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Project Information

Greetings all,
this is my first completed project. It is a modification of the Fine Woodworking workbench featured on their website video series. I made some mild modifications such as a laminated top to resist moister and some casters that can be engaged and disengaged so the bench can sit more firmly on the floor. The casters have been extremely convenient and rise it up enough so that the table can be used as an outfeed for my tablesaw. Also, I used bolts and threaded inserts for attaching the top otherwise I wouldn't be able to get it out of the room I have it in that is serving as a temporary workspace. Shown is a Rockler T-trac in order to attach a light and other future necessities along the other edge of the tabletop. Thank you to David from the Folding Rule for that idea on the series for building a workbench and hope you don't mind me using your idea. I used Arm-R-Seal (oil and urethane) to finish the wood.
I haven't drilled benchdog holes yet and am weary about what will happen to the two sheets of 3/4" MDF. Suggestions?
The bench has worked out well and the vise has been very useful. I have waxed the table top and usually have a long rubber mat to protect the surface. The outer band of wood encircling the table is pine and I got it because it was the right dimensions out of the store. I probably should have used a hardwood since it doesn't take much to put a dent in it hence the rubber mat.
Some Afterthoughts:
I probably should have used a better quality wood for the base instead of the home center 2X4 and 4X4 so that it could last quite a few years. The tabletop should get the normal abuse and eventual replacement. This should serve me well until I have the space, time and skill to build a more appropriate workbench.
Any suggestions for improvements or add-on accessories is always appreciated.

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Comments

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4,054 Posts
Works for me ! Nice build : )
 

· In Loving Memory
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8,391 Posts
Good looking bench.I bet it will perform even better than you expect. If your worried about the bench dog holes being fragile, maybe you could insert some kind of metal piping into each hole as reinforcement. If it's drilling you are worried about, then you might consider using a forstner bit. Maybe a good idea to try some trial pieces first to see which bit works best.
 

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250 Posts
Great job on the great looking bench. It looks like it will serve well for many years. Thanks for sharing
 

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123 Posts
looks good…very well done
 

· In Loving Memory
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153 Posts
I like your work bench, the casters are a good idea. Mike is right, sleaving the bench dog holes with metel ( like conduit from the box stores) should sole the strenght issue and it is reasonable priced and easy to cut.

Rick
 

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17 Posts
Good looking bench… It looks to good to use… I'm sure you'll get years of service out of it…

Rob
 

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401 Posts
i made holes for benchdog holes in my old mdf top is sealed the holes after drilling with ca glue. i brushed it into the pours with a acid brush worked real well
 

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691 Posts
Nice looking bench, and a nice addition of the casters.
 

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6,840 Posts
Really nice. Great idea with the casters!
 

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looks like a winner should serve you well for a long time
 

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That bench looks really nice. I am making the same bench for my brother-in-law, but I am not dressing it up as you have done. I must say the extra work you put in to dress it up really makes it look good, one might not think it was made from construction grade lumber…. Nice job!
 

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The only thing better than an highly functional nicely sized workbench is one that looks that nice. I think you have hit them all. Thanks for showing.
 

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Great looking bench! Can I ask what vise you are using on the bench
Thanks
 

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Hi and thanks to all for the comments. I got the 9" vice at Rockler on sale for around $60 on sale. Works good and I put some hardwood on the clamping side so as not to mar any projects.
 

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Made the same bench adn I really like it.
 

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It would seem great minds think alike. I am working on mine (albeit rather slowly) doing the edge banding and hardboard tops, putting the lower shelf even with the top of the spreaders, 9" vise (although mine is the one from HF, not Rockler. (Never seen a fast action vise at Rockler less than $150.00)

DId you ever finish it up with the bench dog holes and jaw faces?

I wouldn't worry about the home center 2×4s and 4×4s. That is what this particular bench is supposed to be made from… And I have an existing bench that is 10 years old now that is stud grade 2×4s and sheathing grade ply. that I used for a LOT of automotive work… Unless you are abusive to the bench, it will be fine, the nicks and gouges will end up as badges of honor, and history for the bench…
 
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