Catch-22 - building a workbench without a workbench

[brianhay]

Hi I'm new to the forum and just (re)starting woodwork after a looooong absence (last did it at school but was good at it and had a fully equipped metal and woodwork shop at home).

My question is, what is the best way to go about building a first/simple workbench if you don't already have any work surface?

I have an old kitchen table and could get some saw horses. With a vice, some clamps and other basic tools would this be enough?

What is the minimum I'll need to build a bench without driving myself nuts or cutting off a few fingers?

Brian.

[Harry72]

What is the minimum I'll need to build a bench without driving myself nuts or cutting off a few fingers?

Well some wood would help!(sorry im being sarcastic)
Id find a plan of a bench that has been proven over many years, they can be an expensive exersize to get wrong if you start with a poor design.
Also you need to work out what you need out of a bench, things like how much hand work you do, or do you use all power tools, how bigger projects will you be building, how much space it will take up, will it be against a wall or free standing?
There are many things to consider, do a search of this forum bound to turn up plenty of info!

[brianhay]

I've read the forums and found a few workbench websites. At this stage I just want to build a study, basic bench and I have a plan from a book, which seems easy enough.

I guess what I was really asking is, should such a project be tackled with just saw horses and an old kitchen table for support?

Brian.

[silentC]

Ahh, the old chicken before the egg dilema. I built mine on the floor but if you saw mine you would probably not be that impressed: http://www.woodworkforums.ubeaut.com.au/showthread.php?t=10923

Any flat surface will do. I don't think there's anything particularly precise about building a bench. If the legs are all the same length and the top is flat, it should be parallel to the floor. It depends on what sort of bench you are making. There are benches and then there are benches.

[Grunt]

I'd build a basic workbench to start with. Mitre 10 have a plan for a simple one that requires few tools on their website. You can build your dream bench later once you've collected more tools.

[Grunt]

I guess what I was really asking is, should such a project be tackled with just saw horses and an old kitchen table for support?

Yes

[Zed]

anything flat - get your saw horses and clamp some ply on them as a flat surface, once you near completion use the ply as drawers or other such nonsense as required. theres a thread here somewhere where people posted photos of thier work benches, plenty of ideas there.

[Wood Borer]

I'm like Silent C, I built mine on the floor using a circular saw, router, drill, chisels, hand saws, clamps etc.

A challenge by all means as your skill levels need considerable honing, your tools will be basic and the work area is far from ideal.

A good challenge though. Think of the wonderful things you will be able to make after you have built it though.

[javali]

I have an old kitchen table and could get some saw horses. With a vice, some clamps and other basic tools would this be enough?

I recently completed a workbench using similar tools. (Actually, I wish I had an old table and a vice.) See photos, diagrams, and some instructions in http://www.woodworkforums.ubeaut.com.au/showthread.php?t=14301

[Rocker]

The easiest way is to get a portable workbench like the B&D Workmate. When you have made your workbench on it, you can use the workmate as a stand for a SCMS.

Rocker

[TassieKiwi]

American Woodworker had plans for a bench made up of 4X2 and ply 'sandwiches', held together by threaded rod. It requires very little in the way of tools; circluar saw, drill spanner,etc. They used the existing square edges of the ply very cleverly, and made it up in a weekend. Hopefully someone will have the link;) . You can them build your flash bench after a few projects (years) and get it just right:D

[Fat Pat]

I got the plans from Mitre 10 and customised it a bit. It works a treat and is very sturdy. It doesn't cost too much either.

I'd recommend it as a great first up effort.