For those who missed it yesterday (since I usually post it Monday), here is the latest GARDEN UPDATE.
OK, so last weekend, we had stuff moved to the barn from a storage unit. You can read about the other things we moved out there by CLICKING HERE. I mentioned my Dad's workbench and promised pics so here it is, a treasure for sure.
My Dad built this from scratch. No plans. He just looked at some pictures in various magazines and decided to design and build his own. He spared no expense on this either. The best wood and hardware, even going so far as to get special wheels that cost something like $50 each so that it would roll smoothly with the total weight. You can actually push it around with one hand (they do lock in place too). He wasn't a woodworker or carpenter by profession, this was just a hobby that he got into and he truly enjoyed it.
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| Workbench top with bench dogs |
The top is 8 feet from end to end. Those holes in the top are called "bench dogs". They use brass posts that go into the holes when you need them, acting as stops or guides to handle long or oddly shaped pieces of wood or whatever you are working on.
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| Workbench end with shelf |
On one end, he put this shelf with heavy duty support braces to hold a small tool chest or other boxes as needed...
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| Workbench with pegboard end |
And on the other end, just to be different, he put pegboard so he could hang small woodworking tools.
On one side of the shelf end is a clamp for holding pieces of wood or other items...
And at the pegboard end is another heavy duty clamp going the other direction for the same thing.
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| Workbench cabinet |
There are two cabinets with magnetic latching doors and adjustable shelves...
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| Workbench drawers |
And five drawers of varying sizes to hold tools with many of them still inside as he left them.
Since the drawers and cabinets on this side are deep (about 2/3 of the width of the bench) and wouldn't allow for the same on the other side, he did this...
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| Workbench shelves |
Open shelving for more storage! No space went without purpose.
He really crafted an incredible piece of furniture, something more than "just a workbench". It was finished less than a year before he passed away and when we were selling stuff in the house before my Mom moved to her apartment, a neighbor offered us $2500 for it. It was tempting, especially at a time of loss like that, but even my Mom said no, he put a lot of love and time into this and we needed to keep it.
We almost used this in the kitchen at the house in town but it was a tad bit too long for the space. It would make a great kitchen island in the right kitchen for sure but thankfully, now we have the space for it in the barn to be my very own workbench.
It will of course be the centerpiece of the workshop/barn area. Now we just need the weather to cool down a bit so we can get out there and work on getting things arranged and put up.
Thank you Dad!
We'll put it to good use!
Oh my goodness, that is more like fine furniture than a workbench. 2 of my sons dabble in woodworking and they would lust after it. What a treasure!
ReplyDeleteThanks!! He did a pretty incredible job on it. It will be around long after me, just not sure who, LOL!
DeleteThat is so cool.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
Thank you, I think he would have loved knowing that his creation is so popular on the internet, ha.
DeleteYour Dad may have dabbled as hobby but that is TRULY the work of a master craftsman. It is a beautiful piece of work. I am glad you have this and it wasn't sold.
ReplyDeleteEverything he made had to be exact and perfect. Thank you so much, that warms my heart he would have been so happy to hear these comments.
DeleteThat is a beautiful and totally utilitarian workbench ... I'm glad for you, that you kept it!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks, I am going to love using it. Now I just need to get the workshop organized, ha. But this will be the centerpiece for sure.
Deleteit really is a work of art. i am so glad you have it. i was thinking how great it would be in a kitchen but it would have to be a big kitchen. it's just a wonderful piece!
ReplyDeleteAww, thank you. It really would be a wonderful kitchen island but you're right, you need just the right size space for it.
DeleteBoy, could I use that. Perfect for my art room. So glad Mom saved it.
ReplyDeleteHa, it would be great for crafts and art supplies for sure. Heck, I'm not sure how I'll get it organized to make it my own but we'll see in time!
Deletewhat a wonderful heirloom to have in your shop. Every time you use it you will think of your dad and have a warm thought. That is what keepsakes are for and this is a wonderful tool in addition. I am jealous!
ReplyDeleteI will definitely do that. Stay tuned!! Thank you very much and thanks for stopping by to comment!!
DeleteThat is an absolutely wonderful work-bench. A true treasure. I know that my wood-working brothers would lust after it.
ReplyDeleteI am so very glad that you didn't sell it.
Ha, thank you. I think there were several of my Dad's friends that lusted after it too, ha. Glad it's in the family to stay.
Deletethanks 1st Man. jambaloney is crying and it doesn't look like he is going to stop anytime soon. and it isn't pretty crying - it's the sobbing kind of crying. so again - thanks!
ReplyDeletein between sobs he said something like "what a beautifully-crafted workbench" or something of the sort. now i have to deal with this for the rest of the night. jeesh!
bahahahahah! it is the most unique piece of mastercraft we have ever seen! be sure to honour your father's memory, and the amount of work that he put into that workbench, by using it all the time. it is such a beautiful heirloom!
sending much love to you both...and in between sobs jambaloney sends love to the workbench! your friends,
kymber and (sobbing) jambaloney
You made my night. Laughing wildly on this end. Poor Jam. I'm so sorry. I'll give him a big virtual hug thought I guess that wouldn't help. I know, tell him I'll send him pictures anytime he wants to see it. :-). Love to you both!
Deletea professional job for sure; anyone would be proud to have that furniture in their workshop! use it well!
ReplyDeleteThanks much!!! I will use it well for sure. :-)
DeleteWhat a work of art! How very beautiful and useful. I need a proper workbench if I'm going to go ahead with learning more about carpentry! Right now all I have is a little "job mate" that folds up...not big enough for all the jobs I want to do!
ReplyDeleteThank you. I hope to learn about carpentry myself, as a hobby but I've got a lot to learn. Time will tell!!
DeleteYour Dad did a beautiful job constructing that work bench! So much thought and effort to make it really functional. And to have the tools inside just as he left them - makes it feel like your Dad is there with you. What a treasure from your Dad!
ReplyDeleteYou could also use it sometimes if you need a large serving table for an outside dinner.
Thanks! And that's a great idea. Actually we even thought if we ever have some big shindig at the farm we could open the barn and string up lights and served food and drinks from there inside the barn. Of course I really need to get it cleaned up and organized, ha.
DeleteI have no words that is just incredibly beautiful. Workbench? Damn that's a work of art for sure.
ReplyDeleteAww, very kind of you. Dad would be proud. Thanks!!!
DeleteWhat a stunning piece of craftsmanship! I am so glad you kept it. I have a question/concern: is there any possibility of the wood warping or deteriorating when stored in your shed, due to the high heat and terrible humidity of your area?
ReplyDeleteNora, Spfld, IL
Hello! Well first, thanks for the sweet words!!! Secondly, believe it or not, it's been in a non climate controlled storage unit for the better part of a decade and other than dusty, it looks now just like it did when we rolled it in. And we did go to the storage unit about twice a year just to check on things or get something out (or put something in, ha) and so we kept an eye on it. It's all good. Should be good there. My Dad built it to stay in his garage workshop which was hot and humid often as well. Fingers will be crossed, ha.
DeleteI am totally speechless.
ReplyDeleteThat is totally Awesome and what a wonderful keepsake made from your dad along with the love that he had put into it. Wonderful piece will look great in your workshop.
One thing I noticed missing; his name along with year he made it. Too bad he didn't do that on the bottom of a drawer or some where.
Now kind sir; what you should do someday is have a small name plate made with your dad's name on it and add it somewhere (maybe mounted front and center for all to see ) on that Gorgeous working bench.
Such a wonderful treasure and keepsake.
Hey there!!! Aww, thanks for that. WOW, what a great idea. I will have to do that. I like how you think, thanks for that. Stay tuned as our workshop evolves (when it's cooler, ha).
Delete1st Man,
ReplyDeleteAmazing craftsman ship!!! Placing this work bench in your shop on the farm will come in handy as you work on projects. You can't find work benches like this any where. Bulldog Man is drooling, he's been making plans for a bench in his work shop. Cherish a piece of your Dad each and every time you use this bench.
Hugs,
Sandy
Thank you, I plan on doing that. And tell Bulldog Man to build his dream and it will come out just the way it needs to be. :-)
DeleteBeautiful piece of furniture. I have no doubt that you'll put it to good use!
ReplyDeleteHi there!!! Thanks for that, much appreciated.
Delete