Happy new year folks!
Here is a workbench that I built over the last week. Its not too pretty (esp. the legs) but Im just happy I have somewhere to do projects now. About me: Im 27 and Ive been working as an apprentice carpenter for 3 years now. I dont have much in terms of woodworking tools, but I saved up and bought a planer for this project so that I at least only have to joint my rough boards by hand, and the rest of the dimensioning will be on the planer and table saw.
Materials used for my workbench:
Bench top- 24x72 pre-built maple bench top from Lee Valley (1.75” thick, cut down to 60”)
Apron- two pieces 5/4 cherry 2 pcs laminated (2” finished)
Jaw- 8/4 cherry (1.75” finished)
Vise- Veritas quick release front vise
Legs- 2x4 SPF straight ones, posts are 3-1/8” by 4-1/4” finished size
Some questions about my workbench:
- Dog holes- Less is more at the beginning right? Im planning on just putting two holes at one end for a planing stop, and I was planning on putting a few in line with my front vise- but havent figured out spacing yet. Will I be okay drilling 3/4” dog holes into my 1-3/4” jaw?
- Attaching apron to bench top- Sooo I attached the apron to the bench top with glue and dowels. I attached a pic. With wood movement over the seasons, I am worried now that I shouldnt have used dowels. Is the apron going to split on me because of temp./humidity changes?
- Currently the top is not fastened to the legs. I've just clamped it for the time being until I figure out the appropriate method. After doing some research here, I've heard lots of people recommend mortise/tenon (with / and without glue), dowels, and z-clips/figure-8. I think the easiest route for me would be the z-clips. I'm open to any and all suggestions! How is your workbench secured?
If you read all that, thank you! I appreciate any feedback/tips etc.
-Matt