> Joseph Dolinar wrote:
> 
> Also, I have a question about workbench bases.  I've always assumed that
> they would be constructed out of 4x4 stock.  But I have been seeing many
> designs which laminates 4/4 stock to build up the thickness.  I have never
> seen a discussion regarding the pros/cons of 4x4 vs laminated bases.
> Anyone have any insights they can give me?

I use laminated stock all the time in furniture.  If you even make a cursory
attempt at matching grain you'll never see the line.  Use a wide paint
brush or a 4" paint roller to spread the glue then use every clamp in
the shop, plus a few borrowed from a neighbor.

However, Pennsylvannia is full of farms.  Check the lumber section of your
local "Trader" type rag to see if anyone is selling old barn beams.  A
few months back I bought some old hand-hewn red oak, white oak, ash, and
pine beams for under pennies per board foot.  It's a lot of work to resaw
and thickness them, but it's hard to beat that price on thick stock.  The
beams I got aren't worth a damn as furniture lumber - they're full of worm
holes, but I think they add a bit of charm to bench legs (which is what I
used one of the beams for).  You can see pictures on my home page.

-- 
Scott Post   spost@n...
http://www.netusa1.net/~spost/woodwork.html