Split Top Nicholson Workbench Plans
My shop floors are tile by default.
Split top nicholson workbench plans. As you can also see i built the top as a split top meaning i can insert a 1 2 inch board into the crack to serve as an additional stop to plane across boards. A workbench needs to be stable and strong and traditional designs are still the most successful for this. The real magic about this bench is the choice of clamping arrangements. A 10 long workbench is no problem if you need one.
The english workbench often called the nicholson workbench is a favourite of mine as this design is simple and practical to build in solid wood and gives you a workbench that will last a lifetime. Split top nicholson workbench. I chose the roubo due to the heft. I will never give up my machines with the exception of the table saw because they perform the bulk of the preliminary work milling lumber to s6s.
Because of the way the bench is built the top is practically flat when you are done with assembly. I ordered the plans for the split top roubo but was torn between it and the nicholson. It lacks any penetration through its top save a single planing stop. Our split top roubo bench plan is based on andre roubo s bench from plate 11 of l art du menuisier with the added capabilities of benchcrafted vises.
I didn t plan to build a nicholson bench. I need a heavy bench. When i got into woodworking the roubo was the latest cat s meow. A simple and ineffectual face vise adorns the front left side of the bench.
I like the split top but never considered splitting the top on a nicholson. It looked like an intimidating thing to build especially as my first bench. Split top nicholson workbench workbench designs workbench plans industrial workbench most beautiful pictures woodworking workbenches apple tools random thoughts workbench designs workbench plans industrial workbench most beautiful pictures woodworking workbenches apple tools random thoughts. There is no need for major glue ups or material preparation.
The nicholson or english bench is a simple workbench possibly made using 2 by construction lumber that features a characteristic deep front apron drilled to enable to the use of holdfasts or pegs to support work vertically. We developed this plan so woodworkers could build a bench using our tail vise and glide leg vise without having to figure out all the details. The construction is simple with basic hand tools just a handsaw brace a few bits hammer framing square and a jointer plane.