workbenchhowto.pdf

The one tool that every woodworker, crafter, or any one that has a ton of home improvement projects to tackle needs, is a work bench.  I have tried over the years working on table tops, on the floor, on my desk any where that has some space to put together a project and it has only created frustration. So when I decide to get serious about my woodworking, I went into the shop and put together this awesome bench.  And it took no time at all to complete, and cost under $100 Bucks!  So if you are ready to really get serious…get going and build yourself your own bench! 

Materials List:

• Miter Saw
• Jig Saw
• 2 x 4 lumber
• 4 feet X 8 feet ¾ inch plywood
• Cordless Drill
• Speed Square
• Quick Clamps
• Work Bench Kit

The kit does the entire layout.  All that is needed from you is to cut all the pieces to size and assemble.  The kit comes with instructions to construct many different types of time saving projects from work benches to shelving units.  I ordered mine on line from Home Depot.com; just follow this link to get your bench started.

Instructions:

1. Cut the 4 legs and 4 cross supports to length using your miter saw.  
 
Tip:
The legs on my bench measured 36 inches in length and the cross supports measured 65 inches in length.

2. Assemble the pieces together using the screws that come with the kit.  Don’t skimp on the screws; use all of the brackets pre-drilled holes.  This gives the bench great support.

3. Cut the bottom shelf and top panel/bench top to size using a circular saw.

Tip:
Use a cutting guide to make sure that your circular saw cuts straight and true.  I use a piece of 1 x 2 and clamp it tight using my quick clamps. 

Also, when using a circular saw, place the good side of the board down.  The cut will be clean on the top of the board when you flip it back over.

4. For the bottom shelf you will need to make cut-outs for the 4 legs.

5. Place one of the legs on each corner of the bottom plywood shelf and trace around it with a pencil.

6. Remove the cut-out using a jig saw.

This will allow the lower shelf to be placed in position around the 4 legs.

Make sure to place the bottom shelf in first followed by the top panel/bench top.

7. Secure both the shelf and top in place using the screws provided.
 

The bench allows for great working space on top and the bottom shelf comes in handy for extra storage of your tool bucket, containers of nails and screws and in my case an extra large pepperoni pizza.

Notice in this shot that I have another bench of the same size for my miter saw and tool storage area.  I use the bottom shelf to hold my portable table saw and sanding stations.

8. I did add a piece of peg board to one end of the bench to hang extra tools.  Just cut the peg board to size and use the extra screws from the kit.

You can knock this bench out in no time at all and for the price making an extra one would be in everyone’s budget.  Just be aware you may need to have a sign up sheet to reserve your bench when the other family members see it.

Matt

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