Thread: Looking for someone to build me a workbench - Sydney

Following. Wish I had the time to make an offer but can't just at the moment

Have a look at the laminated tops sold by Ikea. I think they are available in 1 1/2" thickness. Double that, and you have an excellent work surface. For the base, Bunnings sell 100x100 Pine. That will do very nicely. Mortice and tenon this together.

I reckon you could put together a solid bench in a weekend or two.

Regards from Perth

Derek

Just to offer another point of view, since you were originally looking to have 1 made you could just buy a bench - eg Carbatec have a height adjustable 1 with solid timber top, front and end vices for $996.

Originally Posted by labr@

Just to offer another point of view, since you were originally looking to have 1 made you could just buy a bench - eg Carbatec have a height adjustable 1 with solid timber top, front and end vices for $996.

Thanks. I wasn't aware of that one

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Hi Simon - it's interesting to see the responses your post has prompted..

I guess in a place like this, where most have either made a 'real' bench for themselves or are at least planning to make one, it's inevitable you'll get a chorus of "make it yourself" answers, for all the reasons given (cost, the experience gained, and the satisfaction of doing your own thing). Many of the respondents are hand-tool addicts, so the picture they have for a bench is something solid, with good holding devices, but there other ways people use benches. The fact that you want a bench implies you will be spending time doing something at it, though, & if that something is woodworking, then you really would profit from the experience of the build. However, we all have different needs & priorities!

If you want a woodworking bench, then I would add my voice to those recommending you make it, but I wouldn't suggest going for a 'dream bench' straight off. If you are starting out, just keep it simple. There are so many possible designs, sources of material etc., it can all get a bit overwhelming, but a basic bench needn't be too complicated, & needn't cost much, particularly if you can get hold of suitable recycled material. It really doesn't take a lot of skill to make a perfectly serviceable bench, & though I usually agree 100% with Auscab, I disagree slightly with his assertion that bolting together is necessarily bad. If done thoroughly, it can be a strong method of joinery for hard woods (much less successful for Pine), & has the knock-down advantage when you need to move it.

My advice to keep it simple is because if woodworking isn't your primary passion, or doesn't end up becoming your passion, no big deal, but if it does, you'll know soon enough what it is you really want, and have more of the skills required to build something like the fancy-pants benches you see in the "benches" section of the Forum. Very few woodies stick with the first bench they ever build!

Cheers,

IanW is right.

Part of my planning for a new bench is going something like this:

-- I ain't got no bux
-- use hardwood timber slabs
-- now, what attachment mechanisms do I have
-- simple vices... No ugly... Fancy fast vices.... Not bad.... Ooo veritas super fancy.... Yes!
-- remember step 1... You ain't got no bux!
-- feel sad

No really, I've found 9 slabs of dry gum that were untreated 90x200x3600 sleepers. They were left in a garage for a decade with the intention of doing the garden. Found them on Gumtree. Wifey said hubby is a useless dreamer and they'd never be used, so a good result for me. Cost $100.

Next I found a video on using holdfasts as the primary anchoring method. It was thoroughly convincing. I happen to have two Gramercy holdfasts left over from a group buy some years ago... So that helps.... ??? Anyone have any spare they'd like to sell????

The design will be simple. I'll post it ASAP. Simple tenons, nice big faces on the front and rear, with provisions for vices later on that use threaded wooden screws.

I wouldn't mind seeing a renaissance on threaded wooden screws. Those big 50mm ones of IanW are amazing.

Certainly a lot cheaper than a $1200 set of fancy pants vices

To many woodworking is a passion and that's a good thing and hence their advice to build a workbench that would showcase both their skills and passion. But to many of us, a workbench is just a starting point for dreams to be made reality, not destiny in itself. The bar shouldn't be so high that this journey barely starts.

The problem with buying one is that it might not suit your needs. To hire some one to build one with you helping may well be a good idea. The other is to build a simple one with in your own capability.

I made my current workbench in 1995, It was all bolted together. I didn't know anything about joinery but I knew I wanted mass. It has served all my needs. The only thing that I wish I did differently is to have stronger aprons.

Originally Posted by woodPixel

...9 slabs of dry gum that were untreated 90x200x3600 sleepers.
...The design will be simple. I'll post it ASAP. Simple tenons, nice big faces on the front and rear, with provisions for vices later on that use threaded wooden screws.

I'll very interested in seeing the design and build of this workbench. It would weigh a ton though, or 115 Kg literally for a 90 x 800 x 1800 red gum bench top.

Here is my main workbench, just 90x 35 for the frame top and a piece of ply over it. 90x90 legs and a vice. The vice has been on 2 other benches made the same way that I left behind when I moved interstate. It's rough and ready but solid enough for what I do and it was cheap to make! I will get around to making a real one eventually.

Hi Bassmansimon
i can make you a bench and you can help me. I believe you need a decent bench to start your wood work journey. I have some second hand material you can have, you just need a top. I am a carpenter/builder so it will be sturdy.
My reason for helping you is I think this forum is an awesome resource and it's my bit to help out and contribute, it will cost you a box of beer
please send pm if your interested

Alan

Originally Posted by McNulty

Hi Bassmansimon
i can make you a bench and you can help me. I believe you need a decent bench to start your wood work journey. I have some second hand material you can have

Hi Alan,
Thanks so much for your very generous offer. I agree that this forum is a great resource and everyone on it is really helpful. While I was doing my searching on this, my wife was also searching, and she has bought me one of the attached benches as a 30th birthday present. I can't wait to receive it and get on with using it to make stuff on it in my (currently very limited) spare time. I'm really grateful to you all for your input and advice. No doubt making one would have honed my skills, but this way I can get on with making stuff for my family on the workbench, which right now is a big priority for me in my limited workshop time.
Many thanks. Simon.
b-wo5.jpg

Actually not quite like the one in the picture. It is constructed with mortices and through tenons which are held in place with wedges

Perhaps a tad more than the original $1000 budget

Ohhhh, nice!!! TIMBER WORK BENCHES, be the envy of all your friends

Very nice features.

Originally Posted by bassmansimon

While I was doing my searching on this, my wife was also searching, and she has bought me one of the attached benches as a 30th birthday present.

You must have made a great choice with the lady in your life Simon !
That's a good looking bench, a real nice present, and has all the features that will save you a lot of time in the future.
Is the first job a jewellery box to hold some gold and diamond presents ?
Though some girls aren't into that, I know . I'm building my wife a gift at the moment , just what she has wanted for months, a 188 meter post and rail fence. Its jobs like this that make me love my time at my work bench. Time at my work bench is my day job.

Rob

First job will be a jewellery box / watch display case for us to share. She's been wanting one for ages