| The new wooden storage shed built in the corner of | | | | intervals on the bench top so that you can insert |
| the backyard has just become your new workshop | | | | “dogs” or bench stops. When planing or |
| shed and you have 120 square feet of empty space. | | | | sawing a work piece it can be wedged against the |
| The little portable workbench that you have been | | | | dogs to hold the piece secure. To keep tools out of |
| using up to now is no longer big enough. With this | | | | the way while working the bench should have a |
| new prime working space you can take on bigger | | | | recessed area along one side where the tools are |
| projects so a bigger shed workbench is in order. So | | | | stored while not using them. |
| why not make one yourself? There are some | | | | To keep the bench square and stable a shelf can be |
| things that make a really good workbench. Here are | | | | can be built below and adding a drawer for small |
| some tips that I think might have some benefit. | | | | items is beneficial and also protects against loss. Good |
| In the workshop the workbench is the center of | | | | heavy duty legs will provide support when hammering |
| operations. The bench must be built strong and be | | | | or using a mallet. |
| able to withstand the forces applied to it when | | | | You will want to hold your work square and secure |
| projects are clamped down on it. The work surface | | | | so it pays to buy a quality vice which is a very |
| of the bench must be perfectly flat otherwise any | | | | important piece of equipment. A good vice can be |
| assembly work done on the top will reflect any | | | | purchased from any tool store. With a few strips of |
| deformities that exist on the work surface. | | | | plywood and some hardwood blocks fastened to one |
| A good workbench should have the top covered | | | | end of the bench, a very good tool holder is created. |
| with hardboard that can be removed when it | | | | A square of plywood with a lip that hooks over the |
| becomes damaged and another can be installed. | | | | front of the bench and a backstop that supports a |
| (You will always have a nice surface to work on). A | | | | work piece makes for an excellent bench hook. |
| vice at one end of the bench is a good idea. A right | | | | A sheet of pegboard and some metal hangers |
| handed person will want to attach the vice to the | | | | fastened to the wall above the workbench is a good |
| left hand side of the bench and vice versa for a left | | | | way to store tools and other items. Wooden pegs |
| handed person. Another good tip is to drill holes at | | | | can be used for hanging hand saws. |