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Oak Folding Workbench

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    Posted 3 years ago

    ChaseCan
    (35 items)

    I'm hoping someone here can ID this piece and date it. It reminds me of the B&D Workmate still sold today.

    Purchased from the original owners son and wife who are in there mid 60's to 70's if I had to guess. The father passed away a number of years ago. The son stated his father brought this down from the north some decades ago and it's been here ever since.

    The bench itself:
    This is a small portable workbench with twin screw clamp.
    It measures 32"H x 36 inches wide x 20" deep clamp jaws closed.

    Jaws open around 8 to 10 inches.

    Frame and clamp jaws made entirely of 3/4 inch oak. Additional section on the top is made of 3/4 inch press board.
    It has 3/4 inch dog holes with 4 holes in-between the clamp handles to store the dogs when folded.
    Though I highly suspect 4 dogs came with it, they must have been lost along the way.

    Clamp handles are painted cast metal with wood knobs.

    The oak jaws made from two 1 bys sandwiched together on the face of the boards which each have a 45 degree chamfer cut onone edge creating the center channel chamfer which accommodates holding round dowels or pipe.
    There are two 1/2 holes drilled in the jaws where they meet. I haven't a clue what this would be used for. Possibly a jig or accessory that may or may not have come with it.

    It was assembled using staples along with steel wood screws. But mostly staples. Some type of finish was applied though I don't have the knowledge to discern what type finish.

    I've already started the refinishing and refurbishing process. I plan on using it once completed.

    There is a missing part underneath the top. A part that rides in a wood guide. I can only guess at what that part is or looked like. I know it helped prevented the top from racking when opening and closing the jaws.

    Having gotten further into the refurbish/refinish process I now believe this was home built rather than manufactured as I first thought. Possibly from plans from one of the Popular magazines such as Popular Mechanics, Popular Woodworking, Fine Woodworking, Shop Notes or the like. If memory serves me correct I recall seeing it in one of the magazine many years back though I can't recall which.

    I know it's a long shot, but I'm hoping someone here might also recall seeing the plans for this style workbench as well and might direct me to which magazine and issue had it.

    Unsolved Mystery

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