This innovative portable knockdown workbench is designed by Stumpy Nubs (James Hamilton) and is perfect for woodworkers with limited space or those who need a mobile workstation. This guide will walk you through the steps to create this lightweight yet sturdy workbench, which can serve as your primary or secondary work surface.
Materials and Tools Needed
- Half sheet of plywood
- Scraps of wood (for various components)
- Inexpensive hardware kit (available online)
- Circular saw (or table saw)
- Power drill
- Small handsaw
- Chisel
- Cast iron handles (for the vice)
Step 1: Understanding the Design
This workbench is designed for easy setup and disassembly, making it perfect for various environments such as the shop, house, or backyard. Its compact size doesn’t compromise functionality, providing many of the same workholding capabilities as a full-sized bench.
Step 2: Preparing the Materials
Start by gathering your materials. You’ll need a half sheet of plywood as the main surface, along with other scrap wood for additional components. The hardware kit will include essential items like screws and the moxon-style vice handles.
Step 3: Cutting the Plywood
Use your circular saw or table saw to cut the plywood to the desired dimensions. While a table saw will make this easier, you can achieve good results with a circular saw as well.
Step 4: Building the Vice
The built-in vice is a key feature of this workbench. Using the inexpensive hardware from the kit, assemble the vice and attach it to the front of the workbench. This vice opens and closes smoothly, providing nearly 6 inches of capacity.
Step 5: Adding Dog Holes
Drill an array of dog holes in the work surface. These holes will allow you to secure your workpiece for sanding, routing, carving, or drilling, making the workbench highly versatile.
Step 6: Installing Popup Stops
Install popup stops at both ends of the workbench. These are useful for quick work without the need for clamping, making them effective for both hand tools and power tools.
Step 7: Adjusting the Height
The legs of the workbench can be swapped out to adjust the height for various tasks. This feature is especially beneficial for those with back or eyesight issues, allowing you to work at a more comfortable level.
Step 8: Securing the Workbench
There are multiple ways to secure the workbench. You can use it without legs to add workholding features to any surface or clamp down the feet for added height when necessary.
Step 9: Final Touches and Testing
Once everything is assembled, test the workbench by performing various tasks. Ensure that the vice works smoothly and that all features function as intended. Make any adjustments as necessary.
Conclusion
This portable knockdown workbench is a fantastic project for woodworkers of all skill levels. It’s lightweight, easy to carry, and can be built with minimal tools and expense. Whether you need a primary work surface or a mobile one, this workbench will serve you well for years to come.