Need ideas for simple, bare bones builder's bench.

[THORNAPPLE]

Patriot, the oak was from an old deck I tore off my house at the time. 125 year old house, and the whole thing was framed in oak.
This is a design used in the Michigan Longriflesmiths Guild, I think I still have a blueprint around somewhere. Sold a bunch of plans at Dixons Fair years ago. We've used 2x10 also, but I like the wider 2x12 for shelf and tool space as you can see, plus the heavy weight is important so the gun doesn't rock when your laying on with a file, plane or rasp.
The two Pana-Vises let you hold the rifle or pistol rock solid in ANY position needed. It's nice to be able to walk around it while carving or engraving. Good for working powder horns too.

 

[THORNAPPLE]

BTW, you still need a heavy duty vice/anvil with this setup for hot & cold forging/forming and breech plug assembly. You can see my blue 5" vise mounted on an oak stump that I can roll around as needed. Lifting it though, is out of the question! I like stuff heavy :front:
Of course, I've still got a 5' long steel work bench (wood top)with drawers and a full length wall with pegboard and tools hangin. And that's not even half my workshop...you NEVER have enough room, or enough tools!

 

[CG6018]

Unless I win the lottery or something, I'm stuck with about a 5'by 10' space in front of my wife's car to accomplish any and all gun building activities. I envy you your space and workshop, but I appreciate your offering your design for a sturdy, functional bench. Using your design and the one offered by Bill of the 45th, I confidently feel I can finish a gun, or two, or three, for my son and grandson with this bench. I'm no spring chicken, I've had cataract surgery to both eyes, and cancer has been stalking me for four years, but I love shootin' these flintlocks, and my son and grandson share my passion for that wonderful puff of smoke and rotten egg smell! Your workbench ideas will keep me going. Much obliged! :thumbsup:

 

[THORNAPPLE]

A shooting friend of mine and former Guild member works out an area about 5' by 9 or 10ft. like yours and has made a number of beautiful rifles that serve him well. He uses a bench like mine made with 2x10's. Don't know if you noticed but we used double boards on the ends and two or three on top.
Keep up the good fight, your a great American, my friend :hatsoff:

 

[Slowpoke]

ThornApple ... Bill .... What??? Where is all your stuff ??? I don't see any piles sawdust, grime, broken stocks, pieces of sharp brass, overturned stain cans, propane torches, spittoons. What are you guys trying to do???? Embarrass everyone else with your cleanliness

 

[THORNAPPLE]

Slowpoke, you gotta look closer, it's ALL there, like you say....just ask my wife who likes to walk thru barefoot. I didn't show you the blighted areas on purpose.

 

[Hawkeye]

There was a gentleman at Dixon's Fair this year who was selling a bench very much like the one pictured in Thornapple's post. I think he was asking $300 for it set up ready to go. His had a vice mounted at the center of the bench with an leather padded 2x6 or so adjustable arm at each end. Patriot he is located somewhere between Hazleton and Dixon's so you may be able to meet him to save on shipping. If you or anyone is interested I'll dig out his card and post his contact information.

 

[CG6018]

I made it to Dixon's, but failed to see the benchmaker. Actually, I went to Dixon's looking to buy a squirrel rifle, and failing that came home and ordered the parts for one from TOTW. That is when the need for a bench became apparent. I would appreciate the contact information for the gentleman you met there. Thanks. :hatsoff:

 

[thehorn]

Iv'e used this for over 20 yrs. It's made from old 2 x 12 rough sawn oak, bolted together not screwed, weighs 80~100lbs. and has a pair of Pana-Vises mounted on it. I love it!

Tom,
That sure is a great looking bench! Very substantial yet simple and effective. It's just what I've been searching for. Question: What model of Panavise are they? Thanks for all your help here.
Regards,
Bob