New Fangled Workbench revisited

[Bentham Andy]

Sorry for resurrecting an old topic from a few years ago but the 'New Fangled Workbench' came up at college last night. I see from the original thread that some folks had already built one of these benches and others were thinking of doing so. Basically I was wondering what current opinions of this bench design were especially after a few years worth of use?

(https://www.ukworkshop.co.uk/forums/viewtopic.php?t=15673&highlight=fangled+workbench)

cheers

Andy

 

[wizer]

for me, this picture is why I wouldn't build it

Dropping those panels in and out all the time, keeping them flat and undamaged will be a frustrating task. It's a bit quirky for my liking. What's wrong with bench dogs?

 

[Bentham Andy]

Wizer, Yes I see your point perhaps not the best advertising shot ever! However the apparent versatility and value for money of the bench taken as a whole make it worthy of consideration or at least discussion (IMHO).

cheers again

Andy

 

[Paul Chapman]

Dropping those panels in and out all the time, keeping them flat and undamaged will be a frustrating task.

If you were to make the panels thicker by gluing together two or three layers of MDF, lip them with solid wood and varnish them with polyurethane varnish, I reckon that would keep them flat and enable them to withstand the frequent taking out and putting back. However, unless you particularly need removeable panels, I agree that normal bench dogs would probably be better.

Cheers :wink:

Paul

 

[wizer]

I haven't yet found something I couldn't hold with dog, wonder dogs, hold-downs or clamps.

 

[houtslager]

those panals were meant to be temporary but are still in there after 7 years and allow for all round clamping
IMHO abloody good design, and the mk2 looks even better

hs