Christopher Maruca , Portable Workbench (TABLES, CHAIRS & DESKS 2024)

Photos:

Chris Maruca

Video tour:

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CvO7bHlpvqO/?igsh=Zzl6Z2w0OW5nMzRt

This portable workbench was designed after I moved into a small bedroom workspace. Every detail was thought out to fill a purpose. Inspired by traditional Japanese floor benches and western style benches with vices, I decided to implement characteristics from both worlds that fit my workflow. The timber used was European beech wood as the hardness was suitable for working on and the light colour works well as a backdrop when setting up a hand plane blade depth. There are adjustable dovetail stops for hand planing which also act as a square reference for using the shooting board attachment rail. There are dog holes on the worktop and the bench vice for using different clamping jigs. The workbench was flattened and mirror finished with a hand plane with some hand carved details to add some character. The feet were made from American walnut to add a nice contrast to the beechwood and give the small bench a heavier more stable appearance. The handle in the bench vice was hand carved and ebonised using a steel wool and vinegar solution.

Images have been resized for web display, which may cause some loss of image quality. Note: Original high-resolution images are used for judging.