: If the strongback is not a strongback, the bench and/or many supports are a
: necessity and must be immovable.

Even if a strongback IS a strongback, you need a bench or stands to hold it up where you can work, unless you are hanging it from the ceiling or have powers of levitivity. ???

: If the strongback IS a strongback, the bench is IRRELEVANT. THAT is the
: simplicity and beauty of this approach.

: -mick

Hey Mick

My point wasn't to recommend one over the other, but, there ARE plans out there that DO NOT call for an internal Strongback, but a bench, and forms, aka: the Walrus I used as an example, and which I am building. So, if you plan on building more than one boat, and one doesn't use an internal strongback, why not build your work bench AS a strongbench. As soon as I take the Walrus forms off of it, I need only put my forms on to hold the internal strongback for the Great Auk or any other boat that uses one. It's aready leveled and ready to go. If you only use stands to support your strongback, do you not need some place to put your tools and supplies? My way, the bench top and shelf is right there at an arms reach. Plus, you're not as likely to stub your toe on the bench and move it out of level as with stands. Makes sense to me, and it WAS just an alternative idea. Both ways will work, or they would not have been used over the years. Many boats have been made using either idea and all are working as advertised. Just a matter of personal preference and I prefer to have both at hand and useable for anything I wish to build.

Rehd