[cps]

I got Schwarz’s book “Workbench Design Book: The Art & Philosophy of Building Better Benches”, which is a follow up to “Workbenches: From Design & Theory to Construction & Use”. I have learned a lot reading this book. It also has plans for nine benches.
[ame="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1440310408/ref=oh_details_o08_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1"]http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1440310408/ref=oh_details_o08_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1[/ame]

FYI, I plan on using Yellow Southern Pine as I don’t have a cheap source of hardwood here.

 

[cps]

I would avoid pressure treated....it will be wet...there is also the chemicals that are used.

 

[cps]

Also, for what it is worth, Schwarz claims the SYP will get very hard as the resins set up.

 

[cps]

Oh ok. So go with the syp untreated? I was wanting to put some kind of finish on it. The top won't need it because it will be plywood and hardboard but I would like to sand and finish the legs and 2x6's any suggestions on what type of finish I should go with or should I just sand and leave it unfinished

Danish oil is what Schwarz uses in the book. He also made his own version of the Danish oil, but I think I am just going to get the Watco Danish Oil. Minwax Antique Oil is what the Bench Crafted guys recommend.

I think I am going to build a version of the Split Top Roubo that Bench Crafted designed, but do it in SYP and cheaper vise configurations. They have a 3D drawing you can down load for free. The SYP would be less than 200 dollars for this project.

http://benchcrafted.com/str.html

 

[cps]

Nice. You can't beat that price. I want to see pics when you make yours. I'm also wanting to put a vice on the depth end of the table and one on the left side of the long end

Will do...It may be a while as I am saving up for a planer first. There are a couple of build threads in the Project Showcase that are building similar benches.

Here is one:

http://www.woodworkingtalk.com/f13/workbench-build-54471/

 

[cps]

I thought about waiting for the planer but I have the cash for the material so I kind of want to do it now. I did find some hand planers that weren't too pricey. I really want the big rigid or dewalt planer but it will be a while until I have 500 bucks. I'm kind of hoping to be able to just sand it down well enough that it looks good.

I am going to laminate the wood, so I really want a flat surface. I have laminated 1x S4S before without too much trouble, but 2x may be more of an issue if there is any cupping. This is the reason I am waiting on the planer. I have a few other small projects I am going to work on in the meantime.