I recently completed a small moravian style workbench for our local woodworking club.
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(I apologise for the rotation)
We have to remove it after meetings, so it is knockdown and budget is restricted and hence the use of construction grade 2x spruce. The top has to be easily lifted and hence the split top.
1. Spruce (here in Canada actually spruce , pine, fir or poplar) is full of knots, defects and twists so pick your lumber yourself
2. Avoid 2x4s often cut from small lumber and contain the pith of the tree, much more prone to splitting and warping.
3. Be concious of the end grain when selecting for the same reason
4 .Buy and rip 2x8s to get two 2x4s. Usualy cut from more desirable trees.
5. Avoid fir if possible- darker heartwood and Christmas tree smell. The wood is lighter and splinters even more than spruce
6. Buy 10' material so you have greater freedom in cutting out defects.
7. Use the wood fresh , it hardens and twists as it dries
8. Laminate most components to help with the twisting. I found it helped to have the centre of the tree inside, when looking at the grain from the end.
9. Cut your mortises before guing up the laninations
10. Take great core to drill only to the point that the centre brad of the bit penetraes the far side and then counterbore from the otherside, otherwise expect tearout
And even with all that, you have to keep reminding yourself that it isn't fine furniture!
Bill Howes
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[JKJ EDIT: rotate photo]