Josh Hayes, Roubo Inspired Workbench & Portable Cupboard (STUDENT 2023)

Student:

Secondary

Name of school or tertiary institution, and name of woodworking teacher (if you have one):

School: Edmund Rice College. Teacher: Mr Andrew Edmondson

I am immensely proud to present the culmination of my dedication and craftsmanship: a Split Top Roubo-inspired workbench accompanied by a versatile portable cupboard. Built with an unwavering commitment to quality and precision, this project, a hallmark of my HSC journey, represents over 400 hours of meticulous work and a true labour of love. Crafted from the striking interplay between American Rock Maple and Tasmanian Blackwood, these pieces are a symphony of visual contrast that speaks of elegance and durability. The amalgamation of a solid top and laminated components ensures not only structural integrity but also a visual masterpiece. The workbench's foundation is rooted in tradition, boasting a frame constructed through the artistry of pinned mortice and tenon joinery, fortified by the ingenuity of Benchcrafted knockdown hardware, epitomizing both time-honoured techniques and modern functionality. Machined Benchcrafted leg and tail vices form the heart of the workbench, enabling effortless adjustments for any woodworking endeavour, whilst the tongue and v-groove flooring infuses character and stability. The harmonious marriage of design and skill is evident in the double hand-cut half-blind dovetails and the 19mm round bench dog holes, centre gap stop and sliding deadman enhance the workbench's practicality and adaptability. Adorned with through dovetail drawers, as well as a dovetailed carcass construction, ensures durability in tandem with aesthetic allure. A personalized touch comes in the form of a laser-engraved logo, elegantly etched onto the drawer bases. Wooden handles add the final flourish, bridging functionality with aesthetics. Tipping the scales at over 300 kilograms, this Split Top Roubo-inspired workbench and portable cupboard stand as a testament to my skill, ambition, and the enduring quality of my craftsmanship.

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