Official Luthiers Forum!

Well now it's time to build a workbench. I've been looking on the internet and at the books i have on the subject and can't decide on what to build. i already have a half decent work bench out in the workshop but am making a space the house and there really isn't all that much space. I originally thought there was about 10 feet by 12 but it turns out there is only about 8 and a half by 12.

So every inch counts. I have two small cabinets that are 48 inches by 16 inches that have four handy drawers and some shelf space bellow and the only other thing in the room that takes up floor space are the speakers and the dehumidifier.

The workbench book by Scott Landis has some good ideas for luthiers but i think i've seen better ideas just from previous posts i've seen in the past. I'm not shy about building my own vices but want it to be all wood. Well unless i see something that is so handy i must have it. So what are you using and if you had the time to build something what would you build?

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Disappointment is an empty box full of expectation

I agree Todd, that't a good set up for how I work too. However, for a room as small as Mark's, a single bench along one wall might be a better idea, especially if ther's going to be machines, room for storage etc. in there as well. If I could have only a single bench like that, I'd want a sturdy, high one, with a versa vise or patternmaker's vise, and a front vise (a Record #52 or similar, or a wooden eqvalent) of some sort for edge planing. Add a removable pipe clamp type guitar body vise, and you're good to go!

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Rian Gitar og Mandolin

I've been collecting shop and bench photos for the past month and really like what Filippo did with size, storage, etc. Thanks for all the info you've posted about it, Filippo.

Thanks so much for your replies so far. I've had a go with the search option and found a lot of references to work benches and vices etc... All very helpful. I think i've made up my mind on a mixture of idea's. I think one of the best ideas is the pipe clamp workbench. Although it doesn't look all that sturdy i'm sure i can build something that will look the part.

I got some very good idea's from the very small workshop thread as well. I'll have to design something and spend some time thinking about it. One of the things i want to avoid is it looking like it was thrown together with bits and pieces. I want the fit and finish to be reflected in all the fixtures in the workshop. Finding enough aged Scottish pine will also be an issue as well i'm sure.

When i make some progress i'll add some pictures.

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Disappointment is an empty box full of expectation