Superbench - a massive 6" top wooden bench with a steel base

[Philip Davies]

Craig, before you fix your vice, i recommend that you cover the top with a hardwood which does not splinter easily, eg oak. Don’t know if you have beech there. Flooring laminate would be ideal. With the softwood lumber you have used, you are likely to be forever picking splinters out from beneath your nails, especially if it is for heavy metal or mechanical work. I agree that a good workbench is the first tool that’s needed and I apologise if you are discouraged by my comment