Lets talk wood working

[JAKE-THE-TOOL-MAN]

I have a few questions for you wood working guru's out there. I'm going to be getting a house in January and one project I've already been thinking of is building a beefy big wooden bench. I would like it to be strong, stable, and visually appealing. I have no wood working skills what so ever, all of my tools are geared towards metal fabrication and automotive repair so a few of my questions are what are the basic tools I would need to tackle a project like this? I would like to start purchasing them a little at a time so I am prepared to take on this project when the time comes. Also are there any woodworking forums similar to Garage Journal that won't harp on a newbie? I would really like to increase my knowledge of wood working and improve my skill. Thanks for any advice.

 

[1/2 Cup]

Jake, I am no wood working guru by any stretch, but there are heaps of members that are and more than willing to help. I do similar to what you do.

My basics consist of the following, in no particular order I might add;
Assuming you have some stuff already like a battery drill

Good measuring gear
Clamps, plenty of clamps
Square
Compound saw
Table saw may be
Router and bits
Belt sander

Most of this will get you out of trouble.

Be warned woodworking can be addictive.

Regards

 

[Nor'Easter]

I am on SawmillCreek and never met a bad apple over there.


Woodworking bench to some means sawhorses and plywood... I assume you mean a nice maple table. If so tablesaw, jointer/planer, chopsaw. That's the bare minimum for power tools.

 

[kazlx]

It's just like metalworking, but easier

You could build a pretty nice basic bench with nothing more than a chop saw and/or table saw. Routers and planers are nice.

 

[brianh]

You can do it with a handsaw square and hand plane and some chisels if you wanted, my first pieces of furniture made 35 years ago were made that way and some are still in use. These days I am spoiled and have all power tools but the technique is the same.

Good circular saw, router good set of squares, a speed square is a great guide for crosscuts with the circular saw. for basics

Learn how to sharpen, chisels come in handy most guys chisels look like they have been cutting cinderblocks.

 

[aggierailroad]

I'm with brianh, a circular saw and a plane (stanley #5) and a set of cheap chisels will get you a nice bench. This is assuming you have a way to drill holes of course.

If you want a bench (workbench) consider a 2x4 Roubo style. It uses a combination of off the shelf lumber and all thread to make a very stunning and stable bench. Check out this guy's work: http://zachmannfamily.com/workbench.html

You'll also need clamps. Bar clamps work fine for a bench, you'll want some F body or K body clamps if you get into furniture building, although there is a workaround for everything.

You can also up your game, even on a bench build, by using a precision combination square (Starrett or equivalent), a striking knife and a marking gauge. Most people don't see woodworking as a precise sport, whereas I routinely cut to +/- 0.002", and my tablesaw is accurate to 0.00015" runout over 5 feet. Keep everything sharp, and even more so than metalworking, you get what you pay for in your tools.

Ask away if you need any help!

 

[kbs2244]

A workbench is a workbench.
A basic table to put the project on while working on it.
Woodworkers fancy them up with "bench dogs" and such.
But now you are building a big clamp.

I would suggest you grow into it.
Woodworking is a big area.
See what kind of project you trend into.
Then build a bench to match those type projects.

 

[JAKE-THE-TOOL-MAN]

Thank you for the advice so far guys, I will be sure to check out sawmillcreek. About all I have for tools are a Milwaukee drill and a tape measure. Would you suggest buying the basic power tools used or is it best to go with new? I'm by no means looking to buy top of the line stuff, mainly entry level or middle of the road.

 

[joe49]

It's just like metalworking, but easier ;.

Nope, if you cut to short with steel you just weld more on.

 

[-Brent-]

There are a TON of plans for workbenches, online. Tools, buy what you can afford, better quality used tools have worked well for me. I'm no master but I've had some decent success with projects. It's fun, there's always some new "old" technique to learn.

 

[trboxman]

Start with deciding on what you're going to use your bench for, then let function dictate form. I do woodworking and metal working...

As far as woodworking goes I do everything from rough construction to hand cut dovetails and mortise and tennons on furniture, to chip carving...and I don't have a "woodworking" bench. I have a couple of sturdy multi-function workbenches and a folding outfeed table on my table saw that collectively always seem to do the trick. One of my workbenches is stationary and the other is a heavy duty hydraulic table that I can raise and lower as well as wheel around to anywhere I want it.

 

[chruler]

Chop Saw!
A good set of pipe clamps.
Drum sander, as wide as you can afford!
A precision, center finding ruler!

 

[kbs2244]

As far as new or used, I vote used.
Wood working is very popular and there are tons of widows looking to sell their husbands stuff.

But many do not know where to start.
I have stopped at "old ladies" type garage sales and seen tools stuffed in the corner.
Some polite questions can get you some great deals.

 

[gahrajmahal]

I just started teaching adult education carpentry classes and from what I see the folks need work on their measuring and layout skills. For tools I suggest CPO refurbished tools. I suggest a good Bosch jig saw. When working solo I stress clamping down the workpiece you are cutting if using hand tools of any kind. Make jigs to help you along with repeat ability, like an 8 ft. Cutting guide. Buy a 4 ft drywall T-square to help with your layout. Safety glasses, ear protection etc. have fun and post up your projects!

 

[kelpaso1]

Ok the OP just wants to build a bench probably out of 2x4's and 4x4's and plywood. All he needs is a 10" miter saw and a cheap table saw, and a square and a drill for driving screws. He said he has no experience with woodworking. He will probably start out with the bench and then some simple shelves. He doesn't need a router, planer, chisels, belt sander etc right now. He is not making furniture just yet:

Ya, all those other tools come in handy at times but unless your a serious wood worker most tools you guy's recommend are unnecessary. I really have had no need for a router or planer ever. Although I don't make furniture. I have built many things from planter boxes, picture frames, patio furniture all with just a miter saw and table saw.

 

[JonBoehman]

Ok, I may have read a little differently but, is the OP wanting a wooden bench to sit on or a work bench to tackle projects on?

 

[metalhead140]

Ok the OP just wants to build a bench probably out of 2x4's and 4x4's and plywood. All he needs is a 10" miter saw and a cheap table saw, and a square and a drill for driving screws. He said he has no experience with woodworking. He will probably start out with the bench and then some simple shelves. He doesn't need a router, planer, chisels, belt sander etc right now. He is not making furniture just yet:

Ya, all those other tools come in handy at times but unless your a serious wood worker most tools you guy's recommend are unnecessary. I really have had no need for a router or planer ever. Although I don't make furniture. I have built many things from planter boxes, picture frames, patio furniture all with just a miter saw and table saw.

Or even replace the table saw and miter saw with a circular saw, and clamp something straight to your timber as a guide when making long cuts. I want a table saw one day but have never needed one yet. Likewise my miter saw is a recent purchase (and was purchased as mine is made to cut metal as well). You can do a heck of a lot with a circular saw and a jigsaw (which I actually purchased originally for metal work) and some ingenuity. Of course the more dedicated tools (table saw, miter saw, etc) make life much easier, but you can do a lot with not much if you put your mind to it and take the effort.

Edit: As for your original question about a bench, the easiest way to make an exceptionally solid bench is to attach it to the walls and floor, assuming you don't need it to be moveable.

 

[JAKE-THE-TOOL-MAN]

Ok, I may have read a little differently but, is the OP wanting a wooden bench to sit on or a work bench to tackle projects on?

I am looking to build a work bench to mount my vise too and build things on. I would like to make a butcher block style top for it so it's beefier than ply wood.

 

[macgyver37]

May I suggest that you look into a combination of solid wood and sheet products for your bench? I think if you want a solid Maple butcher block top as your first woodworking project, it might get overwhelming very quickly as there is alot of processing of material before you ever get to anything that looks like a bench. To process solid wood it requires alot, either by handtools or power tools, sheet goods require less equipment. One way to use solid wood would be to buy it already S4S vs rough sawn, then you can get straight to making bench parts, but it will much more expensive.
Sheet goods are engineered products, if used the correct way, they are better than solid wood in many applications, it is hard to convince people of this because they see solid wood as 'better'. It all depends on what you want in the end but don't dismiss sheet goods as a very good material to use in the right ways.

As far as tools, I would suggest shopping around and seeing what is available locally used, nothing wrong with getting nice name brand for less or the same as cheap new junk.
Also check out older larger machines like a table saw. I have bought many PM66's and Unisaws in the few hundred range. They are larger and harder to move around than a contractors saw, but I would rather have one of them myself. Depends what you have room and budget for, as mentioned you can do a tremendous amount with a nice circ saw and straightedge.

 

[JonBoehman]

Ok, I will throw this out there for food for thought. I used a Formica laminate counter top made for a large kitchen island for mine. I got it from a local place that sells seconds materials like cabinet doors and such. The frame is made of left over 4x4 and 2x4 materials. I later added shelves and doors to store stuff in to keep dust and **** off the tools. It was heavy enough to mount a vise to and I added power outlets too which are life savers to keep from having cords stretched everywhere and tripping over them. The other benefit of having the laminate which I didn't realize until afterwards is it will clean back up to a smooth and flat surface with laquer cleaner and a razor blade scraper

 

[kbs2244]

I would stay away from a "butcher block style top."
They can be a project in and of them selves.
There is a lot of joining and plaining involved in makeing on.
A double layer of 3/4 plywood will be strong enough for any project you take on.

 

[joe49]

what are the basic tools I would need to tackle a project like this?

1] framing square 2] claw hammer 3] hand saw 4] tape measure 5] chalk line 6] pencil these 6 items will do it, if you want fancy joinery you will need the next three. 7] drill and bits 8] wood chisel 9] sand paper For strength glue all joints. Start your project by building two saw horses to work off of and for practice.

 

[trboxman]

Go to Ikea, buy a maple butcher block counter top (they're cheaper than just about anyone else), make a sturdy frame out of 2x or 4x material and you'll have a good bench that meets your needs. It doesn't cost an arm and a leg, and doesn't require a ton of actual woodworking skills or tools.

 

[Leakie]

If you really want to get serious about woodworking and building a bench check out this book....

http://www.tauntonstore.com/the-workbench-lon-schleining-070720.html

 

[jd_1138]

I'm with brianh, a circular saw and a plane (stanley #5) and a set of cheap chisels will get you a nice bench. This is assuming you have a way to drill holes of course.

If you want a bench (workbench) consider a 2x4 Roubo style. It uses a combination of off the shelf lumber and all thread to make a very stunning and stable bench. Check out this guy's work: http://zachmannfamily.com/workbench.html

Wow that seems pretty complicated for a work bench. I would just build a frame out of 2x4's with some shelving underneath and have a plywood top or MDF.

 

[jd_1138]

A workbench is a workbench.
A basic table to put the project on while working on it.
Woodworkers fancy them up with "bench dogs" and such.
But now you are building a big clamp.

I would suggest you grow into it.
Woodworking is a big area.
See what kind of project you trend into.
Then build a bench to match those type projects.

I think he needs a general work bench (for automotive and mechanical repairs, etc.) -- not just a wood working bench.

No need to "grow into it", just build one after seeing a few other examples and you will learn a lot in the process.

 

[ez-duzit]

...I have no wood working skills what so ever, all of my tools are geared towards metal fabrication and automotive repair...I would really like to increase my knowledge of wood working and improve my skill...

For your first workbench, place a solid core door atop 2 sawhorses or roll-away bottom cabinets. If you want to mount a vise, make it a woodworkers vise, so the top remains clear.

Before you start accumulating woodworking tools, get some knowledge about woodworking--a night class, perhaps, where you can get hands-on experience from which to make informed tool buying decisions.

 

[brianh]

Here is on of my basic benches the vise runs the length of the end, milled the wood with an Alaskan mill and dried in my shop kiln

 

[Xicaque]

Yo! You got talent brother. Very nice.

 

[KMScott]

I built this one from a old bowling alley, 2-1/4 inch maple. I have plans that I designed in Autocad, all mortised and tenoned, pm me if you need a copy. This bench is used every day and I would be lost with out it. Nice bench you built brianh, curious on what kind of wood you used for the top.

 

[Xicaque]

I want to bowl on it

 

[ckadams00]

Ok, I will throw this out there for food for thought. I used a Formica laminate counter top made for a large kitchen island for mine. I got it from a local place that sells seconds materials like cabinet doors and such. The frame is made of left over 4x4 and 2x4 materials. I later added shelves and doors to store stuff in to keep dust and **** off the tools. It was heavy enough to mount a vise to and I added power outlets too which are life savers to keep from having cords stretched everywhere and tripping over them. The other benefit of having the laminate which I didn't realize until afterwards is it will clean back up to a smooth and flat surface with laquer cleaner and a razor blade scraper

Agreed. My is nowhere near as pretty as a woodworker's bench, but I have a very small shop (6.5' x 28') and have my bench against the wall, so I can only use one side. My top is a 4x8 sheet of 1" Melamine/particle board from the scrap bin that had a busted corner. I ripped it lenghtwise in half, cut it to 6' long, stacked it and then countersunk screws from the bottom. I then framed the edges in pine. This gave me a 2" thick benchtop that is flat and very easy to clean. You can use utility knives on it, chemicals, glue, etc. I have two bench vises mounted to it and they are very solid. I would absolutely do this again for the cost if I was starting out.

 

[chruler]

I'm surprised more people don't use angled bracing in their work benches.
It really takes the wobbles out when doing things like sawing and other reciprocal motions. Hate it when the bench starts rocking and wobbling.

 

[Olinrj]

KMScott- beautiful bench! PM sent for details. I would love to know more about the vise.

 

[brianh]

I'm surprised more people don't use angled bracing in their work benches.
It really takes the wobbles out when doing things like sawing and other reciprocal motions. Hate it when the bench starts rocking and wobbling.

A properly built bench does not wobble, use glue on the joints and it is not an issue.

 

[chruler]

I understand, and have built several benches, but over time, they start to flex/wobble when trying to saw something clamped in the vice, or when doing any heavy back-and-forth movements. I always use cross braces now and the bench is just as rigid as can be.

I'll look into this further because I'd love to have a sturdy bench without cross braces.

 

[aggierailroad]

Wow that seems pretty complicated for a work bench. I would just build a frame out of 2x4's with some shelving underneath and have a plywood top or MDF.

Well, I'm curious if you read about what the guy wanted? A nice bench, that looks nice and performs. Not to troll on your comment, but look at the bench you showed... I don't imagine that's what the guy wants. Sure, the bench looks complicated, but I was trying to guide the guy towards what he asked us about. If you'll notice, it's constructed the same way yours is, with dimensional lumber used to make "mortise and tenon" style joints. The difference is the top, which can be done with any wood and some clamps and glue. It's a doable process with all of the help around here.

 

[PatStroud]

I have a few questions for you wood working guru's out there. I'm going to be getting a house in January and one project I've already been thinking of is building a beefy big wooden bench. I would like it to be strong, stable, and visually appealing. I have no wood working skills what so ever, all of my tools are geared towards metal fabrication and automotive repair so a few of my questions are what are the basic tools I would need to tackle a project like this? I would like to start purchasing them a little at a time so I am prepared to take on this project when the time comes. Also are there any woodworking forums similar to Garage Journal that won't harp on a newbie? I would really like to increase my knowledge of wood working and improve my skill. Thanks for any advice.

The first ? I have for you JTTM is do you want woodworking skills. If yes, I might suggest looking into a basic woodworking course at the Seattle WoodCrafters store. Most WoodCrafters offer basic courses from tools, sharpening, jointery, furniture making, .......etc. Well worth your time and investment.
As far as bench advise - start searching the internet cause there are hundreds of great ideas out there.