Workbench books and vises
Jack Guzman from Maine
>I built my bench using a plan from lee valley for a "modern bench".I used a large face vise as my end vise and made square dogs to go in the dog holes I put in both skirts and the end vise jaws. I put a small face vise on the left side. Two years later I use the small vise for planing mostly.I cut mortises by holding the pieces on the front edge of the bench with clamps.The end vise was a waste of effort,almost.I found a leg vise at a yard sale. After looking at it for awhile I attached it to a solid door blank bench I have elsewhere in the shop. I found it so useful that I attached a 2x4 to the back leg which I then clamped in my end vise permanently and attached the bottom of the leg to the floor.I use this vise more than any other. I find it the perfect position and height for cutting dovetails and tenon end grain.It is also handy for carving and shaping with shaves.I wish I had had better information when I was building mine.I would prefer round dog holes.I would have oriented the grain better so it was easier to plane smooth.
The point I'm getting at is I think the idea of a better workbench book is a good one.I think it should be written by us. I think if we could gather pictures and details of actual working benches we would actually have a useful resource for others who want to build but don't have the knowledge.
Adam's opinions should be featured and I'm sure there are others here with valuable information they could contribute.
So, does anyone have an opinion on this?
If Adam does decide to write a book on benches I will buy it.
Jack
