Workbench

Our Expert

One of the most important shop accessories is a sturdy workbench. As you plane, pare, route, chop and saw the work you need a solid bench that will resist the pushing, racking and pounding. Of course there are many styles of workbenches to choose from but the best bench is one that you make yourself. The design does not have to be elaborate, in fact, my own bench is quite simple. It's most important that the bench is heavy, well-constructed, and has a few simple devices, such as a vise, an assortment of clamps, and bench hooks, with which you can secure the work.

A good size for the top of a bench is two by eight feet. No matter if your carving a bedpost or cutting dovetails for a chest these dimensions will allow you to position the workpiece on the bench for support and easy access. 

Unfortunately, there is no perfect height for a workbench. When carving you'll want the work higher or your back will become tired from hours of bending. In contrast, hand planing requires a lower stance so that you can power the plane with your upper body. Here's a good rule-of-thumb that I use: as you stand next to the bench with your arms extended the top of the bench should be positioned at your wrist. 

Another option is to construct a stand or small "bench" which fits in the vise of the main bench. This can be used to support certain types of work, such as small carvings, at a higher level. If your shop has the floor space consider building two benches at different heights.