From The Archives #2 - The Original Workbench

Originally published between 2008-02-21 and 2008-04-14

It's worth pointing out that in the original version of this series of posts the story was told entirely visually; to reduce the overall length a number of photos have been replaced with brief comments. At the time I had a circular saw, a spirt level, two very large C-clamps, a set of chisels, a cordless drill/screwdriver, some pipe clamps and not a lot else; by the end I had acquired an antique Craftsman table saw.

I'm building with a selection of 2"x 4", 4"x 4", and 4"x 6" doug fir 

Sam was on hand to provide encouragement..

started by attaching some 2x4 material to the garage wall. 

lumber was milled with the circular saw and...

...a hammer and chisel.

Then rinse...

...and repeat.

one of many vertical members.

started constructing the bench out from the wall

this is a number of weekends later...

...and several more.

added framing to support shelves.

plywood shelving added

constructed a tool well at the rear

added blocking and framed out the central recess

finished apart from the bench top

 

the bench top was made from 2" x 6" doug fir

secured with screws into the supporting structure

similar material added to the central recess

imperfections were filled and sanded

put on several coats of polyurethane

added oak trim at the perimeter

mounted my first sheet of peg board

Done!

Sam was impressed!