LumberJocks Woodworking Forum banner

Project Information

My version of a Moxon Benchtop Bench, made from 8/4 Hard Rock Maple, 4/4 Hard Rock Maple and 4/4 Walnut. Ash was used for the Dog Pins. The top surface including the front chop is 22" x 17" x 7-1/4" high. the dog holes are on a 12" center. The hardware is from WindRiver.

I needed a good woodworking vise so this is my solution. All of the lumber was rough cut edges, with the wide surfaces somewhat smooth. Had to true up an edge with a hand plane prior to cutting down to size.

I milled up the top blanks by ripping at 1-5/8" then ran through the planer to remove saw marks and flipped the 8/4 stock 90 degrees so each strip is 2" wide. Also added the 4/4 Walnut as accent strips in the top. I used the full 8/4 stock for both the front and rear chops. Also the rear legs.

Prior to gluing the top together I drilled the dog holes with a fostner bit, using stop blocks on the drill press. So much easier. And while I was at it I drilled the holes for the hardware in the chops.

The top was glued up in stages, to prevent sliding to much. After getting two halfs glued up it was off the the thickness planner the shave a tad bit off each side. Then glue the last joint in the center, followed by the rear chop.


The aprons are 4/4 with a sliding dovetail which fits into the legs, the front of the side aprons are a standard tenon. (No pin yet, may have to install a few down the road, need to turn some small ones out of Walnut.

I had to take a break and make a few accessories for the table saw. A auxiliary fence which made it higher. A tenon jig, first time making tenons on this saw. And extended the miter gauge with a stop block.


The legs are attached to the top by means of a sliding dovetail. Wanted to allow for movement during the weather changes.




Front tenon an mortise

Note the hexagon mortise to secure the nuts for the hardware.

Glue up was just a small puzzle to assemble, and had to work fast. First was the put the aprons into the legs then slide the assembly into the top which included inserting the tenons into the front chop. There is no glue on the top of the aprons.

I needed to fire up the lathe to make a set of Dog Pins, I chose Ash for those. A simple turning. I may change the material down the road. Not fond of the dark streaks after the finish.

The last bit was to carve my makers mark in the face of the front chop. I even used the bench to clamp the chop down for carving.


Every thing was finished with Natural Danish Oil, nothing was finished between the chops. Still need to find some chubber or a simular product to glue to the inside of the chops. I will probably have to recoat the finish every now an then. But the grains stood nicely.

Overall, very happy with the project. And it's already been in use, has a good grip.

Thanks for looking and comments welcome. Also there is a blog series for those interested in reading more details and additional photos.

Blog link to part #1 of 5, enjoy reading.
https://www.lumberjocks.com/EricFai/blog/series/23634

Gallery

Comments

· Banned
Joined
·
18,919 Posts
damn sweet my friend.put that to good use and me me proud !
 

· Registered
Joined
·
61 Posts
Magnificent! Great work. I know it took a lot of work but you did yourself proud.

Regards
Dave
 

· Registered
Joined
·
343 Posts
Very nice, great job.
 

· Registered
Joined
·
5,101 Posts
Pottz, thanks. Oh I am going to put it to use. In fact I was using it before the finish was applied.

Dave, thanks. The hardest part was the sliding dovetails. Happy with the results.

OldRivers, thank you. It was a fun project. Now plans for a full size bench.
 

· Registered
Joined
·
13,320 Posts
Eric- I have been following this build with you… It is nice to see it on projects…
 

· Registered
Joined
·
5,101 Posts
DW, thanks. I am glad to have it fi is now. I can move one to the next project or two.
 

· Registered
Joined
·
13,320 Posts
Eric- IMO you need to post the link to the blog on your projects page. It has so much to offer, so promote you hard work…
 

· Registered
Moving items in shop constantly !! Always have something on bench
Joined
·
5 Posts
Very nice on the joinery you did great on the overall layout. I found some leather for my Moxon but there are many options for the face. Really like your makers Mark nice finishing touch.
How long of threaded rod did you use ? I feel 18" was little long for mine but made them work.
 

· Registered
Joined
·
5,101 Posts
DW, I look into that. I guess I could link the first entry and folks can view the others from there.

Randy, thanks. The rod that came with the hardware is 8" it seems to work fine.
 

· Registered
Joined
·
7,192 Posts
I really like your Moxon. That back deck is pure genius.
 

· Registered
Joined
·
6,567 Posts
My favorite for an introduction to benches is a Moxon bench. I think it wise for anyone working without a bench, to upgrade their woodworking, and make a Moxon type bench that could work on top of a rock if needed, flat rock would be best. :)

Eric you did a bang up job on this build, and looks like you nailed the sliding DT. Great work. I hope it serves you well for a lot of years.
 

· Registered
Joined
·
655 Posts
Really nice Eric! And I like the walnut accents…especially like the monogram on the face of the chop! The cork/rubber hybrid material called crubber works well for lining the jaws, but I'm guessing that's the same (or close to it) as the chubber you referenced. Well done!
 

· Premium Member
Joined
·
20,131 Posts
Awesome workmanship!
 

· Registered
Joined
·
5,101 Posts
BBob, thanks. That rear deck is nice to work on, small project layouts, since I like to stand and work. The Awl I use fits nicely in a dog hole.

SteveN, thanks. Those sliding dovetails took a bit of work, but I am glad I used them. And being potable is going to be a nice feature if I ever start doing shows.

Ryan, thanks. Yes the same type of refference to the chop lining. I finally settled on a makers mark, need to make up a branding iron now, but for the time I will just carve it by hand.

TopMax, thanks. I try my best, an learn a few trucks along the way or what not to do.
 

· Registered
Joined
·
2,507 Posts
Eric,

Excellent work!

What does that thing weigh?! If you plan to bring it to shows, you may need a mobile cart.

Thanks for posting.
 

· Registered
Joined
·
5,101 Posts
Petey, thanks. Only about 25 to 30 pounds, or that's what it feels like.
 

· Premium Member
Joined
·
1,433 Posts
excellant job Eric - that will serve you well for years to come
 

· Registered
Joined
·
5,101 Posts
Dick, thanks. I think it will. I may have some minor modifications here an there, looks like one will be to put an angle on the front chop. I left room from the aprons to the bench edge to use clamps. And I need to come up with a few holddowns.
 

· Premium Member
Joined
·
7,336 Posts
Looks like a solid addition to the shop, Eric. Well done!
 

· Registered
Joined
·
5,101 Posts
Dave, thanks. It is solid that's for sure. I need to tighten up some bolts on the bench it sitting on, noticed it moves just a bit.
 
Top