using hand tools to build a woodworking work bench instead of power tools

Posted by rank beginner on August 9, 2007, 3:38 pm

I need to build a workbench (my first one) and have been looking at
some plans on the net and have
found these that are for what looks to be a nice one:

http://www.popularmechanics.com/home_journal/workshop/4219723.html?series=20

My question is: the plans say "If you don't have a power miter saw or
radial-arm saw, guide your circular
saw..."

Well, what if you don't have even a circular saw? I can't afford one
at this very moment, nonetheless need to
get building now, because I have other projects that need to get done
which themselves require a proper bench with vises. So I need to know
whether its feasible for me, someone just starting out (but with
mechanical aptitude), to attempt to use a regular hand saw for doing
the cross cuts on the construction-grade lumber (or maybe clear
hardwood, haven't decided yet). Or whether I should not even try. I'm
guessing getting straight cuts would be the major sticking point?? Or
is there something else to watch out for? Also, I only have a
traditional hand drill, no electric (yet). I figure this shouldn't be
a problem, the holes aren't huge and the plans call for ordinary lag
screws.

Any help with this would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,

Chris

Posted by Chris Friesen on August 9, 2007, 4:21 pm

rank beginner wrote:

> I need to build a workbench (my first one) and have been looking at
> some plans on the net and have
> found these that are for what looks to be a nice one:
>
> http://www.popularmechanics.com/home_journal/workshop/4219723.html?series=20

If you've only got a hand-drill, that solid-wood top with the zillion
holes for the allthread is going to be a pain. Also, that style of
bench needs to be HEAVY or else it can move around.

For a first workbench, something like this might be more appropriate.
I'm actually just finishing up a version of this in my new garage.

http://www.rd.com/familyhandyman/articles/200212/fixit/page2.html

> My question is: the plans say "If you don't have a power miter saw or
> radial-arm saw, guide your circular
> saw..."
>
> Well, what if you don't have even a circular saw?

Use a handsaw, as you suggested. Mark the line, cut to the line. It'll
likely take some practice to get good at it.

Alternately, borrow a power saw from a friend.

Chris

Posted by rank beginner on August 9, 2007, 5:35 pm

Thanks for that link, Chris. I'm reading through it now.
You might be right. I may be better off at this stage
using a straightforward sheet of plywood for the top. Using
the 2 x4s are also a lot easier to work with at this point.
I'm going to give it some serious consideration.

Thanks again.

C

> rank beginner wrote:

> > I need to build a workbench (my first one) and have been looking at
> > some plans on the net and have
> > found these that are for what looks to be a nice one:
> >http://www.popularmechanics.com/home_journal/workshop/4219723.html?se...

> If you've only got a hand-drill, that solid-wood top with the zillion
> holes for the allthread is going to be a pain. Also, that style of
> bench needs to be HEAVY or else it can move around.
> For a first workbench, something like this might be more appropriate.
> I'm actually just finishing up a version of this in my new garage.
> http://www.rd.com/familyhandyman/articles/200212/fixit/page2.html

> > My question is: the plans say "If you don't have a power miter saw or
> > radial-arm saw, guide your circular
> > saw..."
> > Well, what if you don't have even a circular saw?

> Use a handsaw, as you suggested. Mark the line, cut to the line. It'll
> likely take some practice to get good at it.
> Alternately, borrow a power saw from a friend.
> Chris

Posted by Harry K on August 9, 2007, 10:13 pm

> Thanks for that link, Chris. I'm reading through it now.
> You might be right. I may be better off at this stage
> using a straightforward sheet of plywood for the top. Using
> the 2 x4s are also a lot easier to work with at this point.
> I'm going to give it some serious consideration.
> Thanks again.
> C

> > rank beginner wrote:

> > > I need to build a workbench (my first one) and have been looking at
> > > some plans on the net and have
> > > found these that are for what looks to be a nice one:
> > >http://www.popularmechanics.com/home_journal/workshop/4219723.html?se...

> > If you've only got a hand-drill, that solid-wood top with the zillion
> > holes for the allthread is going to be a pain. Also, that style of
> > bench needs to be HEAVY or else it can move around.
> > For a first workbench, something like this might be more appropriate.
> > I'm actually just finishing up a version of this in my new garage.
> >http://www.rd.com/familyhandyman/articles/200212/fixit/page2.html

> > > My question is: the plans say "If you don't have a power miter saw or
> > > radial-arm saw, guide your circular
> > > saw..."
> > > Well, what if you don't have even a circular saw?

> > Use a handsaw, as you suggested. Mark the line, cut to the line. It'll
> > likely take some practice to get good at it.
> > Alternately, borrow a power saw from a friend.
> > Chris- Hide quoted text -

> - Show quoted text -

The cost of a circular saw and a power drill will only be a fraction
of the cost of material going into even a small bench then you will
have them for future projects. A quality handsaw is a joy to use but
a manual drill gets old in a hurry.

Harry K

Posted by Paul Franklin on August 9, 2007, 9:36 pm

On Thu, 09 Aug 2007 12:38:25 -0700, rank beginner

>I need to build a workbench (my first one) and have been looking at
>some plans on the net and have
>found these that are for what looks to be a nice one:
>http://www.popularmechanics.com/home_journal/workshop/4219723.html?series=20
>My question is: the plans say "If you don't have a power miter saw or
>radial-arm saw, guide your circular
>saw..."
>Well, what if you don't have even a circular saw? I can't afford one
>at this very moment, nonetheless need to
>get building now, because I have other projects that need to get done
>which themselves require a proper bench with vises. So I need to know
>whether its feasible for me, someone just starting out (but with
>mechanical aptitude), to attempt to use a regular hand saw for doing
>the cross cuts on the construction-grade lumber (or maybe clear
>hardwood, haven't decided yet). Or whether I should not even try. I'm
>guessing getting straight cuts would be the major sticking point?? Or
>is there something else to watch out for? Also, I only have a
>traditional hand drill, no electric (yet). I figure this shouldn't be
>a problem, the holes aren't huge and the plans call for ordinary lag
>screws.
>Any help with this would be greatly appreciated.
>Thank you,
>Chris

Ask this over in rec.woodworking. Lots of friendly folks there
roughly divided into two camps. Neanders (Neanderthals) who prefer
hand tools, and Normites (after Norm Abrams, host of New Yankee
Workshop) who use power tools for everything. You'll get lots of good
info on benches and building with hand tools. Also, do a google
groups search for bench or workbench (limit to rec.woodworking)
because the subject has been discussed in a million threads already.

Building a good bench with hand tools is a challenge, but you will be
proud of the result for many, many years. Go for it!

Paul F.

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