What do you think of this bench design?

[flatbutt]

Originally Posted by drcoastline

I like it. Simplicity, it has a sort of Japanese feel to me. If I had to criticize something about it, it would have been the instructors, someone should have told the kids to turn the stamps inward.

Or sand them off which is what my shop teacher would require.

[Baz]

Originally Posted by cabmando

Always better to have a spare and not need it than to need a spare and not have it.

BTW, I like the simplicity of that bench.

Thanks - me too - simplicity is what I'm shooting for.

Originally Posted by Reg

It’s all about seating position. When you get it right, you know it.

Very true!

Originally Posted by dad911

I wouldn't use wood in a 'wet' location.
We have a few masonry benches, that have been sealed, like these:
Or do something with landscape blocks:
Considering the price of wood these days, masonry may be actually cheaper.

Good points but I prefer the look of the wood over masonry/stone. Plus I want these light enough to be able to pick up!

Originally Posted by drcoastline

I like it. Simplicity, it has a sort of Japanese feel to me. If I had to criticize something about it, it would have been the instructors, someone should have told the kids to turn the stamps inward.

Originally Posted by flatbutt

Or sand them off which is what my shop teacher would require.

For me it adds more character - but of course you are right.

I had a girlfriend once who loved rusty items.

My 356 has a long scratch along the passenger side like it was keyed. Not noticeable until you get close. I like it. Adds personality. Also allows jealous lover stories.

[Baz]

Originally Posted by Scott Douglas

Baz - why not just replace the back plates with 2X4's? Seems to me that'd be easy to do and would accomplish what you want at the same time.

I might do that down the road but wanted something new and different. I plan to build 3 new ones all the same design - and maybe 3 different colours - haven't decided that yet. Lot of potential for creativity....

[Racerbvd]

[svandamme]

Originally Posted by Baz

Oops....forgot the pic......

back rest needs to be angled
no cupholder on either side
to short for a lie down
probably splinter prone wood
front edge probably hurts inside of the knee
don't like the color of the wood stain
scuffs my holstered 1911 butt end when i sit down
backrest edge has ridge on it that probably will hurt my shoulder blade
if you use cushions probably slide off when you sit on em
1/10 would not buy

[serene911]

[serene911]

[herr_oberst]

Originally Posted by serene911

I like that, a lot. I built the one below out of some scrap I found in a slash pile (I asked the builders if it was slash, they said yes) but after seeing this one, I wish I would have done things differently.

(I really need to refresh the finish on mine. I hadn't noticed how scruffy it's looking until now!)

[Baz]

Picked up my lumber tonight. We'll see if I did the right calculations to churn 3 of these puppies out - or not. Probably not but should be close. Love the 8' bed in my Silverado. Eight foot lengths should provide all that's needed.

I got 4x4's, 2x4's, 5/4x6 deck boards for the seat, and 1x6's for the back.

As a bonus, I ran into the special forces Brit vet, who served two tours - one in Iraq the other in the Faulklands. He's third generation special forces. Knows a lot about carpentry and works in the lumber dept. there.

I got loading my truck down to a science.....







EDIT: For those interested....the lumber cost was around $300 - so $100 per chair not including fasteners....

[Baz]

Started cutting lumber last night and am ready to start assembly.

Am going to pick up one of these later today to help with this:



Medium and Large Trigger Clamp (4-Pack)

Don't laugh - I told you I'm not a carpenter, but I guess sooner or later when doing work with wood like this you have to have the tools that help get the job done.

[herr_oberst]

Can't have enough clamps! And the KREG is a good quality tool. Make sure you get the correct screws, the big head is the secret to the whole joint.


I wonder how much the lumber would've cost a year ago? Double?

[Baz]

Originally Posted by herr_oberst

Can't have enough clamps! And the KREG is a good quality tool. Make sure you get the correct screws, the big head is the secret to the whole joint.


I wonder how much the lumber would've cost a year ago? Double?

OK thanks, Herr Oberst.

I was just going to use the Deckmate screws I already have been using - so I need special screws for these pocket joints you say?

And yes on the lumber cost - double I would say.

[Baz]

Guess I will pick up a box or two of these.....

#8 x 2-1/2 in. Square Blue Ceramic Plated Steel Washer Head Pocket Hole Screws (50-Pack)

[herr_oberst]

Yep. Pocket hole screws. Can't wait to see the final product!

[Baz]

Originally Posted by herr_oberst

Yep. Pocket hole screws. Can't wait to see the final product!

Thanks - me too!

Hopefully this weekend I will get at least one of them done.....

[Baz]

Goodness! This pocket hole jig is the cat's pajamas!

I already have 4 joints assembled and pre-drilled for the next 4 in the morning. That should complete the bottom "frame" for the bench. After that the rest should be gravy.

I did make one mistake on the second joint by running the fasteners in too far. The joint was very weak so after pulling it off I saw the mistake I made.

I guess there must be some way to know when the fastener is in all the way. And to stop screwing.

Maybe just having the right touch/feel and knowing when it's in.

No photos because my SD card somehow got locked.

Will post some tomorrow. For now - I'm bubbling with excitement having added to me weak knowledge base of carpentry skills.

[red 928]

There's nothing like a cold stone bench
to get the 'roids going

[herr_oberst]

Originally Posted by Baz

Goodness! This pocket hole jig is the cat's pajamas!

I already have 4 joints assembled and pre-drilled for the next 4 in the morning. That should complete the bottom "frame" for the bench. After that the rest should be gravy.

I did make one mistake on the second joint by running the fasteners in too far. The joint was very weak so after pulling it off I saw the mistake I made.

I guess there must be some way to know when the fastener is in all the way. And to stop screwing.

Maybe just having the right touch/feel and knowing when it's in.

No photos because my SD card somehow got locked.

Will post some tomorrow. For now - I'm bubbling with excitement having added to me weak knowledge base of carpentry skills.

Since you're using softer wood, maybe just use the screw gun to get the pocket screws most of the way in then use a hand tool to get a feel for how much and where the wood will crush. If you come across any joints that won't take and you really need the strength, consider lag bolts or carriage bolts and nuts. Galvanized for Florida, and don't forget the washers.

Can't wait to see how the benches turn out, but don't turn your back on all the racing this weekend, either. Indy, Monaco, the Coca Cola 600 and Moto GP all happening!

[Scott Douglas]

Which style bench are you making Baz?

[Baz]

Originally Posted by herr_oberst

Since you're using softer wood, maybe just use the screw gun to get the pocket screws most of the way in then use a hand tool to get a feel for how much and where the wood will crush. If you come across any joints that won't take and you really need the strength, consider lag bolts or carriage bolts and nuts. Galvanized for Florida, and don't forget the washers.

Can't wait to see how the benches turn out, but don't turn your back on all the racing this weekend, either. Indy, Monaco, the Coca Cola 600 and Moto GP all happening!

Thanks, Herr Oberst - good tips and info. This is the first time running in a fastener without being able to actually see it as it reaches it's full purchase. I'll figure it out. I may play around a bit with the drilling depth to help out. Thanks for the head's up on the racing events - sounds fun!

Originally Posted by Scott Douglas

Which style bench are you making Baz?

I'm making the one Herr Oberst posted in Post #16, Scott: