Jim, Mid coast, Maine Ancorayachtservice.com home of the chain leg vise

Believe it or not, I do feel bad that I can’t share it with you yet. In my defense though, I do share most things with you guys, but you have to leave me something to showcase with my Roubo when I build it. Otherwise it will be (YAWN YAWN) just another Split Top Roubo.

-- Andy - Old Chinese proverb says: "If you think something can't be done, don't interrupt man who is doing it."

Agree Jim. Andy is usually so forthcoming with poignant, valuable information. That is a HUGE tease. But I guess he is entitled.

Question #2:

I have a bad problem with rust to the point that when I went to retrieve the large BC hand wheel from its box, it had already rusted! It was a light rust thst the 3M scothbrite removed. However, it is discouraging. Everthing I touch oxidizes. Thus, I am intrigued by Jameel’s blog post on how to seal the wheels with flax oil. Basically, the technique involves coating the wheels with flax oil then baking. The resultant wheels have a brown finish like so…....

I have not quite decided but will probably just paste wax and perform periodic maintenance.

-- "It's only wood. Use it." - Smitty || Instagram - nobodhi_here

Looking great. I can’t wait to see the finished bench.

Sorry for the multiple post but I have just sporadic moments to post.

Question #3

Leveling the top: Don’t call me Shirley :^)

I am not so sure that I am going to use handplanes. It will depend on how flat it is when I get through. The top will end up 14 sq ft. That is alot of real estate and ample room for error. Milling 6 square with handplanes requires a bit of skill which I am trying to develop. Unfortunately I have found myself chasing my tail while leveling stock. I am not so sure that I want to screw up my top.

I know it sounds blasphemous. One can argue that it will a great learning experience to flatten the top with a #7. But you know ,it is also a great learning experience to flatten a slab with a router sled. Both of which I’ve never done before.

-- "It's only wood. Use it." - Smitty || Instagram - nobodhi_here

-- "It's only wood. Use it." - Smitty || Instagram - nobodhi_here

I saw that coming… :-)

-- Don't anthropomorphize your handplanes. They hate it when you do that. - OldTools Archive -