Building a workbench

[dave d]

An excellent project Kevin. Once you have it, you'll wonder how you ever did stuff without one :)

I have a vise on the front left edge of my workbench, and one tip I'd offer if you haven't already considered it, is to locate your legs on the left side such that the vise rods don't interfere with the leg, or vice versa (pardon the pun). Actually since the vise attaches to the workbench top, it's more a matter of making sure that your top is large enough. Another tip: get a quick-release vise; they're very convenient for opening and closing the jaws quickly.

I've built 3 workbenches, so if you have any questions on design or accessories, just shout.

[Kevin in California]

Last night I cut and fit my first tenon. Cut on the bandsaw a little big so I could fine tune the fit. Took my an hour, but it fits snug and I can just push it down most of the way after a few fittings. Hopefully the other 7 won't take as long.

Dave, thanks for that. I have not yet purchased the vises and have been thinking about placement, etc. I will probably put the left side of the bench flush with the legs and mount the face vise just inside the leg there. The overhang on the right side should end up about 18" which will, I think clear even the longest of the end vise hardware???

How do you usually attach your tops to the base?

[dave d]

If I recall correctly, I have two channels machined into the top rail, about 4" wide and 1/2" or 3/4" deep. Then a 4" x 6" (dimensions are rough) piece of 3/4" plywood is screwed down into that channel, centered. Drill oversized holes (to allow for wood movement) in the wings of the plywood and use 1.5" or 2" lag screws (adjust for the thickness of your top) and washers upwards through the plywood and into the top.

[Kevin in California]

This weekend I was able to make and fit all the leg tenons, and shaped the base and top trestle ends.
It all fits okay. Plenty good enough for a working workbench. Assembled for the picture, I still need to sand, round over edges, drill holes for the drawbore pins.
Next I'll start working on the two bottom stretchers, same dimension square and 48" long overall.

[Dave Bagwill]

Kevin - is there a rule of thumb for how far the drawbore holes are offset from the other holes?

[Kevin in California]

I'm reading about 1/16" offset is about right so that's what I'll try. You want enough to pull the joint tight but not make it impossible to pound the pin in.

[Kevin in California]

So I have the base parts made, nothing is glued and pinned yet, just some sanding to do before that is done.
Now I can start on the making the top! Yahoo!