Proper workbench almost done!

[dbhost]

I have recently been working on my own copy of the Fine Woodworking Get Started sturdy workbench design.

The top is 2 layers of 3/4 baltic birch ply, the base is cedar. The finish is BLO.

All that's lacking is the lower shelf which I will attach with a cleat instead of the grooves / s clips arrangement of the top. I am also having trouble getting the BLO to take on the end grain. Any suggestions there would be helpful...

[wardprobst]

Assuming you are talking about the end grain of the ply, it's primarily glue. I'd suggest edging the ply with wood of your choice, either contrasting or complimentary. It will also keep the edges from chipping out on you. One of those things I should have told you before you mounted the top.....
You can do it without taking the top off, it's just not as easy.
Use dowels or biscuits or your favorite joint to solidify the edging.
You can also just get thin edge banding and glue it on and be done.
HTH,
DP

[Tamarack]

I once built a rollaround work table with a similar top. I finished the edges with 3/4"X1.5"
hard maple for durability. I glued and screwed it on, then removed the screws after the glue cured and drilled it out and filled the screw holes with Miller Dowels in a contrasting color. It looked really sharp when it was done!
Paul












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[jhart]

Fine looking bench, DB

[crokett]

Great looking bench! The black metal one I have I don't want to get rid of because it was one of the first things I got when we moved into this house. My wife got it for me as a late Christmas present. I am not sure if I want to build a completely new one or put a new larger top on that one.