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Calling all carpenters

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Neal

Staff member
RVF Administrator
Joined
Jul 27, 2019
Messages
13,413
Location
Midlothian, VA
RV Year
2017
RV Make
Newmar
RV Model
Ventana 4037
RV Length
40' 10"
Chassis
Freightliner XCR
Engine
Cummins 400 HP
TOW/TOAD
2017 Chevy Colorado
Fulltimer
No
Before I can be released back in the RV world I have one more home chore to complete. 2 of the 3 winter chores are complete, my final chore is build this damn workbench for my garage. I ordered a 72x30 bench top years ago and want to build a workbench around it. Drawing a blank on how to go about this and also where is the best place to buy lumber for a project like this?

Who are the workbench experts and feel free to share any tips on building a workbench, etc.
 
here's one

 
Interesting but I do want to build my own. Have to do it. :)
 
Interesting but I do want to build my own. Have to do it. :)
Its a kit, you do all the work, you can also use the picture as a guide for your own, plus it comes with prints for different sizes
 
OK Brother...having built a few (many) workbenches in this life, I can ell you some general wisdom. The reason you drive an RV like yours is due to it's strong construction. So build a strong workbench. No 2 x 4's like in the picture, but 4 x 4 posts for legs and 2 x 6 for cross bracing. If you are going to attach it to a wall simply build it into the wall (i.e., attach into studs). If you want / need it mobile then put on sturdy (and lockable) casters. The base is easy. Use rabbets for attaching cross bracing to posts and finish with glue and screws. Put your fancy top on and you are in business 😉 You can make your rabbets on a table saw if you have one, or even a skill saw and hand saw combo. Best way is a router if you have the set up. Here's a quick video for ideas. I'm sure there are many more out there. Once done, it's protocol to stand in your garage and stare at your handiwork for...well, the rest of the day. Blessings, and have fun.

 
I'm a woodworker of sorts. I would use the top you have and source rough, dry, hardwood lumber locally. If it's not as straight and clean as you'd like, most with a sawmill and kiln will also have the ability to joint and plane your lumber to your liking. I wouldn't get too hung up on giant dovetails or a moxon vice. I would just assemble it with carriage bolts. I would also make a shelf underneath and box the whole thing in, much better at keeping misc from falling out in the back that way. You can then add tools however you see fit or scour the local ads for a used set of machinist or similar draws making the area exponentially more useful.
 
The last one I built had 6x6 posts because I had some left over pieces long enough. The bench was 17‘ long and attached to the wall as mentioned above by a ledger board screwed to the 2x6 framing. So no rear posts and nice and solid. It was simple and stout. Using larger uprights you can joint your horizontals fully into the posts making strong joints. 4x4 uprights will work fine in most cases. What are you going to use it for? Anything heavy duty or just general project space?
 
It's just a general wood shop work bench for the garage for small projects such as basement shelving in the RV, general house items and repair work station, etc. I always wanted to get into wood working and went on a shopping spree for all kinds of wood working stuff a few years ago that has just been sitting in the corner of the garage. Probably a mistake but it's done and I at least want to put the bench together and have a little fun with my first real wood working project. Been watching some YouTube videos but it's time to make this happen.
 
decades of 2x4's and plywood tops always worked for me. 4x4 post and bracing for a vice, some shelves underneath and done. never needed anything fancier... ;-)
 
I'm with widdershins. Pre-Youtube I just split a sheet of 3/4" plywood and knocked some 2x4's together for six legs. Key for me was to secure them to the wall studs with lag screws. made them nice and solid. I ended up making four but most are more storage. Three have vices on them though.

Now if if you are wanting a freestanding one then you want to have more of a plan because you really want stability in a workbench and winging it probably won't get you that. My benches have been in service for 20 years. I've tried to tear the big vice out of one a time or two but nothing has budged yet. One bench has an engine on it. As well as they've served me I'm sure anything more would be overkill. For me. I'm more a mechanic/jack of all trades. If you want a dedicated woodworking bench then by all means, watch some Youtube for ideas. Maybe even get a set of plans.
 
Okay, heading to lumber yard today to support local / small business and pick up some 4x4, 2x6, 2x4, and shelving (not sure if plywood or something nicer). This video really draws my attention (for the base frame):

 
That's awesome albeit advanced IMHO. I don't have the shop to easily attempt something that intricate and precise...yet I agree with you, it's a very cool workbench. Can't wait to see what you decide. I was thinking you would just 3D print one 😉 Blessings
 
3D printing - that would be cool. But I have the design I bought of the above in my 3D software and I need to figure out the design of mine based on some of those features. As a new woodworker obviously mine will be nothing like the above but concepts are the takeaway.
 
So…how into wood working do you want to get? 😀

Have a cast iron Delta Rockwell wood lathe that needs a new home. Have the turning tools to go with it as well.
 
I got the bug, did the buying, bug flew away. This was back when I had great ideas about building shelving in my basements (Ventana) which I will someday redo. I did it cheaply when at a CG in Tucson and it's worked fine. I just need to get my garage and workbench organized with the things I bought and see how things go.

Long ago I really wanted to learn how to use a lathe. Always fascinated me. Don't see it happening. What have you created with it?
 
Standard bowls, candle holders, etc.

Grandfather had one and I have some of his turning tools. He created some really cool lamps with different colors of wood all glued together then turned to have them come through.

My uncle is at a whole other level than my grandfather was.

The one I have is ancient - came from my dads high school and they bought it as a Christmas present one year. I’ve had it over 50 years now.
 
Here’s a 4x8 bench I built, notice the corner braces
 

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Nice!
 
You already have some great ideas from seasoned woodworkers. I built houses for 30 years and worked in cabinets shops after moving to Tenn. Throw in some timber framed houses and boat work and I have the bases covered. There is no wrong way, it really depends on how much time you want to spend on joinery and such. Enjoy the project because no matter which plan you choose, you will think of a way you should have done it differently next time!
 

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