Workbench refurbish continuing

Front View

Veritas bench pup with pop-up stop

Rear View with additional bracing

Vice with embedded rear face under Ash cap.

Bench Refurbish is progressing.

My project to refurbish my old family workbench is progressing. I have fitted the new top, although I can still lift it out at the moment. Some bracing has been installed at the rear of the bench to aid stability, and the vice has been recessed into the top with the rear face below the ash filler piece. I think it should work well, as when I tighten a piece of timber in the vice it is held against the edge of the top as well as the rear face giving more grip.

Finally I have added 8 dog holes and a pop-up end stop to secure longer pieces for working. I can add more holes if I find I need them.

The next step will be to devise and build some under bench storage. I would like a few drawers for tools, but wonder if this may be a bit too tricky.

My bench refurbishment has started!

My bench refurbishment has started!. - I have been using this vintage workbench on and off for 17 years now. Before then it was my wife's fathers, we think he probably built it in the 1950's. Recently I have tried to do more joinery work on it and realized that it's age has left it very curvy in places making planning and general woodwork quite tricky. The tool well was also lined with old floorboards and when I lifted the first one it had woodworm. I am going to try and keep the front board in place for sentimental reasons. I have patched up a couple of edges that had heavy wear - but hopefully once it is flattened it should be OK. I have picked up some timber from Wicks that was good value at about £10. Initially I was going to leave a tool well - but I have now decided to replace all of the well boards with the new timber and make the bench flat. If it is not successful I will have to make a complete new hardwood top, I will post again when it is up and running.

Archibald Knox Chest progress - hinges

Blacksmith Hinges - I found 4 hinges in an antiques shop in Henley over the weekend. They are the right style I need for my Knox chest. The fixed part of the hinge is too short to wrap around the edge of the chest, (see picture 2) so I will have to change the design and surface mount them. I will split the door along the line of the hinge pins, leaving about an inch fixed to the case. Picture 3. The are not like the ones on the AK chest but as near as I can get I think. I am not equipped to make make own metal hinges at this time.

Archibald Knox Cabinet

Archibald Knox cabinet - I have started building my version of the cabinet above that was apparently presented to Mr Archibald Knox, the great Liberties designer. I am using reclaimed pine (old decking boards). Depending how it works out, I may decide to build one in oak - I have a large very old plank in mind for this job. The plan is old school tech drawing style - plan, front and end elevation. I treated myself to a copy of Visio off ebay that I am fairly familiar with as I use it occasionally at work.

Wiki about Mr Knox»

Small Rustic side table

Rustic stool - I collected pieces of rhododendron timber from my local wood and made it into the little side table as shown. I have never collected raw timber to use for woodwork before so I was interested to see how the timber reacted as I worked it. It was very interesting to discover the way it dries, how the grain changes direction, how it moves as it is glued up etc. So I felt it was a very worthwhile exercise - I learned a lot from the experience and can recommend it.

Building a small cupboard

A great instructional video from Richard - The English Woodworker