Split Top Roubo Bench

Benchcrafted have recently finalised plans for sale of a Split Top Roubo Bench which look very interesting – both the bench itself, and the detailed plans.

Photos from their blog.

Split Top Roubo

Plans

The plans include:
PDF ePlans: 15 pages of drawings showing 2D and 3D views
PDF eNotes: 28 pages of design info, photos, notes etc
3D eDrawing: CAD drawing (viewable with a free viewer) that can be rotated and viewed from any angle
Printer Plans: 4 pages of 20″ x 38″ large format prints of the measured drawings

Kind of tempting really – here is a workbench, just add timber!

Workbenches

No, I still haven’t made a workbench, and it is an issue that is really weighing on me, as I know just how much more functional the workshop could be with one.

I have collected so many different plans and ideas for what I want to do with one, but am missing the key ingredients – the hardware, and materials (and we won’t mention not having time!)  I am still tempted to try to make a workbench while on the Hall Table course over at Ideal Tools!

‘They’ do say to start with the hardware, and build your bench around that – seems reasonable.  I am still rather impressed with the Benchcrafted vices – despite not having a retailer in Oz (yet).  I still need to find a supply of good (but cheap) timber for the bench.  And that runs smack into my lack of knowledge of what timber should be priced at, and what is a good deal etc.  (Hmm, I see another article coming on)

All this has been bought on by a link that Roy gave me (on the links page) to Workbench Design. Lots of really good looking benches. Oh, and getting to play with the portable, contractors Walko Bench from Ideal Tools that is in my workshop at the moment, and how functional having a bench really is.

Still need to get this book from Chris Schwarz –