r/Workbenches • u/misterdoctor513 • 4d ago

workbench update : a couple of months in

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257 Upvotes

99% Upvoted

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16

u/misterdoctor513 4d ago

I just wanted to post an update on the english joiners bench now that Ive been working with it for a few months. Basically it has been great! I am enjoying viceless life and haven't fell too deprived of any workholding options.

I haven't yet added a permanent crochet or planing stop, mostly out of laziness. Tho i do enjoy having the bench being as flexible as possible.

I wish I had made it an inch or two taller. and the hole pattern isnt quite right for the size of the holdfasts. Those are my main critiques

3

u/Coalrober 3d ago

Adjustable feet might be your answer to the height? They may not go with the aesthetic but I’m sure there are some nice looking versions. In my 1920’s garage they’re a necessity since the floor is about as uneven as it gets

2

u/misterdoctor513 3d ago

maybe! i do mostly hand tool work so id worry about adjustable feet not being as stable on the ground. Im probably just going to use it and complain about my back hurting

4

u/Hiphoppapotamus 4d ago

Looks awesome! I couldn’t decide where to put holes for the holdfasts on mine so I just add a few as and when I need them. Was there any reason you went viseless, or just to see if you could make it work?

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u/misterdoctor513 3d ago

like most of my decisions around this hobby i decided on no vise because Im cheap!

3

u/Maro1947 4d ago

Nice!

1

u/gfsark 3d ago

How high is your bench? I made mine low, 32”, and times I think the old height of 34” is better.

Of course I could figure out a way to raise it, but it weighs more than I can lift one end. And well, just live with for now.

1

u/misterdoctor513 3d ago

im not exactly sure its kind of at the lower edge of my first knuckle and I wish it was at the top edge, so basically an inch taller would be nice

1

u/StarDm501 3d ago

Is that Müjin’s MIGHTY NICHOLSON?

2

u/misterdoctor513 3d ago

yep good eye. tho it deviated from the plans a bit as I made mistakes and forged ahead anyway.

1

u/Noname1106 2d ago

You have almost convinced me to live without my vises.

1

u/Mission_Fox_1129 2d ago

It looks amazing!

1

u/almartin68 1d ago

Just "finished" a Nicholson myself. Haven't drilled any holes yet, but I'm thinking that I'll just add them as needed aside from one row across the top.