Ideas for first workbench

[Kerrbuggs1]

I'm looking to build my first workbench, but wanting to start a little simple. Any good website/tutorial recommendations would be greatly appreciated!

 

[PeteM]

 

[Mike Davis]

The Naked Woodworker (Streaming & Download only)

“The Naked Woodworker” video seeks to answer the simple question: How do you get started in woodworking when you have nothing? No tools. No bench. No skills. And no knowledge of where to begin. Veteran woodworker and teacher Mike Siemsen helps you take your first steps into the craft without...

lostartpress.com

 

[PeteM]

I know my Can O Worms was not helpful but asking what to do for your first workbench is like a kid asking what should be my first car. Add some details like what kind of work you might be doing, what's your budget, hand tools, power tools, etc. My 1st bench was Chris Schwarz's $175 workbench. That would be a good start (Google it).

 

[Kerrbuggs1]

I totally get it Pete, no problem. I'm wanting to start with 'small' projects first, such as a small bookshelf or end table. But also just to practice and get more experience with hand tools.

 

[mdbuntyn]

Go with Mike's suggestion of "The Naked Woodworker"

 

[Dee2]

For learning, I found this download informative. YMMV.
THE ANARCHIST’S WORKBENCH By Christopher Schwarz
And now the shop is in storage while the hunt for a better space continues.

 

[mdbuntyn]

Here's the link to the physical book that Gene is talking about: The Anarchist's Workbench

There's a link to a free pdf in the description.

 

[Martin Roper]

Watch a number of YT videos of work bench builds and I'm sure one will jump out at you.

I don't have a lot of room and a bench has to double as an assembly table, outfeed table, etc. I've got some plans drawn up and will be building one soon.

Right now I've got saw horses that fold up, a couple 2x6s, and a 3'x6' sheet of OSB that is my portable workbench.

 

[mdbuntyn]

[I was mistaken]

 

[PeteM]

I just realized that none of us asked what type of work you do. Do you primarily use power, or hand, tools?

Actually, I did. (post #4) and he replied in post #5

 

[Yelverton]

Here's the link to the physical book that Gene is talking about: The Anarchist's Workbench

There's a link to a free pdf in the description.

Highly recommend The Anarchist's Workbench. It's a fun read and the author's approach is really helpful in thinking about how to approach designing a bench that works for you.

 

[Jeff]

A "NEW FANGLED WORKBENCH" by John White at FWW ca 1998. My first workbench and introduction to woodworking. Mine is 5' long x 26" wide x 38" high. It's made from 2 x 10s and 2 x 12s from a big box store that were ripped on the table saw to about 3" wide.

I do a little hand plane work and it is stable enough and weighs much less than 200 lbs.

New-Fangled Workbench, Revisited - FineWoodworking

With six pipe clamps, some dressed framing lumber, and a great deal of ingenuity, Fine Woodworking’s shop manager John White designed and built this inexpensive workbench that’s as versatile as a […]

www.finewoodworking.com

 

[mdbuntyn]

Actually, I did. (post #4) and he replied in post #5

Sorry Pete. I didn't read those as carefully as I thought I did

 

[Raymond]

Here's an idea for you, Kenny.

Enjoy.

 

[NOTW]

It depends a lot on your style of woodworking, what vises you want and plan to use, if you want to use holdfast or clamp things to the bench. If you are a power tool only woodworker then an assembly style table may work better for you, if you enjoy hand tools more then a roubo style or moravian style may be better. Brad from Fix this Build that makes a bunch of cool stuff, pretty sure he only has assembly tables and no workbenches.

 

[Kerrbuggs1]

Thank you all for the recommendations!

 

[wooduser]

Here is one fairly simple from Popular Woodworking.

Lecil

 

[Rwe2156]

I love my Scandinavian style bench. I followed Frank Klausz on the build.