So, I figure before I can start any Serious Woodworking Projects, I need a good workbench. Yes, I know it's possible to be productive using a solid-core door on a pair of sawhorses, but I'm planning on turning the workbench into a Serious Woodworking Project of its own. I plan to use this opportunity to learn how to work with rough lumber (more on that later) and practice basic joinery (mortises and tenons, for instance) on something more forgiving than, say, a piece of furniture.
sounds like the way to go! good luck on the journey - it's a good one to follow as it'll teach you many skills along the way while giving you the flexibility to make mistakes. and on top of experience , you'll be rewarded with a solid workbench!
I'll be following your progress closely. I need to do one myself. So far, I have only read about others work. I was out in the shop for the first time in 5 months today. May be a bench soon.
Craig, it sounds like you have a good mental start on the project. I have often said that shop furniture is a good way to develop woodworking skills. You use the same basic techniques but can develop them in a learning situation.
Craig, if you choose to use a solid-core door for a bench top (I did, and I'm very happy with it), be sure to specify a solid LUMBER core door, rather than a particle-board core. It will cost a bit more, but it will be easier to machine (dog holes, et cetera). A friend of mine suggests using two (or more) layers of 3/4 inch MDF glued and screwed together, topped with a layer of 1/4 inch MDF or tempered hardboard, nailed to the top. With that approach, you can quickly and inexpensively replace the top when it gets too beat up.
I have a roll of 30 inch butcher paper slung under one end of the bench, and I pull a fresh sheet of paper over the top when I start a project that needs a clean top. The other end of the paper is secured with clips so it won't get loose.
Craig, I am also just getting started and have built the workbench that is on the Fine Woodworking website under the Getting Started in Woodworking section. There is a video showing how to build it and a PDF file with the plans. Currently I am in the process of sanding and staining the bench. It wasn't that hard to build and it sure is sturdy. I added some leveling casters so I can move it around. It uses the double layer of MDF glued and screwed together. I bought the MDF with the birch veneer. I really like the simple design and the vise that they recommended for the bench. Check it out it may be what you are looking for. http://www.taunton.com/finewoodworking/getting-started/season-two.asp?
by Christopher Schwarz from the public library, then bought a copy of my own once I realized I'd found the Holy Grail.
I'll save most of my gushing for a proper review (that's another post) and try to stick to the particulars here. There are detailed plans and instructions for building two different workbenches, but more importantly there's a lot of description of various features of classic workbenches and what works for what kind of woodworking and why. Based on the kind of work I think I'd like to do (handcutting dovetails and using my great-grandfather's handplanes, which are yet another post) I'd settled on a Roubo-style bench with a wagon vise in the end position… when I had revelation #2.
I'm looking forward to seeing your take on this. I'm also looking at building a nice bench sometime soon. I've been doing some of the preliminary work like you have… I can't wait to see what you come up with. Let us know….
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