My bench is one project where I felt mechanical fasteners were
necessary. With the kind of abuse it gets, I couldn't convince myself that
glue alone would be sufficient to hold that monster together. The top is
approx. 90" x 32" x 2 1/4" thick and is held together by 5 pieces of 9/16"
all thread running front to back. The 2 1/4" x6" breadboard ends are pegged
in slotted holes AND lag bolted in slotted holes. I also double pegged the
mortices on the base. I have no doubts this bench will be in use long after
I am not!
I'd suggest using the allthread if this bench is going to be an
"heirloom". If it's just a temporary (only 1 lifetime or so!) bench then do
what is easiest for you. I do think that 3/4" allthread is a bit extreme
though. 4 pcs. of 1/2" to 5/8" would be adequate. Hey! post some pics!
I'd like to see what you've got together so far. --dave


"AAvK" wrote in message
news:RZ6Nf.76$123.41@fed1read09...

Currently I am making a woodworking bench of my own design, currently
sawing and chiseling dog holes in the front apron boards. The top will be
around 2" thick, and am thinking of using four 3/4" allthreads from front
to
back. I know I have yakked about it with this bench before, but "should I"
use them at all? There are plenty of these homemade benches that don't
have
them as I've seen online and in the books, if I did I would have to drill
43
holes, or maybe half that if I drill after sectional glue-ups...

Dimensions:

57" + 3/4" spline + 2" vise jaw apron " 2" outer jaw =61" + screw handle
ends
26" deep, 2" thick top, all hard maple.

Is the allthread really necassary?

--
Alex - "newbie_neander" woodworker
cravdraa_at-yahoo_dot-com
not my site: http://www.e-sword.net/