What Should I do With My Bench Vice And Shop
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- Опубліковано 30 вер 2024
- Bench Build Series: • Hand Tool Woodworking ...
Twin Turbo Vice: • Twin Turbo Vise Update
I want a bigger vice but that means I need a bigger bench, but that means I need a bigger shop. so I need your advice on what should I do and where can I find the bench top for this bench.
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Lesson learned from watching 10 years of Paul Sellers: . Keep it accessible to your audience. Do things in such a way that your viewers (with limited means and space) can do the same thing. That doesn't mean don't make a big shop, but the studio portion should match your viewers' expected space. Make a bench that your viewers could duplicate.
yes. I called him. he has nothing in stock, but will keep his eyes open of one.
@@WoodByWrightHowTo i think your reply was meant for a different comment
I'm really torn on this. I like what Anthony Miller and Bruce Allen said, but I also think that you have the personality, skills, and drive to make this successful and also keep making useful, inspiring content for all of us who are still learning. Which, admittedly, is just about everyone except maybe Paul Sellers. :D
As somebody that used to work in the basement (for me which's only advantage is the cool temperature), I really hope that you also go over the soil and find the beauty and health of woodworking under the natural light.
(as you probably know) Rex Kruger has recently moved his workshop. I hope the same for you :)
I have a similar Emmert vise. Keep in mind if you want to swing it up the screw needs a lot of room under it to swing. Also my bench has drawers and when the metal working jaws are up the drawer is blocked from opening. Same problem, the bench was there first.
Would jointing two of Matt Cremona’s split top bench slabs to glue together be out of the question? I am pretty sure you have demonstrated glue being stronger than the wood it bonds AND he has access to vacuum kiln drying.
As far as the larger shop annex, a metal building may be faster to set up as another commenter mentioned - but definitely don’t skimp on the lighting, insulation, and heating. Being able to use the space in winter will be a big deal.
WOOD STOVE!
yes. If I am going to laminated the top then I have a lot of options. I have just always dreamed of a true solid top.
@@WoodByWrightHowTo What's so bad about going for plain sawn out of a 3 foot tree?
@@WoodByWrightHowTo sadly, we don’t have ready access to old growth wood from 18th century French forests.
@@thewalnutwoodworker6136 seasonal movement will tend to cup/twist a plain sawn slab which could result in a lot of strain or even damage/checking in oak. A very thick slab will put up a lot of fight with the legs/framing of the bench, and I suspect that the point of a monolithic top is to avoid the need for a stretcher directly supporting the top, permitting the signature Roubo through tenon-sliding dovetail leg joint. I’m almost certain that Roubo suggested mounting bench tops so that the annular rings are “smiling”, so this may just be an historical issue that needs addressing by proper air drying and regular re-flattening.
Don't be that 90 year old man that regrets not chasing his dream. Chase it til you catch it or the wheels fall off your bicycle.
In the battle between "UA-camr with the big new shop" and "guy in the basement", maybe do both. Use your big shop for larger, more pipe dream projects but every once in a while, take us back down to your basement but with a very limited amount of tools that a beginner would have and do some basic projects again. You have the tools to do anything but on those videos only use the basics.
that is differently one thing I was thinking about.
From a certain perspective, that is the trap of the big European bench dream. Those big benches were designed for the mass production factories of the day. They were perfected for a group of artisans to work all day with the mass, comfort and work holding to perform each artisans part of the task. This is simply incompatible with the average woodworker or average person that is performing the task a few times and has neither the space nor time to dedicate to their hobby. The work benches of early history, the tools of itinerant woodworkers and the solution of cottage woodworkers can be more applicable than the common European sources because those sources aren't solving the average woodworkers problems.
@@WoodByWrightHowTo
When I need and want something larger than what I've got but I'm not ready for the larger space.... like your current situation.....
I like making convertible/robotic/Transformers stuff. So what I'd recommend is making a work bench that extends like a wood kitchen table when you need to utilize the larger vise. You can also make the whole end piece hinge or swing down out of the way. Make it an all-in-one multi tool of a bench just don't get carried away. Chew on that idea for a week or two and I'm sure you'll come up with multiple evolving ideas of what may work for you before you decide on a final build.
That's usually how I think.
Today I'm beginning to lay out a wood truck bed platform. I might make the sideboards hinge down and lay flat so I have a wider bed if and when needed..... or I might just keep it simple.
I want a nice metal bed or go all out and show off with inlays and fancy joinery. That would be super cool, but alas no time no money no space.
Just a few off-the-top-of-my-head thoughts:
1. The new shop would give you more space. More space means you won't have to use Sarah's bench as your parts store. So, build the new shop.
2. Laminate the bench top. Even if you do find a monolithic board that big, in all probability almost nobody else will. But, if you laminate, we can all learn from your process in building the new bench to suit the hardware that you want to incorporate into it.
3. Design the new shop so that all the main equipment can be easily used by both you and Sarah. That design process will be hugely helpful to a lot of people.
I have a slab of white/live oak (not sure which) cut from here in the southern swamps of Arkansas where I live it is already cut in half and each half is over 16” thick 10’7” long and 28.65” wide let me know I’m sure we can get it to you buddy!!
Can you email me some pictures!! JamesWright@woodByWright.com you have officially peeked my interest!
Sorry sir I never even saw your response lol!!! It’s still out back been in the barn air drying for over 3 years we busted em down to 7”-8” thick and made 4 slabs out of the 2 there is still 3 left same width and length just 7”-8” thick now and it is some type of live oak or white oak I am 100% sure after cutting into the 4th slab
James - build the bigger shop and the bigger bench! I would definitely come down for classes if you had them and so would others. And you should end all of your classes singing that Willy Wonka song.
Instead of a one-piece slab top, I would do a two-piece slab top, glued up down the center lengthwise. I think it makes your choices more plentiful. Matt Cremona may be able to provide that.
Huh, I guess ill be the contrarian here. Thats ok, such is my lot in life.
As for the bench, I do agree with other comments here. If the slab is just a piece of unobtanium, I'd shelve the idea. It sounds like you really want to work with Andrew Klein's vise and the Oliver vise. My personal opinion here but I'd say the slab idea is very much a "I have everything I need and want in a shop, now I just need to fill time." And could be a drain on money unless someone is exceptionally generous.
As for the shop...I personally, given the current environment, would NOT take on debt to build it (I think you mentioned getting financing for it, so I apologizeif I'm wrong on that). I know its the popular thing to do with woodworking YT'ers, but the interest rate where I refinanced my mortgage at 3% in spring of 2021 is up to 5.3%. Thats a HUGE difference in money, not to mention the uncertainty of everything. Others mentioned timber framing the building yourself and its not a bad idea, but that is a HUGE undertaking in both money AND time. I'd say you also need to consider if you ever decided to move, would a building like that make your house difficult/impossible to sell? Looks like you live in a fairly typical suburb (like me, that wasn't meant to be an insult) and in those neighborhoods that can be off-putting to potential buyers.
I know, I'm just a Debbie Downer. Just my own personal opinions. One other thought...how in love are you with a 2 car garage as a garage? For a hand tool woodworker a 2 car garage is a LOT of space. I believe Bob Rozaieski talked about the outbuilding vs garage vs basement.
Go for it! Build that shop, expand your operation, build that new bench, and… either keep your current bench or auction it off to raise funds.
why don't you build a wood shed put the crap in it turn your bench around and stick the second vice in the other end.
I think you should go for it, James. Because, then, you could have space even for big electric machines... Which could help a lot for preparing wood for projects, so you could do more.
Anyway, stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊
He has power tools like a table saw and thicknesser in his garage...... he doesnt prep all his parts for videos by hand.
First - Shoot for the stars!
Second - I can’t offer you exactly what you want. What I have to offer is an 8/4 X 20.5” X 76”, dead flat, machine planed both sides, dry - over six years cut, slightly spalted hackberry slab; down ‘wright’ beautiful.
I will never use it as it is so, its destiny is with you,… or someone or it will be used as pieces / parts. (There are several Moxon vises in there along with a Roman bench or a shave horse. )
This is from my brother-in-law’s family farm in Preble County, Ohio. It was free to me except for paying to have it planed. If you’re interested I’m sure we can barter a deal - class time? We can always get Dan Rabar to arbitrate, cut pie & pour coffee.
James new shop you can timber frame it yourself more space more tools. The bench big slab but think ware you want to be maybe look at a property with a big separate shop
Hi,
John Malecki (youtube also)got recently a huge sawmill. Pitsburg I think.
Good luck.
And thanks that the shop build is not this year. To many already 😉
One thing that we did shortly after moving to our current place was build a shop building. A rotting building was torn down and a new one built. I am primarily a power-tool woodworker with some hand work being learned from you and a few others. I incorporated several things I learned from previuos workshops, some of which may not apply to you.
* Built on a concrete slab with 2x6 framing and 6" insulation in the walls. (It can get cold in central Maryland! And hot!)
* Minimum 9 foot ceiling height, I don't like banging the overhead with lumber or sheet goods.
* Two windows, and an insulated glass double door - natural light is good after years working in basements.
* 100 amp breaker panel, fed from the house. (I notice that the Darbin Orvar channel is going solar wirh her shop.)
* Lighting on a circuit by itself. I can think of few things more dangerous than a tool tripping a breaker and ALL THE LIGHTS GO DARK
* Speaking of lights, LED all the way. The energy cost is tiny compared to incandescent, and you can get them in lots of different color temperatures (some are even programmable). That would make color compensation easier when filming.
* Separate, 20 amp circuits for 120 V and 240 V along the two long walls. With lots of receptacles on the 120 V circuits.
* I have a through-the-wall heat pump to keep the environment to my idea of comfortable.
* I also have a dehumidifier, again for my comfort. Bonus - I quickly learned that it also makes wood usable considerably faster than without it.
* The building is 12 x 32 feet inside, but I stole 8 ft fom one end for my office. Shut the door and keep (most) sawdust out of the computers. And remember the 9-foot ceilings.
I'm sure you are plannnig something with room to strech out. But, IMO, it would be nice to have a separated area for the videos. Enough bigger to stretch out, but with the filming area having a similar look and feel to the one we are used to. (Big enough for that new monster bench with the monster vises, though!)
Check with Ashley Harwood and Andy Rawls for wood. They MAY have some. Frank Howarth might have some ..but. As for the future, that new vise will have to wait for a bigger shop and a much bigger bench - both of which don't fit where you are. Rex has probably already not volunteered any wood so ... but he did talk of renting commercial space .... Luck and fate will settle the rest.
The quick solution for today’s bench at first glance is make a hole in the stretcher to accommodate the screw(s) on the vice.
I wish you had ventured your request 4 years ago. A tornado, yes a tornado in CT, came through my yard took at 7 trees. One was large enough to accommidate your needs. I tried to get local saw mills to take this 12 ft long, 6 ft in diameter oak… no luck. Sadly it became firewood. The lesson here is perhaps become a storm chaser for a while. Look for devastated areas with large downed trees. Home owners, if they are like me at that time, would be happy to have it go to a good home and not have to deal with it along with the other 6 trees. Or maybe even better contact tree services in you are and have them contact you when the have “a big job”.
As a fellow Nutmegger, I recall that event! It is hard (probably impossible) to find someone in CT that can process a tree that large into lumber. Just moving the tree would take some really large scale equipment, and even if you could move it, I know of no sawyer in the area that has equipment capable of slabbing anything that large.
@@ay8306 Thanks for the information I don’t know much about sawmills.
We worked with live oak extensively on the USS Constitution. You do NOT want a bench made from live oak. It never stops moving.
20x30 shop with classes! that would be so exciting and a great channel evolution
The BIG question is....what do you WANT to do and what does your better half and the kids want? Well, as long as it affect all of you they should participate in the decision...right?
It seems like a good transition for WbW to make a step up to bigger shop with room for classes. There is too much knowledge wasted if you don't - even if you dish out a lot of knowledge through your UA-cam sessions anyway.
I see an apprentice in the horizon...maybe one of your kids? Hmm....
Well, it would seem that you really want the bigger shop and bigger bench.
That means that my bench is not really what you want. ua-cam.com/video/1tuOabD9HyM/v-deo.html
It is 5'x2', includes a Twin Turbo vice and an HNT Gordon wagon vise aligned with a row of dog holes. It has a bit different layout because of my space constraints. Even though this is very likely not what you want consider it food for thought.
Hi James; sounds like you’re trying to justify a larger shop because of a slow winding vise? Not a bad idea, because I’d do the same if I could. However, if you found a vise with a double start ACME screw thread, that might be your ticket for a much smaller price. The double start thread travels twice the distance per revolution as a single start thread of the same pitch. The nice thing is, they are the same length screw and should fit your bench just right. But… a new bigger, better shop is always exciting too. Good luck!
I dont think we can help with things like this....... that's your own choice to make.
If you settle, then you're "settling" for less than you want. If you build, then you have more costs and loans to pay back..... only you know if you can do that.
I reckon the most of us only really care about you being happy, and keeping the meaning of your channel alive. So long as it's still Wood by Wright; then we will be happy too 😁
We dont care about the size of your space or your bench...... we jus like Wood by Wright and what it stands for. So long as it's still hand tool freaks gathering together to ooh and ahh at curls and saws; then we will follow anything that you do James 😁🤙
Hello James,
I must say that i strongly disagree with you on one point. of course Wood By Wright is a Community ... but let's be honest , most of us are there for you, not your bench, not your shop but your incredible sens of radiating happyness while doing/teaching thing you utterly love.
That said, i came to know you because i was seeking other youtube content about hand tools wood working than Paul Sellers (Which i love too). and Paul current setup is down rigth a garage shop. and he still gets dinner table coming out of it. so if you want a new shop fine, go get it, if you want a new bench perfect go get it! if you actually don't .. damn james.. be sure we won't care and still be thrill to listen and share with you.
Best Regards,
V.
France.
If the finances are good, build to bigger shop. Don’t get yourself in a financial bind for us. We watch you because of you, not your shop. Now - I’m sad to see was no mention of the book. It’s in the thumbnail and on your bench at the end but no mention of it. Is that “With All the Precision Possible” by Roubo?? Great book - what do you think about it? I have it as well, if that is Roubo’s book. Keep up the interesting work
Two thoughts. I recall an outfit that was recovering old sunken Great Lakes timbers somewhere around Duluth. Second, I'd probably contact the youngsters at acorn to Arabella and Leo. I recall one of them getting large stock out of Georgia I think it was.
In terms of your bench and vises, my hunch is your audience would be best served if your setup remains ordinary, relateable. After all, most of us have ordinary facilities to work with. If I start seeing videos suggesting I need a fancy pattern-maker's vise, I will start to feel priced out of your niche. I will start to wonder whether the focus of your channel has changed. On the other hand, if you could benefit from extra room to hold classes and make money that way, I think that is terrific. I wish you the best of luck in that endeavor.
I kind of get the feeling that you and Rex Krueger are going through the same thing at the same time. Maybe a little burned out by creating all that content over the years. It must be quite a grind. Speaking for myself ... When you don't feel you have the next great idea for a video, build something. Tools and methods are important to advancing our craft, but I got into this because I like to make things. I never get tired of project videos. When you build things, the tools and methods elements come along organically in the process.
My two cents. I wish you the best of luck.
retired furniture maker here. as a solo small shop making commission pieces, just had a simple bench vice on a large sturdy work table 1.2 metre by 2 metre. whilst it may be nice to have all these flash gadgets they are not necessary to make furniture and a living doing it. most amateurs on youtube have far more gear than i do. most of my work was hand tool, but due to constraints on time and budget i did use milling machines for dimensioning.
Would two slabs together, not "split," be more available? When you talk about teaching, etc., your eyes light up. Have you considered a "go fund me," at least to get started?
From my own perspective, I'd love to see how you would go about mounting the Oliver and/or the twin turbo vise to an existing bench that wasn't designed with those vises in mind. I've been thinking about adding/replacing a vise but don't want to replace the bench. On the other hand, I think you should do what gets you excited and makes YOU happpy!
i would build the bigger shop and a bigger bench if i had the money or would be willing to take out a loan. although i'd build the bench with a laminated top. building a heavy roubo style bench is hard enough without having to source a huge hunking block of wood that had to grow hundreds of years so that you can than throw it out in ten years. I mean you said it yourself: there's no forever bench. if that is the case use a laminated top. it's probably more work but it's also more stable in the long run, i would guess. especially if you'd fell a tree for it. also you probably could use that block in about 5 - 10 years if it's really fresh and i don't think kiln drying is an option when using 4" thick slabs (i could be wrong though). also the risk of it cracking is pretty high i would imagine.
my two cents, for what it's worth.
There is no life I know
To compare with your imagination.
Living there, you'll be free,
If you truly wish to be.
Let's put a different spin on things, what happens if UA-cam falls apart and there is no money to be made from the videos, will you struggle to pay of your loans for the new shop or will the new shop give you another source of revenue with doing teaching classes.
Ten years down the line will you regret building a larger shop, don't think so. If you don't build a new shop will you always look back and think I wish I had done it well I had the chance.
Deep down I think you know what you really want and just want others to confirm these thoughts and talk you into making the final decision.
If I was in your shoes and no plans of moving house I would build a larger shop.
I certainly need a larger shop as to use my table saw I need to pull it out onto the patio and in the UK that is no good due to the weather.
My main problem is I have no room to build anything bigger.
Good luck with making up your mind.
Go ahead with the bigger shop. As my future father in law says "business is like riding a bicycle, when you stop go further, you will fall down". And i woul'd go with the rare expensive piece of beatifull tree, do what works and set small plans at the time
In your business plan, can you pay for the cost of the larger space with classes and more video's? How many classes per week and attendees, at what price would you need to keep a new shop cost of construction and loans paid for the next say 5 years? Is renting a space near by a better option? For sure a lot of moving parts to this project.
re mod to current bench, 30 degree legs a la Rex Kruger, solves stability and end space, add laminations till its 24" wide; better still auction existing bench and make a new one that fits current shop, it will still be of use in the super size shop.
Is there anything nearby where you could move the shop to rather than the cost and faff of building? (Only because Rex Kruger has just done it 😉)
Please drop the quarter sawn out of your mind. A tree that big doesn't exist. Looking for your slab Nathan (youtube channel out of the woods) does a lot with slabs. You could try him he is in east Tennessee and has worked with white oak. You mentioned live oak and live oak does get larger but dose not make good saw logs usually.
EVERYONE I know who built a bench with a solid slab top says it was a mistake and will build a laminated bench top next time. Ask Rob Cosman about that since he's been there and done that.
Build the dream shop because it will determine everything else, then build a laminated top with the perfect dimensions. And keep a look out for the slab, if you start teaching classes you will need another bench anyways. If you source some wood you can do bench building classes and or videos. You would probably end up with 4 benches in the shop but that might be ok too.
Heres my opinion: keep the old bench for the school. You gonna need it... The monolitic bench top is nice but should you? Its gonna be a great bench but it will not be your last bench... you can laminate be pieces thou xD and keep the dream of growing
Interest rates are over 6% now, doesn't make sense to go out and get a loan now, maybe next year at this time. As much fun as you have doing this, WW is a business. A business has one job, generate cash! Will building a bigger shop increase your bottom line?
Ok I should have watched more of the video before making my first comment. As for financing a shop build ? Now is not the time interest rates are outright stupidly high. As for finding a slab top for your bench? Jeffries in tennesee a good friend of mine gets his special woods from there. And when he goes down there he takes a truck and trailer and spends about a grand. Now with that information and he told me call them tell them what you are looking for and they will find it. Even if it's a crap ton of off cuts shoved in a box planed rough sawn they will do their best to make it happen.
i wouldn't say that having a complete slab top would make for better videos or even more enjoyment on your part and for such a huge rare slab the money would probably be better spent on completing a new shop, which is something that would be much more beneficial for the channel but also for yourself personally. building a new shop sounds like a good idea, if anyone can make a great new teaching space work it would certainly be you :)
Build the shop, if you do not plan to move before it is paid off. Move altogether if it is going to make everyone more comfortable. It is difficult to get a full return on a shop if you plan to move within 5 years just because they are like pools not everyone wants one. From my experience yours may differ.
Angled legs.
The bottom of the leg stays where it is, the top moves further away from the edge. Like a Moravian. Beer when?
Duhhh dude build a bigger shop, so that way you can have the vices you want and need. Its simply the right thing to do and make yourself happy. 😁
Like the debate I have every time I want to buy a new tool. The cost verses the benefit I get from adding a new tool to my shop. I have heard it said “ you don’t buy a tool until you need it” but they presume that you know exactly what you need. Predicting the future is very hard. But if you don’t you will never grow. Whether you make a change to replace the shop now is up to you but from what I can see you will eventually have to make that decision. So then you must decide if it would be better to do it now or later and is their any benefit to doing it sooner rather than later. It may not be right to do it yet but I do think it is something you need to seriously consider. At least for me it is hard to change what I am doing so that I can do what I see is a possibility. You may not be able to do this financially and that is fine but by going through the process you will at least find what it is that you want to do, that alone is valuable and it is a beginning point to accomplish what you want. Stepping out of your comfort zone is always hard but always worth the effort. The principal is the same whether it is a new tool a new skill or a new shop. You are capable, you just need to believe that it is possible. What ever you do I will be watching to see what you come up with , wishing you the very best.
I visit your channel to learn how and why to do things. What do you want to teach, what projects do you want to build, that cannot be pursued effectively in your current setup?
You can take the guy out of the basement, but you can't take the basement out of the guy. A newly shop won't change things. It also won't change things. Do what it right for you and yours.
It's all down to the economics of the new shop. How many classes would you be able to run per month, at what charge and how many would you need to run to cover the cost of the new shop. If that looks sensible and achievable then go for it.
James, have you considered the live oak sawyer that Leo used for the Tally Ho? The sawyer is in Georgia if I recall.
next up: building a new timber framed shop using only handtools and with a minimum financing requirement
Would've could've should've, your a young guy, GO FOR IT!!!
How about this as a way to speed up your existing twin screw vice in the short term? Dangle a drive belt off the axle that has no handle. When you want to give it a big spin, go around to that side and work the drive belt with your hands.
Although it would be an interesting build ,it would be a build which none of your followers would be able to replicate ie the single slab monolithic work bench.
The thing I enjoy most about watching you, is not the skills that you show, not the things that you make, and especially not the dad jokes 😉 but watching the amount of enjoyment you have when doing the things that you do so do what makes you happiest!
Go BIG, buddy. I’d sign up to take a class with you. I’d a ton of others would on this channel too.
Life is really short brother. Always push towards that next thing that will make your personal story the best it can be.
Go look for an old barn that is falling down and see if it has what you want. I've seen what your describing in some of the barns I've been in.
Follow your heart. Watch God provide you the slab of white oak you want.
A few thoughts. I agree with other comments saying to have a small shop in the basement and a larger shop and shoot from both. I would love if you offered classes, and would definitely attempt to attend! About the oak you’re looking for, I seem to recall a UA-camr who is building a sailboat Sampson Boat company if I’m right, that sourced live oak out of Florida, where he went to source the lumber there seemed to be massive live oaks, although I’m not sure how live oak would do for a bench top.
I know this probably won't be seen cus there is so many comments but could u not go ahead and build the bench with top u need but with a top that is kinda easy to remove so if/when u find the slab u can replace the top with the one u want
come to warrenton va. we have had bad storms and there are several trees down the road the tree people are cleaning up. you could have a piece cut, take up to front royal to the saw mill and you get whT you want
I would test the class idea first. Maybe do a set of outdoor classes first, see if there is enough interest. It might help to demonstrate to the bank that there is demand for classes.
I hate money too! But if you do build a shop and have classes I would definitely save some to give you!
You are going to have to build a shop sooner or later. I say go for it; I doubt you'll regret it, and being able to teach classes should help recoup finances somewhat. MHO.
angled legs towards the end, in a Y shape so you have support all over that behemoth of a vice?
As far as building a new shop:. If you have to ask ...
Workbench: try Lesley Caudill in NC. He does the bench tops for the Moravian benches. He was also mentioned in a Lost Art Press article on building benches with wet tops.
Workshop: I would go with the larger shop. Maybe, as you said, will open up options for your business
Doesn't Matt Cremona deal in large slabs of wood?
Yup. He has been keeping his eye open for a few years now.
why not make larger stretchers in that end leg and cut holes for the vice screws?
Build a tool chest. Then wood by wright world tour.
I'd argue that all of the above is the right choice & only wrong one would be to set it on "some day" & never chip away at it.
Personally, I'd choose the slow & steady & set aside the "nice to have" things like the slab because it gets in the way of moving forward. You could easily set your focus on the rest of your goals & have time on your side to find that slab when you either have space or time for a road trip to Canada for it.
You could also set aside time to document & build your school yourself. Could be a fun journey to follow along if you're interested in timber framing & old-school techniques. It's just gonna take time. Another route would be to rent a place.
good luck James . think think ouch now i got a heady ache .
My shop grew to take over my 3 car garage. I just had another 2 car garage built to actually put cars in. More space is awesome if you can swing it. You would never regret it. ***DISCLAIMER*** Whatever you budget for it, it will cost more. A lot more.
Few of us could afford, or find that big, monolithic slab. So I vote for a bench made of high-quality, beautiful components.
On the other hand, it’s your dream and I’d enjoy watching that too. Maybe you can do both for that new shop.
I built four other benches laminated and with varying degrees of affordability. Few people on UA-cam have ever tried to conquer a single monolithic slab. But we'll see what the future holds. I might just go back to laminating another one.
Well, you should’ve asked yesterday. We had a White Oak taken down yesterday that was over 50 years old, about 70 ft in height. I asked the arborist if the trunk was worth slabbing, but he thought there would be voids throughout. Of course he was right, but you might have gotten a couple of 8-10 foot slabs 4-6 inches thick, BUT, who has 4-6 years to dry it? Some of the tree went to a local Sawyer, but it is destined for more manageable lumber I’m afraid. It was amazing watching the water pour out of my dear friend as it was sectioned and loaded on the truck. We did save the tree straps for a transplant of the swing my grandkids love. On the bright side, the tree won’t fall on my house this hurricane season, and I can build my new 20 X 30 shop and a seeing room for my wife without having to worry about the roots breaking up my new foundation. Good luck to you.
I think once the idea of the bigger shop has captured your imagination as much as it has, you should go for it. The urge will never go away. And your reasons for wanting it are compelling. Don't settle. And if you have to make your dream bench from two joined boards it will still be great. I can't wait to see those new vises in action!
I think you need to consider the bigger shop. Paul Sellers has a shop/filming area that is actually much bigger than it appears in the video. Also I would probably take a class from you if one was available.
This comment is being left for the sole purpose of hopefully boosting the algorithm therefore bring in more views thus achieving more money consequently gaining all the hand tools and power tools needed to make this handsome fellow smile, and that’s the only reason I’m leaving this comment. I don’t care about getting likes or I don’t care if people post comments saying how ignorant I am. You see, as soon as I type these last few words, I’m logging off then immediately erasing all my social media accounts, then I’m giving my computer to a trusted associate of mine who just so happens to work on the fishing boat called “the wizard” with captain Keith Colburn. He’s gonna take out a few hundred fathoms from Russia & tie a rock to it & send it overboard. In the meantime I’m hitching a ride with my Croatian neighbor to an undisclosed location. Let’s just say it’s a country being overran by Russia. So good luck finding me for a comeback or a dirty response because I simply won’t hear about it but if for some unforeseen circumstance I do find out someone spoke ill about me there will be no less than hell to pay, thank you for your time
I agree that James could use a better shop with natural lighting, I have a small shop and Peking in it is always a challenge and compromise on what you can do. Keeping it organized is the biggest challenge. Good luck James with both your shop and bench project.
Cheers
Hrm... river table bench top? ;)
For years I did everything in an extra bedroom or out on my deck.... now I have a 12 x 24 building out in the yard.. it's the perfect building for me, but my wife thinks it's a storage building and was constantly putting things in there... so the answer was to get her a building the same size and move her ever increasing possessions in there.. still working on moving all that stuf out of my way.. for my workspace to be usable again.
For anyone actually reading... never do even the smallest project in a carpeted room......
1. Laminated bench so we can see how you would build what we can also access.
2. Do you need a large shop or do you need some where to store your extra stuff. I'd go for storage space.
3. Create a teaching work space that is achievable for the viewer.
4. have your own space for your own work. Work / life /recreation should be separate so they all stay fresh and inspiring.
If you want to see how I would do a laminated bench I have done it 4 other times
If you go with the new shop, you could do a setup like Paul Sellers. A small garage in a large space so you can show what can be done in a basement or a garage (like me). As far as the bench goes, I am of the laminated crowd and you will not change that. Honestly, I think that pattern maker's vice is way too big but you might just make it work.
That is the plan.
A piece of white oak 2' x 8' x 4"? Yikes, that will probably cost more than a new shop! 😁
Quartersawn, no less!!
I can't help you with the bench/vise discontent, but for the next bench, maybe build it out of two timbers with a gap in between... A lot easier to find the right tree.
I'd say shoot for the moon and try and get the shop going next year or the year after. WRT the bench maybe set aside the funds you'd need for the slab in case the needle in the haystack shows up but plan on a laminated top again on a timeline that lets you get what you want done when you want them done.
Intresting. Start by developing a clear and concise business plan. Does your Is new bench and shop fit a business need or personal desire. In my opinion build a storage area to clear the clutter from your current shop. Your current space reflects the area most of your viewers work in.
Surprisingly there is no clutter in the shop. Everything you see is involved in an ongoing project. The biz plan does call for a larger studio, the question is not if but when.
As far as funding for a shop, have you considered something like GoFundMe?
I have thought about it, but I hate asking for money.
Why Oak. I made a workbench out of 2"X 6" construction material and it worked fine. I joined the narrow edges and flattened the profile then glued it together into a slab. I used it for three years and then had to move. I sold it to another woodworker and at that time it was still in very good condition. I got more for it than what it cost me to make it.
I have one out of construction lumber that works well.
My brother sent me your link. I have a mill and kiln in NW Iowa and I have logs of oak and ash that I could cut you the bench top that you are looking for out of..
Cool send me an email we can hash it out. jameswright@woodbywright.com
Life is short, expand, go for it.
James, I'd love to see you in a bigger shop And I'd love to see all those vices working, but you're the only one who can work out the financing. Don't take too much financial advice from people online, we're always happy to spend someone else's money :)
If only you knew a guy with a giant lumber mill that cut workbench tops.
I have been talking with Matt about it for a few years. but he has not found a tree like that yet.
Call or get a hold of John Malecki