The First Woodworking benches materials
Workbench 1: Simple Workbench,
This is a basic and easy-to-build workbench that is perfect for beginners. It is strong and sturdy, and can be used for a variety of woodworking tasks.
Materials:
- (4) 2x4s @ 8ft length
- (2) 2x4s @ 3ft length
- (1) sheet of plywood (4ft x 8ft)
- Wood screws
- Wood glue (optional)
Tools:
Instructions:
- Cut the lumber:
- Cut the 8ft 2x4s into two 3ft pieces and two 5ft pieces.
- Cut the 3ft 2x4s in half, creating four 1.5ft pieces.
- Cut the plywood to 3ft x 5ft.
- Assemble the base:
- Lay two of the 5ft 2x4s flat on the ground, side-by-side.
- Attach the 1.5ft 2x4s to the ends of the 5ft 2x4s, creating a rectangular frame. Use two screws per joint, and pre-drill the holes to prevent the wood from splitting.
- Repeat this step to create another identical frame.
- Attach the legs:
- Stand one of the frames upright.
- Attach the two remaining 3ft 2x4s to the bottom of the frame, one on each side, to create the legs. Use two screws per joint, and pre-drill the holes.
- Repeat this step to attach the legs to the other frame.
- Attach the top:
- Lay the plywood sheet on top of the two frames.
- Center the plywood and ensure it overhangs the frames by an equal amount on all sides.
- Attach the plywood to the frames using screws and wood glue (optional). Pre-drill the holes and use two screws per stud.
- Sanding and finishing:
- Sand all of the surfaces of the workbench to remove any rough spots.
- Apply a coat of paint or stain (optional) to protect the wood and give the workbench a finished look.
Workbench 2: Workbench with Shelf
This workbench is a bit more complex than the first one, but it offers additional storage space with a lower shelf.
Materials:
- (4) 2x4s @ 8ft length
- (2) 2x4s @ 3ft length
- (2) 2x4s @ 1ft length
- (1) sheet of plywood (4ft x 8ft)
- (2) sheet of plywood (2ft x 4ft)
- Wood screws
- Wood glue (optional)
Tools:
- Circular saw or miter saw
- Drill
- Sander
- Tape measure
- Pencil
Instructions:
- Cut the lumber:
- Cut the 8ft 2x4s into two 2ft pieces, two 3ft pieces, and two 6ft pieces.
- Cut the 3ft 2x4s in half, creating four 1.5ft pieces.
- Cut the 1ft 2x4s in half, creating two 6in pieces.
- Cut one of the 2ft x 4ft plywood sheets into two 1ft x 4ft pieces.
- Assemble the base:
- Lay two of the 6ft 2x4s flat on the ground, side-by-side.
- Attach the 1.5ft 2x4s to the ends of the 6ft 2x4s, creating a rectangular frame. Use two screws per joint, and pre-drill the holes.
- Repeat this step to create another identical frame.
- Attach the legs:
- Stand one of the frames upright.
- Attach the two 3ft 2x4s to the bottom of the frame, one on each side, to create the legs. Use two screws per joint, and pre-drill the holes.
- Repeat this step to attach the legs to the other frame.
- Assemble the shelf frame:
- Lay two of the 2ft 2x4s flat on the ground, side-by-side.
- Attach the 6in 2x4s to the ends of the 2ft 2x4s, creating a smaller rectangular frame. Use two screws per joint,