Six of one?

[ED65]

I take it that Jacob didn't like those two benches I posted? Quelle shockeur. But then they weren't posted for his benefit.

Or to get his feedback on for that matter. Not saying this to be mean, but anyone who has been around long enough knows if it's not a standard English bench – his idea of one at least – it's always inferior. Every time. Doesn't matter if it's a bench from another European tradition with a hundred-plus years of proven utility mind, still inferior in some way. Sometimes even not fit for purpose which is of course nonsense.

 

[Jacob]

I take it that Jacob didn't like those two benches I posted? Quelle shockeur. But then they weren't posted for his benefit.

Or to get his feedback on for that matter. Not saying this to be mean, but anyone who has been around long enough knows if it's not a standard English bench – his idea of one at least – it's always inferior. Every time. Doesn't matter if it's a bench from another European tradition with a hundred-plus years of proven utility mind, still inferior in some way. Sometimes even not fit for purpose which is of course nonsense.

Not my idea it's been around for 100s of years, with variations. It's in the older books. Paul Sellers does the same thing. It's the easiest to make.
I'm just intrigued as to how/why it got written out of the story.

 

[MikeG.]

........ I recall the workbenches from school being similar to the design you showed with two wide pieces either side of a tool well, deep aprons and a vice on the left hand of each long side of the bench - that may have been an adaptation to allow two pupils to work at the same bench. They also had cupboards underneath......

That's precisely how mine is. A perfect description, although the apron isn't that deep.

 

[samhay]

I have something like a Nicholson bench too. Made it in a long weekend out of a few planks of construction grade timber. It's fit for purpose and there's little I'd change about it.

I'm not sure the internet has forgotten about this style of bench though. In addition to Paul Sellers, there others who have dabbled with it. E.g. Richard Maguire: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bmg1gvqZ2mQ
In the US there are folks like Mike Siemsen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvhn-PAfEW4
and some obscure chap called Chris Schwarz: https://vimeo.com/104208541

 

[Jacob]

Just had a quick flip through the Landis book https://www.amazon.co.uk/Workbench-Book ... 1561582700
and what I call the standard British bench doesn't get a mention, oddly. There is a picture from Moxon's book showing something similar and there is the "simple" Kirkby bench which isn't simple at all, but that's it.
Even stranger - the nearest equivalent is the Japanese planing beam, equivalent to the heavy timber beam of the standard British bench but with minimal support - propped at one end and secured at the other against the wall. If you look at the picture you have to remind yourself that Toshio wossisname is planing with a pull plane - towards the wall.
Looks good for planing and vertical chopping but not for any lateral movement of saws etc

 

[samhay]

There's a slightly too complicated version with canted rear legs in the Hayward book.

 

[Jacob]

There's a slightly too complicated version with canted rear legs in the Hayward book.

I thought the same when I saw it but I've had 2nd thoughts about splayed legs - following recent saw horse thread. They make a very solid saw horse.
I think it's because they are self tightening in the joint (half housing or M&T). It could be flopping about loose but as soon as there is any load it tightens up due to geometry, whereas a 90º joint if loose can flop either way and work itself looser. Just a thought.

 

[AndyT]

There's a slightly too complicated version with canted rear legs in the Hayward book.

Bodgers built a really nice one of those not too long ago

hayward-workbench-build-t112721.html

 

[samhay]

That thread rings a bell. Nicely done, and no doubt that's a good design.
I don't think the canted legs were designed to make the joint tighter - nice feature though - but rather came about because the top of the legs needed to clear the tool well at the back.
Richard Maguire did something similar with an apron-less bench too:
https://www.theenglishwoodworker.com/be ... ouncement/

 

[Lonsdale73]

Liked the no-nonsense nature of both thisbench and the guy's delivery.

 

[sammy.se]

Has anyone been able to, or seen, a successful MFT/Paulk type holy top, on a solid bench you can hammer and chisel on?
I feel like the MFT type table is great for sheet work, but not good for chiselling out dove tails and mortises.

I'm sure someone has solved this with some solid legs and a couple of vices?