So the pile of oak, maple, and cherry that will be my new workbench has been
moved around the shop for the last time. I've finally decided that it's time
to build the bench it was supposed to be for the last 2 years. I always
planned on a traditional style bench with storage (drawers) below, tool
tray, front vise and tail vise. It will be big, thinking 84"x 28" or so (not
quite the 148" of the Hancock Shaker Village bench but similar in design). 

 

About 8 or so years back I made a prototype bench using carefully selected
2x4s for the top, and pine 4x4 dunnage for the base. No tray, front vise and
end vise. I'm not wed to either vise type and am wondering if anyone who has
used both can make recommendations. I do like the looks of a tail vise but
not sure if it will be as functional. Appreciate your collective thoughts.

 

Thanks,

 

DGW