Workbench with Built-in Storage
I can’t thank Phil Lowe enough for this workbench. It’s very easy to see how this bench has served him well over the last 30 years. The construction is extremely stout and the storage under the bench will allow you to keep all of the important tools that you need to work wood close by. I’ve been making cabinetry and furniture for our house and young family now for about 10 years, but building this bench felt like a rite of passage for me. I’ve always felt daunted by Fine Woodworking but now I feel inspired. There was a number of new techniques for me in the joinery and construction of this bench, and the techniques I thought I new were honed. This is my first Fine Woodworking post but I now know will not be my last.
Some details for the piece. I used 8/4 Red Oak for the thick pieces (rails and frame), 4/4 Red Oak for the drawer fronts, drawer runners, and cabinet door. All of this was sourced by the great people at Wall Lumber in Mayoden, NC. I used Oak Plywood sourced from Big Orange but was dissapointed by the quality and the grain, especially for the price. The 4×8′ sheet was from Ecuador, and I live amongst a massive Oak forest. After I screwed up the cuts I realized I wasn’t going to have enough material left for the sides so I went to Big Blue this time and was pleasantly surprised that for the same price I got a sheet made in USA and the grain was beautiful. After that the only other material was soft maple for the drawer sides. Also the laminated maple top came from Woodcraft when they were having a sale back a couple of years ago. I’ve been looking for plans for a solid workbench to fit the top ever since. The drawer pulls are shop made out of Walnut. The vise harware was sourced from Highland Hardware, woodworkers Mecca for anyone in the Atlanta area, and Rockler for the hinges and label holders on the drawer fronts.
Aaron Dean
Summerville, SC.
Comments
Really nice bench. It will a pleasure to use and will last for generations.
Well done!
Hey, Aaron!
Great job on your bench. Not only does it look very functional but it's looks so well balanced.
Marty Schlosser
Kingston, Ontario, Canada
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