Workbench

[WadeT]

I'm ready...finally......to start the journey of my first build. I have seen in a couple different forums different style workbenches that y'all use to build on. What seems to be the best all around design and where can I get plans or dimensions online for one. It's suppose to be raining here all weekend so I'm hoping to get started.


Thanks to all
Wade Thweatt

[craiggamesh]

I just use a couple of saw horses that I can make level with each other. I built four identical saw horses and the top cross piece of each rests in a notch. Then I can add shims if I need to (i have cracks in my garage floor so i needed to add shims when building my JEM pirogue). I use the same saw horses lined up edge to edge and run a strongback through the forms and rest it in the notches when I build cedar strip boats. That way I can flip the whole strongback with the forms still attached when I strip the deck.

Below is a photo of two of these saw horses and a makeshift center support for the strongback. Lying on the 'feet' of the saw horse on the left are the two cross pieces. They were removed so the strongback could be inserted. They were simple to make and the two sides are connected with 1/2 inch plywood that was screwed and glued. I carpeted one edge of the removable cross pieces to protect the finishes on cabinets and other woodworking projects.




It takes three $1.69 2X4's to make two saw horses if you use the plywood to attach the two sides. I usually get my plywood for stuff like this out of the bargain bin (mis-cuts) at Home Depot. You could also buy a sheet of the 5/8 inch $7 oriented strand board and substitute that for the plywood.

I will go out and take a better photo for you in case you are interested.