A temporary workbench to build a workbench on

**doug3030** · 19th October 2016, 11:59 PM

I am just cross-posting something I posted here about 20 minute wins. If you read that thread you will see why I posted it there but I just thought that a lot of the info there might help others with workbench builds in progress so I am repeating the original post from me in that thread here. There has been quite a bit of follow-on info in the link too so if what you see interests you click the link to see all the other responses.

Here is the post I made:

Originally Posted by SPF
What 20 min win have you had lately?

I am doing a workbench build which is progressing slowly due to back pain/mobility issues. On the weekend I thought "If only I had a workbench it would be much easier to build my workbench."

I wanted something that I could use to hold any component for my workbench build to work on it. I wanted it to be functional but not so good that it would deter me from making the proper workbench.

I looked around the shed and saw a length of Oregon pine with a few splits down one side making it unsuitable for many other things but still ok for a temporary "workbench". So I squared up the ends, cut two dadoes for cleats and glued it up as shown in the first picture. I was not actually timing the procedure but I would say that 15 to 20 minutes from the idea forming to clamps on and tight would be about right.

What is the best thing you have done in under 20 minutes lately?-20161016_191600-jpg

The "workbench" is designed so that the cleats are held in my two superjaws.

I was going to lay out some nice rows of 3/4 inch dogholes but this is a temporary bench so I would probably have found myself drilling a lot of holes that would never be used. I will just drill them as needed to make use of the bench hardware in the picture below, which I have already purchased for the new bench.

What is the best thing you have done in under 20 minutes lately?-20161019_150239-jpg

For heavier work I may need some sandbags for added weight.

In retrospect I should have placed the cleats another 100mm from the ends of the "bench" as there is very little room now for putting a doghole close to the end of the bench as the jaws of the superjaws will not allow the dogs to go right through. This shortens the usable length of the benchtop but it should still be adequate to make the building of my real workbench easier.

That's my 20 minute project

Cheers

Doug

**IanW** · 20th October 2016, 08:41 AM

Good post, Doug. I think we tend to assume that anyone who is building a more elaborate workbench has already worked their way through one or two less satisfactory models, & has something to work at when building the 'ultimate' model. What you've come up with is quick & easy - it should do the job, and at the same time demonstrate why you really need the bench you're building.....

Whilst reading your post, I was musing about whether it's better to begin with a 'real' bench from day one, & save time & the various frustrations inadequate benches bring, or whether the experience gained by working your way up through a series is more valuable in the long term? You could easily come up with compelling arguments for either case, just like the "buy high quality tools to start with, or fettle oldies" debate......

Cheers,

**orraloon** · 20th October 2016, 10:44 AM

I have a couple of temp bench options I use when there is something to do away from the shed. One is an old solid core door I have hung onto for many years. Placed on 2 trestles it's an instant bench. With a few clamps it is something a real bench could be made on. Another quick fix is 2 of those cheap folding workmate type benches from bunnies. They are about $20 each.I also use them as stands for the grinder, thicknesser and my less than 20 minute outfeed table. I could not buy wood to make stands at that price.
Regards
John

**doug3030** · 20th October 2016, 12:38 PM

Originally Posted by IanW

I think we tend to assume that anyone who is building a more elaborate workbench has already worked their way through one or two less satisfactory models, & has something to work at when building the 'ultimate' model.

Thanks Ian. I have worked on several benches over a long period of time but have never owned one of my own. Therefore I know what I want and see no need to go through the intermediate bench step. I appreciate that others have taken different forks in the road upon their individual journeys so they will take their own track here. And besides, we aren't all heading for the same destination either.

Originally Posted by IanW

What you've come up with is quick & easy - it should do the job, and at the same time demonstrate why you really need the bench you're building.....

I think it is perfect as an interim bench. There is no way I can work on that and then decide that it is all I want and call off the bench build. It is a means to an end. If it can help me do more with my back problems enabling me to finish my bench quicker, I will be very happy.

Originally Posted by IanW

You could easily come up with compelling arguments for either case, just like the "buy high quality tools to start with, or fettle oldies" debate......

I do both. I would not spend $500 on a scrub plane when you can make one from a $30 Stanley #5 from the flea market but I would consider a new high quality smoother.

Cheers

Doug

**Albert** · 20th October 2016, 12:49 PM

I dont even have a work bench, I have a storage bench...

**Christos** · 23rd October 2016, 07:46 AM

Originally Posted by Albert

I dont even have a work bench, I have a storage bench...

The shame..... the shame......

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