Photo: Shaffer Smith Photography
Photo: William A. Boyd
Simple: Sawhorses
BEST FOR: Job-site carpentry, cutting down moldings and trim, wallpapering, and other messy jobs.
LOOK FOR: Folding heavy plastic or sturdy wood supports with wide tops. Or make your own sawhorses with inexpensive brackets and leftover lumber. Top with a sheet of plywood, several 2x8 planks, or an old door to complete the bench. Add a third sawhorse for center support if needed.
SHOWN: Crawford #90 heavy plastic brackets, $8 a pair, with 2x6 tops, 2x4 legs, and ¾-inch plywood.
Mid-range: Adjustable workstand
BEST FOR: Drawing and layout, smaller carpentry projects (cabinet and trim installation), and cutting tile.
LOOK FOR: Folding stand, top that tilts and slides up and down (to hold cabinets during installation), clamping system.
SHOWN: Wolfcraft 6135 Work Center Pro, $80.
High-end: Adjustable workstation
Best for: Bigger carpentry projects, general woodworking, small furniture repair and refinishing, painting, and product assembly.
Look for: Folding metal stand with variable-height top that lowers to sawhorse level, built-in vise, clamping system.
Shown: Black & Decker Workmate WM425 Project Center, $100.
Simple: Homemade
Best for: General carpentry, product assembly, furniture repair, messy jobs, heavy pounding.
LOOK FOR: Strong metal framing ties that can hold together wood legs, rails, and benchtop.
Shown: Simpson Strong-Tie RTC24 connectors, $3 each (takes eight), 2x4 legs, plywood top and shelves, pegboard back.
Mid-range: Storage bench
Best for: Tool storage, general carpentry, light metalworking, mixing paint, and cutting wallpaper.
Look for: Sturdy metal construction, deep drawers for tools, extra bins for fasteners.
Shown: Sears Craftsman 8-Drawer Workbench, $300.
High-end: Woodworker's bench
Best for: Furniture-making, general woodworking and fine carpentry, product assembly. Protect high-quality wood top from paint and other finishes.
Look for: Heavy hardwood legs and top, built-in vises, storage drawers or shelves, holes for metal dogs to hold work in place.
Shown: Garrett-Wade Traditional Storage Workbench, $1,000.
