I'll look into all of that , Thanks.


"B A R R Y" wrote in message
...
Leon wrote:

That bit of information probably would have been helpful. ;!) I am
wanting a "flat" work bench to shape wood and or use for assembly of
furniture. I really want to get something bigger than my TS top. LOL

I built a very flat assembly torsion box, with a melamine top, that sits
on my hand tool bench, outfeed table, painter's steps (for tall projects),
or even the floor.

When I'm not assembling, I really prefer an unfinished wood top, with end
and face vices, a board jack, and surface dog holes. In addition to hand
tool work, the "hand tool" vises and dogs easily clamp router dovetail and
pocket hole jigs, and even nicely (and QUICKLY) holds boards for
biscuiting!

Whatever you build, don't forget pop-up planing stops, as they work as
well with belt sanders as they do with hand planes. Mine are just 4/4
white oak boards mounted in strategic locations with hanger bolts and wing
nuts through slots. With the proper screw tension, I can pop them up and
push them down without touching the screws.

While you're building stuff for yourself, I also like the mini-bench I
built a few years back that brings the work to chest level. I followed a
FWW article to build it from 8/4 maple and some veneer press screws. It's
nice not having to bend over to use paring chisels and the like. If you
end up doing a hardwood top, you could probably build the mini-bench for
free.

I've been thinking of building a copy of Popular Woodworking's "21st
Century Bench", the Bob Lang bench unveiled last fall. Check that one
out, too.