AmericanLongRifles Forums
General discussion => Shop Made Tools => Topic started by: northwoodsdave on August 21, 2008, 07:13:40 PM
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I was wondering what most people use as a workspace. I prefer to sit and so am considering getting an old metal desk (like the government issue desks of the Forties). The metal top would resist oils and varnish and gun cleaning solvents.
But I have also looked at both mechanic's benches and woodworking benches.
I was wondering what other people use to build guns on. Any suggestions would be appreciated!
David L
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For the las 35 years I've been using the bed from an old shuffleboard table.It's about 3 inches thick (maple) and solid as a rock .
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I've had a stool in my shop for the last 7 or 8 years.
Looks brand new.... I bet I've only sat in it 3 or 4 times. Just too much moving around of both myself, and the piece I'm working on.
I stand, and have the entire floor covered with rubber matting. Relieves the fatigue from standing ALOT.
I've got a couple of benches. I treated myself to a Sjoberg, Nordic Plus last year. 6ft long, nice birch top.
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Standing is probably best if you can, but with my arthritis I use a drafting stool as much as possible. The height can be adjusted, and it is on casters so it can be moved easily. I still end up standing at least half the time, so I have mats on the floor like SP.
Dale H
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This is my setup.It's a bank of thirty drawers with an 1 1/2"thick maple top.Set on top of that is a setup of adjustable support arms on either side of the vice.Hope this helps!!
(https://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n166/jmyates/IMG_0851.jpg)
(https://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n166/jmyates/IMG_0850.jpg)
(https://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n166/jmyates/IMG_0852.jpg)
Mitch
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Tallbear
Thanks for the idea and pics. I was thinking some kind of drawer setup would make a nice base, but hadn't thought of quite so many! And the adjustable support around the vise is a great idea.
I realize standing is often better, but have a bad back. Fortunately I also have a drafting stool, so plan to make that a part of the setup. Hadn't thought about floor mats, but that's a good idea as well.
Thanks for the ideas. I really enjoy working on guns and want to get a nice place to do the work. You have been a lot of help!
David L
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My pictures aren't terribly good, but here are the two benches in my small workshop. Both have 3" thick maple tops which I added to an old heavy steel cabinet bench and an even older maple cabinet workbench. Space is a bit tight in my shop since I am sharing the space with a floor lathe and also a milling machine, but I still have enough room to work on a longrifle stock from either of these two benches.
(https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v733/44-henry/Sherline.jpg)
(https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v733/44-henry/Workshop2.jpg)
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I Salvaged a 1950's era solid door that is flat smooth on both sides. I fastened it to an old kitchen cabinet and added heavy duty casters to the contraption. Now I have a flat, solid workbench that I can move around to clean under, etc.
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I have been working towards a better mouse trap for myself since I started down this path, this is what I came up with for a dedicated gun "bench", freestanding completely adjustable , and I can walk around it.
Bench space is at a premium for me and I am trying to gain as much as possible, I do most of my furniture shaping while sitting as well as all of the engraving.
(https://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b190/2ndGeneration/IMG_0632.jpg)
Its a mess in this picture, but I have been cleaning my shop like crazy for this winters projects. Will post new pictures when completed.
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I Salvaged a 1950's era solid door that is flat smooth on both sides. I fastened it to an old kitchen cabinet and added heavy duty casters to the contraption. Now I have a flat, solid workbench that I can move around to clean under, etc.
What I use as well. Any solid core door slab will make a heck of a workbench top. Check the building supplies in your area if you decide to go that route and see if they have a damaged Solid Core Birch doorslab. I would play around with a few setups. The height of your workbench and work held in a vise is critical to comfort. Mine are perfect when standing, but a little high when sitting on a bar type stool.
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(https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v305/JerryCrawford/IMG_0918.jpg)
I use to work at a tall bench. Then I saw this setup once - and mounted my vise on a pedestle that rotates or can be locked in one position, can be raised to stand at or lowered so I can sit with a gun in place. It's bolted to the concrete floor with 4 lead lags and is PLENTY stable and ridgid.
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I love the vise idea and, working on pistols, that would be perfect.
For a rifle I could just add a roller brace (also on a pedestal). I already have one for my planer!
I'm getting so many good ideas here. Thanks so much!
David L
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Here is another shot of the one I am using from the back side showing the range of adjustment as well as the second pivot point on the vise and also the small tray for currently used tools.
The other advantage is the portability of the "free bench" I was set up at the county fair when this was taken.
(https://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b190/2ndGeneration/IMG_0730-2.jpg)
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I made a bench out of 2"X12" boards and anchored it to the floor with lag bolts. Its covered in carpeting to catch parts I ways seem to drop and 2 small gunvises. It is solid and works great.
Leanin Chair
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Leanin Chair, do you mean like this???
(https://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa43/REXTHOMAS2/100_2321.jpg)
I've shown this walkaround bench numerous times here. It's the LongRifleSmith Guild's design. I made the blueprint for it.
(https://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa43/REXTHOMAS2/100_2318.jpg)
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Very cool bench t caster!
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I was wondering what most people use as a workspace. I prefer to sit and so am considering getting an old metal desk (like the government issue desks of the Forties). The metal top would resist oils and varnish and gun cleaning solvents.
But I have also looked at both mechanic's benches and woodworking benches.
I was wondering what other people use to build guns on. Any suggestions would be appreciated!
David L
David, many years back I broke my back. After a couple years learning to walk again, I developed a new work station to help me work sitting. Thought it would be better and it was for a while. Built me a normal heavy duty bench at seat level and installed 2 vises that I had on hand. One in front was for working on the top and the belly of my projects and has adjustable jaws. The second vise sits on top behind the first (somewhat) and pivots from zero to 90 degrees. This allows me to get the work at the right angle to my sitting position. Had to use this up till a few years ago but these days I work most all day standing. Still use the sit-down for super intense detail work because of the control I get. Never got that back from the accident, so some things just aint do-able standing for me.
Nothing fancy on the bench, so any heavy top would work as long as there's little if any give.
Susie
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The next bench I make is going to have a pull out draw to catch small parts like they make for a jewelry bench
David Veith
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just started building my new builders bench yesterday.going to look alot like t.casters bench.so i can tottally walk around it.re-doing my shop right now as i am in-between builds.adding some better light.got some new chisels and have been polishing and honing them razor sharp.have a few things left to do.cant wait to start on another project!!!!
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Lew I built mine on the same Idea. Some of the things that I have done to it since building it was to make DRAWS for it. Both about 2" deep and 7" deep about five rows worth. I never really got in the habit of working all of the way around it. Did add a a 2x6+ to the top and a 1x6 to the next two rows of draw space rows more space to put things and deeper draws. Just think it out before you start.
David veith
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My wife got ran off the road at a rail road crossing a few weeks ago. She put a BIG ole ding in her steel wheel. Had to purchase a new one of course. So now I have this steel wheel laying around.
I'm thinking about trying something like Tom's bench.
I'm curious about the stability of it though. Do you have it anchored to the floor? I'm a renter, so that's out. The possibility of having something easily moved, yet allows me to move around the piece I'm working on is intriguing.
Does it wobble or sway at all when you're working on one end or the other?
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If nothing else use it for a base for a grinder. Works good in that case. For lite work as a bench it would be ok.
David Veith
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I was thinking of
pouring concrete in it to make it heavier. And having holes for lag bolts, a metal base pole and etc.
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Ohioan,
I built my bench from the blueprint for Tom Caster's bench. I used 2"X12" lumber and two panavises. My bench is very stable. I can move it if I have to but it doesn't budge, even with heavy rasping or most metal work. I do have a bench vise for breaching barrels though.
Tom Caster's design is the best bench I have ever used. I'm a renter too, so I can't bolt it to the floor but I've never needed to.
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I was talking about Tom Cooper's bench, not Tom Caster's.
I have drawn up a couple different designs similar to Tom Casters before though. Coopers design would just fit my current situation a little better.
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Tom C, I just completed assemblying a work bench similar to the one you pictured. My question to you is how far is the spacing of the Panavise's? I received 2 of those vises yesterday and thought I would ask.
DMR
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Hi Dave, I believe they are mounted about 34-36" apart. I know I can clamp both ends of the 38" brrl. on my current project. I use (3) 5/16" or 3/8" lag bolts to mount them. I keep one mounted 4 or 5" from the end that I do most my work from, and the other I can move either way depending on the length of the project, but 36" seems to work for 90% of my rifles.
I use leather pads (one piece saddle) for stock work for a good grip and to prevent dents.
This bench works great for pistols, horns, knives, gun furniture, etc.
I think you will grow to like it.
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Susanne Warren-Bicio wrote:
Had to use this (sitting bench) up till a few years ago but these days I work most all day standing. Still use the sit-down for super intense detail work because of the control I get. Never got that back from the accident, so some things just aint do-able standing for me.
Susie
That makes great sense to me. For a couple of years after my accident, I worked sitting almost all the time. Then I went to bartending school and spent a year tending bar. Amazingly, the standing work was easier for me than sitting would have been though, as you point out, you still need to sit to do certain things.
My problem now is, I want to build about five benches to incorporate all the great ideas I've gotten! The narrow, work around bench is a great idea, and that will be my first project. Now, if I can get off my seven days on, seven days on schedule, maybe I can do that!
Thanks again to all the posters!
David L
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Dave Rase, I measured them last night at 26" apart, NOT 36" apart!
That distance seems to work for about everything I do. Good starting point for you.
SORRY!
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Thanks Tom,
After playing around with the vises last night I made my initial setup 28". Sounds like it will work just fine. As mentioned earlier, I built this bench out of a bunch of 2x10's and 2x12's that I had laying around. It is intended to be a prototype and could go through several modifications before I settle on a configuration and build a more permenent bench. Or I may just keep this one. It is sort of ugly but very functional. I might even say it has personality. I will post some pics, maybe tonight. I routed out a 4" wide 5/8" deep pocket the entire length of the bench top to "capture" tools and prevent them from taking a trip the floor.
DMR
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I routed out a 4" wide 5/8" deep pocket the entire length of the bench top to "capture" tools and prevent them from taking a trip the floor.
DMR
LOL,
Murphy's Law #1909: Benchtop tool pockets will hold more woodchips, shavings and junk than tools.
M.L. #1910: All sharp edged tools WILL fall to the floor and strike on the sharpest edge. Correlation to this law is: if working bare foot, tools will always land on foot!
BTW, My bench is made from 2" x 12" rough sawn OAK recycled from a weathered old deck, so it is extra heavy, and not real pretty either. Built it in 1988. The Mi. Longriflesmiths Guild used these and used to sell my blueprint at Dixon's Fair.
Oh, and the rubber matting under my bench has lots of gouges from falling tools!
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One
All sharp edged tools WILL fall to the floor and strike on the sharpest edge.
That is why I put a junk sheet of plywood on the floor. Covers the walk way for both benchs at once.
David Veith
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My wife got ran off the road at a rail road crossing a few weeks ago. She put a BIG ole ding in her steel wheel. Had to purchase a new one of course. So now I have this steel wheel laying around.
I'm thinking about trying something like Tom's bench.
I'm curious about the stability of it though. Do you have it anchored to the floor? I'm a renter, so that's out. The possibility of having something easily moved, yet allows me to move around the piece I'm working on is intriguing.
Does it wobble or sway at all when you're working on one end or the other?
Sorry about the delay here Zack, with my business getting off the ground again things have been busy around these parts for me and I have had little time for the net.
As for your questions, I used a 10 lug wheel from a big rig and have stashed 300 lbs of shot around the top, my shop is in a 48' refer trailer with a steel floor so I also had to shim accordingly, there is minimal movement even when using a heavy rasp.
And I can raise any part or the whole rifle up to eye level if needed, (like when fitting a butt plate) I'm getting to old to hunch over my work.
Thanks for your interest.
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I have a heavy table made fron 2 by 4's and 1/2 in. plywood and cover it with a whole cowhide. The hide lasts about 5 years until the corners start wearing thru.
I have a wood vise to hold the rifle for some functions, gross shaping, planing forestock, installing buttplate, drilling tang bolt hole,etc. BUT there's no way I'm standing over a vise doing anything for hours day after day. I watch TV, listen to music (currently anything by Martina McBride, Roy Orbison, or Meatloaf). 90% of what I do is sitting in a chair with the rifle laying on or proped against the leather table. All final shaping, inletting , lock and brass filing, carving etc. When you get close to finish, the leather prevents dings. The idea is to relax doing a lot of this, thus making it more enjoyable.
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I am with you Bill. Nothing like pushing a chisel while listening to "By the Dashboard Lights"! Rock on! ;D
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Hey Tom, where could I buy a copy of the plans for that bench?
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maplebutcher, your plans are in the mail. Sent Saturday 2/28/09
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I got the plans today. Thanks a bunch. good design and great drawing. scott
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Maplebutcher I strongly advice putting drawers instead of shelves in. I have most of my gun tools, jigs, and parts in spot this way. :)The other thing I did was made the top about 6” wider and what became the next row of draws. In my case I made 4 rows of drawers 1 ½ deep then then some 6 or 8” deep and the bootom shelve holds molded lead bars about 400lb ;D
David veith
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Hey Tom, where could I buy a copy of the plans for that bench?
How much do the plans cost $$$$ ?
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I've been asking $10.00, delivered. 5 for me and 5+/- for postoffice.
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There are a large number of plans available here:
http://plansnow.com/workbenchplans.html
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Here is my favorite work station / bench that I built and have been useing for about 3 years. I prefer this bench because I can look out over the yard & watch the deer & birds. Not to mention the natural sun light. My main work shop though is in the basement with a few more benches and most of my tools.(https://americanlongrifles.org/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi606.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ftt146%2Ffrontierflintlocks%2Fjanuary2008341.jpg&hash=7d67b836ba81acb81fc5d8a348b864dfd0ad0531)
Darrin
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I bet it gets awful hot workin' at that bench. I like the set-up though!
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No not really. I have a ceiling fan right above and a small 8" fan in the back and I turn the funace off. Its nice heating a 2850 sq foot house without the furnace for the most part. On the bench the rest on the left side can be moved further left for longer bbl guns or in more towards the center for shorted ones.
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If you can find an old oak office desk it would be more stable than a metal one.
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Finally constructed a workbench that is portable and solid. It is made of white ash about 1.75" thick and is modeled after Acer's knockdown bench he takes to shows. The legs are on at 20 degree angles, splayed in 2 directions. I made a couple modifications- the spreaders are hickory slats mortised into the legs and they pass through. It uses a Spanish windlass to make the legs grip the top tightly.
(https://americanlongrifles.org/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv513%2Frichpierce%2Fparts%2FMybench2.jpg&hash=13f92ecdfb4cb79a14c1ea562d15b752b018ff56)
(https://americanlongrifles.org/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv513%2Frichpierce%2Fparts%2FMybench.jpg&hash=8a777298ad13d144785717c7af58acc4fb54f326)
It's got a cheapo vise for now on one end
(https://americanlongrifles.org/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv513%2Frichpierce%2Fparts%2Fmybench3.jpg&hash=0118d6379ebefbe91ddcacc8aca5895a447245cb)
On the other end I have a post that goes in a mortise in the benchtop. It will be adjustable for height. Blurry picture below
(https://americanlongrifles.org/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv513%2Frichpierce%2Fparts%2Fmybench4.jpg&hash=fefe684d400fdf6a4e8992203d124c666e665463)
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Rich is this for the outdoor workshop? ;) Nice idea, I may need one of those for when the wifie says I'm making too much of a mess in the house LOL
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For indoors, outdoors, knockdown, etc. I tend to clutter everything up so this will help me keep things clean and organized even when it's in the house. When not working on guns etc for a spell I can take it down and open more room in the basement. But I really do like working outdoors in natural light when I can.
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Rich,
Thanks for posting the pics. Looks like it would be real easy to take apart and move. I like Acer's also. I recon you guys just gave me a new project.
Ken
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Wow Rich,
That looks like a really solid, portable option there . I like it.