Be Picky When Considering Workbenches

By: John Kelsey, This Old House magazine (Page 3 of 4)

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.

Wolfcraft 6135 Work Center Pro adjustable workstand

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.

Adjustable workstation: Black & Decker Workmate WM425 Project Center

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.

Simpson Strong-Tie RTC24 permanent workbench

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.

Storage Bench: Sears Craftsman 8-Drawer Workbench

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.

Woodworkers Bench: Garrett-Wade Traditional Storage Workbench

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.

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Permanent
A permanent workbench is a sturdier alternative to portable benches, weighing up to a couple of hundred pounds. It should measure at least 2 feet by 5 feet and can cost anywhere from $100 to $1,000 or more, depending on size and construction. The better ones include drawers and cabinets, so tools and materials are always at hand. It can go in the middle of the shop so you can walk around it for woodworking, or up against a wall for general storage and projects.