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General => General Forum => Topic started by: Billisnice on December 08, 2009, 09:22:25 AM

Title: leopold bench
Post by: Billisnice on December 08, 2009, 09:22:25 AM
any good plans?
Title: Re: leopold bench
Post by: MikeT on December 08, 2009, 09:29:38 AM
I must confess.  I hadn't heard of the term.  I did a Google search for Leopold Bench plans and like the image that came up.  At first glance, it does not appear too hard to make.  But I will be interested to see any links people pass along.   When I saw that it was in reference to Aldo Leopold, I was even more intrigued. 
Title: Re: leopold bench
Post by: glenn kangiser on December 08, 2009, 09:49:37 AM
I also had to Google it.

Found a plan - good?  I don't  know - free - yes... :)

http://www.fusmadison.org/Hardhat/Aldo-Leopold-Bench.pdf
Title: Re: leopold bench
Post by: glenn kangiser on December 08, 2009, 10:04:22 AM
Similar with slight changes...

http://www.epa.gov/grtlakes/greenacres/wildones/wo27bench.htm
Title: Re: leopold bench
Post by: Billisnice on December 08, 2009, 10:15:39 AM
The one at http://www.epa.gov/grtlakes/greenacres/wildones/wo27bench.htm seems to have less bulky lumber. Only a seat of 2 x 10...

If anyone builds one please post.

thanks
Title: Re: leopold bench
Post by: devildog on December 08, 2009, 06:03:21 PM
Quote from: Billisnice on December 08, 2009, 10:15:39 AM
The one at http://www.epa.gov/grtlakes/greenacres/wildones/wo27bench.htm seems to have less bulky lumber. Only a seat of 2 x 10...

If anyone builds one please post.

thanks


It looks like if you use these dim., but instead use the 2x10 lumber like the other plan used, you could build the entire thing with one 16' board. I like it,I may just try it
Title: Re: leopold bench
Post by: Normaple on December 09, 2009, 07:07:36 AM
Having been on the sidelines here for a few years like many others.  I would like to finally say hello and thank you to all the folks who spend so much time helping us act on our dreams and complete projects.  There is a very interesting and helpful book about cabin building and furnishing called "How to Build Your Dream Cabin in the Woods" by J. Wayne Fears.  He covers this and several other subjects that could possibly assist you on your bench building adventure.
Title: Re: leopold bench
Post by: glenn kangiser on December 09, 2009, 09:54:17 AM
w* to the forum Normaple.  Looking forward to hearing about your adventures.
Title: Re: leopold bench
Post by: Redoverfarm on December 09, 2009, 10:45:15 AM
 w*  Normaple

rofl rofl When I first saw the tread I was visualizing a shooter bench for a rifle that had a Leopold scope on it.  Oh Yes I have seen them but didn't know their technical name.
Title: Re: leopold bench
Post by: poppy on December 09, 2009, 11:04:33 AM
Thanks Normaple for mentioning the book "How to Build Your Dream Cabin in the Woods."

I had forgotten that the Leopold bench was in there.

I also recommend that book especially for those who will be off the grid.
Title: Re: leopold bench
Post by: gandalfthegrey on December 09, 2009, 01:22:48 PM
I just ordered it from the library.  So Cal library system is really great, it covers 5 counties in the desert areas and they deliver it to my local library.   [cool]
Title: Re: leopold bench
Post by: MaineRhino on May 17, 2010, 07:24:40 PM
Last Saturday I finally built two Leopold benches using the plans in the book by Fears.

(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/misc/camp139.jpg)

(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/misc/camp140.jpg)

For those who care to build one, each bench will use;
1    2x8x12'
1    2x10x8'
6    5/16x3" carriage bolts, washers and nuts (longer if you don't want to countersink the washer & nut.
12   3" exterior deck screws

I made mine out of pressure treated wood. Total cost was less than $25 each.

They look kinda funny, but to sit in one is a treat. It's very laid back, but comfortable.

(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/misc/camp084.jpg)
Title: Re: leopold bench
Post by: glenn kangiser on May 17, 2010, 08:03:41 PM
Nice job - I need to do one...still  [ouch]
Title: Re: leopold bench
Post by: Solar Burrito on May 17, 2010, 08:18:43 PM
I sat in one and it's a lounger bench for sure. I thought it was a custom design. Thanks for posting now I know it has a name and a story. I think I'll be building one.

I noticed the pics above (Fears plans?) use a notch to attache the back of the bench, this moves the back forward 1 1/2". So you won't lean as far back. I think I'll do it this way sine the one I sat on was similar to the EPA plans and was a leaning a tad too far back.
Title: Re: leopold bench
Post by: Solar Burrito on May 27, 2010, 04:17:32 PM
Just built one from Fear's plans. I wasn't sure why when he said to cut a 60 degree angle when I had to cut a 30 degree angle, measured with speed squre to make it look right. 60 was WAY to much.  ??? I'm anglely challenged.
Title: Re: leopold bench
Post by: John Raabe on May 27, 2010, 04:38:48 PM
Very nice bench. Thanks for the detailed photos and materials list.

BTW: I just did a search on "Fears plans leopold bench" and this thread came up as the first link on Google. Guess they are spidering this forum, and pretty quickly!

Here's a link to one version of the plans: http://snohomishcd.org/plant-sale/Aldo-Leopold-Bench.pdf. (This looks like the same plan Glenn found.)

As noted above and in MaineRhino's photos, notching the backrest into the side supports allows for a more erect seating position. This probably feels better to most folks.

(https://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g166/jraabe/bench.jpg)
Title: Re: leopold bench
Post by: JavaMan on May 27, 2010, 05:10:25 PM
Well this is just too cool.  Beautiful and I are thinking of putting in a firepit here and wanted to put some benches around it.  I think this just might fit the bill!  I will have to build one in the next few days and see how she likes it, and then go from there.

If she doesn't like it, I'll just take it  up to the Ranch and use it up there! :)

I wanted to ask MaineRhino also, where you got your lumber to build it? The pictures make it appear to be a bit larger than the 2 by that the plans I've seen call for (maybe *actual* 2" rather than dimensional?)

Thanks!
Title: Re: leopold bench
Post by: MaineRhino on May 28, 2010, 07:03:52 AM
The lumber is typical kiln dried (I assume), then pressure treated . I bought it from my local lumberyard.

Using a 60 degree angle instead of a 55 degree angle will make it sit upright a little more. I may try that next. I have enough lumber to make two more, when time allows.

Using 2x8 as the sides works well. I see no need of using 2x10 boards for that, although it works best as the back and seat.

Also, my bench is appx 4' wide, which allows one 8' board to be used for the seat & back. It is easily adjustable, but over 4' may make it bow a bit, depending on who is using it.  ::)

The most important part, not listed in the plans, is a cup bottle holder! Not the greatest, just some scrap lumber screwed in place.

(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/misc/camp100.jpg)

Title: Re: leopold bench
Post by: JavaMan on May 28, 2010, 09:45:12 AM
Thanks.  I showed her the pictures and she wants me to build one.  She likes it, but wants to try one before she tells me to build another 5 or 6 for around the fire pit.

I am also going to make this a project that my step-son can learn some carpentry skills on, too.  His hammering skills need a bit of improvement before I have him doing any serious nailing, but this, without nails, should help build his confidence that he can actually build something usable.

Now I just have to hunt down the wood.  Blue and Orange don't have that type of PT lumber in the stores here, so I have to find an actual lumber yard!  :)
Title: Re: leopold bench
Post by: firefox on May 28, 2010, 01:08:49 PM
I am assuming that the line before last in the diagram is a typo and
should read: Twelve 3 1/2" #12 or #14 flat head wood screws...
Bruce
Title: Re: leopold bench
Post by: JavaMan on May 28, 2010, 04:43:17 PM
Gonna make mine outta cedar boards.  Went to the lumber yard (the only one within 20 miles that knew what kind of PT I was looking for) and they had 2x4 and 2x6, but alas, no 2x8 or 2x10 ... but they did have what I needed in cedar - which they sold by the lineal foot, so I got just what I needed for just under $24.  Hardware not included.

Now I'm home again, and it's raining.  Not gonna get the power saw out to work in the rain.  Not gonna do it.  Wouldn't be prudent.  So I'm bored (not board) and hanging out.
Title: Re: leopold bench
Post by: Redoverfarm on May 28, 2010, 06:29:41 PM
Rhino just to go one better you could attach a scrap 2X4 to a door hinge(end mounted) and attach to the side of the bench.  Then with a scrape piece of 2X6 on the top and bottom of the 2X4.  Cut out your circular hole in the top piece and it will act as a cup holder with the bottom 2X as being the rest for the glass (or bottle).  The length can be adjustable to your arm length.  When not in use just swing it back out of the way.
Title: Re: leopold bench
Post by: Pine Cone on May 29, 2010, 10:36:29 PM
Thanks to Billisnice for starting this great thread.  We had a family campout at the cabin a few weeks ago and it was clear we needed better seating when it was campfire and smores time.  I modified the posted plans some and built two benches this weekend.

I didn't get the cup-holder modification, but here is my revision of the Leopold bench.  You get two benches from this mix of lumber for about $27 per bench.

Materials list for two 48" wide benches:
One 2"x8"x8' PT for back legs
One 2"x8"x10' PT for front legs
One 2"x4"x8' cedar for seat
One 2"x6"x8' cedar for seat
Two 5/4"x4"x8' cedar deck boards for back rest
Twelve 5/16" x 3 1/2" carriage bolts, nuts and washers
Forty 3 1/2" deck screws for the seat and backrest boards

I prefer sitting and resting against cedar versus pressure-treated lumber, and the smaller width cedar boards for the backrest are less than half the cost of the equivalent 2x8 in either cedar or pressure treated.  Kept the ground-contact boards pressure treated.  I plan on staining or painting it once the cedar and PT lumber dries out.  Both are very wet right now.

(https://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx172/Pine_Cone/LeopoldBenches.jpg)


Besides the minor changes in materials, I also modified the bench angles some.  The seat boards angle down slightly so the bench is more comfortable and will drain PNW rain better.

I also reduced the seat back angle from 30 degrees  to 14 degrees to make it more comfortable.  The seat and backrest angles are the same as on my built-in benches on the deck next to my cabin.  Very comfy, and not "laid back" like the 30 degree angle on the original plan.

These are great benches.  Very stable, not too heavy to move around, and they do OK on slightly uneven or soft ground.  I will build at least another pair in the near future.  If anyone is interested I can post more detailed construction info and a cutting plan pix.
(https://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx172/Pine_Cone/HeatherAndBenches.jpg)
Title: Re: leopold bench
Post by: Rover on May 30, 2010, 07:06:13 AM
I like your improvements.  If you could post a bit more construction detailing info, I'd appreciate it.  If I tried cutting those angles, I'd keep getting shorter and shorter boards with every error.   :-(
Title: Re: leopold bench
Post by: firefox on May 30, 2010, 07:39:09 PM
They really look nice and comfy too. Yes it would be nice to post
the details. Mostly for the new people who would get really turned on to doing things if they first had a positive experience like this to build their confidence. And also for us old f***s who think they know what they are doing, but get over confident and screw things up. :o
Bruce
Title: Re: leopold bench
Post by: MaineRhino on May 31, 2010, 03:42:42 PM
I built two more this weekend, but ran out of PT wood and carriage bolts.

(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/camp032.jpg)

These two have a five degree angle difference from the first two, with the notched backs and all other dimensions the same. I did adjust the overall length of the bench to work with what wood I had left. 


The newer, less laid back one is on the right, obviously.
(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/camp065.jpg)

(https://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/MaineRhino/Mountain%20Camp/camp060.jpg)

My wife prefers the newer ones that sit more upright. I prefer the other ones.

Pine Cone:  Very nice! I like the idea of using cedar instead of PT!
Title: Re: leopold bench
Post by: JavaMan on May 31, 2010, 07:24:18 PM
Ok, I finished mine, but I think I did something wrong. (picture to come eventually)

Just looking at the space between the back of the seat and the bottom of the back, it looks like you have more on your benches than I have on mine.  Which leads me to wonder what the lengths of the legs are that you were using.  Mine I cut to 33"  as in the drawing on the previous page in this thread.  Was yours a bit longer?

Thanks
Title: Re: leopold bench
Post by: MaineRhino on May 31, 2010, 07:41:49 PM
My side pieces were 36", measured from the point to the short edge of the angle.
Title: Re: leopold bench
Post by: JavaMan on June 01, 2010, 08:53:42 AM
Quote from: MaineRhino on May 31, 2010, 07:41:49 PM
My side pieces were 36", measured from the point to the short edge of the angle.

Well, I guess that explains why they look about 3" taller in the picture than mine does  d*  I used the 33" measurment that was on the drawing posted earlier in the thread.  I know you worked off of the design in the book, which must have been slightly different.  I guess the next one I build I will have to try the 36" measurement then.  :)

Thanks!
Title: Re: leopold bench
Post by: Pine Cone on June 01, 2010, 01:50:24 PM
Here are my revised plans for a pair of Leopold benches.  Used them more this weekend and they seem to work well.

(https://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx172/Pine_Cone/Leopold_Bench.jpg)
Title: Re: leopold bench
Post by: glenn kangiser on June 05, 2010, 05:55:15 PM
Nice plan and good looking bench.
Title: Re: leopold bench
Post by: PEG688 on June 05, 2010, 10:53:21 PM
 

Nice work , they look like good benches. 
Title: Re: leopold bench
Post by: Pritch on June 06, 2010, 11:23:39 AM
Great benches.  I'd love to see half logs or slabs used to make them even ,ore rustic looking.  (Would probably complicate things.) 
Title: Re: leopold bench
Post by: MrDamon on June 06, 2015, 12:09:38 PM
Nice job.. I saw your images and built one this weekend.  Thanks for the motivation.
Title: Re: leopold bench
Post by: John Raabe on June 06, 2015, 06:29:41 PM
Nice work all! An inspirational early project.
Title: Re: leopold bench
Post by: hpinson on June 06, 2015, 08:46:32 PM
Made two of these a few years back. They were a fun project and have served well.
Title: Re: leopold bench
Post by: new land owner on June 07, 2015, 07:48:15 AM
I built 4 of these for my front porch. I always ask everyone to sit on one and see how comfortable they are.

(https://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll257/loonlakebound/DSCN0416_zpshydembtg.jpg) (https://s290.photobucket.com/user/loonlakebound/media/DSCN0416_zpshydembtg.jpg.html)
Title: Re: leopold bench
Post by: Adam Roby on June 07, 2015, 08:50:30 AM
I love the idea, but wonder how much butt room there is? 
I have some hefty friends, figure you can substitute for 2x12" on the seat portion?
Title: Re: leopold bench
Post by: hpinson on June 07, 2015, 10:07:36 AM
I have to say I don't find them particularly comfortable.  The 10" back kind of digs in after awhile, and yes the seat could be a bit wider.  You could increase the back and seat width proportionally to 12" as well as the height of the back, and that might help - easy enough to experiment with. 
Title: Re: leopold bench
Post by: Pine Cone on June 09, 2015, 11:22:50 PM
I'm still liking my benches, but I need to build a few more for our garden.  This time around I think I will try making a slightly wider seat, maybe using two 2x6s instead of a 2x6 and a 2x4.  That would result in a slight overhang at the front of the bench, or I could use a 2x10 for the rear supports.  Not likely to make them before I retire in a couple of months, but I will post progress when it occurs.  If I can find the right slabs, I will use them for seats.  Still have some left over from my cabin build...

For what it's worth, back in the 1970's Aldo Leopold's son Starker taught Wildlife Biology while I was in forestry school at UC Berkeley.  Pretty interesting family...
Title: Re: leopold bench
Post by: Snakelover on February 22, 2017, 04:17:26 PM
Quote from: MaineRhino on May 17, 2010, 07:24:40 PM
Last Saturday I finally built two Leopold benches using the plans in the book by Fears.
Those benches look great!  I joined this forum mainly so I could ask you about the plans.  I have since found a book called "How to Build Your Dream Cabin in the Woods" by J. Wayne Fears.  I'm pretty sure that's the right one, but could you confirm?  Thanks!
Title: Re: leopold bench
Post by: glenn kangiser on February 23, 2017, 12:39:34 PM
Welcome to the forum.  w*   Nice to see this topic up again. Some day I may have to build one. I forgt whats here if I don't see it once in a while. d*
Title: Re: leopold bench
Post by: Dave Sparks on February 23, 2017, 01:23:20 PM
Hey Glen!  we will be up to 80" of rain this season soon. How is it over on your hill?
Title: Re: leopold bench
Post by: MountainDon on February 23, 2017, 04:18:25 PM
No problem filling the cisterns this year!   ;)
Title: Re: leopold bench
Post by: Dave Sparks on February 27, 2017, 04:25:37 PM
No problem filling the Ocean either  :(
Title: Re: leopold bench
Post by: Snakelover on March 03, 2017, 09:59:35 AM
Quote from: glenn kangiser on February 23, 2017, 12:39:34 PM
Welcome to the forum.  w*   Nice to see this topic up again. Some day I may have to build one. I forgt whats here if I don't see it once in a while. d*
Thank you for the welcome!  I hope to build a bench or two soon and I'll try to remember to post some pictures.
Title: Re: leopold bench
Post by: azgreg on March 03, 2017, 10:23:41 AM
Nice plans here at Construct101.

http://www.construct101.com/leopold-bench-plans/
Title: Re: leopold bench
Post by: glenn kangiser on April 13, 2017, 02:07:12 PM
I hope to build some too one of these days... so many things to get done... :)