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starideda| Posted in Workshop on
Hello,
after two years of having a smaller woodworking bench which I bought used, I was thinking about improving it. The main problem is that the bench is 23×50 inches (only 20×50 inches is actually a work area).
Since I had trouble flatening the top anyway, I though about putting 2 x 1 inch thick MDF (one directly with screws on the top and one glued on the previous one) and nailing another HDF thin board so I can change it if I have.
Maybe some simple edge banding so the MDF and HDF does not chip out.
It would be nice to make the bench longer as well but I am not sure if I can overhang a lot.
Any thoughs on this or ideas how to improve it? The main problem is planning bigger boards.
Thanks.
X
Replies
_mj_ | |#1
That bench has a footprint and weight matched to what it can do for you. Putting a flight deck on a canoe will not let you land jets. There are lots of designs out there for sturdy and inexpensive benches that you can scale to your needs without compromising around what's there.
Move your old friend someplace and use it for what it is. Build what you feel you need. Outgrowing a bench is a good thing!
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joeleonetti | |#2
If you go out to YouTube, Lost Art Press has a video series (around a year ago or so) where they go over each and every bench they have and likes and dislikes. Good series. One of those benches was like yours in which LAP spent time making it more robust. I'd take a look there for that info. Likely they also wrote a blog about it at the same time.
Found the video that may give you some ideas.
https://youtu.be/X44U8fUz_zw?si=6ZX0kzJ2OZXlnGHxI do think adding material on top is a good idea that you suggested.
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user-6001446 | |#3
For occasionally planing long boards (flattening or smoothing the width) against a planing stop or dogs, could you perhaps use something like a Krenov style sawhorse braced against bench legs - to use when you need it?
Or maybe build a set of legs and stretchers to match exact to extend the bench? Of course, a two piece top is way less than ideal n would likely move. If you do add a top you’ll be making your bench that much higher which for some people is a big deal. Maybe think about if you really want to nail a top layer…if you’re going to edge it, mayb use double sided tape and you can replace when needed.
Bob Van Dyke wrote article on building a workbench - his top was particle board layered underneath with mdf top -all layers glued and screwed and edged by hardwood. When I built my bench I found his article inspirational and encouraging as his main point was you can build something as good or better than pretty expensive pre-built benches that will last many years of regular use. I built mine using his design as inspiration - and have been upgrading n improving ever since - an adventure and learned a lot.
Recently, Tom McLaughlin designed and built a very nice workbench (Epic Woodworking).
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starideda | |#7
Thank, I watched it, it looks like they just put plywood board on three sides in order to stiffen the whole construction.
My bench could be fastened to the concrete wall I have behind it. Would this help? -
joeleonetti | |#9
Oh cool, you found it. Yes, attaching it to the wall will greatly help. Also, over time, having more than one workbench isn't a bad idea, assuming you have the room. I inherited a workbench my grandpa made for a cousin of mine who needed room in his garage. It is flimsy, but my grandpa made it, however, it is perfect for keeping my sharpening stones on it. If you go to build a bench in the future, you can go out to Lost Art Press and download a free copy of the ATC Workbench book to give you ideas. Paul Sellers also has quite a few videos on solid traditional benches.
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tbonetim | |#10
In my experience, there are two problems with fastening a bench to a wall:
1) Yes it will keep it from walking out the shop door, but it still will shudder and shimmy and dampen the crispness and precision of your work with chisels, handsaws, planes, etc.
2) I do 90% of my benchwork from three of the four sides, but for the other 10% find myself grateful to be able to work from the side that you would have anchored to the wall.A workbench with mass is a joy to use.
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elmaduro | |#4
Agree with starting over with a new bench if you want bigger n’ better. But if you do just end up throwing a new top on, I’d go with solid hardwood edge-banded baltic birch ply rather than MDF. Personally, I’d use the old bench as-is to build your new one and then pass it on.
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user-3395150 | |#5
I have this substandard, home center bench. The top was hollow so I filled that in with boards. I also filled in the tool well to give me more surface area. Then I rebuilt the undercarriage with beefy trestle feet and a cross brace spanning the back legs. It's pretty solid now and suitable for hand planing.
Not crazy about the mdf idea. I'd go with a solid wood cap to increase the real estate.
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starideda | |#6
Can you post a photo of your bench, how did you do the bracing? Thanks.
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john_c2 | |#8
I'm with MJ and elmaduro. There's only so much lipstick you can put on a pig. Your bench was good for a beginner. It will never be a good bench. Think about the next build.
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starideda | |#11
I managed to get some OSB and MDF. For the sides I used OSB for the sides and for the top 1 1/2 inch thick MDF.
The bench is bolted to the concrete floor, and I did not fix the bench to the wall so I have some clearance behide it.
All in all, the stability problem has been solved, the bench does not rack at all. It is a huge difference. It does not look great, but it works great.
I also sized up a little the work area, so it is not about 25 x 53 inches. This will work for now.
Still, I have to find solution to bring up the two vices to the top level. I guess I will put some oak pieces of wood on the vices so the height will match up. -
joeleonetti | |#15
I’m happy to hear this helped you. There is a beauty in an affordable solution that works well. Every time you work on it, you will smile. Congrats.
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_mj_ | |#12
Nice job! Are you sure you didn't leave anything in that tool well?
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starideda | |#13
Yes, I double checked it :)
- FWW Editor
ben_strano | |#14
I've been thinking about doing this exact thing.
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