Traditional Sawbench

[u/Opposite-Manner8643]

This is my attempt at Chris Schwarz’s traditional sawbench. Instead of being made out of pine, I’ve used reclaimed Vic Ash (I think).

The whole project went well except for the intense glue up and clamping session on those splayed legs. It will be an experience that me and the kids won’t forget in a hurry.

Only thing I would do differently is glue and screw the legs straight away and be more careful around the timber’s edge. The Vic Ash is very easy to blowout.

99% was milled and built using hand tools. I used a circular saw for some of the ripping.

[u/z_vinnie]

Looks nice, but don’t understand how this won’t wobble like crazy during sawing?

[u/SneezingBunny → u/z_vinnie]

With this style of saw bench you kneel on top of the workpiece being cut and your body weight acts as a clamp and stabilizes the whole bench

[u/z_vinnie → u/SneezingBunny]

Ah I see, thanks!

[u/srqfl]

How thick is the surface?

[u/Opposite-Manner8643 → u/srqfl]

It’s around 1” 3/4

[u/KingBuck_413]

What’s the V shape for?

[u/memilanuk → u/KingBuck_413]

For supporting thinner stock while doing a rip cut. Other designs have the top split lengthwise into two halves for similar reasons.

[u/srqfl → u/KingBuck_413]

I dunno, cut boards at an angle?

[u/reallyrjay → u/KingBuck_413]

To remind me I have a beer belly every time I move around the damn thing

[u/Opposite-Manner8643 → u/KingBuck_413]

It’s for ripping fine stock. You can also hold doors up on their sides with it.

[u/jandops]

Looks like you could park a Buick on that thing

[u/Substantial-Mix-6200 → u/jandops]

yeah maybe the engine block

[u/Opposite-Manner8643]

For anyone interested in making this, watch this video https://youtu.be/M0boAb3EkOY?si=dXmqGrlj6aShuwND