Thread: Tools for bench build

Machinery: - jointer and thicknesser
Power tools: - Decent drill and an auger bit for dog holes.
Hand tools: - Carcass/tennon saws, straight edges, soft face or dead blow mallet, lots and lots of clamps.
I'm sure there is other stuff you need but I found the above tools to be very handy

Ooh, where is the Domino????

I didn't have to make my laminated benchtop but I would imagine doing so without a mechanical jointer and thicknesser would be a real tedious process if you were using rough sawn or recycled timber. If you were using already dressed timber there would be less planing required to join the component timber for the top.
I used hand tools mostly and didn't find it a burden except for time needed to restore second hand tools to working functionality which can be tiresome but also really rewarding. What I did miss as I don't own one is a large framing square for checking that the frames were at 90 deg and the bench ends were 90 deg to the front edge. I improvised but it was not ideal. What I had to buy to complete the bench (aside from what I already owned) was a tenon saw with rip teeth for cutting tenon cheeks, a #78 rabbet plane for cleaning up tenons (I posted in your other query about shoulder planes on this topic), a brace and various bits for drilling deep and wide holes, a #7 jointer plane and some mortice chisels. Oh also had to invest in sharpening gear to keep it all working but that is more a consequence of getting back into woodwork in general.

Of course if you've got the space for a full fitted out machinery shed then you can go for your life in buying equipment. I would say a table saw is probably the most useful powertool if you were only going to have one. IMHO naturally.

Edit: On reflection I agree with NCArcher that a good drill is essential. In fact that was the 1st, and for many years the only, powertool I owned.

Originally Posted by NCArcher

.... lots and lots of clamps.....
.....

Actually I think you need oodles of clamps!

Originally Posted by Big Shed

Ooh, where is the Domino????

I ask myself that every day Fred.

tape measure

ah
pencil

Originally Posted by groeneaj

Hey,

For those who have built a traditional workbench, what are the must have tools that you think you need? Or the tools that would have been handy?

Here is a list that I have so far (not including obvious tools such as table saw etc)

- Router
- Shoulder plane
- Chisels (mortice and bevel edge)
- Bench planes: jointer/smoother
- Cutting gauge
- Combo square

Andy

measure stuff -- tick
cut stuff to length -- tick
drill holes and then square them off (or chisel out mortices) -- tick
cut tenons -- tick
adjust the thickness of a tenon -- tick (use one of your chisels)
glue up the top -- tick (assuming you consider clamps one of the "obvious" tools)
flatten the top -- tick (use the jointer)

once you have the timber, I think you're good to go

Yep I think I'm good to go- just waiting for the timber now.

Just got to buy a router so i can leave my triton in the router table.

Andy