Workbenches in Australia

[Bill Sullivan]

Hello all

I live in Western Australia and am retiring soon and want to build a workshop in my new home. My thoughts have turned to workbenches. I can't justify spending thousands of dollars, but want a decent bench on which to work. I don't realistically aspire to producing 'fine furniture' although I hope to 'do what I do' well.

• My local Bunnings Warehouse doesn't have a huge variety of timber types.
  
• I am happy to construct it myself, but I am, as yet, limited in my technical woodworking skills.
  
• Kit form is fine, again, if it is affordable.
  
• I need to be able to fit good woodworking vises.
  

Can anyone help with suggestions please?

Thanks

Bill

[Darnell Hagen]

Workbenches: From Design And Theory To Construction And Use by Chris Schwarz is what you need to have a look at.

[Dyami Plotke]

Bill, I agree with Darnell. Chris' 1st workbench book should be the 1st thing you read. It's as much a theory of good bench design book as it is an instructional book. Then read his second. He edited the second. It's a collection of bench articles from Popular Woodworking. The variety of bench types and materials in the second Workbench book should give you ideas about how to make one that fits your method of work, your available materials and you skill level.

Good luck.

[davestanton]

Bill, I am near Sydney. I built a bench and it is a lot like this one

Ron sells his plan in PDF for $10. Get it here if you want.