The constantly evolving bench.

July 8, 2008

This was a much needed improvement for the bench. A dedicated carving table. Most carvings specially the yokes should be done at an angle close to vertical sometimes. It improves perspective of the finished carving specially if it’s designed to be displayed vertically. It shows the correct shadowing while being carved and it is also a great improvement for ones back keeping it straighter and not having to overreach on a horizontal surface to get to further away parts. Also chips fall away from it. It can be tilted up to 90 degrees, and swiveled 360 degrees. When not in use it can be swiveled out of way.It is quickly assembled and disassembled. It was achieved by removing front jaw and beam from Emmert vise, a simple and quick operation. Then a large butcher block was attached to rear jaw. This way with exception of clamping, all features of Emmert are retained and used. A support made out of a phenolic bar rides on bench vise to provide additional support when at an angle. The phenolic is strong and allows substantial swiveling of table without being removed. For more drastic swiveling it is then removed. A couple spots are also available to rest some tools and to keep the ever important strop at hand. The swiveling seat now also acts as a tool rest.