Hey there fellow lefty! I’ve got a full lineup of left handed chisels, and screwdrivers too.
I’m sure you’ve noticed that skill saws are traditionally a right handed tool. My grandfather had a left handed one back in the 80’s but I’ve never seen another.
Hi, and welcome! I highly recommend books on workbench design by (Substacker) Christopher Schwartz at Lost Art Press. Great resource, and the principles can be adapted to your needs.
I recognize the value of a challenge and you like woodworking, too, so win-win. Having said that, to provide any meaningful comments I'd have to ask what you want to build on your bench. 2'x4' is small for many projects, and it will not be motionless under significant planing work. Mine is 25"x75", beefy support, and weighs approx 330lb with vice hardware, so it ain't moving (except when I lift it on the removeable casters because I want to reposition it). You mention sandbags, but that's actually a good idea and is not permanent. Consider barrel bolts, aka bench bolts, combined with mortise&tenon joints, instead of lag bolts, for strength and ability to disassemble if needed without compromising strength.
I happen to have, and use all the time, a leg vise and a wagon vise (Benchcrafted hardware, my favorite). Just as I'd not travel to another country without trying to learn a bit of the local language, don't dismiss the "jargon", but rather embrace it to some extent. If you want to do some planing, you can't beat an end vise or wagon vise combined with bench dogs and dog holes. You can make your own bench dogs with a good hardwood dowel and some inexpensive spring/ball cabinet latch parts.
Some of the best advice I've seen is to build the biggest bench that you can reasonably use and fit into your workspace. Mine is a one-car garage, and my workbench is big enough for all my needs while leaving room for all my other tools and equipment.
Last, look into French Cleat style wall storage. It is easily constructed and strong. It is entirely flexible so you can move all your shelves, racks, tills and tools any time without tools nor adding new holes.
Before having a workbench maybe you want to consider building this mobile tabletop thing (sorry, German, but it gives a good idea about it - maybe start with the last few minutes first to understand what he's building)
It wouldn't be wasted effort, as this can be added and even integrated into a small, simple workbench when you have one. With the advantage to then position the vice where you need it.
I think 2x6 softwood is probably over building it, but that’s often what we do!
You might consider paying a bit more for poplar, a (soft)hardwood, and you can probably cut those dimensions in half, unless you plan on parking a ride on law mower on it.
Also - when making a workbench, think through the different types of joints and fasteners you’re using.
As part of the challenge, I’ve never used a nail or screw in my benches - one was made using castle joints and half laps, another piece is made with mortise and tenons and dowels.
I’m also left hand(crafted)!
Excited to see it come together, pics in the next post or it didn’t happen :P
Sorry, I was just poking fun at the 6” x 8” (6 inch by 8 inch) typo. I assume, and hope, you meant 6’ x 8’ (6 foot by 8 foot), which is much more reasonable.
Thanks for the very detailed feedback, and welcome to The Woodworking Shed!
This is definitely a big challenge for me but not one that I am phased by 😊 unfortunately the size of the bench is as big as I believe it can be!
I don't feel like it should touch the walls on either side. Perhaps I'm wrong? If so then it Could be closer to 6ft.
Sounds like you have a helluva bench yourself!
Sand bags aren't ruled out I'd just rather have the space for storage so I'm staying hopeful!
I'm going to start with a bench vice. Dog holes can be added at any time and as a new woodworker I would rather drill the holes I know I need rather than the ones I think I need. If that makes sense!
I do have a plan to incorporate a plane stop I to the bench top though.
Sorry if what I have said sounded like I'm saying jargon is all rubbish etc.. I'm not. I'm learning all the jargon. But I'm trying to write without it or making sure to explain it. Many woodworking resources assume you already know it. Including beginner. Hence accessible! 🪚
What do you mean by lag bolts? To my knowledge there's no such thing. Do you mean lag screws? Carriage bolts? I've chosen carriage bolts because most of the work bench designs I have seen use them. I will look into barrel bolts though I hadn't considered those. Very IKEA I like it 😀
I have a copy of Chris Schwarz workbench and tool book they are very helpful!
Yeah, I mis-remembered your mention of carriage bolts and was picturing lag screws - my error. The bench bolts mean that my bench can be disassembled into two leg assemblies, a top and the front and back rails, plus the leg vise chop and the loose shiplapped shelf boards, just in case I ever have to relocate to a new shop. I don't plan to. Lag screws do secure the top, but the frame is so sturdy (true 4x6 legs) and gravity already holds the top snugly on very large tenons atop the legs.
I have also added a deadman and a plane stop. There is just one straight row of dog holes and I added three more for thd occasional hold down and also to secure bending forms for steam bending.
While not nearly as tight as your space, I still have to find ways to get the most out of it. My table saw is "portable" - not like a jobsite saw but the built-in stand folds up compactly, even with the 30" router table I mounted on it. The only other floor tools I have are a radial drill press (very versatile) and a 14" bandsaw, both Grizzly and inexpensive). A shop vac with cyclone and a moveable dust collector (Oneida) protect me from dust. I've heavily upgraded with better fences, etc., because I am maxed out on space. Lots of quality hand tools and tons of clamps. A few good specialty chair building tools.
That's fine I just wanted to be sure of what you meant! 🪚😊
Your bench - and your workshop sound awesome. I would love to see them to get a better picture!
Storage solutions will be my first port of call once I have a bench to make building things easier...
I'm trying to not think too much about that yet as I already have a lot on my plate but rest assured french cleats are on the list!
My biggest concern with tools being open to atmosphere in my work environment is rust. So I also need to do some more research on oiling tools etc... later.
My shop is just slightly bigger, 8x10’, in a very wet climate. My rust-prevention strategy is Paul Sellers’ “rag in a can” - just a cloth packed into a tin and saturated with oil. Lubricates plane soles and saw blades as well as keeping the rust at bay. Everything gets a wipe before it gets hung back up on the wall.
Fully agree with the previous comment about on the benchcrafted leg vise - if you’ve got the cash it’s amazing. Since my shop is small I don’t have an end vise, for holding in that direction I use bench dogs and either a pair of wedges or a veritas surface vise.
If you can put your bench on the long side of the shed, could you manage 5’ or 6’ for the top? That seems like it would solve a lot of your weight/stability concerns as well as giving you space for more substantial projects. 4’ is pretty small unless you’re just building little boxes…
I need to look into this rag-in-a-can method properly. I have seen it mentioned a few times. I am aware of it, but not the full details: what oil is in it etc.
I have considered putting the bench on the long side. I completely agree I would be better off for doing so. The issue is: bikes. I have to share the shed...
I am seriously considering buying or building a bike shed to free up this space sooner rather than later. It's more cost though...
Bikes can come in wet, and moisture speeds rust. In your place I’d build a second shed (and then you could build with it planned as a shop).
For the oilers, I use 3-in-1 oil in the winter, since it keeps flowing, and jojoba in summer (it smells better but thickens when close to freezing). Just google it, Paul has videos. Mine is the leg of an old pair of pajamas and a cat food can - nothing fancy here.
Hey there fellow lefty! I’ve got a full lineup of left handed chisels, and screwdrivers too.
I’m sure you’ve noticed that skill saws are traditionally a right handed tool. My grandfather had a left handed one back in the 80’s but I’ve never seen another.
Hey hey you'll have to let me know where you got those! Always good to counter the handicap 😂
Yes I had realized!
Thankfully I won't be using one for presice cuts...
Hi, and welcome! I highly recommend books on workbench design by (Substacker) Christopher Schwartz at Lost Art Press. Great resource, and the principles can be adapted to your needs.
I recognize the value of a challenge and you like woodworking, too, so win-win. Having said that, to provide any meaningful comments I'd have to ask what you want to build on your bench. 2'x4' is small for many projects, and it will not be motionless under significant planing work. Mine is 25"x75", beefy support, and weighs approx 330lb with vice hardware, so it ain't moving (except when I lift it on the removeable casters because I want to reposition it). You mention sandbags, but that's actually a good idea and is not permanent. Consider barrel bolts, aka bench bolts, combined with mortise&tenon joints, instead of lag bolts, for strength and ability to disassemble if needed without compromising strength.
I happen to have, and use all the time, a leg vise and a wagon vise (Benchcrafted hardware, my favorite). Just as I'd not travel to another country without trying to learn a bit of the local language, don't dismiss the "jargon", but rather embrace it to some extent. If you want to do some planing, you can't beat an end vise or wagon vise combined with bench dogs and dog holes. You can make your own bench dogs with a good hardwood dowel and some inexpensive spring/ball cabinet latch parts.
Some of the best advice I've seen is to build the biggest bench that you can reasonably use and fit into your workspace. Mine is a one-car garage, and my workbench is big enough for all my needs while leaving room for all my other tools and equipment.
Last, look into French Cleat style wall storage. It is easily constructed and strong. It is entirely flexible so you can move all your shelves, racks, tills and tools any time without tools nor adding new holes.
Have fun!
Before having a workbench maybe you want to consider building this mobile tabletop thing (sorry, German, but it gives a good idea about it - maybe start with the last few minutes first to understand what he's building)
https://youtu.be/__7pHwijvZw?feature=shared
It wouldn't be wasted effort, as this can be added and even integrated into a small, simple workbench when you have one. With the advantage to then position the vice where you need it.
That's a good idea! Thanks for sharing 😊
Perhaps if I had been shown that sooner I'd have built one.
At this point I'm way too committed to this project to change it so drastically.
I'll be building the bench without a vice first. Then adding one afterwards when I know exactly where I want it. 🪚
I think 2x6 softwood is probably over building it, but that’s often what we do!
You might consider paying a bit more for poplar, a (soft)hardwood, and you can probably cut those dimensions in half, unless you plan on parking a ride on law mower on it.
Also - when making a workbench, think through the different types of joints and fasteners you’re using.
As part of the challenge, I’ve never used a nail or screw in my benches - one was made using castle joints and half laps, another piece is made with mortise and tenons and dowels.
I’m also left hand(crafted)!
Excited to see it come together, pics in the next post or it didn’t happen :P
You could well be right! Better to be overbuilt than under built though eh?
The idea is to offset the small size somewhat, I really don't want to have to sacrifice storage for sandbags or fix it to the floor...
The design is unfinished, I'm still working on that.
Joints wise there will be half laps and dowels for sure. Not sure what else yet! The only fixings will be carriage bolts!
Next post will be showing the design! (When it's finished!)
Me personally, I'd try to find a bigger shed. 6" x 8" isn't quite big enough... 😅
That's not an option I'm afraid!
It's all part of the challenge 🪚😊
Sorry, I was just poking fun at the 6” x 8” (6 inch by 8 inch) typo. I assume, and hope, you meant 6’ x 8’ (6 foot by 8 foot), which is much more reasonable.
Nope, you had it right. It's a micro shed! 😅
Thanks for highlighting the typo I'll get it updated 🪚😊
Thanks for the very detailed feedback, and welcome to The Woodworking Shed!
This is definitely a big challenge for me but not one that I am phased by 😊 unfortunately the size of the bench is as big as I believe it can be!
I don't feel like it should touch the walls on either side. Perhaps I'm wrong? If so then it Could be closer to 6ft.
Sounds like you have a helluva bench yourself!
Sand bags aren't ruled out I'd just rather have the space for storage so I'm staying hopeful!
I'm going to start with a bench vice. Dog holes can be added at any time and as a new woodworker I would rather drill the holes I know I need rather than the ones I think I need. If that makes sense!
I do have a plan to incorporate a plane stop I to the bench top though.
Sorry if what I have said sounded like I'm saying jargon is all rubbish etc.. I'm not. I'm learning all the jargon. But I'm trying to write without it or making sure to explain it. Many woodworking resources assume you already know it. Including beginner. Hence accessible! 🪚
What do you mean by lag bolts? To my knowledge there's no such thing. Do you mean lag screws? Carriage bolts? I've chosen carriage bolts because most of the work bench designs I have seen use them. I will look into barrel bolts though I hadn't considered those. Very IKEA I like it 😀
I have a copy of Chris Schwarz workbench and tool book they are very helpful!
Thanks again and welcome!
Yeah, I mis-remembered your mention of carriage bolts and was picturing lag screws - my error. The bench bolts mean that my bench can be disassembled into two leg assemblies, a top and the front and back rails, plus the leg vise chop and the loose shiplapped shelf boards, just in case I ever have to relocate to a new shop. I don't plan to. Lag screws do secure the top, but the frame is so sturdy (true 4x6 legs) and gravity already holds the top snugly on very large tenons atop the legs.
I have also added a deadman and a plane stop. There is just one straight row of dog holes and I added three more for thd occasional hold down and also to secure bending forms for steam bending.
While not nearly as tight as your space, I still have to find ways to get the most out of it. My table saw is "portable" - not like a jobsite saw but the built-in stand folds up compactly, even with the 30" router table I mounted on it. The only other floor tools I have are a radial drill press (very versatile) and a 14" bandsaw, both Grizzly and inexpensive). A shop vac with cyclone and a moveable dust collector (Oneida) protect me from dust. I've heavily upgraded with better fences, etc., because I am maxed out on space. Lots of quality hand tools and tons of clamps. A few good specialty chair building tools.
That's fine I just wanted to be sure of what you meant! 🪚😊
Your bench - and your workshop sound awesome. I would love to see them to get a better picture!
Storage solutions will be my first port of call once I have a bench to make building things easier...
I'm trying to not think too much about that yet as I already have a lot on my plate but rest assured french cleats are on the list!
My biggest concern with tools being open to atmosphere in my work environment is rust. So I also need to do some more research on oiling tools etc... later.
My shop is just slightly bigger, 8x10’, in a very wet climate. My rust-prevention strategy is Paul Sellers’ “rag in a can” - just a cloth packed into a tin and saturated with oil. Lubricates plane soles and saw blades as well as keeping the rust at bay. Everything gets a wipe before it gets hung back up on the wall.
Fully agree with the previous comment about on the benchcrafted leg vise - if you’ve got the cash it’s amazing. Since my shop is small I don’t have an end vise, for holding in that direction I use bench dogs and either a pair of wedges or a veritas surface vise.
If you can put your bench on the long side of the shed, could you manage 5’ or 6’ for the top? That seems like it would solve a lot of your weight/stability concerns as well as giving you space for more substantial projects. 4’ is pretty small unless you’re just building little boxes…
Thanks for the reply!
I need to look into this rag-in-a-can method properly. I have seen it mentioned a few times. I am aware of it, but not the full details: what oil is in it etc.
I have considered putting the bench on the long side. I completely agree I would be better off for doing so. The issue is: bikes. I have to share the shed...
I am seriously considering buying or building a bike shed to free up this space sooner rather than later. It's more cost though...
Bikes can come in wet, and moisture speeds rust. In your place I’d build a second shed (and then you could build with it planned as a shop).
For the oilers, I use 3-in-1 oil in the winter, since it keeps flowing, and jojoba in summer (it smells better but thickens when close to freezing). Just google it, Paul has videos. Mine is the leg of an old pair of pajamas and a cat food can - nothing fancy here.
I hadn't considered the wet bikes thing. Thankfully, they're rarely used... I'd get rid of them tomorrow if I was allowed!
Annoyingly, a new shed would have to be for storage rather than a workshop, Space constraints!
That would work nicely, though. I'll have to cost it out.