(Part 2) Best products from r/Workbenches

Not sure what OPs is or price point, but I recently got this Hitachi one. I think it was from Lowes, so with some sales you can get it pretty reasonable. I'm shit at real woodworking but I enjoy it enough to warrant a table saw, so I can't say I have any credibility, but I have no complaints from it once I actually learned how to use it and from my limited use.


It cuts straight and easily, the guides I'd say are accurate to 1/32 inch out of the box. You can set it on end to save like half the space with just one person in seconds and move it around easily (it looks like bigger wheels).

I own these maybe you’d like them as well!

Shinwa 1.75" / 4.5 cm Solid Brass Stainless Steel Machinist Square 62020 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NEB185I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_.p2KDbKBQAC8D

Comes in different sizes as well, pretty cheap so I figured I’d share

Good prime day deal on barrina t-5 LEDs. I have two sets for the garage. Great value, highly recommend

(Pack of 6) Barrina LED T5 Integrated Single Fixture, 4FT, 2200lm, 4000K (Daylight Glow), 20W, Utility Shop Light, Ceiling and Under Cabinet Light, Corded Electric with Built-in ON/Off Switch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MUKSZE3/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_d4ulDbEYTYB2A

Yeah I made sure to go all out on the casters. They are rated for 500lb a piece. Nice having the larger surface area when moving it.

The piping for the shopvac is the next priority. I have an idea where I want to run so it won't impact the storage but also not have many bends adding to the run length.

Question to anyone, do you run a chip bucket before the shopvac? I am debating having it all run through a chip basket first to get the big junk. The planer I am going to run a completely separate line.

I have a vice that will be mounted off the side. Something similar to this.

https://www.amazon.ca/6-1-Woodworking-Vise-Bench-Dog/dp/B002I2KFMG/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=vice&pd_rd_r=a9666810-31b6-4fa7-adbe-1989e615c013&pd_rd_w=KLaCe&pd_rd_wg=9ktKY&pf_rd_p=4cae2a3b-d298-4883-930a-9e8104e24e48&pf_rd_r=2YK6R807EY4SA76SG26N&qid=1571110337&s=kitchen&sr=1-1

Right now I have another vice that is on a workbench in the back room, left there from the previous owner of the house. It's ok for when ya really need one.

Cheers

I've used the little plastic organizers (like for tackle) with small plastic bags for a portable solution, but would definitely prefer a small drawer set (with the bags) for a more permanent solution.

Note: links are only for examples, not recommendations of products.

I also throw part of the hardware packaging in with the bags for labeling and always have a marker near the boxes for custom labeling if needed.

I love [Black and Decker Workmates](http://www.BLACK.com/+DECKER WM425-A Portable Project Center and Vise https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PTX62Q4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_JuNJDb1S9CDD0) for small portable benches. You can make bases for your tools that can quickly be clamped into the top of the bench or build larger table surfaces that can be clamp to the original. Get 2 of them and make a large work surface that spans two of them.

When you done, fold them up and put them away.

Pretty sure those plans came from a wood working mag but whateves

What's your budget and space requirements? Reason I ask is that in case your time is worth something more than the cart is. There is this option

Portamate PM-8000 Portacube STR Miter Saw Work Station, Orange/Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MY0O144/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_UUGJAbDQZ1KCD

I don't know how well it works or whatever but it's basically the same concept just premanufactured and flipsthe saw put of the way for a decent work space. If for nothing else, you could just copy it.

PS don't kill me guys, some people prefer to have their weekend and a cart rather than make their cart at the sacrifice of a weekend. I personally didn't do it this way but a part of me wishes I had and I only have a 1 car garage.

I'd add the Landis workbench book, and workshop book. A bit out of date, but great if your library has them. They have one or two luthier benches/shops.

I found it on Amazon because I was also interested.

https://www.amazon.com/d/Surge-Protector-Power-Strips/Maxxima-Outlet-Workshop-Station-Worklight/B079SWVBXF

$60 is too rich for my blood.

WINDYNATION 12 Inch 12" Stroke Linear Actuator 12 Volt 12V 225 Pounds lbs Maximum Lift (Includes Mounting Brackets) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00P4U556U/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_DF-qzb74JZBBW

I also used the Firgelli feedback actuator on a different project a while back. It is double the cost, but the feedback would have been great for this build.

They provide enough light but aren't super bright, I do have the option of putting another strip across (I only used half) to make it brighter but 1 should be enough. You can't beat the price: LEDs and Power Source . I originally was going to hold them up by zip ties, but the backing is sticky enough to stay on the wire shelf. I'm not sure how well it will stand up in the future but for now it's great.

I had prepared for the floor by ordering some leveling feet. I got a set for each side, but realized during the build that really only the front legs needed the leveling, so 1 set of 4 was enough.

I used these which were plenty strong enough: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06ZXSXL5Z/ref=cm_sw_r_em_apa_i_.U20Db75Y4MWK

Unrelated to the floor, but the one mistake I made was counting on the back wall to be a reliable reference, and so when attaching the two sides to the miter platform I didn't take the time to square it up perfectly, and so there is an ever slight bow to it. Not a big deal, its a large enough surface, but it did ruin my plans to use the front as a reference to route out the slots for the t track since if I did it wouldn't be straight across the whole bench. I worked it out, but it just added a complication. So just make sure you square both halves more diligently than I did.

I knew this bench would be sort of "baby". That is, I knew it would be just a benchtop (so common holdfasts are out), it would be cheaply and quickly made, and someday when my shop is not in my kitchen I would build a "real" bench.

I wanted some kind of hold-down clamps, but lacking the space below the deck, they'd have to attach somehow to the deck itself. At the time I was enamored with aluminum extrusion, especially its use in a knockdown turntable stand I was building.

As for the brand, I think I simply stumbled upon it through Amazon.

When I'm ready to invest in and build a bigger, heavier, less-flat-packable bench I want it to have Jorgensen vises & dogs: Jorgensen 41012 vise, Jorgensen 40709 vise, Jorgensen bench dog

I did search generic hook kits like this or this, but I would have to order internationally. That stuff is pretty much unknown here.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01H1WFNTW/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_awdo_y-fLDb1N3J635

They are a vise clamp by Kreg. Super versatile and the clamps also for the other tracks so I can use them on the top too