Very nice work. For coming up with it yourself, you came remarkably close to a Rubou style bench, which are all the rage nowadays.
This is a great book, you might be interested in: https://www.amazon.com/Workbenches-Design-Construction-Popular-Woodworking/dp/1558708405
I’d read Chris Schwarz’s workbench design book:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Workbenches-Design-Construction-Popular-Woodworking/dp/1558708405
He talks in good detail about different styles of bench and - more importantly - talks more generally about what a bench must, should and shouldn’t do. Helped me a great deal when I was paralysed by choice!
And speaking of which, don’t over-think it. Any (within reason!) bench is better than no bench.
Good luck!
If you're looking for workbench info, in addition to the Paul Sellers video that has been linked, I highly recommend Chris Schwarz's book on workbenches. I linked to the copy on Amazon, but my local library has it so maybe check yours as well.
He talks about a ton of different aspects of workbenches and runs down the pros/cons to a lot of different types of vises and designs. I found it super interesting.
Thank you so much for such a comprehensive response. Your bench looks beautiful and the detail that you go into in that album is incredible -- I've already learned a lot from reading through it all and it will be an extremely useful reference once I get started.
Do you think buying and reading Schwarz' book on workbenches is worth it? Is this the book in question?
I think I will go with a 7" overhang on one side and 1-1/2' on the other side. I'll probably go with a 6-1/2' top.
Thanks for your opinion on the tail vice -- I don't think I'll even work that into my plans for now but, as I mentioned, I'd like to have the overhang length available if I ever decide to add a tail vice in the future.
Thanks for the 3D download -- I've been accumulating quite a few Sketchup models for roubo benches and I've been using them for inspiration as I design mine in SketchUp. Knowing that you followed (to at least some extent) this model to make your amazing bench gives this model some serious weight in my mind -- even though I don't plan on going with a split top (nor with a well). From what I've seen in various 3D models and plans, upper stretchers/rails/supports are only used (required?) in benches with split tops or wells and benches with full-slab tops only have lower stretches/rails/supports -- is that correct?
I actually considered finally joining the WWG for the plans for his bench since I really jive with his teaching style and having all those videos to watch before/during my build would be great. However, as you mentioned, that's a pretty expensive version and I just can't justify purchasing the plans/course as I don't think I need all the bells and whistles it includes.
I recommend taking a read through this book. It should help you understand more of what you need out of your bench.
>I need a new bench!
Why? Do you need another bench? Is your current bench inadequate in some way?
>I'm thinking a roubo
Again, why? Are you sure that is the best option for what you want to and need to do?
The reason I ask is because I made a lot of mistakes building my first bench. I ended up making a second bench within 2 years of making my first. I really wish I had done more research .
This is a great book that will give you a lot more insight.
Thank you! The plans are from Chris Scwartz’s workbench book.
https://www.amazon.com/Workbenches-Design-Construction-Popular-Woodworking/dp/1558708405
Things I trust I might actually receive for Christmas:
I still don't have a hand plane, but I feel like this is something I would rather find myself. I'm really more of a power tool user at the moment, but I often find myself wishing I had some planes for jobs that really seem like too much for either my planer or orbital sander.
I also don't have a bandsaw, but CL seems like a wiser choice for this ... and I would rather find this myself as well.
Not sure how useful it would really be, but I don't have a brad or pin nailer, or a compressor. That Porter Cable kit is a really good option, and $200 right now on Amazon. Wondering if I should just pull the plug on this now while its on sale, or see if HD has a better deal for Black Friday. Anyone know if HD has had better sales on this one in the past - especially for Black Friday?
In Chris Schwarz' Workbench book, pages 14-17 are what you're looking for. Talks a bunch about SYP and alternatives, but ultimately he says it isn't that big of a deal what species you use.
Check here to see if there's any nearby: http://www.southernpine.com/
What are the 2x10s made out of by you? Douglas Fir would also be a great alternative.