Woodworking - Workbench

[Eric9064]

First off, happy New Year!

I have started getting into woodworking and have done a few simple projects. I would like to build a workbench and have found several plans/videos online, but I would appreciate it if anyone can recommend a plan/video they have used in the past and would recommend using.

Thanks in advance.

[andy85]

a lot depends on what you want. a large mobile workbench for general assembly? a stationary workbench to hold tools and such? a roubo style workbench for working with hand tools? there are about a billion variations of any type of bench you can think of....so what are your requirements?

[hoosier]

I multiple workbenches.

Main bench is a 5' x 5' table that I do most of my assembly on and also serves as an outfeed table for my tablesaw.  It has a full shelf on the bottom to store all of my pneumatic and electrical tools so they are always within reach, and hooks to keep all of my clamps, straight edges, squares, glue, etc.  I can get to pretty much whatever I need without taking a step.

My other benches line the walls and are 24-ish" deep to hold my grinder, sander, drill press, miter saw, etc.  They have shelves and pegboard behind them for hand tools.

Things to consider:

- Plan on replacing the top as some point in time.  I often find it easiest to nail/screw down scrap boards for clamping, drive a nail into the top to lay out a radius, etc.  I consider it to be a "wearable" item...so I use 2 layers of 3/4" ACX plywood.  When the top layer gets too rough I'll junk it and put down a fresh top.  I like ACX because the top layer of veneer is very thick and durable compared to  others.  The big thick hardwood tops are nice, but I would feel bad for intentionally driving a screw into it, or accidentally tearing it up. 

- Make sure you leave at least a 3" overhang all the way around the bench.  This is invaluable when you need to clamp down your workpiece to the bench.

-  Make it heavy.  Even if you have to artificially add weight using concrete blocks (which are easily removed if you need to move the bench)...you don't want your bench to move...at all.

-  Mock it up to decide on your preferred height.  Mine is taller than most people are comfortable with, but I'm taller than most people.  Make sure you consider how far toward the center of the bench you'll be able to reach into this as well.

-  If you are going to use a vice, have it picked out before you plan your build.

-  Seal the top very well, if nothing else so glue cleans up easier.

-  Make the top as flat as your can.

[fullpampers]

Look into chris schwarz for roubo style workbenches (his worbench book is excellent).

Paul sellers also has a video series on youtube for a hand tool workbench. English style bench.

If you want a cheap solid bench look into Ron Paulk. He built a knock down bench out of plywood. I am looking to build one for my garage/workshop/crap vortex.

I have built a roubo bench for hand tool work and really like it.

[andy85]

i have a similar setup as hoosier it sounds like...2 workbenches. 1 for assembly/outfeed and the other as tool storage. the assembly table is mobile so i can use the garage if i feel so inclined.

I will probably re-do the assembly table and do a ron paulk style bench. Perhaps build a nice roubo bench in several years when i have more experience.

[hoosier]

i have a similar setup as hoosier it sounds like...2 workbenches.

Those are very similar to mine.

[Midwest]

No room for a permanent bench in my current space.  Any recommendations for a portable one?  I have a 20 year workmate 225 that is breaking down.  Anything better our there with a flat surface and a clamp?

[cambridgecyclist]

I second the Chris Schwarz recommendation. There's a book called "Workbenches: From Design And Theory To Construction And Use" that could be helpful.

[fullpampers]

No room for a permanent bench in my current space.  Any recommendations for a portable one?  I have a 20 year workmate 225 that is breaking down.  Anything better our there with a flat surface and a clamp?

Google milkman's workbench. Chris schwarz (again!) has dug up an old design for a portbale handtool workbench.

If you are more of a power tool/hybrid worker. A smaller version of the ron paulk bench would be a good option.


As for the original poster, I doubt you are in my neck of the woods, but if tou are near Montreal (Quebec, canada), I have the chris schwarz workbench book.

[GilbertB]

This is from an "el cheapo" perspective:

What I've copied from previous jobs:
Find two 60cm blocks of discarded kitchen furniture (free on Craigslist).
Reinforce - join with discarded construction lumber (free on Craigslist).
Do the top with discarded kitchen particulate counter-tops (free on Craigslist).
Put on 4 decent lockable wheels (gonna have to pay 10$ each).

Use it for a year, get tools, learn how to use them.
After that year, build a nice workbench that fits your actual usage.
The "El cheapo" bench is great for storing tools and as a mobile project table (I even use mine to plaster ceilings!).

[Uturn]

It really depends on what type of woodworking you do.  Are you more power tools or hand tools?  Do you do your joinery at the bench, or the table saw?  Are you mostly making boxes and small tables, or large bookshelves and cabinets? 

I do mostly hand tools, do not own a table saw or power jointer.  I needed something very heavy and thick for planing and chopping.  I have a solid maple Roubo style that is 3" thick, has lots of dog holes, and probably weighs 400lbs.  My last bench was too light and would slide across the floor while planing.  I also found that I prefer a shorter but wider bench.  My last bench was 8' long and 26" wide.  My current bench is 6' long and 30" wide, and works much better for me.

If you are doing most of your work at the table saw, and/or using something like a domino, then you really need more of an assembly table.  2 3/4" MDF slabs glued/screwed together is fine. 

It is very easy to overspend on vices and other holding accessories.  A pin in a dog hole and a bird's mouth stick made from your scrap pile does a ton of holding.  Benchcrafted vices are SWEET, but are they really worth the cost to the hobbyist?