Workbenches

You need a proper workbench.

It is probably the single most important tool you can have for hand tool woodworking.

Chris Schwarz says that for most woodworkers, a workbench needs to be able to pass the kitchen cabinet door test. In other words, it should be able to hold the door in a position to work its faces, edges and ends with no fancy add on jigs or clamps.

Chris is right. Oddly enough, even most commercial benches somehow fail this simple test. If you have read this far, you really need to take a moment and get his book, Workbenches: From Design And Theory To Construction And Use.

A workbench should be solid, not rack, buckle, twist, turn, or scoot across the floor. Think "boulder" nor "folding table." Your bench should be massive. Carefully selected construction grade species like fir and southern yellow pine can be great choices. Actually, southern yellow pine is an awesome workbench material. Chris Schwarz turned me on to SYP, and he is right.

One of the obstacles that a new woodworker runs into is how to build a workbench without having a workbench. There are no easy answers. My suggestion is to do what it takes to get it done as quickly as possible.

If you have to "cheat" and use power tools, or build it in a friends shop, just do it, and get on with it. For most woodworkers, it will be the heaviest project they ever do.

One idea is to make a couple of saw horses and put the thickest and stiffest plank of wood on it you can find. This is a concept similar to a Japanese workbench. If you straighten the top of the plank, it will make a reasonably decent surface to hand plane your boards on.

Not having a single large timber, I built a laminated bench from construction grade lumber that essentially gave me a bench to work on while I was building my bench. I think I spent around $150 on my bench.

Another idea is to get a couple of portable workbenches from Blum Tool Company. It will cost you some money, but you will have a couple of nice portable workbenches when you are done.

One final thing. I think most people should make their own workbench. However, if you are disabled, not physically strong, unable to lift, working by the hour, you should probably buy a workbench.

It is non-trivial to manhandle the various components to put together a proper workbench due to their massive size and weight. Imagine with me what it would be like to drop your 250 pound workbench on your leg as you are trying to turn it over. Not only would you likely have to have your crushed leg set or amputated, you would also have to find a couple of helpers to get the bench off your leg before you could go anywhere.

In any event, be sure to have enough help around to move things in a safe manner. If you don't have help, make your bench small enough for you to handle.

Whatever you do, make sure you get an adequate workbench.

Luke Townsley
UnpluggedShop.com