compact workbench

[Irishman]

I did a search for compact workbenches here but there doesn't seem to be any post that I can locate. Perhaps I'm not putting in the right subject line. I'm investigating the Sjobergs compact workbench that Lee Valley carries. I'm wondering about its portability and stability. After doing a small workshop on the weekend, I found a good workbench is a necessity if the tables are not suited for carving. I was wondering if anyone on the board has one and could give me feedback, or if there is another compact/portable bench carvers would recommend. The Sjobergs compact bench and accessories seems to be a reasonable price when compared to other workbenches out there.
Patrick

[Donsexton]

Hey Patrick, I know that you know this. Benches with drawers and shelves that are used for heavy mallet work Yikes.

[davidinsarasota]

A distributor demonstrated a portable workbench by Stanley with storage, wheels and a four outlet plug distributor. But, when I went to the warehouse to check it out, it was WAY too wobbly for carving on. There is a carving roundup coming up end of March so I may pick up a Black and Decker Workmate WM425 at home depot or modify a three legged bar stool (sharpen the feet so I can pound them into the ground, bolt the Veritas Carving Vice to the seat) and maybe get a dolly to haul it all.

[Claude]

Patrick:
Here's one: Portable Carving*Bench Fiebig and Yundt Woodcarving


Claude

[Irishman]

Hey Don and David - thanks for checking out the post. Don, I'm looking for a bare bones type of bench that is sturdy and portable. I may find myself asking someone to build me one out of some think oak.
David - be interested in seeing that converted stool with the vice
Patrick

[Irishman]

Claude - you must have just posted as I replied to Don and David. I'll check out the site you gave me - thanks.
Patrick

[BeaverDon]

Have you seen the one in the last issue of WCI? I am thinking of making one of those for warmer months ahead. I gotta get a few "honey do" projects done first ;-)

[highlakejohn]

Check out the portable work bench in Chris Pye's book "Wood Carving Projects and Techniques".

[Irishman]

Don, I don't think I received the last issue as my subscription expired but I'll have a look for the magazine in the stores.
John, I did see the bench designed by Pye. Its a little larger then I would want for portability...if its the bench I recall seeing. I'll have to go back to that magazine issue and have another look.
If I can get a bench which can be taken apart and reassembled that would be ideal as I want to be able to transport it to different locations.
Thanks for your tips fella's. I'll be making a decision at some point.
Patrick

[Ozark mountain carver]

I built my carving bench completely from 2x4 lumber from plans in a woodworking magazine whose name escapes me. I really wish I could fnd it so I could give them credit. Seems like I only have about $50 in the whole bench. I looked online for a copy of the article and couldn't find it, so here's my best description and a picture. The bench is 60 x 30 originally, but I added some 2x4 to the face edge to widen it for larger projects. I don't worry about screwing work directly to the bench and it doesn't move around - ever.

You get a flat top surface by running one edge of all your 2x4's for the top through a table saw or jointer to take off the rounded edges the mills leave. Glue, clamp, and drywall screw one board at a time together until your top is a wide as you want it. When I made mine I cut the wood to leave holes left for the insertion of 2x4 legs through and flush wth the top, but I would simply build a frame and attache the top with cleats if I were to do it over. I can beat on this table till the cows cme home and never do any serious damage.