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John needed a workbench for his new shop, so he built an EASY Beginner Basic Tool Workbench with only 3 Tools!
Project Build Plans: https://shop.johnmalecki.com/products/basic-tool-workbench-plan
DEWALT 20V Max Cordless Drill / Driver Kit, Compact, 1/2-Inch
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DEWALT 6-1/2-Inch 20V MAX Circular Saw
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What’s The Best Kind Of Wood To Make A Workbench?
Workbenches are usually made up of three main parts: the top, legs and base.
The worktop is usually made of strong wood (such as oak or pine), with a variety of veneers available including maple, beech and teak. The work surface should be smooth so that it won’t snag on tools or materials being used on it. It’s best to work from a worktop that’s at least three feet wide and six feet long.
A workbench is a work surface that can be used for woodworking, metalwork or other tasks. It’s also known as a carpenter’s bench. You should choose your workbench carefully to match the type of work you will do on it and design it accordingly.
How Thick Should A Woodworking Bench Top Be?
The thickness of your workbench top depends upon how it will be used. Workbenches with hardwood tops should be at least 3” thick, while workbenches with composite surfaces can be 2½” or more.
Work bench work surfaces come in many different forms. The type of work you do and what tools you will use is the main consideration when selecting a workbench top. There are two basic types, hardwood tops and composite tops (plywood or MDF). Hardwood work surfaces such as maple have good anti-friction properties, but are hard on work pieces and tooling. Composite work surfaces, such as MDF or plywood, have low friction properties which make them easier on workpieces and tooling; however they are more easily damaged by high-speed metal cutting tools.
[Video] 3 Most Common Mistakes
When Setting Up Shop
A woodworking friend of mine shared this video by Ralph Chapman with me that helped him set up his workshop.
The video explains the benefits of Ralph Chapman’s guide about setting up an affordable workshop and avoiding the most common mistakes offers to anyone interested in woodworking.
What Is A Good Height For A Workbench?
A workbench should be at a comfortable height for you to use. This may vary depending on your height and the type of work you will be doing. A general rule of thumb is that the workbench should be around 30-36 inches high. You can adjust this height to fit your needs by using a workbench leg extension or workbench riser. If you are shorter or taller than average, you may want to adjust the height even further.
If you are using your workbench for woodworking, it is important to have the correct height so that you can work comfortably and safely. You don’t want to be hunched over while working or struggling to reach things on high shelves. The workbench should also be stable and sturdy, so that you don’t have to worry about the workbench tipping over when you are using it. You can make your workbench sturdier by adding a workbench riser or leg extension.
What Are The Holes In A Workbench For?
Workbench holes offer woodworkers a variety of workholding options. The workpiece can be clamped to any part of your work surface, including the top, sides and ends. This workholding capability makes workbenches more versatile than worktables.
Types of workbench holes include dog holes, holdfast holes and threaded inserts. Dog Holes are variously called “dog-holes” or “pup-holes” in plans published by workbench makers such as John English and Garrett Hack while “dog holes” is the more common term. They are round, countersunk holes that range in diameter from about ¼ inch to ½ inch. The most popular size for a workbench is ⅜ inch.
You can make dogholes with a Forstner bit or hole saw and jig saw. A holdfast hole is a countersunk, elongated hole that’s about twice as long as it is wide. The most popular size for a workbench is ¼ inch by ½ inch or ⅜ inch by ¾ inch. You can make holdfast holes with a Forstner bit, spade bit or hole saw.
174 Woodworking Tips & Tricks
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