A lot of my recent projects have been stymied by the fact that I don't have a workbench or functional vise. I've been realizing how utterly crucial it is to have options for properly holding your work. So, I set out to build a workbench! I've been a big Wranglerstar fan and his bench seemed about perfect so I bought Paul Sellers' Artisan woodworking book which has details on how to build a bench. I figured I just wanted to do this once for a general purpose bench. Since I'll be working "in the round", I am designing it to be dual sided. I acquired two vintage Jorgensen vises on Ebay, so I'll have a proper front and tail setup. So far I have the tops done and one set of legs about a third done. Learning how to cut mortise and tenons is daunting. Once I got done with the initial plane job on the lumber (all cheap 2X stock from Lowe's), my other goal is to do the rest by hand using traditional woodworking tools. Just to up the challenge a bit, and learn new skills. I consider myself a "hack" at woodworking, but hopefully a good bench and upgrading my skills and tools I can progress beyond that! Wood acquired! Total lumber bill was about $140 Laminating one of the bench tops Getting things squared up, and learning how to adjust and use a hand plane. First mortises cut with a hammer and chisel First tenon fitted. A "haunched tenon". I need to tweak the fit a bit to get it more flush, but overall a good start. Only 3 more of these and 4 more regular tenons to go! My plan is to keep updating this thread with progress. If anyone's build a bench like this or has any tips let me know!
I guess my workbenches are nothing more than folding card tables compared to what you're building! I don't worry about what goes on top of my benches or dripping glue, paint, poly, oil, stain, whatever. I just wipe it up when I'm done. I have 2X6 for the work surface and 2X4 frame and legs to hold everything up. (I think they came in at under $20.)
I have been adding a few more clamps to every Amazon order, the orange ones are Jorgensen heavy clamps, something like $15-$20 apiece. No New Yankee workshop here (or any TV), but I have been watching the Wranglerstar youtube channel, he does a series called "poor man's workbench". Garry
Are those Doug fir 4 x 4 legs? I just used some a workbench also and loved them, I was very happy I went with them over treated 4 x 4s
Not a ton of progress today. But I did get the glue up done for the aprons. Tomorrow it is back to hacking mortises for the 2nd set of legs.
Awesome. I've recently gotten into woodworking and am thinking about basement workshop organization and building a good bench for assembly and working. What made you decide on this design vs some of the others? Just wondering. I'm thinking some version of a Paulk bench on wheels will be in my future.
Nice job Gary. Just don't use as much glue as Cody does. Little beads of glue squeezeout is just about perfect, not gobs and having it pour out of the joints. Nice clamp investment ya' got there.
I wanted a bench that would work well for hand crafting which means lots of chisel work. Wanted a lot of mass, tool well, and two vises. This design had a lumber bill of about $150, and It had enough complexity to learn a few things. After the initial planing, everything has been done by havd with saws and chisels. Got the final lamination done today fwiw! This is the base pf the tool well.
