Roman workbench perfection?


So as you know (if you follow me on social media), I have just recently built, yet another Roman workbench! Which is starting to become normal practice, just as much as it is me saying "I think this will be the last one I build". Every time I build a bench, I do get closer to the optimal bench, and preferences are becoming crystal clear!
I think the most predominant preference has to be the width. I seem to lean towards 15", it just seems like a nice width, for me to sit on and work on. My oak bench is the narrowest bench I have built, which I really don't like because of the width. That's a real shame, considering I like the length, and it has a shavehorse attachment.

I would definitely say, I prefer a longer bench to a shorter bench. To date I have explored 4', 5' and 6', with 6' being my favourite. Don't get me wrong, I have built all manner of furniture on the 4' but, the 6' bench rules simply because, I am able to have two setups on the bench, meaning I can go in between two tasks, without moving things around, which is obviously better. 


A good example of this, would be having the shavehorse add-on set up, maybe making legs (tapered octagonal), then using the other end of the Bench, to finish the leg up with a plane etc.

I also like a wider leg spacing, even though it does create a trip hazard, and the legs can get in the way, when edge planing longer pieces. I also prefer 24° sight lines, which further push the legs out, compared to 38°. 

This adds more stability, still allowing for a rake and splay, which is better than just a splay. Since I work on and off the bench 50/50, and the fact that the bench(s) are kept lite for movability. Stability is always something I think about, and the next bench build will most probably highlight this.

The dog holes have evolved closer, and closer to my own work. Ever increasingly, Im using the wedge's less and less, and the pegs are doing fine. The holes are reducing in number, and I'm getting pretty picky where I put them now, every time I build one. 17 dog holes are dealing with a lot of work/tasks, that's not really a great deal, when you consider what can be achieved with them.

So will the next bench be, a perfect Roman workbench for myself? Who knows!
What I can tell you is that, it will be pretty close, and I can also say what Ill be shooting for.

Length is going to be around 6' - 7', width 15"- 18", legs will be wider apart, with a 24° sightline. The bench will have a shavehorse attachment (a must). Dog holes will probably remain the same. I may go for some ash too!

If you'd like a guide with plans, and some of the tools, to build a bench, you can purchase those here 

You can also see a video of myself building a bench here


Comments

  1. I'm excited to give this a try.

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  2. I am very interested in your Roman workbench posts and youtubes. I have been on a like path for a little less than a year. I live in central Florida and wanted a bench I could keep outside ... So I have started out with a large cypress plank (4 inch by 13 inch by 7 feet). A bit heavy but so am I. Anyway, keep up the good work.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you. There great little benches. I've just made my ebook free to everyone. It may be of help to you.

      There's a link in my latest YouTube video.

      Delete
  3. Very good, This information is essential and informative which you have shared here. Read more info about esd workbench. It is beneficial for beginners to develop their knowledge. It is very gainful information. Thanks for share it.

    ReplyDelete
  4. The workbench is an enduring workplace tradition, for many good reasons. It’s simple, efficient, straightforward and adaptable. From the crude wood tables used for centuries by artisans and craftspeople to today’s sleek and technology-infused versions for knowledge workers, benching is a concept that’s continuing to evolve to meet a wide variety of workplace needs. Office designers have actively embraced benches for their clean aesthetic and the efficiency appeal of a modular product that’s easily configured and reconfigured with Office Fit Outs. Benches are the part of workstations designed for the offices. Keep sharing!

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  7. Awsome!!! A perfect piece of handmade bench work. I like it. Thanks to bloggers for sharing handcrafted designs. Look forward to sharing the curved outdoor bench next time. Happy!

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  8. You provided accurate instruction in your blog for building the wooden bench. Many people will find this to be very useful. The pictures you posted have motivated me to buy one and make one. You fully recognised every important aspect of high-quality and good-quality furnishings and thoroughly discussed each issue. Making wooden things is really challenging because there are so many different kinds of wood on the market. Always use high-quality materials, though. Value office furniture offers materials of the finest quality for making office furniture at the lowest cost.

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