Nicholson Bench, Topping Off

After jointing the top of the side boards straight with a #8 plane we applied glue to the edge and about 6 inches in on the transverse bearers keeping glue well away from the openings for the planing stops. With the planing stops installed in the tops we set the tops in place using the planing stops to align themselves to their openings. We then clamped the top in place and installed screws through the transverse bearers. We cleaned up the shop and ate some lunch while the glue set for 2 1/2 hours. After removing the clamps we bored holes for holdfasts in the top and using two squares we checked for wind. We both then set to work flattening the top and planing off the top of the vise check. It was surprising how flattening the top made it look more like a bench. I slathered on a coat of 2/3rds B.L.O. and 1/3rd turpentine for that good old-timey smell and to keep glue from sticking to the top during use. We also added blocking under the holdfast holes so the top is 3 inches thick in those places so the holdfast will grip properly. Be sure to locate your holes away from the transverse bearers and the bench legs!