Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Nifty on December 31, 2011, 02:06:46 pm

Title: Post your workbench!
Post by: Nifty on December 31, 2011, 02:06:46 pm
Happy New Years Eve to everyone!  :)

I flew home from TX to get back to work on Tuesday, so now I'm dying to get back to making shavings this weekend. I'm planning to attempt to build myself a proper workbench over this long weekend. Can you guys post up pictures of your setup to give me some ideas?

I thought there was already a thread about this, but I wasn't able to come up with it using the search. If there already is one, can someone post a link?

Thanks!
Title: Re: Post your workbench!
Post by: toomanyknots on December 31, 2011, 02:23:22 pm
HA! I just yesterday bought a paper thin piece of ply to clam on top of my wifes dresser, so I can use that as an inside workbench/table to rasp bows on. She was not super happy. 
Title: Re: Post your workbench!
Post by: Bevan R. on December 31, 2011, 04:32:13 pm
This is the first I built, the top is 6' x 32''. It is a 'torsen box' design for the base & is incredibly sturdy. Cost was about $75 if I remember correctly.
Title: Re: Post your workbench!
Post by: Bevan R. on December 31, 2011, 04:34:29 pm
I then decided to build another one, only a little bigger. The top is 8'x3'. It is much heaver than the first one. still less than $100 I know.
Title: Re: Post your workbench!
Post by: Bevan R. on December 31, 2011, 04:37:00 pm
I am in the prep stage to build the 3 one. It will be shorter. maybe 5' tops. I have a couple of bench vices I want to mount so I can hold a board on edge between them.
If you are interested, I could do a build along to show you how it goes.
Title: Re: Post your workbench!
Post by: dragonman on December 31, 2011, 05:41:33 pm
here it is.....
Title: Re: Post your workbench!
Post by: Slackbunny on December 31, 2011, 07:19:36 pm
I have to work out of my father-in-law's shop since I live in a small apartment in the city. I work off of a table saw when I need the flat surface, and a bench vice when I need to clamp it down. Pretty much all the surfaces in that shop are covered in clutter, but I can't complain since I get full-run of the place.
Title: Re: Post your workbench!
Post by: gstoneberg on December 31, 2011, 07:47:01 pm
Great thread.  Sadly, I'd have to clean for an hour before you could see the bench...

George
Title: Re: Post your workbench!
Post by: Bevan R. on December 31, 2011, 07:54:52 pm
here's a hint George......
Take a picture when it is clean, then save it and use it over and over. ;D
(That is what I did.  >:D)
Title: Re: Post your workbench!
Post by: johnston on December 31, 2011, 08:17:58 pm
Great thread.  Sadly, I'd have to clean for an hour before you could see the bench...

George

I was just thinking the same thing but you beat me to it George!

Lane
Title: Re: Post your workbench!
Post by: gstoneberg on December 31, 2011, 09:43:01 pm
OK, my lovely wife offered to sweep floors in the shop (desperately needed) while I cleaned up the workbench.  The shop workbenches around this one are still a mess, but this is where I chase rings and do my bending.  I have a vise at each end, the near one is larger and used for draw knife work.  The far one is smaller and used to hold bows when I bend them, add tip overlays, etc.  You can see the third workbench in the room with the chop saw station behind the bow bench.

(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7017/6609386759_93a8693dda_z.jpg)

Here's the workbench just to the right of the bow bench right after it was completed.  I build strings, fletch arrows and do lots of other stuff on it.  The metal bracket on the first picture is attached to this one to stabilize the bow bench.

(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7149/6609532949_09b16dae06_z.jpg)

George
Title: Re: Post your workbench!
Post by: osage outlaw on December 31, 2011, 10:11:53 pm
Here is a poor picture of the bench I use the most.  I made it out of scrap lumber and some wheels that I had laying around.  I have a total of $5 invested in it.  That's what I payed for the vice at a yardsale.  It is somewhere around 32"x44".  I put it on wheels so I can move it between my workshop and the open garage depending on the temperature outside.  This is what I use for removing bark and sapwood from staves.  I have another bench that is 3'x8' that seems to catch all of the clutter.

(http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r55/clintanders/SDC11387.jpg)
Title: Re: Post your workbench!
Post by: soy on January 01, 2012, 07:38:15 am
I have 2 one @work and 1@ home
 (http://i1082.photobucket.com/albums/j380/thadsoy/photobucket-1157-1325412500186.jpg)
 (http://i1082.photobucket.com/albums/j380/thadsoy/photobucket-1779-1325412411312.jpg)
Title: Re: Post your workbench!
Post by: lesken2011 on January 01, 2012, 11:11:27 am
Here's one I just built. I don't have my bench vise mounted, yet. I saw the you tube video below which had a material list and build a long. I modified it just a little. I think it cost about $25 in 2 X 4's and screws. I also used some Titebond II I had laying around. I cut the length down to 4' so I could use 8' 2 X 4's cut in half (they were on sale). I already had the plywood. It's 4' long and about 21" deep.


(http://traditionalbowman.com/hwdphotos/uploads/62/1/viotbbf7kjjcno.jpg)


You can watch the video at this link.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4k2vGP2VSRI&list=PL3D74B21EFE06E317&context=C3b29ea8ADOEgsToPDskIJJQXqdhObYEfB2-Vm8KJr (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4k2vGP2VSRI&list=PL3D74B21EFE06E317&context=C3b29ea8ADOEgsToPDskIJJQXqdhObYEfB2-Vm8KJr)


There was an option for wheels, but I didn't put them on, yet. I like it so much, I picked up more 2 X 4's and am going to build another one.
Title: Re: Post your workbench!
Post by: Eric Krewson on January 01, 2012, 11:40:48 am
My workbench in its usual state of disrepair. I built the frame out thick heavy lumber and inserted prefab cabinets with drawers from Lowe's because I am a lousy cabinet maker.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v181/ekrewson/bow%20making/RDstart-1.jpg)
Title: Re: Post your workbench!
Post by: Badger on January 01, 2012, 11:48:52 am
     I envy you guys with large shops. Since my divorce I work on a patio and have to roll out my tools each time I go to work. My workbench is a 2x12 I lay over two folding work benches. I also have an old door I lay over the folding benches for large projects. I do like working outdoors as dust is not much of an issue.
Title: Re: Post your workbench!
Post by: Alpinbogen on January 01, 2012, 11:57:34 am
Here's my vise setup in the basement.  It's mounted on a steel post that is lagged to the floor.  I like to work standing up and able to work on a stave from either side.
(http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/Alpinbogen/Workshop.jpg)

If the weather's nice, I much prefer to work outside in good sunlight.  My outdoor setup has a tillering tree bolted to it.  I keep the whole thing outside year round, except the scales, which I bring inside.  I just have to give the vise a good soaking of WD-40 once in a while.
(http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/Alpinbogen/OsageHick6-25-1102.jpg)
(http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/Alpinbogen/OsageHick6-25-1104.jpg)
Title: Re: Post your workbench!
Post by: ChrisP on January 01, 2012, 11:47:16 pm
Heres a little different design
 (http://i1227.photobucket.com/albums/ee423/h8noncubs/2012-01-01201901.jpg)
and heres dvs bench
 (http://i1227.photobucket.com/albums/ee423/h8noncubs/2012-01-01201931.jpg)
Title: Re: Post your workbench!
Post by: HoBow on January 02, 2012, 12:00:43 am
Alpinbogen- I like that outdoor design you have!
Title: Re: Post your workbench!
Post by: medicinewheel on January 04, 2012, 07:43:53 am
Alpinbogen- I like that outdoor design you have!

Yes COOOOOL; comes spring I will build one just the same!
Title: Re: Post your workbench!
Post by: druid on January 04, 2012, 09:30:58 am
Well...it seems that mine is the ugliest one.  :D
(http://img835.imageshack.us/img835/4664/24705021.jpg)
Title: Re: Post your workbench!
Post by: Pappy on January 04, 2012, 10:24:22 am
Here are a few.
   Pappy
Title: Re: Post your workbench!
Post by: Pappy on January 04, 2012, 10:26:50 am
And a few more. The last is my special spot. When I can keep others out of it. ;) :) :)
   Pappy
Title: Re: Post your workbench!
Post by: jermcramp1 on January 04, 2012, 01:36:54 pm
It cost about $14 and 4 hours, I made it on Jan 1.

(http://www.flickr.com/photos/67205343@N04/6623540605/in/photostream/)

(http://www.flickr.com/photos/67205343@N04/6623541921/in/photostream/)


(http://www.flickr.com/photos/67205343@N04/6623543371/in/photostream/)

HOW DO I POST PICS?
Title: Re: Post your workbench!
Post by: jermcramp1 on January 04, 2012, 01:49:13 pm
GOT IT!!! 14 bucks for this beauty!!! FRUGALITY at its finest!


(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7166/6623541921_2703492613.jpg)

(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7031/6623543371_72f31207d2_m.jpg)

(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7002/6623540605_ee28066ebc_m.jpg)
Title: Re: Post your workbench!
Post by: Gus on January 04, 2012, 02:26:40 pm
Nice Outfits Y'all.

I like Druid's and Pappy's setup the best so far...
But then I'm a Jeremiah Johnson kinda guy at heart...
Being Trapped in Houston not withstanding.

:)

-gus
Title: Re: Post your workbench!
Post by: sadiejane on January 04, 2012, 03:29:35 pm
prefer working outside whens weather allows(which is most of the time-cold and heat dont bother me much)
(http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab346/sadiejane9/bowmaking/DSCN0916.jpg)

the bench is in the yard-  my little urban "wilderness cabin" lost in a wooded area right in the heart of the city
(http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab346/sadiejane9/bowmaking/DSCN0919.jpg)
Title: Re: Post your workbench!
Post by: Kviljo on January 04, 2012, 03:42:51 pm
Here's one of my main work-areas in the workshop. ;)

(http://kviljo.no/bue/holmalong/5.jpg)

Title: Re: Post your workbench!
Post by: osage outlaw on January 04, 2012, 06:06:20 pm
Sadiejane, I like your urban wilderness cabin.  I bet it is a nice little escape from city life.
Title: Re: Post your workbench!
Post by: Gus on January 04, 2012, 06:22:18 pm
Here is my Sanctuary.
Covered with access to the North Wind... :)

-gus
Title: Re: Post your workbench!
Post by: Del the cat on January 05, 2012, 01:29:06 pm
Just caught up with this thread, here's my worksop.
(http://i411.photobucket.com/albums/pp195/Del_the_Cat/Website%20stills/workshop.jpg)That's the 90# Yew ELB I'm working on sitting on the shave horse  :).
Of course I'm outside when the weather is fine, can't beat natural daylight.
Del
Title: Re: Post your workbench!
Post by: cracker on January 05, 2012, 01:33:45 pm
Sadiejane, I like your urban wilderness cabin.  I bet it is a nice little escape from city life.
x2
Title: Re: Post your workbench!
Post by: hedgeapple on January 08, 2012, 08:06:12 am
This might be a little late, but this is my workbench.  It was my first attempt at building a butcher-block stye top.  I stood up 2x4's through the center of the top for mounting a vice.  This allow me room to work both sides of the shaft.

Title: Re: Post your workbench!
Post by: PEARL DRUMS on January 08, 2012, 12:28:49 pm
Here is my baby. Its a 13 x 12 room and the bench is 4 x 8. I use all 32 sq feet of her to! Its 3/4" mdf and treated 4 x 4 legs.
Title: Re: Post your workbench!
Post by: osage outlaw on January 08, 2012, 02:30:16 pm
Pearly:  That is one nice looking bow in the vice on that workbench. 

Del:  I always like the brick walls in your pictures.
Title: Re: Post your workbench!
Post by: JW_Halverson on January 08, 2012, 04:36:54 pm
I have a rather esoteric question for you Del!

In the upper right hand corner of the photo of your shop there is a cardboard box on a shelf.  I can't read the box completely, but apparently it once contained bottles of Montepulciano d'Abruzzo.  What is the name of that winery?  And was it any good?
Title: Re: Post your workbench!
Post by: gmc on January 08, 2012, 11:54:04 pm
Here's my work bench in the summer time.

That pic-nic table has seen a few bows, even the local critters enjoy it. .... 8)

(http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh213/colevy/photo2.jpg)
Title: Re: Post your workbench!
Post by: hedgeapple on January 10, 2012, 01:17:48 am
I wonder what kind of special stain you used on your bows.  Now, I know--Chicken Poop.  haha


Here's my work bench in the summer time.

That pic-nic table has seen a few bows, even the local critters enjoy it. .... 8)

(http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh213/colevy/photo2.jpg)
Title: Re: Post your workbench!
Post by: Del the cat on January 20, 2012, 03:31:58 pm
I have a rather esoteric question for you Del!

In the upper right hand corner of the photo of your shop there is a cardboard box on a shelf.  I can't read the box completely, but apparently it once contained bottles of Montepulciano d'Abruzzo.  What is the name of that winery?  And was it any good?
It's a cheapish but palatable red wine from Italy imported into the UK by two brothers who run a fish and chip shop (Mr Luigi's) where I live.
I just like saying Montepulciano it has a nice lilt to it :)
It grieves me that we pay so much duty on wine in the UK, in France and Italy you can buy it so cheaply, dunno how much you guys pay for your Californian red.
I had a try out at home made cider in the Autumn, it's tasing quite good, it's cleared nicely and it rather dry. The price is great :). Next year I'll make a good old batch.
Del
Title: Re: Post your workbench!
Post by: JW_Halverson on January 20, 2012, 11:25:52 pm
Maybe the lottery will pay off for one (or both) of us and we can swap stave stories over a cider.  Oh, real English fish and chips with malt vinegar and sea salt!  I have a better chance of finding a place to surf big waves here in South Dakota than I do getting fish and chips done right.   
Title: Re: Post your workbench!
Post by: Gaur on January 21, 2012, 11:44:09 am
I built a nice one last year but I have so much junk on it that I can't find it or use it these days.  Still need to finish putting the big wood vice I pulled out of a farm old junk pile in the MN and brought it over here to Thailand.  we don't have garages here but they call them car ports and they have open sides.  I put some acrylic sheets up to waterproof the area behind my bench.

I'd like to build a storage room to hold more wood, bamboo and my tools so I could roll them out to work.
Title: Re: Post your workbench!
Post by: WolfPupTee on January 21, 2012, 12:11:55 pm
(http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb383/WolfPupTee/myworkstation.jpg)


Used to be my dresser.
Title: Re: Post your workbench!
Post by: jeffhalfrack on January 21, 2012, 12:55:02 pm
   Hey   DEL!!!!!!!!!  that  shave  horse  is  cool!!!!  could you  post  more pics,,please?????  or  better  yet  plans?    thanks  JEFFW
Title: Re: Post your workbench!
Post by: Mangeur de lard on January 21, 2012, 03:29:32 pm
Here's my workbench.

Portable, knock down shaving horse with a nice big wooden clamp to hold the work. I would like to be standing up sometimes but my appartment is too small to accomodate a permanent workshop... It's not in the pics but I have a tillering tree I bolt to the clamp so I have everything I need to fully fabricate a bow.

Cheers!
Title: Re: Post your workbench!
Post by: JW_Halverson on January 21, 2012, 03:37:02 pm
Very clever, mon frer'.
Title: Re: Post your workbench!
Post by: Del the cat on January 26, 2012, 09:21:05 am
@ Jeffhalfrack
Here's a link to the first post of my bowyers diary where I started making it and mocked up the clamp mechanism. I sort of did plans but they soon whent out of the window once I actually got the timber in my hand!
http://bowyersdiary.blogspot.com/2010/11/shave-horse.html (http://bowyersdiary.blogspot.com/2010/11/shave-horse.html)
Del
Title: Re: Post your workbench!
Post by: Del the cat on January 26, 2012, 09:24:27 am
@ Mangeur de lard
Nice versatile variation on the traditional shave horse.
Del
Title: Re: Post your workbench!
Post by: adb on January 26, 2012, 04:18:46 pm
Don't know why, but I missed this thread before. Here are a few pics of my workbench and pedestal vise.
Title: Re: Post your workbench!
Post by: osage outlaw on January 26, 2012, 04:21:20 pm
That's not a bow shop.  There's no shavings, no dust, no clutter  ;D


Just kidding.  That is a nice looking place you have there.
Title: Re: Post your workbench!
Post by: WolfPupTee on January 26, 2012, 04:22:49 pm
adb, that is incredibly clean.
Title: Re: Post your workbench!
Post by: PaulN/KS on January 26, 2012, 04:53:53 pm
adb, your shop is cleaner than my house.
Nice set up, I'm starting to like the idea of those pedestal vise set ups...
Title: Re: Post your workbench!
Post by: adb on January 26, 2012, 06:41:32 pm
 ;D ;D ;D My shop was a mess. I thought after I cleaned it up, I should get some pictures! Trust me, it doesn't always look so tidy. I do like it so I can fiind things, however!
Title: Re: Post your workbench!
Post by: Matt S. on January 27, 2012, 03:30:53 pm
adb, that's an art gallery compared to my place!

My workshop is a detached single car garage that is also storage for a large canoe, mower, bikes, wife's gardening stuff etc..... I'm not complaining though, I'm incredibly grateful to have my "man cave" >:D

Here's a shot where you can see the vice (to the right, in front of the door) I usually use for bows and the tiller tree in the background. It's a real mess right now due to my current project.
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-X2WQpMC38is/TyLkf4gnagI/AAAAAAAABW0/TBQAHnrO9ms/s640/workshop.jpg)

And here's the reason I haven't touched a bow in a couple of weeks...
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-GnThICUvKy4/TyLkfToetII/AAAAAAAABWs/QQpULO4zBtQ/s512/island02.jpg)
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-kOX-HeWhI7A/TyLkgKki7gI/AAAAAAAABW4/FIyRumWy_W8/s512/island01.jpg)
Title: Re: Post your workbench!
Post by: paul craig on January 28, 2012, 12:19:26 am
I can't find it, but I know it's somewhere in my shop. Maybe a metal detector will pick up the vise on it and I can go from there.
Title: Re: Post your workbench!
Post by: footfootfoot on January 28, 2012, 12:32:24 am
Don't know why, but I missed this thread before. Here are a few pics of my workbench and pedestal vise.

I know why, you were obviously cleaning your shop. Very nice. I could take some lessons.