Wheels for the Workbench

The workbench is now wheel mounted. This is will only be a temporary solution while moving workshops. I used scraps of blackbutt from the original workbench build and formed mounts that lock into the lateral supports. Not and ideal solution but does the job.

Groggy's Workbench

In August 2008, hobbiest woodworker Groggy, started working on a humble roubo workbench in Melbourne. Over the past 2 years his documented the build in detail over at the Woodwork Forums. The Bench is 2520 x 650 x 140mm and made from solid Jarrah. He estimates the bench weights in at 200kg. It has a Bench Crafted wagon vice and a sliding deadmen. A unique feature of his bench is under the flush shelf is a purpose built parallel clamp rack. Very handy. There's a still a few things to finish off, but it's already a fantastic bench.

Click here to see the complete forum thread (you'll need to be registered user to see photos and join in discussion.)

New Products from Benchcrafted

Despite the fact that my Roubo is technically still not finished, the temptation to start planing and building the next bench is growing. Benchcrafted have not helped the situation but announcing two new products.

The first is a shaker style bench with a wagon/leg/deadman configuration. The innovated aspect of this build is the parallel guide and wheel mounts are concealed, held within a cardboard  at the end of the bench.

The second product is a little more subtle but I think is a real winner. The wheel handles on my bench are the standard benchcrafted chrome. Benchcrafted is now set to release a cast iron model. The finish would be much tougher against the inevitable knocks of a workshop tool, and with one construction step removed (the chroming) may actually be cheaper.

Ideal Starter Workbench

On my morning peruse of lumberjocks I came across this interesting workbench by KennethW.

It's a simple wooden knockdown workbench. It offers an element of simplicity; while still having a vice of decent size, various bench holes for wonderpups/hold downs, and a bench top usable for small projects of furniture or boxes.

I assume it couldn't weigh more than 50-60kg (compared with the 300kg of my workbench.) Which would make moving this bench a little easier. My only concern is about the rigidity of the base and some flex and movement with each mallet blow.

Overall though; for someone just starting out, or working in a small area and/or rental this would be an ideal bench. Two thumbs up.