Want to build a workbench, for mainly power tools!

[Dan Karachio]

Hello All,

I am daydreaming about building a workbench, but unlike many I have seen or read about, I don't need a bench primarily for hand tools/work, but for power tools, holding work and assembly. Nothing against hand work, quite the contrary, I'm just not there yet (though I have bought and been using chisels and hand planes and enjoying it). Here is what I would like to do on my bench.

1. Hold items for the router to route edges.
2. Hold items to route dados and make repeatable cuts.
3. Hold items for large cross cuts with a circular saw and make repeatable cuts.
4. Clamp items as needed flat or on edge up to the size of a door.
Optional: Have a router table insert that may or may not be removable.

Looking at these requirements, a Festool table, saw and router just may take care of it all, well at least 1-3. However, I am no longer single and that is serious coin!

So, I keep thinking that some variation/modification to "The New Fangled Workbench (http://http://www.taunton.com/finewoodworking/Workshop/WorkshopArticle.aspx?id=28530)" might be the way to go. For example, that design could have a dado cut across the top as a sort of channel for making cross cuts over it, so you could hold down, measure and cut without the saw blade damaging the top. Ideally I would like to use a guide for cross cuts, but have it in some way attach to the table and be removed as needed. As I said, using it as a router table is optional, but the removable MDF sections, if wide enough, might allow for placement of a router table insert too...

Some day I am sure I will build a traditional bench, but for now I want something more utilitarian and power tool centric. Any way, given my requirements, if anyone has an example, plans or ideas, I would really appreciate hearing from you!

Thanks,

Dan

[Von Bickley]

Dan,
I'm with you on the power tools. I have an out-feed table that I built for my table saw. It's 4 ft. wide and 6.5 ft. long. It serves as an out-feed table, assembly table, it's where I do my hand routing & sanding. It's just my all-around work table. It has 4X4's for the legs, 2X6's for the frame and cross-members, and 2 layers of 3/4" plywood for the top. It is very heavy and will not move when I am using it for an out-feed table. The top layer of plywood is oak plywood with multiple coats of poly on it. When it gets scuffed up, I sand down the bad places and put another coat of poly on. Did that again to-day. Hope this helps......:)

[Jim Becker]

You could say that my Noden Adjust-A-Bench setup is well oriented for this. I use traditional hold-downs to secure work for routing, etc., as well as Veritas Pups and Wonder-Pups for various assembly assistance. While I do more and more Neander work, a lot of my bench time is for assembly and the big 30" x 60" top that is adjustable in height is just plain great for it. I only have a front vice (Veritas again) on it and that works fine for my needs.

I do own a Festool MFT but use it for "on site" work primarily. (That means "in the house")

[Dave Falkenstein]

Go to this page on the Festool-USA web site:

http://www.festoolusa.com/support/knowledgebase.html#Downloads

and click on "Getting the Most From The Festool MFT Multifunction Table" (link) to download a good manual that includes a section on building your own workbench from components available from Festool. I use the Festool MFT (2 of them) as my power tool workbench, and I am happy with that choice. There are also some threads at the Festool Owners Group forum on shop-built MFTs.

[John Schreiber]

The New Fangled Workbench is very clever and gives a lot of bang for your buck. But, in my experience, substantial mass has to be part of a workbench. And, if it is the main place you are going to work, it should reflect how you feel about your work. Another well thought out plan you might want to look into would be the "21st Century Workbench" which was talked about in this (http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=91427)thread. Chris Schwarz book link (http://www.amazon.com/Workbenches-Design-Construction-Popular-Woodworking/dp/1558708405)is the best thing I've seen written about workbenches and I recommend it highly.

That being said, anything that works for you is great. I'm just passing on my prejudices.

[Dan Karachio]

Hey thanks, for all the posts. I'll check out the links in just a minute. In the mean time I tried a few new search terms and saw something that may be on the right "track" - it's a workbench that uses a variety of t-tracks and hold downs. Here is a link - free plans too. I'm not thinking of this exactly, but the top rigged with t tracks is, I think, along the lines of what I am looking for. It also has an integral router table.

http://www.bobsplans.com/BobsPlans/GarageWorkbench/GarageWorkbenchPlans.php

P.S. I completely agree that mass is important. That is the one thing that concerned be about the New Fangled.

P.P.S. Von, can you share a picture of your bench? It's always nice to see what other people have done. By the way, use an outfeed is also another requirement I forgot to add!

[Bo Jones]

Dan, all of the suggestions are good but do yourself a favor and look at the EZSmart system. You can do every thing on your list with excellent results and for less cost than some of the suggestions. I spent several months looking, reading and asking questions and comparing and this system was consistently at the top in every area.

Just something to think about and look at.

[Dan Karachio]

HI Bo,

Yes, I have looked at that as well for my circular saw. Sounds like you are happy. Do you use this just with your saw or with a router too? I have gotten by with home made rails, but that can only go so far. Still, I need something to put all this on and a bench versatile enough to handle the sawing/routing as well as clamping. Thanks!

[Burt Waddell]

Dan,

Here is a link to a table for the EZ Stuff that I built. This series of photos are on how to build a raised panel door on it. http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=92183

Burt

[Dan Karachio]

Hey Burt,

That looks really interesting. I visited the Eurekazone site last night (was up until 2 am looking at all this stuff!). I'm sure I could use these products for what I am trying to do, but I'm having trouble figuring out how all the parts can/might be used. Are there any other posts or pictures you could recommend?

Thanks,

Dan

[Bo Jones]

"Do you use this just with your saw or with a router too? I have gotten by with home made rails, but that can only go so far. Still, I need something to put all this on and a bench versatile enough to handle the sawing/routing as well as clamping."

Dan, I use both a circular saw and a router. My saw and router are both older Craftsman, but give me excellent results with no chipping, just clean cuts.

I suggest that you go to the EZ forum down in the manufacturer's forums and read some of the threads and look at some of the videos. Ask all the questions you want and learn about the system. Grasping the concepts of the system for me was kinda like learning new programs. I could follow the ideas and directions then the light bulb brightened and I understood the overall concept, thanks to the videos, the thoughtful and very helpful answers to my questions and reading the threads. Take a look and enjoy the experience.

[Burt Waddell]

Hey Burt,

That looks really interesting. I visited the Eurekazone site last night (was up until 2 am looking at all this stuff!). I'm sure I could use these products for what I am trying to do, but I'm having trouble figuring out how all the parts can/might be used. Are there any other posts or pictures you could recommend?

Thanks,

Dan

Dan,

Glad you enjoyed that post. Here is a link to the first post on that table. It shows a few more options. http://www.kodakgallery.com/Slideshow.jsp?Uc=drgivcf.8atised7&Uy=z18j3q&Upost_signin=Slideshow.jsp%3Fmode%3Dfromshare&Ux=0&UV=970918761650_605941813307&mode=fromshare&conn_speed=1


Another place to check out is go to www.eurekazone.com (http://www.eurekazone.com). Click on the resources option and go to "Dino's Gallery" .

Burt

[Dan Karachio]

Not sure if I should post here or back in the EZ forum, but I found a video from EZ that shows pretty much exactly what I want, "The Cabinet Maker's Bench." See: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7UNQQT8KuSQ

Now, I don't see the same thing anywhere on the Eurekazone site, though it seems some variant of a Powerbench, right?

What would I need to buy to make this bench? Would it be more/less than the Power Bench?

[Tony Bilello]

that is easy to build and can easily support the weight of a car. It is sturdy and sound and will not vibrate when you hammer and pound on it. I haven't made dogs for it yet but that dont take long. The bench even has a tool well which is very handy at times and a small tool rack in the rear for things like chisels and files and screwdrivers.
It is 5' long and the depth is about 2' but not sure about exact amount.. was built from the following materials:
1 Plywood 4'X 8' X 3/4" Cabinet Grade Birch.
1 1 X 4 X 10'
2 2 X 4 X 8'
1 2 X 6 X 10'
1 4 X 4 X 12'