Bench Update

[Ryan Mooney]

So.. how you you like the deep apron? Have you used that feature much?

I put a slightly shallower apron on mine (6", just enough for two rows of dog holes) and am having serious second thoughts. While I do absolutely love the holdfasts as well and they work fantastically on the bench top, I find that sometimes I want to clamp down to the bench top from the sides and haven't really had nearly as much use for side clamping as I thought I would and am seriously considering ripping it back off...

[Bill Satko]

So.. how you you like the deep apron? Have you used that feature much?

I put a slightly shallower apron on mine (6", just enough for two rows of dog holes) and am having serious second thoughts. While I do absolutely love the holdfasts as well and they work fantastically on the bench top, I find that sometimes I want to clamp down to the bench top from the sides and haven't really had nearly as much use for side clamping as I thought I would and am seriously considering ripping it back off...

I knew the deep apron would have the disadvantage of not being able to clamp down from the sides but I have not run across a situation yet where it was needed. I always intend to build another bench, so it was not a worry. As for using the apron, yes I use it when jointing or even cutting large boards. You might want to modify your apron by cutting slots where it meets the top in spots for clamp access. I saw that in an old woodworking book that I have. I will look for it tonight and see if I can post a picture of what it shows.

I see you live in the Gorge. I spent a year over in Goldendale working on a project (2001). I did a lot of golfing around the area and liked the location.