Carving bench

[Rich2008]

I'm looking for some plans, or ideas, for a good heavy carving bench. What does everyone carve on? I know there are various types of carving which require different types of ways to secure the workpiece in place while carving. Are there any links to go to for some plans on this? I build furniture, so the machinery required is no problem. I just finished a bedside table made out of solid red oak, with two drawers, so my next project may be a good carving bench/table. All ideas are welcome!

Thanks, Richard in Mississippi

[santacarver]

I can't provide any plans, but I too, used to build furniture in my workshop. So, when I became a carver 10 years ago, I decided to build my own carving bench. After a little research and using my furniture building knowledge, I decided to build it with the following in mind:

1. Six feet long and 30 inches wide and 30 inches tall

2. Frame is built from 2x6 material utilizing "Pegged" Mortise and Tennon joinery.

3. It has four "big" drawers for great storage.

4. Top is solid 2" thick with a 3" overhang on all four sides of the bench. This should give you plenty of room for various carver's vises,
clamps, etc.

5. I attached a "carver's arm" to on end, along with a small woodworker's vise.

6. The other end of my bench features a place to hang various power carving tools, such as Foredom, Dremel, etc.

7. I use a "Drafting Chair", because it offers everything you need to be completely comfortable when carving. It swivels, rolls, and the height can be adjusted up and down with a single lever. Also, great support for your back.

8. If you attach a "Power Strip" to your bench (anywhere you like) you should have all the outlets you'll need for lights, power carving, etc.

I believe that with your furniture building skills, you can make your own carver's bench quite easily, and to your specifications! Much better than you can buy. TIP: Make it as big and heavy as possible!

The top of my bench is more than big enough to accomodate my carving, as well as a small TV, VCR, DVD, and dust collector (yes, I'm spoiled)!!!

Give it a try! Good Luck!

[Magicman]

Hi Rich
I know this is not exactlywhat you are asking about, but its a super solution for when you want to sit in the yard or go camping and still carve and be able to hold your workpiece. Its a portable clamp or use a carvers screw, all out of wood except for a couple of bolts and nuts. It adjusts to about any position you want the wood to be held in and you sit on it to keep it stable. Mine does not have a seat pad on it but you could put one on if you wanted. Its easy to build. I found it on Ebay and when I got it it came with the plans and everything. I've never seen one advertised anywhere. I will post a pic of it later today.

Larry

[Rich2008]

You guys have some good info here! Thanks for posting. I'll get my graf paper and work something out.

Richard

[Gulf Coast Handyman]

Here is a similar post :

woodworking Workbench.

Dave

[Magicman]

Rich
HERE ARE THE PICS OF THE ABOVE REPLY OF MINE. this is not what you asked about ,but its portability is great and it works.
Larry

[Dan S]

There is a book called the workbench book by Landis. It has a lot of good ideas to think about before you cut any wood. there is a post called woodcarving links under general woodcarving that has a place you can download plans. I think the last issue of carving magazine also had plans but I might be mistaken and I don't remember if it was the UK version.

Dan

[brent]

Originally Posted by Magicman

Rich
HERE ARE THE PICS OF THE ABOVE REPLY OF MINE. this is not what you asked about ,but its portability is great and it works.
Larry

Holly cow!!! I thought I was the only one to make one of those!!!!!!!

[Dan S]

Here's another thought. If you want to get a solid bench really cheap, look for an old wood bakers table. The tops are solid maple and usually at least 3" thick. Keep an eye out at auctions and flea markets.

Dan

[Donsexton]

I use a sculptors stand for any carving that is under 3' tall and under 200 pounds. I have built all my stands 30"X30" two layers 3/4" plywood cross braced 4"X4" legs 26" tall. I dont like drawers or shelves. Because I use a 32oz mallet with a 2" #7 gouge to rough in. I have holes in the top to accommodate my bench dog and screw for smaller carvings. I have a tool stand on wheels no tools on my bench or stand. But if you dont intend to drive big gouges this may not work for you. I have a separate stand with a huge Yost vice 26" top of jaws for carving human busts and smaller nudes again no drawers or shelves. I dont use my stands for anything but hand or power carving no chainsaw work. For me I like to stand and walk around most benches I see are too high of the ground they are made to use a bar stool or somthing. I dont like my work stand to be against the wall I want to walk around the work.