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274259 Dan Beck <drumsandbacon@g...> 2021‑08‑01 Nicholson Bench Build
I appreciate everyone’s sage advice concerning my inquiry about Ramia benches.
You also helped me realize that it was time to piss or get off the pot. So I
finally went and bought the lumber I needed to start building my Nicholson
bench.

I’ve done a ton of “research” on benches, and studied the various forms - Roubo,
Moravian, Low Roman bench (which I may still make at some point), etc. But after
a lot of (i.e. too much) debate, I decided on the Nicholson bench. Specifically,
a viseless Nicholson bench a la Mike Siemson from his video “The Naked
Woodworker”.

I actually made this decision a year ago but for some reason I kept putting off
purchasing the wood and getting started. The entire time I kept looking on
Craigslist and Facebook marketplace hoping to find a workbench I could buy. Even
tho I know building my own bench will be a great learning experience.
Regardless, I was kind of dreading going to the lumberyard to buy the wood I
needed. I assumed it would be a difficult and frustrating process.

That being said, the more I looked for a used bench, the more it became obvious
(as many of you pointed out on my post about Ramia benches) I wouldn’t find
something within my price range that was built well enough for the work I do. If
I could afford it, there were flaws that I couldn’t overlook. The rare benches I
found that were well built were beyond my financial means.

So I finally just bit the bullet and purchased (most of) the wood I need to
build my own. Surprisingly, it was relatively easy, somewhat pleasant
experience. And even more surprisingly, it wasn’t as expensive as I feared!

So, I will begin building my first “real” jointers bench, in earnest, this week.
I will try to document the process here and I welcome all of your advice,
insight, constructive criticism, and positive reinforcement.

I’m excited! Thank you all for your endless source of inspiration. 



-- 
I'm a simple man. I like pretty dark-haired women and breakfast food.
274262 Adam R. Maxwell 2021‑08‑01 Re: Nicholson Bench Build
> On Jul 31, 2021, at 20:27 , Dan Beck  wrote:
> 
> I’ve done a ton of “research” on benches, and studied the various forms -
Roubo, Moravian, Low Roman bench (which I may still make at some point),
Holtzapffle, etc. But after a lot of (i.e. too much) debate, I decided on the
Nicholson bench. Specifically, a viseless Nicholson bench a la Mike Siemson from
his video “The Naked Woodworker”.

Great choice. I built one several years ago, and my only regret is that it's too
short, now that I have a larger shop.

Adam
274264 Don Schwartz <dks@t...> 2021‑08‑01 Re: Nicholson Bench Build
I was  really tempted to build a Nicholson a few years ago, but finally 
decided on a split-top design. It's a modified form of the LV bench 
plan, using their bench top kit, replacing their maple base with 
larger-dimension Doug Fir, and re-purposing my old bench-top as a 
heavyweight tool shelf below. I should install the end twin-vise I 
bought years ago, but thus far haven't felt compelled to do so.

https://groups.io/g/oldtools/album?id=263819

Don


On 2021-08-01 9:55 a.m., Adam R. Maxwell via groups.io wrote:
>
>> On Jul 31, 2021, at 20:27 , Dan Beck  wrote:
>>
>> I’ve done a ton of “research” on benches, and studied the various forms -
Roubo, Moravian, Low Roman bench (which I may still make at some point),
Holtzapffle, etc. But after a lot of (i.e. too much) debate, I decided on the
Nicholson bench. Specifically, a viseless Nicholson bench a la Mike Siemson from
his video “The Naked Woodworker”.
> Great choice. I built one several years ago, and my only regret is that it's
too short, now that I have a larger shop.
>
> Adam
>
>
>
> 
>
>

-- 
“What we are seeing is a decision by the government to get as many people
infected as possible, as quickly as possible,
while using rhetoric about caution as a way of putting the blame on the public
for the consequences...”
- Prof Robert West, health psychologist, University College, London

"extremist individualism … an ideology that claims to be about freedom when
really it means selfishness”.
274265 Dan Beck <drumsandbacon@g...> 2021‑08‑01 Re: Nicholson Bench Build
Don - you bench looks great! 

Adam - glad to hear that you have no regrets with your Nicholson. 

-- 
I'm a simple man. I like pretty dark-haired women and breakfast food.
274267 Adam R. Maxwell 2021‑08‑01 Re: Nicholson Bench Build
> On Aug 1, 2021, at 10:32 , Don Schwartz  wrote:
> 
> I was  really tempted to build a Nicholson a few years ago, but finally
decided on a split-top design.

Split top is another thing I have no regrets on, and I think I stole that idea
from Mike Siemsen. I've had to tighten the deck screws on the base up a few
times, but it's still solid, even with no glued joints.

The planing stop location on mine is a minor regret. I wish I'd put it six
inches further downstream (and not wasted time installing one on the other
side).

https://maxwells.smugmug.com/Woodworking/Kitchen-Lights/i-ZXbgwvx/A

-- 
Adam
274268 Don Schwartz <dks@t...> 2021‑08‑01 Re: Nicholson Bench Build
I think it was Siemsen's bench that persuaded me too. The LV design had 
the two slabs placed further apart, like a dust well. I didn't want 
that. I've used the centre gap for lateral planing support a few times, 
and it's quite convenient. My slabs are joined by on-parallel 
cross-bearers screwed below, but the top is held on dowel pins entirely 
by gravity. With the Record vise attached, it's wicked heavy. By my 
calculations, the beefier Doug Fir base came in just slightly heavier 
than the maple that the LV plans called for, and I think it looks more 
substantial. I've seen no loosening of the butt joints, nor any racking 
whatsoever.

Don

On 2021-08-01 3:32 p.m., Adam R. Maxwell via groups.io wrote:
> Split top is another thing I have no regrets on, and I think I stole that idea
from Mike Siemsen. I've had to tighten the deck screws on the base up a few
times, but it's still solid, even with no glued joints.


-- 
“What we are seeing is a decision by the government to get as many people
infected as possible, as quickly as possible,
while using rhetoric about caution as a way of putting the blame on the public
for the consequences...”
- Prof Robert West, health psychologist, University College, London

"extremist individualism … an ideology that claims to be about freedom when
really it means selfishness”.
274352 Dan Beck <drumsandbacon@g...> 2021‑08‑15 Re: Nicholson Bench Build
I’ve been slowly but steadily working on my Nicholson bench whenever I can find
a little time between family obligations, work, and the side hustle. I’ve got
the legs built (photo below), aprons are glued up, and all the rest of the
pieces are cut. I hope to make more progress this week.




-- 
I'm a simple man. I like pretty dark-haired women and breakfast food.
274353 Dan Beck <drumsandbacon@g...> 2021‑08‑15 Re: Nicholson Bench Build
[Edited Message Follows]

I’ve been slowly but steadily working on my Nicholson bench whenever I can find
a little time between family obligations, work, and the side hustle. I’ve got
the legs built (photo below), aprons are glued up, and all the rest of the
pieces are cut. I hope to make more progress this week.




-- 
I'm a simple man. I like pretty dark-haired women and breakfast food.
274354 Dan Beck <drumsandbacon@g...> 2021‑08‑15 Re: Nicholson Bench Build
[Edited Message Follows]

I’ve been slowly but steadily working on my Nicholson bench whenever I can find
a little time between family obligations, work, and the side hustle. I’ve got
the legs built (photo below), aprons are glued up, and all the rest of the
pieces are cut. I hope to make more progress this week.

https://share.icloud.com/photos/0Gh06s9ak8RvbkGsDKtLkT7Pg#Veterans_Memorial_Fiel
d


-- 
I'm a simple man. I like pretty dark-haired women and breakfast food.
274355 Dan Beck <drumsandbacon@g...> 2021‑08‑15 Re: Nicholson Bench Build
I guess the iCloud links I posted aren’t working. Let see if I can include
photos via email…
274356 Dan Beck <drumsandbacon@g...> 2021‑08‑15 Re: Nicholson Bench Build
Let's see if these links to photos work...

https://groups.io/g/oldtools/photo/267127/3284576?p=Created,,,20,2,0,0

https://groups.io/g/oldtools/photo/267127/3284577?p=Created,,,20,2,0,0

-- 
I'm a simple man. I like pretty dark-haired women and breakfast food.
274484 Dan Beck <drumsandbacon@g...> 2021‑09‑02 Re: Nicholson Bench Build
Made progress on my bench. Aprons are on. Cross bearers attached. The base has
been thoroughly flattened/jointed/leveled. I attached the two top planks
tonight. I’m very happy so far. While this isn’t a difficult or complicated
build, I’m taking my time and making sure to be precise and deliberate and not
cutting any corners. Using the bench as a bench while I’m building has proven
that it is heavy and rock solid. While it is quite heavy as is, I’ve got enough
2x12” syp that I’m going to use it to make a lower shelf. While that is prob
overkill, I figure it add even more to its overall weight.

Next, I will be hitting the top with the jointer plane to make it as flat as
possible. Then I’ll drill the holdfast/dog holes, attach the crochet, and
install the lower shelf. I hope to finish this weekend.

Here’s some progress photos:

https://groups.io/g/oldtools/photo/267127/3294783?p=Created,,,20,2,0,0

https://groups.io/g/oldtools/photo/267127/3294784?p=Created,,,20,2,0,0

https://groups.io/g/oldtools/photo/267127/3294785?p=Created,,,20,2,0,0



-- 
I'm a simple man. I like pretty dark-haired women and breakfast food.
274485 Dennis Heyza <michigaloot@c...> 2021‑09‑02 Re: Nicholson Bench Build
Nice work, Dan!

A new bench is on my list of upcoming projects and yours is providing some
inspiration.

Dennis Heyza
New Baltimore, Michigan

-----Original Message-----
From: oldtools@g...  On Behalf Of Dan Beck
Sent: Wednesday, September 1, 2021 11:56 PM
To: oldtools@g...
Subject: Re: [oldtools] Nicholson Bench Build

Made progress on my bench. Aprons are on. Cross bearers attached. The base has
been thoroughly flattened/jointed/leveled. I attached the two top planks
tonight. I’m very happy so far. While this isn’t a difficult or complicated
build, I’m taking my time and making sure to be precise and deliberate and not
cutting any corners. Using the bench as a bench while I’m building has proven
that it is heavy and rock solid. While it is quite heavy as is, I’ve got enough
2x12” syp that I’m going to use it to make a lower shelf. While that is prob
overkill, I figure it add even more to its overall weight.

Next, I will be hitting the top with the jointer plane to make it as flat as
possible. Then I’ll drill the holdfast/dog holes, attach the crochet, and
install the lower shelf. I hope to finish this weekend.

Here’s some progress photos:

https://groups.io/g/oldtools/photo/267127/3294783?p=Created,,,20,2,0,0
274486 Spike <spikethebike@c...> 2021‑09‑02 Re: Nicholson Bench Build
Sent from the seat of my pants

> On Sep 1, 2021, at 8:55 PM, Dan Beck  wrote:
> Made progress on my bench.
  ———Snippity doo dah—————-
>  While it is quite heavy as is, I’ve got enough 2x12” syp that I’m going to
use it to make a lower shelf. While that is prob overkill, I figure it add even
more to its overall weight
> ——-choppity chop—————

 While the lower shelf will add weight, I think that you will find that it also
adds considerable utility- it functions like a tool tray but without the
potential obstruction of the top. I have an assortment of my hand planes on mine
that are ready to hand.
 Best, Spike
274487 Richard Wilson <yorkshireman@y...> 2021‑09‑02 Re: Nicholson Bench Build
Dan’s bench. . .


Good and solid.   

If you’re adding a shelf, you could consider that it rests on the stretchers and
is removable.  Though weight is good, having it in a manner which enables you to
lift, or at least slide the bench come movong time, or ‘rearrange the workshop’
day is a bonus.
And whilst throwing gratis advice - you could also make it into a closed
cupboard - wherein, at the cost of a slight bend at the knee, you can find your
oilstone, ready for use and not covered in dust, and with a drawer or two, your
chisels, out of any humidity and staying sharp, a sliding tray with the layout
tools to hand,  hammer for adjusting plane irons…..   those small things that
you want to hand - pencil sharpener, bottle opener…


Richard Wilson
Yorkshireman galoot - in Northumbria



> On 2 Sep 2021, at 04:55, Dan Beck  wrote:
> 
> Made progress on my bench. Aprons are on. Cross bearers attached. The base has
been thoroughly flattened/jointed/leveled. I attached the two top planks
tonight. I’m very happy so far. While this isn’t a difficult or complicated
build, I’m taking my time and making sure to be precise and deliberate and not
cutting any corners. Using the bench as a bench while I’m building has proven
that it is heavy and rock solid. While it is quite heavy as is, I’ve got enough
2x12” syp that I’m going to use it to make a lower shelf. While that is prob
overkill, I figure it add even more to its overall weight.
> 
> Next, I will be hitting the top with the jointer plane to make it as flat as
possible. Then I’ll drill the holdfast/dog holes, attach the crochet, and
install the lower shelf. I hope to finish this weekend.
> 
> Here’s some progress photos:
> 
> https://groups.io/g/oldtools/photo/267127/3294783?p=Created,,,20,2,0,0
> 
> https://groups.io/g/oldtools/photo/267127/3294784?p=Created,,,20,2,0,0
> 
> https://groups.io/g/oldtools/photo/267127/3294785?p=Created,,,20,2,0,0
> 
> 
> 
> -- 
> I'm a simple man. I like pretty dark-haired women and breakfast food.
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 



-- 
Yorkshireman Galoot
in the most northerly county, farther north even than Yorkshire
IT #300
274488 Don Schwartz <dks@t...> 2021‑09‑02 Re: Nicholson Bench Build
Likewise.  Make it high enough so it's easy to reach and sweep under, 
but not so high that planes etc interfere with your holdfasts. Mine is a 
tad too high.

Don


On 2021-09-02 8:07 a.m., Spike wrote:
>
> Sent from the seat of my pants
>
>> On Sep 1, 2021, at 8:55 PM, Dan Beck  wrote:
>> Made progress on my bench.
>    ———Snippity doo dah—————-
>>   While it is quite heavy as is, I’ve got enough 2x12” syp that I’m going to
use it to make a lower shelf. While that is prob overkill, I figure it add even
more to its overall weight
>> ——-choppity chop—————
>   While the lower shelf will add weight, I think that you will find that it
also adds considerable utility- it functions like a tool tray but without the
potential obstruction of the top. I have an assortment of my hand planes on mine
that are ready to hand.
>   Best, Spike
>
>
> 
>
>

-- 
“What we are seeing is a decision by the government to get as many people
infected as possible, as quickly as possible,
while using rhetoric about caution as a way of putting the blame on the public
for the consequences...”
- Prof Robert West, health psychologist, University College, London

"extremist individualism … an ideology that claims to be about freedom when
really it means selfishness”.
274501 Dan Beck <drumsandbacon@g...> 2021‑09‑02 Re: Nicholson Bench Build
Thanks for the kind words and continued advice. I will make the lower shelf
removable. I don’t plan on moving this bench from its current location (when I
eventually move to a bigger shop, I will leave this one behind and build a new
bench). However, the legs can be removed (since as per Mike Siemsen’s plans the
legs are attached with carriage bolts) and I will make the lower shelf removable
too, so that should I need to move it, it will be possible to do so.

Hopefully I’ll have pics of a completed bench at the end of the weekend. 

-Dan

-- 
I'm a simple man. I like pretty dark-haired women and breakfast food.
274502 Dan Beck <drumsandbacon@g...> 2021‑09‑03 Re: Nicholson Bench Build
Spent some time this evening with my trusty #5 and #7 and flattened the top of
my bench. I also laid the bench on its backside and flattened the front apron. I
have to say that I’m quite happy with the results. One of the benefits of a
Nicholson is that if you build it correctly and spend some time flattening the
tops of the aprons and the cross braces, when you screw the bench top down, it
should be pretty flat to start with. That being, I went to town with my planes -
got the irons nice and sharp, resharpened them a couple of times, waxed the
soles up, and really worked up a heck of a sweat. I’m not saying that it rivals
a granite plate in a Machinist’s shop, but overall I’d say it’s pretty damn
flat. I’ll prob take a few more licks at it once the holdfast holes have been
drilled.

https://groups.io/g/oldtools/photo/267127/3295240?p=Created,,,20,2,0,0

https://groups.io/g/oldtools/photo/267127/3295241?p=Created,,,20,2,0,0

-Dan

-- 
I'm a simple man. I like pretty dark-haired women and breakfast food.
274506 Phil E. <pedgerton66@g...> 2021‑09‑03 Re: Nicholson Bench Build
Dan and galoots,

The pics show what looks like several cross grain connections that might
later be a concern. My benchtop is laminated 2X4s on edge and I had a
couple of crossgrain connections across the ends. Over time my benchtop
pulled apart at two different sections of the laminations. I reglued the
top and fixed the cross grain situations and have had no further trouble.

Phil E.
274509 Dan Beck <drumsandbacon@g...> 2021‑09‑04 Re: Nicholson Bench Build
Hey Phil,

Thanks for your response. I tried to avoid any cross grain connections, and
there really aren’t any laminations - except on the legs. The legs are def not
cross laminated. I made sure I kept all the parts labeled so that when I ripped
and cross cut, I could match all the pieces up properly - I was mainly concerned
with cupping so I wanted to make sure everything mated up as perfectly as
possible. Thankfully the cupping was very minor, but I’m still glad I took that
precaution.

Perhaps I’m missing something obvious?

-Dan 

-- 
I'm a simple man. I like pretty dark-haired women and breakfast food.
274517 Phil E. <pedgerton66@g...> 2021‑09‑05 Re: Nicholson Bench Build
Hi Dan and galoots,

I was referring to the screws(?) holding the top to the cross stretchers
underneath the top. And there are bolts in the wide front board into the
legs. These are held at right angles to each other in terms of grain
direction. Over time the wide boards may shrink and split themselves. Maybe
you've dealt with this already?

Best,

Phil E.
274518 Dan Beck <drumsandbacon@g...> 2021‑09‑06 Re: Nicholson Bench Build
I see what you’re saying - thanks for the clarification. I followed the
directions provided by Mike Seimsen in his video “Naked Woodworker”. In this
video (released by Lost Art Press) he very clearly instructs screwing the top
planks to the aprons and cross bearers and using carriage bolts to attach the
legs to the aprons.

I’m hoping that this won’t be an issue. I stored the lumber in my shop for a
couple of weeks before building and tested them with a moisture meter before
attaching them. The levels were in range, so fingers crossed that wood won’t
move much.

Thanks,
Dan

-- 
I'm a simple man. I like pretty dark-haired women and breakfast food.
274519 Phil Schempf <philschempf@g...> 2021‑09‑06 Re: Nicholson Bench Build
In true galoot fashion, I’ve been planning a Nicholson bench for years. The
screws through the top of the bench have troubled me, with metal in a surface
that will get planed from time to time. I’m probably overthinking this as is my
usual MO. I suspect if I countersink the screws by half an inch, it will be
someone else’s problem by the time that much of the top is planed away.

Phil, slow and getting slower
274520 Adam R. Maxwell 2021‑09‑06 Re: Nicholson Bench Build
> On Sep 6, 2021, at 09:13 , Phil Schempf  wrote:
> 
> In true galoot fashion, I’ve been planning a Nicholson bench for years. The
screws through the top of the bench have troubled me, with metal in a surface
that will get planed from time to time. I’m probably overthinking this as is my
usual MO. I suspect if I countersink the screws by half an inch, it will be
someone else’s problem by the time that much of the top is planed away.

That's exactly what I did, using deck screws. I originally plugged the holes and
carefully pared the plugs, but most of them vanished during a subsequent
flattening. It turns out that's an improvement: now I can see how close I am to
the screw heads (and just give them another turn with a brace, as needed). It's
not pretty, but it's easy and works great.

On another topic I saw in this thread, the bench didn't split when I moved from
green and damp Port Angeles to the desiccated land of Benton City. All of the
deck screws (no carriage bolts) have needed to be tightened in the fir base,
though.

Adam
Just say (tmPL), if you want to find the easy way to do something, just watch a
lazy man work.
274521 John Ruth <johnrruth@h...> 2021‑09‑06 Re: Nicholson Bench Build
Galoots who want carriage and other bolts to stay tight as the wood expands and
contracts should look into the conical spring washers known as "Belleville
Springs."
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belleville_washer

( I learned about these from Dr. George Langford.  He uses them to keep the
totes on Bailey planes nice and tight. )

John Ruth
On Sep 6, 2021, at 11:22 AM, Dan Beck
mailto:drumsandbacon@g...>> wrote:

I see what you’re saying - thanks for the clarification. I followed the
directions provided by Mike Seimsen in his video “Naked Woodworker”. In this
video (released by Lost Art Press) he very clearly instructs screwing the top
planks to the aprons and cross bearers and using carriage bolts to attach the
legs to the aprons.

I’m hoping that this won’t be an issue. I stored the lumber in my shop for a
couple of weeks before building and tested them with a moisture meter before
attaching them. The levels were in range, so fingers crossed that wood won’t
move much.

Thanks,
Dan

--
I'm a simple man. I like pretty dark-haired women and breakfast food.
274522 David Sobel 2021‑09‑06 Re: Nicholson Bench Build
> On Sep 6, 2021, at 11:22 AM, Dan Beck  wrote:
> 
> I see what you’re saying - thanks for the clarification. I followed the
directions provided by Mike Seimsen in his video “Naked Woodworker”. In this
video (released by Lost Art Press) he very clearly instructs screwing the top
planks to the aprons and cross bearers and using carriage bolts to attach the
legs to the aprons.
> 
> I’m hoping that this won’t be an issue. I stored the lumber in my shop for a
couple of weeks before building and tested them with a moisture meter before
attaching them. The levels were in range, so fingers crossed that wood won’t
move much.
> 

I just happened to finish reading Shaker Inspiration by Christian Becksvoort,
and he goes into pretty good detail on wood movement, and includes a table for
Dimensional Change Coefficients for Shrinking or Swelling Within Moisture
Content Limits of 6 to 14 Percent.  Basically, he explains how to calculate how
much a piece of wood can grow or shrink based upon its current moisture content
and its possible extremes of moisture content. For an 11” wide board of Loblolly
Pine,  moisture change from 6% to 14% will bring a corresponding change in size
of  slightly    over 1/8” for quarter sawn wood and slightly under 1/4” for flat
sawn wood.  (Rift sawn will be somewhere in between.)  That is enough to do some
damage if the bench (or other object) actually sees that kind of moisture change
and isn’t built to allow for it.

Movement = board width x percentage change in moisture content as a whole number
x Dimensional Change Coefficient

Radial (quartersawn): 11” x 8 x 0.00165 = 0.1452” or slightly over 1/8”

Tangental (flat sawn)” 11” x 8 x 0.00259 = 0.228” or slightly under 1/4”

This of course is the most extreme case.  Also, using deck screws for the
attachment also provides for some allowance for wood movement.

Traditional wood screws have a shaft that is the same size as the major diameter
of the threads.  You drill a clearance hole to match in the top piece of wood,
and a pilot hole in the bottom piece of wood.  Deck screws have shafts that
match the minor diameter of the threads.  The threads are actually 1/16” or so
wider than the smooth shank.  If you drill clearance holes in the top piece of
wood that are wide enough for the threads to pass, they will be oversized for
the shank, and will allow for some wood movement.  Some longer carriage bolts
also have smooth shanks that are smaller than the major diameter of the threads.

Bottom line is that it is probably OK if you do not expect huge swings in
humidity between summer and winter, but if you do get that type of humidity
change, you should make some adjustments to allow the wood to move more.

David Sobel
who built a workbench in an unconditioned Florida garage in the middle of
summer, and then put air conditioning in the garage.  When the bench top shrunk
by roughly 3/32”, I was glad I had allowed for wood movement in the aprons and
the attachment of the top.
274523 Richard Wilson <yorkshireman@y...> 2021‑09‑06 Re: Nicholson Bench Build
Well of course, if you’re usng carriage bolts, you can use a rat tail file to
make the holes oval and allow a bit of movement.  If you use countersunk screws,
you will need to be a bit more fiddly with the file, and maybe a gouge to make a
surface countersink oval.  If the countersink is at the bottom of a counterbore,
well, try to avoid that.

And at the end of all that - it’s a bench, and if a split appears, well, it’s a
bench, not a table top, and it’s there to do some work, not to look pristine.


Richard Wilson
Yorkshireman galoot.
coincidentally, looked at my bench top earlier today and thought “this is
looking grubby and dented, maybe I should plane it and make it like Dan’s.
Then reality took hold.






> On 6 Sep 2021, at 16:22, Dan Beck  wrote:
> 
> I see what you’re saying - thanks for the clarification. I followed the
directions provided by Mike Seimsen in his video “Naked Woodworker”. In this
video (released by Lost Art Press) he very clearly instructs screwing the top
planks to the aprons and cross bearers and using carriage bolts to attach the
legs to the aprons.
> 
> I’m hoping that this won’t be an issue. I stored the lumber in my shop for a
couple of weeks before building and tested them with a moisture meter before
attaching them. The levels were in range, so fingers crossed that wood won’t
move much.
> 
> Thanks,
> Dan
> 
> -- 
> I'm a simple man. I like pretty dark-haired women and breakfast food.
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 



-- 
Yorkshireman Galoot
in the most northerly county, farther north even than Yorkshire
IT #300
274590 Dan Beck <drumsandbacon@g...> 2021‑09‑22 Re: Nicholson Bench Build
The Nicholson bench is complete! Here is photographic evidence:

https://groups.io/g/oldtools/photo/267127/3306901?p=Created%2C%2C%2C20%2C2%2C0%2
C0

https://groups.io/g/oldtools/photo/267127/3306902?p=Created%2C%2C%2C20%2C2%2C0%2
C0

https://groups.io/g/oldtools/photo/267127/3306903?p=Created%2C%2C%2C20%2C2%2C0%2
C0

I am incredibly happy with the way this turned out. I actually finished almost
two weeks ago and altho I haven’t done any big projects on it yet, I can tell
you this thing is ridiculously solid and (even at only five foot long) it is
more than heavy enough to keep it from moving while planing.

I finished it with two coats of “shop finish” which is:
1 part Minwax Helmsman spar urethane
1 part boiled linseed oil
1 part odorless mineral spirits

This is the first time I’ve really used holdfasts and I absolutely adore them. I
used the dog hole bushing made by Lee Valley and once a had a couple of holdfast
holes drilled, I was able to use holdfasts in those to help secure the jig for
all the other holes.

I’m proud to say that this bench was almost 100% made using hand tools. The only
electrons that were used was when I ripped the boards for the legs on my table
saw (I didn’t trust my hand saw skills enough to produce straight, square cuts).

I’d encourage anyone who has been thinking about building a Nicholson bench to
just go for it. It’s not a difficult build - if I can do it, certainly anyone
can. The cost of wood is def coming down - all said and done I think I spent
about $300 total.

If anyone has any questions or comments, please feel free to send them my way.
And thanks again for all the knowledge that is shared here on the daily!

Best,
Dan

-- 
I'm a simple man. I like pretty dark-haired women and breakfast food.
274591 Dennis Heyza <michigaloot@c...> 2021‑09‑22 Re: Nicholson Bench Build
Dan finished his Nicholson bench and provides proof -

> From: oldtools@g...  On Behalf Of Dan Beck

> The Nicholson bench is complete! Here is photographic evidence:
> 
> https://groups.io/g/oldtools/photo/267127/3306901?p=Created%2C%2C%2C20%2C2%2C0
%2C0
> https://groups.io/g/oldtools/photo/267127/3306902?p=Created%2C%2C%2C20%2C2%2C0
%2C0
> https://groups.io/g/oldtools/photo/267127/3306903?p=Created%2C%2C%2C20%2C2%2C0
%2C0

Very nice, Dan! A new bench is on my radar once I finish a couple current
projects, and your ongoing story has provided inspiration. I'll certainly take
you up on the offer to provide advice and support if needed.

Dennis Heyza
New Baltimore, MI
274592 Mark van Roojen <mvr1@e...> 2021‑09‑23 Re: Nicholson Bench Build
Dan Beck wrote:

> 
> The Nicholson bench is complete! Here is photographic evidence:
> 
> https://groups.io/g/oldtools/photo/267127/3306901?p=Created%2C%2C%2C20%2C2%2C0
%2C0
> (
> https://groups.io/g/oldtools/photo/267127/3306901?p=Created%2C%2C%2C20%2C2%2C0
%2C0
> )
> 
> https://groups.io/g/oldtools/photo/267127/3306902?p=Created%2C%2C%2C20%2C2%2C0
%2C0
> (
> https://groups.io/g/oldtools/photo/267127/3306902?p=Created%2C%2C%2C20%2C2%2C0
%2C0
> )
> 
> https://groups.io/g/oldtools/photo/267127/3306903?p=Created%2C%2C%2C20%2C2%2C0
%2C0
> (
> https://groups.io/g/oldtools/photo/267127/3306903?p=Created%2C%2C%2C20%2C2%2C0
%2C0
> )
> 
> I am incredibly happy with the way this turned out. I actually finished
> almost two weeks ago and altho I haven�t done any big projects on it yet,
> I can tell you this thing is ridiculously solid and (even at only five
> foot long) it is more than heavy enough to keep it from moving while
> planing.

Nicely done!  But that shop is way too neat for this to be real.  :-)
- Mark
274593 Paul Gardner <yoyopg@g...> 2021‑09‑23 Re: Nicholson Bench Build
Looks great Dan.  Wishing you many happy hours using it.

-Paul, in SF
274597 Dan Beck <drumsandbacon@g...> 2021‑09‑23 Re: Nicholson Bench Build
Haha! I had to keep it clean during the build because the space is so small. But
it’s also clean because I just cleared off my old bench (which was basically
just a glorified table) so I could break it down and move this bench into its
place.

That being said, this is one of reasons I like the tool walls - everything is
close at hand and it’s very easy to grab a tool off the wall and then put it
right back when I’m done with it.

-- 
I'm a simple man. I like pretty dark-haired women and breakfast food.
274636 Alex Moseley <alex.moseley@g...> 2021‑09‑28 Re: Nicholson Bench Build
Agreed, that's a handsome workbench in a nice-looking space. I'm a big fan
of the green metal Wards/Waterloo parts drawers hiding below your first
bench. I may have accumulated a few of those over the past year. :)

Alex Moseley | alex.moseley@g... | http://liferevisited.wordpress.com
274637 Dan Beck <drumsandbacon@g...> 2021‑09‑28 Re: Nicholson Bench Build
Thanks, Alex. And yeah - a couple of those drawers found their way under the new
bench, haha!

-- 
I'm a simple man. I like pretty dark-haired women and breakfast food.

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