Just-Right Workbench

Sometimes the ideals of woodworking bump into reality. One example is that you should have the largest possible workbench. This chestnut is usually attached to plans for an island-sized bench. If your space isn’t large enough to handle it, then what? Scaling down plans poses a Fire Swamp level of hazards. Creative director, Chris Fitch, answers the bell with this bench design. At just 56" long, it’ll tuck in small spaces. More importantly the plans focus on the critical details: a strong, stout base and a thick, flat top. From this foundation, you can add some extras: versatile workholding, storage, and good looks — shop projects need to look good. Let’s start there. For the base, we used cherry. It’s a traditional Woodsmith favorite, strong and attractive. For the top, we used hard maple, though beech and soft maple were considered as well. The preference is that light-colored benchtops are easier on the eyes while working. The two vises are easy to install and modestly priced. A while back, Chris designed a router table with the same kind of spirit: compact, sturdy, and easy-to-build. Maybe this is the beginnings of a just-right sized series of workshop furniture.

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