New Carving Bench

[-JBergs-]

Hello all; so I just built a new bench for carving - came out really great I must say.

I really need some ideas and suggestions regarding how to secure my work to the new bench - of course I'm aware of using clamps but there are so many different ones and I don't really know where to start and could use some help - please consider the following:

The bench face is 2' x 4' and is made of 3/4" MDF ... I have the bench face at a 30 degree angle and is high enough so I don't have to bend over...

I plan on doing a lot of relief and architectual / ornamental type carvings.

I was thinking of drilling holes in the face of the MDF as needed and I'm looking for some type of special clamp or device to hold the work down in such a way where it will offer maximum functionality and versatility (minimum limitations)... but I would like to consider how everyone else does it hoping for some creative solutions.

I heard the American Indians use/d rope: which they fitted through holes on either side of the bench just past the carving ... the rope would loop around and over the carving and go through a hole in the bench on each side of the wood to be carved and would then hang down a few feet and be looped/tied at the bottom near the floor where the carver would apply pressure by stepping on it thereby creating tension on the rope which would hold the wood tightly against the bench... hope I did okay explaining that - reply back if you would like further clarification. This way seems a bit primitive when considering all the high-tech gadgets out there but simple is also special too-

Thanks for any feedback and Happy Carving!

[hwallen48]

Originally Posted by -JBergs-

Hello all; so I just built a new bench for carving - came out really great I must say.

I really need some ideas and suggestions regarding how to secure my work to the new bench - of course I'm aware of using clamps but there are so many different ones and I don't really know where to start and could use some help - please consider the following:

The bench face is 2' x 4' and is made of 3/4" MDF ... I have the bench face at a 30 degree angle and is high enough so I don't have to bend over...

I plan on doing a lot of relief and architectual / ornamental type carvings.

I was thinking of drilling holes in the face of the MDF as needed and I'm looking for some type of special clamp or device to hold the work down in such a way where it will offer maximum functionality and versatility (minimum limitations)... but I would like to consider how everyone else does it hoping for some creative solutions.

I heard the American Indians use/d rope: which they fitted through holes on either side of the bench just past the carving ... the rope would loop around and over the carving and go through a hole in the bench on each side of the wood to be carved and would then hang down a few feet and be looped/tied at the bottom near the floor where the carver would apply pressure by stepping on it thereby creating tension on the rope which would hold the wood tightly against the bench... hope I did okay explaining that - reply back if you would like further clarification. This way seems a bit primitive when considering all the high-tech gadgets out there but simple is also special too-

Thanks for any feedback and Happy Carving!

Can't wait to see pictures of it ( Hint/Hint)

[-JBergs-]

yes pictures are always good! sorry about that - I was done late yesterday so today I'll hop out and snap a few and will post them here... it's really simple though - just a 2" x 4" cleat on the wall perpendicular to the studs with a 30 degree angle sawn lengthwise...the MDF screwed and glued to this cleat naturally following the angle of the cleat at 30 deg. with a 2" x 4" member attached at each lower corner braced to the same wall studs toward the bottom so I have space underneath the bench without any obstacles...will most likely be installing a few shelves and a place to put my chisels while in use after I start using it more...

Thanks for your interest! I'd love to see the carving stations/benches that others use - let's all share some pic's up here-

[Donsexton]

I have not done any relief carvings for years, but back when I did the master carver that taught me used a bench dog. Later when I was on my own I discovered rubber mat like carpet underlayment and for small relief carvings we used a bench hook.

[Thor]

I use a bench hook for all the small relief pieces, and the shelf rubber mat stuff you buy in a roll to help it stay put, both under the bench hook and between it and the carving. The angle of your work surface would make that harder to work effectively. If my benches were angled like that I would probably use bench dogs through holes in the MDF board.

Oddly, a carver friend of mine uses a similar rope method of holding walking sticks while he carves them, and he happens to be a Cherokee. I didn't know it was related to him being a Native American. He's just a really good carver. I've seen him use it, and it works. He has the rope strung through a board for his foot to push down on under the carving bench rather than putting his foot on the rope itself. He also has 2 ropes...one loop at each end of the foot board that goes up and over the walking stick he's carving that he braces in some V shaped carriages. It works really well.
It reminds me that I need to make one for myself.
I'll keep watch to see your photos of your work bench. I never tire of seeing other carvers' tool boxes, tool holders, and work benches.

Christina

[northwood bob]

Woodcraft had several binch dogs/hold fasts - Try this link

Buy 3/4" Duo/Nordic Holdfast 1 Pair at Woodcraft.com

[-JBergs-]

Hey folks - sorry it took so long but here are a couple pic's of the new bench - as said, it's nothing fancy ... just a couple 2" x 4"'s and a 3/4" piece of MDF board... I wanted to put it on an incline thinking it may be easier on the neck and back. I'm sill a newbie so I'm taking what I've seen elsewhere and trying to make it work for me.

Now the next step is to bore some holes for a clamp ... need some advice here for devices used to hold my work in place. I bought a special clamp for like $12 bucks at the hardware store.

I love makeshift devices that are homemade but work as good or better then anything store bought so if anyone has any they can share I'm all ears!

Thanks again!