The simplest workbench–when to upgrade?
I began my woodworking journey 5 years ago, and to get started I built the simplest workbench plan I could find. It consisted of 2 MDF pieces screwed and glued together, attached to a base of 4 legs with stretchers. It’s weighted down by my planer and bench grinder in the bottom shelf. It is very similar to this by Asa Christiana in 2009:
https://www.finewoodworking.com/2009/09/16/still-dont-have-a-workbench-this-one-is-easy
While my skills have improved tremendously, I see little reason to actually upgrade. Sure I can think of several “that would be nice” features, but most of my desire to upgrade is aesthetic.
I’ve worked on nice Sjobergs at North Bennett Street School and benches at Phil Lowe’s workshop (RIP), but I don’t see the value in putting in dozens of hours of milling and building a new bench.
Am I missing something?
Replies
If it ain't broke...
When to upgrade is easy, when your bench doesn't meet your needs. If you find yourself doing things in a certain way because your bench is inadequate. Not strong enough or big enough or doesn't have the work holding you require, etc.
Not al woodworking disciplines require a Roubo or Nicholson bench, which is what most people think of.
Use what works for you until it doesn't.
What they said. When something no longer does what you need it to, upgrade if you can. If you want a crotch mahogany Roubo and you have the means and the time, go for it.
Couldn't agree more with the above comments.
I outgrew mine a 3-4 years ago. The top I made was great, needs flattening, but no issue with it. It was the base I didn't like.
One day I started to look around the shop and assessed what materials we had laying around and I came up with this. Dirt cheap, not very pretty but EXTREMELY functional and solid. Glued and doweled lap joints. I had the base done by the end of the day. Moved the top onto it the next day.
The drawer unit was something I had laying around.
https://i.imgur.com/CMviOXZ.jpg
Nice looking bench. I like the way you did the stretchers between the legs. A simple notch cut in the leg. No reason to spend extra time doing M&T. I did the same and my bench is rock solid.
Of all the things we never seem to have enough of: Money, Tools, Material &c, Time is the one thing we can never stockpile, "For Later". If you're comfortable with spending however much of it you've been allotted in this world doing what woodworking tasks you enjoy on whatever bench you've got now, enjoy it. If it ever becomes more of a chore than a pleasure to work on that bench it's time to consider what improvements would make it better, easier and more secure. [The worse thing a bench can do is not reliably hold workpieces securely.] Take your time, but remember this, the closer you get to the end of it, the less likely you'll be thinking: "I'm sure glad I didn't waste time making my woodworking tasks any easier, or more secure and pleasurable".
Same as with a computer. When you can no longer make the one you have do what you need, replace or upgrade. Just don't find yourself lying on your deathbed wondering why you put up with that old bench.
It sounds like you and I have made the exact same bench. I also built a high-end bench out of hard maple with the bells and whistles. There is benefit to having both. I use my old MDF top bench for finishing, chopping, and other activities that mar and scar a bench. I then use my maple bench for sawing, planing, and joinery to keep it looking as fresh as possible.
I have seen someone effectively paralyzed by the prospect of having to drill a hole in his fancy bench to accept a holdfast that is larger than the ones he normally uses. I, on the other hand, do not consider my bench to be fine furniture. It’s where fine furniture is made! I screw stops into it, saw on it, chop and pare, spill stuff. When it gets sufficiently rough, I replace the Masonite skin and get back to work. When that no longer works. I replace the whole top, which is plywood and MDF under that skin. No vises make this a quick procedure.
When I need more space, I have some trestle horses I keep outside and a long 2x12 for planing or cross cutting long stock. I also have some low to the ground horses if I need.
Don’t develop a bench fetish! It distracts you from the real work.
The operative word is "WORK". For me the work bench is a tool.
Absolutely. Completely agree with you. But a little piece of me dies every time I accidentally nick my nice bench with a chisel or stupidly saw into it a little bit. Although, I love the look of well-used, nicked up antique benches. It's a conundrum of mine.
I have much the same only made of cheap construction ply and 4x2. Bolted to a wall for stability.
I recently needed a much bigger table and a reliably flat surface for a massive bed project so built the wood whisperer's assembly table. This is now where I do most of my work.
Not exactly an upgrade in some ways, but I am moving to a new studio soon within the shared shop I work out of. Previously I've just used the benches supplied in the common space of the shop.
I'm planning on building a very simple set up. Two trestle style saw horses with a couple soft wood planing boards. Big chunks of 12/4 pine or poplar. I believe I will be able to make this simple set up do all I need using hold fasts, a Moxon vise, and wooden hand screws.
I made my bench over 30 years ago from a discarded bowling alley lane and while it's not fancy it has worked well for me. As others have said if it works don't worry about it.
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