First workbench - help regarding timber selection
Hi all,
Just starting as a woodworking hobbyist (def a noob) and want to build my first workbench.
I am after:
1. Something with character not just a workhorse
2. Workbench needs to be sturdy/heavy enough for hand planing
3. Want the top to be 3"/75mm thick to suit bench dogs and end vice (from what I've read 2" is the minimum suggested)
4. Want to use hardwood of some sort for the build but as to what hardwood that is were I am stuck
So far the options that I can see are:
1. Use unconditioned/untreated garden sleepers (100x200 or 75x200).
I appreciate that this is green wood and I would need to set aside to air dry.
Can someone suggest if this is a good option and how long to dry (seeking any tips on how to significant reduce from the 12mnths per 1" rule)
Willing to do a small kiln in the garage with fan and mini dehumidifier if ppl reckon this will def shorten the drying time significantly
2. Use recycled AA railway sleepers or similar
So far what I have seen is that these go for approx. $40-$50 per l.m.
Live around rousehill/windsor nsw area. Any suggestions were I could get good price for recycled hardwood? Some hidden award yard? Willing to to Richmond area if req.
3. Is there such a thing as rough sawn and kiln dried wood to make it more affordable?
And lastly, out of interest, all the DAR hardwood I have seen on the net go up to either 42mm or 45mm thick...is this right or is one able to get 75mm?
P.S. I do not have a thicknesser (hoping can avoid needing it) or table saw (this I am planning to get once I have a workbench and get into making cabinets and the like but one step at the time)
P.s. I have #4 and #7 planes
Thanks in advance for your feedback
Regards,
Alex