Portable Bow Bench

[John Scifres]

I think I originally got the suggestion for this bench from Tim Baker right before the first MOJam.  I take credit only for the drawing.

[John Scifres]

Here is my first one at the first MOJam.  Tiny little picture from back in the days of dialup.

 

[Tom I.]

John, I once made a take-down work bench using bed slat fastners.  Works really well and is tight and secure.  I see an application for them on your bench....to join the center support to the legs.
Then, either screw the top on or use motises in the top to match tenons cut in the top of the legs...your weight sitting on the top will keep it secure...
   

Tom I.

[frank bullitt]

Yes John, Tim had that bench at The Great Lakes shoot in Michigan I think in 1992. He was up all night and weekend, building bows. I remember him and Gary, built some more the following year to help people out. Don't know who's design, but it works!

[Leo L.]

Good stuff, I may try to make one for the next Primitive Expo.

[tim-flood]

I've drawn one up awhile back and it is in the how to section mine is made from a 10' long board and is shorter. I'm not as tall;-)

[va]

John - you are one smart fella.

Somehow, I stumbled on a this set of plans a couple of years ago and built one that I use all the time.  Use C-clamps to hold the vise and then you can re-position it as needed.

va

[razorback]

Any chance someone has a picture or two of them using their bench.

[John Scifres]

Here's the best way to use one.  That's Keith Bishop (MOJam founder) letting Gary Davis do all the work at the first MOJam.  Usually the guy sitting down is the one doing the work but you can't keep Gary from doing something.

[Doug A]

I built mine according to Tim's plans.  It is still waiting for me to break it in.

Is foam pipe insulation too soft to get a good grip on your stave?  I was thinking of using that or wrapping my vise with an old t-shirt.

[Shaun]

Here is the one I use, patterned after Brad Merkel design. It adds box sides to the lower spreader for keeping tools in use. 2x8 for top and ends, 2x4 base for more stability. Top overhangs for ease of attaching and removing vise. Magnetic plastic vise jaw inserts for gripping wood without marring (I have also used thick leather glued to the jaws for this but it tends to come off with use).

Sand the seat area to reduce splinters. Round the corners so the vice handle will work in all positions.

 

 

 

 

Materials: (Used) 2x8 top and ends, 2x4 for base, 1x8 for spreader (on top of 2x4's) and 1x4 for box sides, (New) inexpensive 4" vise & mag jaw pads, screws to assemble.

[Shaun]

Here are several styles in use. Closest one is another pattern that has an angled 2x4 for clamping stave in work position with bar clamps (Brad's design). The next two are Brad's bench with box type, the next is my original (where the two kids are working) which was a basswood plank with removable sapling legs, the farthest is a standard shaving horse.

 

[shamus]

great pic, John.

Tom I, great idea.

My first bow bench was a similar to this and had a vice bolted to it.

[Cody Cantrell]

Shaun
Were can we get a tool tote like that?  I heard Brad say that some lady made those for you. You should bring a few to MO Jam this year.