Jonathan has been working hard for the past 3 weeks on a beautiful Roubo workbench complete with Benchcrafted Hardware. This bench is a custom order and is certainly the envy of any woodworker. I am wishing that it were mine! Here are a few pictures of Jonathan building it.
The main structure of the bench was constructed with pegged mortise and tenon joints. Here is the last oak peg being driven in to hold the joint forever!
Jonathan hand planed the whole bench surface using a low angle jointer plane, he then checked it with straightedges to ensure that there was no bow or twist.
Applying the first coat of Deft Danish oil, you can read more about how to apply this finish on our recent blog posting here.
I am hand carving the customer’s name into the bench.
Here are some pictures of the finished bench. The bench is made out of hard maple and has a leg vise as well as a wagon vise on it. There is a sliding deadman to support long boards, as well as several holes for holdfasts.
A nice detail shot showing Jonathan’s hand cut dovetails!
If you are interested in ordering a workbench just send us an email and we can get you a quote. These benches are made to last a lifetime and are heirloom quality. If you want to make your own bench you can order the hardware and plans from Benchcrafted.
wow, that is indeed a gorgeous bench, fellas. doubtless it will be an inspiration when put to use. customer’s name on the top is a cool touch.
I just discovered your blog via the unpluggedshop. thanks for sharing your work on line!
-adam
Jonathan!!!! Awesome job. It has been fun to see your craft develop as I have come out to classes. You are truly a craftsman. I hope to see you at the last leg of my foundations course. By the way Frank you spelled my name wrong!! lol
All the best,
Landon
This is absolutely beautiful work, congratulations! I have a question about the first photo. You are using pegged mortise & tenon joints. So why the barrel nuts too? I would get it if the owner wanted to be able to take the base apart… Anyway, this is just brilliant work — Frank, have you considered a class to build the Benchcrafted Roubo bench?
Thank you all for the comments!
Adam I am glad you found our blog.
Landon, I will be sure to get the correct spelling as soon as you order your bench!
Carl I wondered if there would be questions in regards to my commenting that it was pegged and then the barrel bolts are right next to it. Anyway, the barrel bolts are ideal so that you can tighten the bench if it ever gets loose due to racking. Of course this bench is so heavy it will probably never rack.
So far as doing a class, actually you are the second person that has asked me. In fact I opened up my email and there were two requests back to back! I will have to look into it and see if it will work. The main problem is that there is so much machine work on it, with such large pieces. We are really not set up to do multiple machine functions. I will consider it though.
Sounds like we need a workbench class with moxon twin screw vises. Excellent work jonathan!
On second thought maybe just a 1 day class to make the moxon vise, a shooting board, bench hook, etc…
Was just curious what the name of the font you put on the workbench is called, it fits the benches style perfectly!
Hi Mark,
The font is called Roman Stonecut. It works great for chipcarving. I just print it out in Word and then use graphite paper to transfer the letters.
Frank