Workbench Design

Finding the Right Workbench Design.

There are many workbench design available. You have wide variety of choices over color, wood, size, length, trims, vises, etc. This is one great opportunity for you to be creative. Thinking about how to design the workbench is probably the hardest and the longest process (because you just have so many choices), and the most enjoyable process to make your ultimate workbench. Or you can just take what experts are recommending for beginners. I personally think first one doesn't have to look good. Most people make a mistake of trying to build their workbench a perfect one. So far, I have never heard of anyone succeeding in making their ultimate workbench in their first try.

You can use any type of wood you wish. It doesn't really matter. I like Maple, because the price is pretty reasonable, it works pretty well, and it looks nice. But Mahogany, Beech, Oak, Cherry, Pine, Fir, and Walnut are all widely used. The type of wood doesn't seem to matter much as long as the wood is reasonably hard, works well, and also glues well. You should go with the type of wood that meets your price and availability.

The favorite workbench design is making two horizontal frames placed together with sturdy vertical legs. The lower shelf supported by lower frame and upper frame supporting the top work area is a good design.

There are many popular workbench design for vises such as the patternmaker's vise, twin-screw vise, shoulder vise, self-contained iron vise, leg vise, etc. Among these choices, my favorite workbench design is self-contained iron vise, sometimes called quick-action vise. The quick-action vise is pretty strong and it is much easier and faster to install and use compared to other vises.

So be sure to check out our pages about Workbench Kits, how to build a Wood Workbench, Garage Workbench, and Shop Workbench elsewhere on this site.