A Sensible Start

I don’t fancy making a traditional style bench from this stuff. But, if used properly I think it could be used for a cheap and effective first workbench.

I was reflecting a little while ago about building another workbench. I’ve made a few over the years for clients, my own use and at work, and I feel that I now know what I like in a workbench. I even set myself a challenge to write a book about it. I’m pleased to say I wrote a first draft and when the time comes I’m determined to publish it. Not for a payday, life is short, I want to do it because I just want to do it.

Part of the research I did for the book was the best type of wood to use for a workbench. I wanted to pick something that would be readily available and affordable. That led me to the local DIY shop to see what’s on offer. What’s great about these shops is they are not all that intimidating and the wood is stored in the dry. What I was disappointed with was the quality of what was available. Who would want to work with studs to make their final workbench, or even a really nice one?

I had a look at ordering the wood I wanted all pre-planed, conscious that not everyone would have access to machines. All of a sudden I was up to £300 including delivery and VAT. A totally fair price, but it didn’t sit right with me.

I realised that the lessons that I’d learned from using, making and building benches needed a more rounded take than just my opinion on the best bench. What I know is that there are three designs of bench that I find highly effective which have the added bonus of being able to be built with hand tools.

As much as I like seeing traditional benches being built, and I will feature them in time, it’s a tall order for those who are literally just taking their first steps in woodworking to build them. If people feel confident to build one right off the bat, go right ahead! You’ll have a lot of fun, but it can be a lot of work.

My first point of inspiration for the bench I hope to present to you is the style of bench we use at work. It’s going to be compact at 4’ long and 2’ wide and be really easy to make (ours our twice the size to deal with the scale of our work). A weekend should see you done. Materials will be cheap and readily accessible and it will include a vice. A vice is essential for me for safe and effective working.

The second point of inspiration was Nomadic Furniture, a book from the 1970’s that advocates using simple construction materials creatively. Some of the things in the book are a hoot, some are, in my opinion, downright dangerous (cardboard child’s car seat) but others still work and the spirit of it is perfect.

The fact is, a workbench is the most essential tool you can have. This bench will have no complex joinery but will allow you to practice gross movements such as cutting to length. Well that’ll be about it, all you’ll need to learn is how to cut studs to length. I feel this bench will be perfect for practicing making your first joints and first projects on. And if you decide woodworking isn’t for you it’ll still be useful for other purposes or given to someone else without the fear of loosing lots of money.