Instructors: Back Channel Staff
Last modified: 11/21/2024
No tools, or prior experience, needed.
Saturdays and Sundays starting at 9 am until at least 5:30pm, possibly later, on August 9th, 10th, 16th, 17th, 23rdand 24th
Building any bench requires an investment of time. Students should be prepared to attend all of the weekend dates.
Having a flat, sturdy bench that holds your work piece securely is essential for doing good work, but buying one is not easy. Good commercial benches are very expensive, and the affordable ones are not worth buying due to their light weight and bad vises. Careful work at the bench is vital. Students wanting to progress quickly benefit greatly when they can practice between classes.
We designed this bench with simple joinery for ease and speed of construction. It features a sturdy hard maple base and a hefty, 3 inch thick laminated top made of hard maple. Each bench will have an integrated front vise. The height and length of the bench will be tailored to your height and shop space. Even though every style of bench is a compromise and no bench is perfect, this could be the only bench you will ever need. With a few shop made holding aids, you will be able to secure parts and components for any project.
If you are feeling hesitant about the simplicity of this design, I recommend reading this poem by Chris Schwarz for perspective.
We will have a limited number of used vises available for purchase and can offer guidance on sourcing your own vise.
Materials fee estimated at $375, plus cost of your vise/vises