A little more done on the saw bench this weekend. It is clearly going to serve as my go-to portable workstation. I have several jigs in mind to add as regular features but, for now, I’ve started by making a brand new bench hook.
The bench’s small size will allow it to pack easily into the truck, even holding items in the tills.
I brought it out into the driveway this afternoon to get a few photographs before it’s all scuffed up and broken in.
The holdfasts are stored out-of-the-way by drilling a couple of holes in the legs. I placed them low enough that I can rotate them up to hold a board should the need ever arise.
I know this cannot replace a proper bench but I am very pleased right now. This will serve many functions, not the least of which is for bow and arrow making and as a leather work bench.
The holdfasts in place, holding nothing in particular.
This, in conjunction with the shave horse and folding x-leg table (below), will need to serve as my portable workshop for the foreseeable future I’m afraid.
The little table has many miles on it now and doesn’t look this pretty at all. I’m actually in the midst of refinishing it and will post pictures sometime soon.
Bench hook on the bench.
This bench hook is oak, glued with Titebond 2, and pegged with Osage orange dowels for added strength. The dowels aren’t visible in the fence as they are half-blind and stop just short of the surface. A bench hook, shooting board, mitre box, and other small jigs make great use of scrap that might otherwise end up in the wood stove.
A final luxury to finish up this project; I’ve ordered a couple brass bench dogs (pups) and a bench (planing) stop from Lee Valley.
Perhaps the luxury of a sawhorse matching in height ( no tool so good that it can’t be abused … ) is in order
This sawbench is the match for the shave horse. Perhaps I didn’t make that clear anywhere. The old timers often had just a plain bench at the same height as their horse for big work or to hold tools, etc. I just got carried away.
This looks great, as an apartment woodworker I’m curious if something like this can server as my workbench…
I don’t see why not. I was an apartment dweller for some time. My main workbench, other than the kitchen table, was a 4 foot 2 x 12 plank on legs cut from 2 x 12 as well. It was also a spare table, and a workout bench as needed.
I am in need of an apartment (more like apartment hallway) workbench. Right now I hardly get by with working on the floor at night while my wife and son sleep or on rare occasions, i’ll have time outside with my very wobbly Workmate. Would love to build a full-size bench, but given space and $$ I think something like this would be great!!!! Do you have any shop plans, dimensions, or suggested wood?
Any and all help is greatly appreciated. Thanks George.
Hey George, truly enjoy your site and the links it promotes. The ideas and associated projects it prompts in me has given hours and hours of pure pleasure. The little table and bench I’ve seen in many of your photos is something I’d really like to copy. Have you put plans for it on your site?
If you had to do it over again, would you really add a couple of feet to the vardo? I’m in the drawing phase and considering a 5′ x 10′ but I’m concerned about weight. Have you weighed the “Green Diamond” yet?
Well, thanks for the compliments. I didn’t use a plan so no, I don’t have a “plan” available. The images should do it though. Here’s the link for the measurements: https://paleotool.com/2011/11/10/folding-stools-and-table/
I waiver about the extra two feet. It would be nice, in a cold environment, to have some extra floor space. For one person it’s fine, two can be a squeeze.
Hey George: from the photos on line it’s difficult to determine just how wide the bunk is. In some it seems to be about 40″ and in others almost 54″. Would greatly appreciate the actual dimensions. Thanx GCL
I think there are explanations for this on the Vardo page and elsewhere. The bed is about 37″ wide and pulls out to be 11″ wider. Maybe a couple photos will help.
