Wood US idea

Build a cheap simple sturdy workbench

It has been a lot of fun seeing all the workbenches this week. Thanks to all of you who sent pictures.

Whenever a non-woodworker visits your shop, they might marvel at — or at least be curious about — some of your tools.  Your workbench will probably receive little attention, yet for most woodworkers its really the most critical element of a shop. We call it into service on every project we build.

If you want to set up a wood shop, your first project must be a workbench. There are plenty of plans available for the "ultimate" woodworking bench, but all you have to do is look through this weeks viewer pictures to understand all that a work bench really needs to be: a sturdy table.

This video shows you a workbench design that Ive been using for years. It costs next to nothing to build: a few 2x4s and a sheet of plywood, yet it will provide you with years and years of quiet service. Plus, with this basic design, you can modify it in any number of ways to suit your particular needs. Its all held together with a lot of yellow wood glue and 2 1/2" decks screws. It isnt a showpiece, but in my mind thats a plus. You wont be fearful of abusing it.