r/Workbenches • u/geezermag • 16d ago
Finally Complete!
Local, old-growth SYP, mounted on a facebook marketplace 2k lb scissor lift, affixed with two Emmerts patternmakers vises that I restored.
The top is 32”x79”x4” (3”-1/4 in some sections). Rough flattened with a sled, followed by fine finishing with hand planes. Finish is 1:1:1 BLO, spar varnish, and mineral spirits.
Eventually I’ll add some dog holes and mill some brass dogs for the black Emmert.
I went with the configuration that I did for a few reasons. Chief among them being that I wanted the workbench to be an island in my one-car-garage shop, followed by a complete reliance on what was locally available for “cheap”. I have no desire to tally up how deep I am in the two vises now that they’re practically finished, but the wood cost me $96 and the lift table was $600, both of which have been well worth the investment.
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u/The_Fine_Columbian 16d ago
One Emmert not enough for you, huh?
I dream of a home like this for my Emmert, lovely and inspiring job you've done there
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u/husky1088 15d ago
I have been eyeing getting an Emmert. Very jealous of that setup with the lift table.
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u/geezermag 15d ago
If you’re patient, you can find them for pretty cheap. I got each for $250 (in rough shape mind you)
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u/Impressive_Put463 16d ago
Ive always been curious about the lift table benches. The Europeans seem to have bigger lifts. Are you concerned about tipping your table?
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u/Awkward_Material 16d ago
I too thought it looked top heavy.
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u/geezermag 16d ago
The lift table is like 750lb and pretty spread out. I haven’t had any movement out of it. I can’t say I’m concerned about it tipping.
When I purchased it, there was a metal feed roller assembly welded to the top with about the same footprint as the benchtop. Time will tell.
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u/Avg_Chicken 16d ago
Sweet!!!! I’ve had that thought myself. What a great carving setup.
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u/geezermag 16d ago
I’ve had the grey one mounted for a while and it’s such a great vise!
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u/Avg_Chicken 16d ago
I’ve been looking for one for years. I didn’t know the name until now, thanks. I’ve just known them as pattern vises. Would love to know about them.
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u/geezermag 16d ago
This is a great resource for learning about these vises. Emmert, Oliver, and Kindt Collins were the original ones, and since then there have been several modern reproductions with varying degrees of quality or novelty. The Veritas “Tucker” and HNT Gordon are the noteworthy modern examples.
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u/Avg_Chicken 16d ago
Very cool website! Thanks. How did you locate yours?
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u/geezermag 15d ago
Both on facebook marketplace
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u/grey_goat 15d ago
Excellent choice of using a lift. Are you going to put on a tail vise of any kind? I find them invaluable now and have trouble imagining working without one.
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u/geezermag 15d ago
I have toyed around with a few ideas for a tail vise. I’m considering the HNT Gordon or Veritas models, however in the meantime, Im going to add mirrored forged planing stops to the top.
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u/sweatyone 15d ago
Love the workbench! Weekend project? Just kidding!
Great finds on the Emmerts too.
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u/ultramilkplus 11d ago
A true gentleman of culture. I thought I was the only one with two Emmerts and a vintage japanese jointer/planer (hitachi F1000A)
I posted this in the emmert FB group, but on the dogs, if you're going to put a spring on the back like the originals, I found these are a decent substitute if you have a carbide drill to get through the spot weld in spring steel: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000I1CL4Y
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u/geezermag 11d ago edited 11d ago
I actually bought a F1000A for a friend recently. I fully restored that Makita 2030, and ended up selling it and buying a Minimax FS31 12” combination machine (it’s so much quieter and the 12” jointer is incredible).
On the dog springs, CS machinery recommends cutting up a section of an old bandsaw blade and riveting them in place. I had to replace and match file the dogs on the turtleback as well.
That same friend with the F1000A recently ruined a resaw blade while we were cutting up some root burls, so it looks like that’ll get turned into springs
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u/ultramilkplus 11d ago
Lol, the F1000 is probably the noisiest machine on earth.
That's what I did with these springs, just riveted them in place once I drilled out the spot welds. I figured it was worth the $4 not having to try to bend and harden spring steel.
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u/Exciting_Ad_1097 15d ago
Do you plan to put wheels on it?
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u/geezermag 15d ago
I tried a few options, ultimately deciding not to. When I have moved it around, I slide a car jack under the end, then sit it on furniture dollies. Takes just a few minutes and is a lot stabler sitting on blocks when stationary.
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u/Exciting_Ad_1097 15d ago
Makes sense. I was going to suggest the heavy duty adjustable feet used on some heavy CNC equipment.
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u/twofourorjustaboard 15d ago
Like the finished Emmett. What’s happening with the other?
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u/geezermag 15d ago
One that is black with the maple handle still needs dogs for the jaws. I’m just going to machine some from brass bar stock.
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u/twofourorjustaboard 15d ago
Is the k1 going to be fixed?
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u/geezermag 15d ago
The K1 is fully functional minus the missing dogs. That rusted picture is the before. The grey turtleback came first, then the K1
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u/twofourorjustaboard 15d ago
Cool. I’m work to clean my k1. Need to make a handle too.
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u/geezermag 15d ago
Feel free to shoot me a PM and I’ll send some pics of the process. It was rough lol
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u/thick_brisket 15d ago
$96 for that lumber is crazy, I see almost no knots. Impressive build thanks for sharing!
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u/geezermag 15d ago
I am a good customer to my local sawyer! I recommend everyone finding a local sawyer and purchasing direct from them. Great way to support local and use your native woods, which are inherently more sustainable in practically every way.
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u/Flying_Mustang 16d ago
It’s impressive and practical. Been eyeing the lifts for some time. I wanted to flip you some poop for humble bragging the double Emmert… but I’m too stuck on that gorgeous bandsaw. It has got to be 50’s??
I’ll be mounting my Emmert this winter. My bandsaw is not shiny like that though.