This is the base for my workbench from plans I got from Woodsmith Shop. It's made from Douglas fir and MDF. I shortened the height 3 inchs so once the top is finished and installed it will be the same height as my tablesaw. I also shortened the length by 10 inches otherwise it would completly crowd me out of the shop. Once I get the top on I'll post the finished product. The base is extremly stable and weighs a ton.

Looks nice and sturdy and heavy. Good idea about making it the same height. Makes for a nice off cut table or a helper table for sheet goods.

Very nice. What are you going to use for a top?

 

-Ace-

John, that is looking good. That should be there for a long time. Good and strong.

 

Same height as the table saw will be nice. I did mine the same way. I use it when I have to cut down sheet goods and extra support.

The top is built up with 3/4" MDF. 2 full pieces that measure 29" X 75" and then 4 pieces that are 6" X 75" (2 below each side of the top) then 2 filler pieces on each end that fill in between the 6" wide pieces. The final top thickness is 3" and then wrapped with a 1.5" X 3" band.

Ace HoleInOne said:

Very nice. What are you going to use for a top?

 

-Ace-

Built and installed the top. Added the vice and wound up adding casters because the shear mass of this bench prevents being able to move this beast around the shop. I got the casters from woodcraft and I am glad I did. the casters are. great. The total weight is just short of 350 lbs. I still need to add a hardwood band around the top and add bench dog holes and a few coats of lenseed oil and this baby will be ready for some serious woodworking. All in all this has been a fun project but I did wind up with a smashed thumb. The first injury in over 20 years but the thumb will live. I just have to drink beer with my left hand for a while. Here is a pic of the casters and they are worth every penny. The one thing I would recomend for anyone building this bench from the woodsmith shop planes is they call for wood screws in the bill of materials but I recommend using decking screws for the course threaded fastener. The fine thread you get on woodscrews dont provide enough grip strength since the base is douglass fir, if it were hardwood I'd go with the wood screws. Other than that the plans are great and the bench is stout and should last a very long time. I'll post a final pic when it's complete. Thanks for viewing.

Nice casters! Nice bench! Skip the linseed oil and use a good drying oil like General Finishes Arm R seal. Works great on benches and dries a whole lot faster.

Thanks Bob I'll try it.

Well I finaly finished my workbench and I followed Bob Kloes suggestion regarding the finish and I'm glad I did. It came out pretty good.

Looks really nice Mike. Glad you like the finish. It does work well. bob

 

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Bob Kloes
www.bobkloes.com