On 29 Nov 2003 20:40:06 -0800, [email protected] (Roy Warren) wrote:
>I am building myslef a European-style workbench with a solid Maple
>top. Should 2 1/2" thickness be enough?
2 1/2" should be more than enough.
> I have seen plans with the tool trough both in the center and at the
>rear. What are the advantages/disadvantages of both?
I don't think the center trough is really for tools. I'm supposing
you're thinking about the Veritas workbench. You really can't put
anything in the center trough because it's not really a trough.
There's just no center section in their workbench. I think this has to
do with saving material and cost, but I like having a center section.
As far as having a tool trough at the rear of the bench that's up to
you. I guess it comes in handy, but personally I'd rather have a bench
with a competely flat top front to back. I've read some people think
the trough just collects tools till you're forced to clean it out. :-)
Layne
Layne responds:
>As far as having a tool trough at the rear of the bench that's up to
>you. I guess it comes in handy, but personally I'd rather have a bench
>with a competely flat top front to back. I've read some people think
>the trough just collects tools till you're forced to clean it out. :-)
That's what it does for me, in addition to sawdust and shavings. For the anal
types who replace every tool as it is used in turn...tool troughs are fine. Me,
I usually need to grab the tool again, a few minutes, or hours, after its turn
is over.
Charlie Self
"I have as much authority as the Pope, I just don't have as many people who
believe it." George Carlin
I built myself the Veritas-styled bench, purchasing the raw slabs from
Lee Valley.
> I am building myslef a European-style workbench with a solid Maple
> top. Should 2 1/2" thickness be enough?
The Veritas slabs are only 2" think (I think - I'm at work), and I've
never wished the bench to be thicker.
> I have seen plans with the tool trough both in the center and at the
> rear. What are the advantages/disadvantages of both?
I don't see any difference between center and back for holding tools,
waste and shavings. I like having a trough to do all that.
However, there is a big difference if you want to run a clamp under
something resting on the bench. I do this a fair amount, and find it
really handy.
Jim