Kev Posted July 26, 2023 Share Posted July 26, 2023 Ok, this one might be crazy, even for me! Sometime in the short future, I'll post here the thoughts and ideas on the OF table that we're going to build for Jeff's shop. I also wanted to take this opportunity to extend an invite to you guys if you'd like to come for a few days and help out as well as enjoy some good food and meet some of the others. I'll try and make a build schedule based around the number of people coming so that we actually get something accomplished each day instead of just trading war stories.. The timing hasn't been officially determined yet but, pretty sure it will be in November. I'll keep you updated. I'm limited to just 2 spare rooms at my house so, if you want to come you may need to find accommodations. If there's enough of you coming, I'll do some leg work and see if I can get a block of rooms locally at a decent price. No promises but, I do have a few connections. I'll also make sure you're picked up at the airport as well as picked up each morning for the fun in the shop. As well, I'll ensure that you are returned to the airport for your flight home. It's a little fuel for me but, at least you won't have to have a rental car. So far, I know of 3 that will be here for sure. If you're interested, drop me a note so I know you're interested and start working out the logistics. Food and beverages will be on me while in the shop. My wife and I are looking forward to seeing a bunch of you that have been so important to me for so many years. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coop Posted July 26, 2023 Share Posted July 26, 2023 What the heck did you just commit your poor wife to? 😀 I don’t want to be in your shoes when you tell her! A great way to see your shop in person and most importantly, actually meet the members here! I’ll foot my own accommodations if the wife approves such a guys time together. Thanks for the invite! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coop Posted July 26, 2023 Share Posted July 26, 2023 47 minutes ago, Kev said: Ok, this one might be crazy, even for me! 😂😂😂 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kev Posted July 26, 2023 Author Share Posted July 26, 2023 10 minutes ago, Coop said: What the heck did you just commit your poor wife to? 😀 I don’t want to be in your shoes when you tell her! A great way to see your shop in person and most importantly, actually meet the members here! I’ll foot my own accommodations if the wife approves such a guys time together. Thanks for the invite! I wasn't going to tell her until it was too late! 😉 1 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olie Posted July 26, 2023 Share Posted July 26, 2023 I’m in. Ha! 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kev Posted July 27, 2023 Author Share Posted July 27, 2023 Looks like we're shooting for November 10th through the 13th - That's a Friday to a Monday so, it's completely flexible around your schedules. Again, I'll take care of transportation for anyone flying in so, no need for a rental car unless you really want one.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kev Posted July 28, 2023 Author Share Posted July 28, 2023 Just an update... There's a potential of a work conflict so, those that are coming, please give me a week or 2 before booking any flights. Apologies ahead of time and I'm hoping these dates are still good but, I don't want to have to refund anyone for flights. My day job pays for all this stuff so, I have to give them the first option of my time. For the record, I just learned of this 5 minutes ago.. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kev Posted August 22, 2023 Author Share Posted August 22, 2023 First off, apologies for the slow response to this. My company was having an issue pinpointing some dates on a job that I need to be at. I've got those dates now and have the approved vacation time to ensure that we don't have any more snags! Dates had to move just a little to the following weekend. 18th, 19th, and 20th. I know that's the weekend before Thanksgiving and completely understand if you can't make it. Between the job and my own family stuff, that was the only weekend that worked for me. Another option would be to move it to December which we can do if that's what the ones coming want.. Please let me know if you plan on coming.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olie Posted August 24, 2023 Share Posted August 24, 2023 It’s on! Thanks for working with your employer to find some dates that will work for you. I’m excited to collaborate on another project and I hope some others are able to come and meet up. Based on our preliminary discussions about design and details, do you have any idea how many days the project will take so I can plan my vacation time? Super excited!! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pkinneb Posted August 24, 2023 Share Posted August 24, 2023 Wish I was closer sounds like a fun time! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kev Posted August 24, 2023 Author Share Posted August 24, 2023 17 hours ago, Olie said: It’s on! Thanks for working with your employer to find some dates that will work for you. I’m excited to collaborate on another project and I hope some others are able to come and meet up. Based on our preliminary discussions about design and details, do you have any idea how many days the project will take so I can plan my vacation time? Super excited!! It's hard to say.. I've got some time off this weekend so, I'll get the drawings put up here and we can "group talk" through them and discuss some details.. Once the plans are complete, we'll try and come up with goals and see what the timeline comes out to be. I'm pretty sure it can't be done in a weekend but, should be fun for the group that can attend. 9 hours ago, pkinneb said: Wish I was closer sounds like a fun time! That's one of the reasons the planning is so far out.. Was hoping to get more people with more time to plan. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kev Posted August 25, 2023 Author Share Posted August 25, 2023 Apologies up front for a long post but, I wanted to put out what we currently have for this OF table and get the ball rolling with some good conversations. Ultimately, the decisions belong to @Olie as it's his table. I can/will certainly make some changes but, I'm still having the issue with Sketchup so, just can't add any dimension changes to the drawing. The drawings will still be to scale, just can't read the dimensions until I get home. Front View: There's already been some changes to this and I just haven't gotten the drawing updated. Jeff changed his mind on some work holding. The top as drawn is a torsion box top which really isn't too conducive to work holding options. So, we're looking now at a solid split top that can accommodate some vise and holdfast options. Some previously discussed details: Solid maple split top African Mahogany base and drawer fronts - Matches his bench - Secondary species for inner structure. Possibly a Benchcrafted leg vise - This could affect the drawer configuration which are not set in stone. Possibly a Veritas tail vise Leveling feet Custom made drawer hardware - We'll have @Dick in the shop to show off his lathe skills for this! Right Side: Jeff is considering his options here so, this could certainly change. Currently set up for a lift and a sander. Pull out drawer below for storage Left Side: Currently designed for a dust extractor but, not set in stone. His shop layout plans has his jointer on this side which adds some limitations to the access on this side. Note: This back corner is actually just a leg and an upper/lower rail - I missed that in the drawing. The rear panel is not solid. Closing: I know this looks a lot like mine. As you know, Jeff had the opportunity to work in my shop (Forever Bench) which I'm sure influenced his "wants". However, this is his table and project so the choices are his. I'm really looking forward to you guys tossing him some different options and ideas. Although it works great in my shop, there's probably some options he's not considering and I didn't think of. Project Dates: November 18th, 19th, and 20th. We won't finish it in 3 days but, can get a good start. Would love to see everyone there! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chet Posted August 25, 2023 Share Posted August 25, 2023 Just going to toss this out there. I have the Veritas Inset Vise from Lee Valley for years now. I originally purchased it as a way to save money but as it turns out is has fulfilled all my tail vise needs and I have never wanted or thought about replacing it. 3 Quote "Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for." - Epicurus Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kev Posted August 31, 2023 Author Share Posted August 31, 2023 Testing.. @Olie may be having some issues posting so, I'm trying to do some trouble shooting... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olie Posted September 1, 2023 Share Posted September 1, 2023 @Chet Thanks for the information on the Veritas tail vise. I previously sent this vise to Kev as a potential tail vise and it’s good to hear the good report and it’s a strong contender for sure. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olie Posted September 19, 2023 Share Posted September 19, 2023 Now that there are some rough draft designs, there are a few main things I’d like to get feedback on from the group. The design and materials mimic Kev’s outfeed table because I worked on it and loved it. I think I know what I want at this stage per my discussions with Kev, but also think it’s good to open it up for discussion about different ideas or alternative options. This workbench will be a versatile bench that will be used for table saw outfeed support, another work surface for assembly, sanding, etc. I want it to be tough and able to beat on if needed and have some work holding solutions. Items to discuss include: 1. Material for the top 2. The ideas on the spaces for dust extractor parking and appliance lift for rigid oscillating sander. 3. Vises and work holding. So that I’m not jumping around I’d like to discuss these items one by one and would like to start with the work top. As of now we were planning for the top to be solid maple laminated and about 3” thick with a split top as a way to have an opening for track saw cuts, etc, and dog holes for work holding and ability to use hold fasts. A top like this is probably one of the most expensive areas of this build so I’d like opinions on other options that may be cheaper and still have good utility. Keep in mind that I also have a split top ruobo bench that is 85”x32” with a 4” thick hard maple split top with dog holes, a tail vise, and leg vise. It’s the “Forever Bench” in one of Kev’s YouTube video series. With having that bench near the outfeed table, do you think a 3” solid maple top on the outfeed/assembly table would be overkill? What are your opinions of alternatives? Thanks! Olie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kev Posted September 19, 2023 Author Share Posted September 19, 2023 As @Olie stated, we've had lots of conversations. Originally, this was designed with a torsion top. However, when Olie wanted to add work holding, I don't think this was a viable option and the plan was changed to solid. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pkinneb Posted September 20, 2023 Share Posted September 20, 2023 Not sure of your specific use case but if you already have a roubo I think I would forgo the solid top for the originally designed torsion box. That's what my set up is so I am partial to it and in my work flow I don't find a need for anything different. In my set up I do have small overhangs on the ends and also some open space on the underside which allow some clamping but I have only done that a few times. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coop Posted September 20, 2023 Share Posted September 20, 2023 Paul, that is a beautiful, functional and versatile bench. What does the top of the torsion box consist of? What are the dimensions of the top, roughly? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coop Posted September 20, 2023 Share Posted September 20, 2023 You guys have a whole lot more experience in tables of all sorts than I, but as you already have the “Forever Bench” with the split top and dog holes, I would definitely go with the bench that @pkinneb posted. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chet Posted September 20, 2023 Share Posted September 20, 2023 12 hours ago, Coop said: but as you already have the “Forever Bench” with the split top and dog holes, I would definitely go with the bench that @pkinneb posted. +1 Quote "Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for." - Epicurus Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pkinneb Posted September 20, 2023 Share Posted September 20, 2023 19 hours ago, Coop said: Paul, that is a beautiful, functional and versatile bench. What does the top of the torsion box consist of? What are the dimensions of the top, roughly? Coop unfortunately I couldn't find any pics of the top construction but it is standard torsion box construction. In this case 6"x6" squares made with 1/2" thick 1 3/4" wide mdf strips with a 3/4" MDF top, bottom, sides and solid spots for the the squares holding the four adjustable feet. The top is 68" wide and 43" deep and 3 1/4" thick. Pic below is before I routed in the spaces for the miter bar The cabinet it sits on is 64" wide and 31" deep which allows space for my Dust collection hoses between it and the saw cabinet. The top can be micro adjusted with the four 3/8" feet that are mounted through and onto the cabinet to get it perfectly level with the saw and can be easily adjusted from the top. I copied this design from somewhere but can't recall where. Both the saw and cabinet are on casters in case they ever need to be moved. I should also mention I do have another bench in the space which has the Noden adjustable base and started with a cheap Rockler bench top that I have since modified with a till and apron. This bench has a pattern makers vise and a gun stock vise I use this for chairs and extra flat space when needed. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coop Posted September 21, 2023 Share Posted September 21, 2023 Thanks. Very well done! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coop Posted September 21, 2023 Share Posted September 21, 2023 Paul, did you happen to do a journal on this table addressing the micro adjust knobs. That’s a neat deal! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pkinneb Posted September 21, 2023 Share Posted September 21, 2023 9 hours ago, Coop said: Paul, did you happen to do a journal on this table addressing the micro adjust knobs. That’s a neat deal! I unfortunately could not find anything. However here is one better a video series on it I knew I got it from somewhere since I've never had an original thought but I am a pretty good copier 🤣. Obviously my base is different but the top is a direct copy. BTW it appears the torsion box was 3/4" strips. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.