One of the first things that you need to get started with woodworking, whether as a hobby or as a new carpenter, is a sturdy, true-blue woodworking bench that features mechanisms for holding your work and that is solid enough not to wobble and give-in when you are working. Here are a a steps on how to make a woodworking bench.
Few things to keep in mind while making a woodworking bench:
- Depending on your budget, use solid wood for your table.
- Customize it to suit the requirements of the user in terms of work-type, size of workspace and budget.
- Get the basic tools together like a drill/driver, router, saws, block plane, measuring tape, wrench, square, multi spur bit, twist bits, etc.
- Buy supplies like lag screws, woodscrews, threaded rod, washers, glue and vise before you start the actual building.
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Making a Woodworking Bench
Step 1: First Things First
You need to cut two same-sized pieces of 2×4 lumbers for building the frame and supporting the bench’s legs. The frame is made of two long and two short pieces of wood.
Step 2: The legs
Cut four pieces of 2×4 or 4×4 lumber making sure they are exactly the same height. If you’re making the bench for personal use, customize the size of legs to your height; else use the specifications of the client.
Step 3: The top frame
Screw the frame pieces, cut in the first step, together. Use wood screws that are long and strong enough to do a good job of securing the wood pieces to each other.
Step 4: Securing the frame and the legs
Attach the frame and the legs together using wood screws or bolts, 4 to each leg.
Step 5: Making and attaching the bottom frame
Make the bottom frame in exactly the same way and using the same specifications as the top frame. Attach it around 6-8 inches above the bottom of the legs.
Step 6: Layout of the workbench top
It is important to first consider the layout of the workbench top before starting to cut the pieces. Take into account the placing of vises and their supporting screws, the bench dog holes, drywall screws, etc. It is better to draw the layout with a pencil on the MDF.
Step 7: Cutting and attaching the workbench top
For the top, cut the MDF or plywood to a size that is about 4 to 6 inches longer and wider than the frame, on all sides. Attach the plywood MDF (or plywood) to the upper frame using L Brackets.
Step 8: Cutting and attaching workbench shelf
For making a shelf for storage, cut a piece of plywood, the same size as the bottom frame. Use wood screws to attach the plywood above the bottom frame.
Step 9: Drilling the bench dog holes
Mark the precise position of the holes on the plywood and drill the bench dog holes through it. Also mark the position of the vises beforehand and drill holes for screws attaching the vises to the top.
Step 10: Installing the workbench countertop
For the workbench countertop, use oak or other hardwood flooring. Cut it the same size as your plywood top. Drill the pilot holes through the top for screws. Screw the countertop to the plywood base securely. Use a flush-cutting saw for smoother sides.
Step 11: Mount the vises
Mount and screw the vises on their marked location.
So here are the steps on how to make a woodworking bench and your woodworking bench is almost done now! Use oil and wax for finishing the bench top.
