Ok, I’ve done the bookshelf, and the workbench in season II of the Getting Started in woodworking. I’v planned my next few tool purchases. So onward to bigger and better things! A couple prodjects I have in mind are some simple window cornaces to hinde the tops of our metal blinds. Doesn’t have to be real fancy, I figured I’d just use ready made crown molding. Then what’s the best way to add some drawers and cabinets to the base of my workbench.
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Nice start JD.
There are several ways you can add drawers/storage for your workbench: hung from the bottom of the bench top or resting on the stretchers. In either case, it is fairly straightforward case- work with drawers and doors. Build the cabinet carcass, sides, bottom, interior dividers (if any) and back. Add a face frame or go frameless using Euro hinges. Build and install the desired number of drawers and doors. The finished cabinet can be designed to either be bolted to the underside of the bench aprons or secured to the stretchers.
An alternative is a simple case to hold the drawer guides and drawers with a open shelves for storage.
DO some research on this site and I think you will find a number of workbench plans/designs that incorporate underneath drawers and storage. Your project is an excellent introduction to case-work, drawers and doors.
Good luck and enjoy the process.
Doug
Doug gave you good advice on the drawers.
I thought I'd add a comment or two concerning the crown molding.
Crown molding is one of the more difficult types of house-trim, due to the compound angles involved. Compound angles are required because the molding does not sit flat to either surface -- wall or ceiling.
The easiest way to cut crown is to first build a fixture that holds the material at the "spring angle" (the wall-to-molding-angle) while it is being sawed at the proper miter angle. (Miter angle is half of the corner angle -- usually 45 degrees.)
But your idea of some window cornices is a great way to improve the look of your digs, while learning about those compound angles. And if you do well with the cornices, you might consider adding crown to the whole house.
I won't be laughing at the lies when I'm gone,
And I can't question how or when or why when I'm gone;
I can't live proud enough to die when I'm gone,
So I guess I'll have to do it while I'm here. (Phil Ochs)
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