Which Joint?

[phil p]

Hi,

Could I ask some advice please.

I'm thinking of making a workbench (nothing too fancy) out of 4 x 2for the legs, however which type of joints should I use for the frame?

I was thinking mortice and tenon, which would be O.K. for the ends, however what type of joint should I use for the lenth stretchers theres not a lot to create a m&t joint (hope I have explained this right), OR is there a better constuction method?


Thanks

 

[Jacob]

4x2 a bit on the thin side so the answer has to be (yet again :roll: ) deep aprons. Makes construction so simple and rigid- 2 end frames housed into 2 lengthways aprons. Then you don't need stretchers. Ignore the fashion pundits!
Any other way of stiffening the bench is problematic.

 

[G S Haydon]

Hello Philip,

I depends what kind of bench you want. Sounds like your making a basic frame with a ply top? If so you might not need to bother with M&T joints, it would end up looking a bit like these http://pinterest.com/pin/519532506983647415/. Lots of big screws and a few bolts!

Or as Jacob said you could make a British style joiners bench. Paul Sellers has his take on it and has a you tube "How To" on how to build one.

If you want something more fancy this book http://gshaydon.co.uk/blog/workbenches- ... se-review/ is well written and gives options on the french style of bench and wide range of work holding options.

I'm starting my bench build soon but it's early days, I'm just reviewing the options you have on a British Joiners bench http://gshaydon.co.uk/blog/category/workbench/page/2/

 

[Benchwayze]

Agreeing with Jacob is becoming a habit... :shock:

If you want a good bench with aprons, see Paul Sellers offering on the YouTube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ru2ZiNs_Wek

(I don't necessarily agree with him when he squeezes 'bowed' benchtop lamination slats together, and says, 'That's fine. Cramps and glue will hold that.' ; or words to that effect. But I do agree with his method of fitting aprons, and the rest of his approach to the project.

If you don't want aprons, (they hide good storage space) then see Alan Holtham's bench, also on the Tube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXEvRoW8lY8

For my money, use a laminated solid top rather than plywood. But it's a simple, good looking design, and quick to make. It uses wedged, through M&Ts, 3 inch square legs and 4 x 2 for rails and stretchers. Both of these 'starter benches, will probably last you a lifetime.
HTH

 

[adzeman]

Hi Phil, a bit surprised you do not have a bench yet. I have made one as a priority in every house I have lived in. Left them there when I moved and built a new one in the next abode. Always use the same method which is as you suggest out of 4x2 morticed and tenoned.

The main factor for me is its height at 870 all my cupboards, planer beds saw table, R.A.S. are at this level bar the new bench covering the dryer. Makes life easier when working with long timbers.

The bench top I make out of 4x2 glued and bolted with a threaded bar and planed level. The end grains sorted in alternate order. This gives a nice well to bury tools in. The 4x2 end frames are two horizontal members over sailing vertical 4x2’s which are tenoned into the horizontal members and joined horizontally with 4x2 360 above floor level to form what can only be called a rubbish shelf. No matter how many times I tidy up kit gets put on this shelf like dust swept under the carpet To keep the bench from horizontal movement I have a diagonal member at the back to take the forces when planning. I am sure there are betters ways of making benches they do become personal and I am sure you will have fun with yours. Good luck and lets see the results.

 

[bugbear]

Hi,

Could I ask some advice please.

I'm thinking of making a workbench (nothing too fancy) out of 4 x 2for the legs, however which type of joints should I use for the frame?

I was thinking mortice and tenon, which would be O.K. for the ends, however what type of joint should I use for the lenth stretchers theres not a lot to create a m&t joint (hope I have explained this right), OR is there a better constuction method?


Thanks

If you want to have low stretcher (probably with a handy shelf on them) and a clear top, you could use Kirby's "double depth" stretcher joint.

Or a diagonal brace.

Or both.

I don't think that's going to rack

BugBear

 

[Eric The Viking]

I too found Chris Schwarz's book excellent, but also have a long look at Richard Maguire's web site and blog.

Richard's benches are for the 'gentleman woodworker' undoubtedly, but the craftsmanship is obvious when you see it. You'll get some good ideas from him, and he also sells some of the more esoteric bench fittings/hardware, that are harder to find in other places, including some truly excellent holdfasts.

I was lucky enough to meet Richard last Saturday at Peter Sefton's open day. He's charming, and pretty pragmatic about good bench design.

Also, if you look at Roy Underhill's take on the Roubo bench (in "The Woodwright's Shop" past editions on the PBS site, I think in one of the most recent series), he covers how to mark out and make the complicated angled leg dovetails (they look impossible to assemble at first glance, but are very strong).

I'm psyching myself up to do a makeover on my own bench, too so I've been looking at the options.

E.

PS: Mine is out of 2x4 with M+T frames at each end (two rails), and short diagonal braces at the back and under the shelf where they don't get in the way. It's strong enough for all I've needed it to do (it's almost 30 years old now). The M+Ts are through and glued but the rest is bolted.