I like simple things tools that can be used for multiple purposes. I am not one that likes to fall into the pit of having every specialized tool ever created. That just gets way too expensive.
I have been gradually modifying a simple bench that I have been using for years. It works pretty well but it has some limitations I can’t overcome without building a new bench. I got all sucked into reading Christopher Schwarz’s Workbench blog at Woodworking Magazine. It has a ton of great historical and practical information but it is endless and before you know it you have a ton of money invested in a bench and it becomes such a work of art you are afraid to use it.
Recently I discovered a surprisingly simple yet incredibly versatile bench called the New Fangled Workbench created by John White at Fine Woodworking 10 years ago.
I am very impressed with its functionality and the simple tools (pipe clamps) that it makes such great use of. I need to roll this bench over in my mind for a while…but I think when it comes time for me to create a new bench, it will look a lot like this one. See this video for the basics.
There are more details and plans for this bench here.
Much of the functionality of the center clamps I already have with the tail vice paired with bench dogs. However the vertically mounted pipe clamps that act as a wood jack for jointing boards is pretty amazing. If I can figure out how to add that to my existing bench it might prevent me from feeling the urge to build a brand new bench.