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This is a three-layer Valentine Heart. The heart is 8.5 inches tall. Each layer is 1/4" thick. You could paint the back layer red to give it more of a Valentine feel.
The easiest way to hang this on a wall is a sawtooth hanger. If you use 1/4" layers then you have 1/2" of thickness to install the hanger. Just make sure you buy one with the appropriate length nails or screws.
A beautiful and expensive commercial woodworking workbench or an economy DIY workbench: Which is right for you?
You need a surface to work on when you are building projects. The surface needs to be flat. It is helpful if the bench is sturdy and does not move around while you work. You may need it to be mobile. You often need a vise or other holding devices. Storage under the workbench is a nice feature. A simple shelf or cabinets are options. Maybe you like a tool holding tray. There is a lot to consider and it is nice to get what you want/need the first time.
You can build or buy. Both options have advantages and disadvantages. This writeup has a few options to start you thinking about what will work for you.
- Includes four unbreakable 1'' round steel bench dogs that can be used in both the benchtop and the trestle
- Knot free tongue and grove European Beech Tabletop surface is 35-1/2" off the floor
- Workbench top is 71" long and 23-5/8" wide
- Maximum clamping distance is 72"
- Vise opening is 5-3/4" and are 29" wide
Most of us will build our woodworking workbenches to save money or to get certain features. Some woodworkers are in small shops and don't have room for a full-size workbench so building custom is the way to go. If you would rather buy, here are a couple of options from high-end to entry-level.
Top of the line.....
If you have the room and frankly a nice fat wallet then you may like the Sjöbergs line of workbenches. These are professional workbenches made in Sweden to very high standards.
These workbenches are serious overkill for 99% of us but if you are building furniture and do a lot of hand tool work then these workbenches will hold up to the stress. The Elite 2000 shown above weighs 370lbs. When you fill the drawers with tools you are looking at 400 plus pounds. This bench is not moving around while you use your hand plane.
Entry-Level Commercial Workbench
This small Olympia workbench is under $150. This is a very light duty workbench. It will be fine for small assembly and light hand tool work. This is a 4 foot X 2 foot top so it will fit in most small shops. You could probably build a workbench that would be nicer for the same money but if you want a bench that you just assemble and go then check this Olympia out.
DIY Workbench
Okay, we can now come back to reality for most of us and talk about building a nice workbench that is much easier to afford. Sometimes under $100.
This first video from Modern Builds shows a sturdy workbench made from home center Douglas fir. The benchtop is glued up in sections to make flattening easier. He shows the techniques for each step.
Here is a video from Woodworkingworking for Mere Mortals that features a plywood top. It may not look as nice but the top will be nice and flat.
This video shows a top of the line DIY workbench build by The Samurai Woodworker. There are many expert-level techniques used in this build. If you have the skill, time, and money this is a great bench. I believe he has plans available for this workbench.
Need some ideas and plans?
This book of workbench projects from the experts at American Woodworker magazine offers lots of detailed plans and information to build the workbench that is just right for you and your shop.
$12 per sheet of 12 coins plus $3.50 shipping
Inlay with a 1" Forstner Bit.
The perfect way to sign your work.
Email Newsletter Readers: Remember that the Newsletter is just a copy of the daily blog post. To see the post in its proper formatting click this link. If you ever misplace a pattern or any item you see here you can always find it on the blog. Everything stays on the blog forever.
Products for your consideration:
Every Scrollsaw Workshop Pattern from 2007-2019 on DVD
This DVD has over 2,900 patterns published from 2007 thru 2019.
The DVD is $20 plus shipping. Ships to 60 countries around the world.
The DVD is $20 plus shipping. Ships to 60 countries around the world.
If you use the DVD on a Windows PC there is a simple viewer program to browse through the patterns.
The DVD also works fine on a MAC. The viewer program is not MAC compatible but there is an included PDF with all the patterns shown as thumbnails for easy viewing.
All the same file but in an easy to use thumb drive. The USB thumb drive option is $23 plus shipping.
Now Available on USB Thumb Drive
Don't have a DVD drive on your new computer. No problem. Buy the catalog on a USB thumb drive.All the same file but in an easy to use thumb drive. The USB thumb drive option is $23 plus shipping.
Want to create beautiful wooden vases on the scroll saw?
My two "Wooden Vases on the Scroll Saw" books make it easy.
The books are $12 each and available for instant download after purchase. Click for Video Demonstration.
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