On a woodworking site a member posted photos of his newly completed work bench. He did not say if it was his first but I expect it was. BTW, it was a very nice looking bench and I expect it will be serviceable for a number of years but there are a couple of areas I expect will be problematic in use. I can't tell for sure from looking at the photos but I would be surprised if they are not. That's not what brings out my inter curmudgeon but six freaking years to build it does.
How anyone can spend six freaking years building something that should be as simple as a workbench is mind boggling. There is one thing in common with long work bench builds and that is building to BeachCrafted plans. You do end up with a solid bench, full disclosure I've build one to BC plans, but it is also a bench that is too complex and has elements that within a year had me barking at the moon mad and building a different Roubo style but much simpler bench.
First build or twentieth, it matters not, keep it simple stupid. Use a simple proven design with easy joints and leave the bing off. I can build a Moravian bench in approximately 60 man-hours, a simple Roubo shouldn't take much longer.
Ok, back on my meds and getting ready to go for my annual ground school and Sim training. Four long days of being treated as if I were a client. The good news, it is only once a year but that is also the bad news. Other than a 6 month hop in the Sim for for a 297 check it is usually the only time we touch the Sim in a year, It can be pretty ugly the first hour or two.
ken
I have a chair in "progress" for somewhere around 20 years. It isn't complex but I have had other things that command my attention, a messy shop and the lack of a chair sized hole in my home's furnishings.
ReplyDeleteThe bench builder has the advantage of 6 years without the nagging problems you predict. Lucky guy.
Steve,
Delete20 years? Waiting for the wood to settle down? :-). LOL, I can't say any project in my shop has lasted that long without becoming firewood.
ken
Sometimes you get busy Ken and things slip..... My bench is still a youngster at being only 2 + years old. And still not finished.
ReplyDeleteRalph,
DeleteI know, the reason for my (I hope) gentle prodding :-). As you would say, time to get 'er done.
ken
The more i read you Ken, the more I know my next bench will have to be a Moravian. ... or ill never hear the end of it :-)
ReplyDeleteBut, yah, it shall be
Bob
Bob,
DeleteNo truer words were ever spoken, you would never hear the end of it :-). What you need to do the next big snow storm is strap the truck to your butt and drive a few thousand miles SW and in a couple of weeks, after the snow clears, we could have one ready to go back NE.
ken
I forgot to add, you could share sweet Maggie Dog's bed while here. She doesn't really snore that loudly :-).
Deleteken