As any woodworking fanatic will know, a bench is an
essential fixture in any good workshop. Fine woodworking
benches can either be portable or a permanent fixture. Some
even may come equipped with drawers, vices or a drafting
table tilt top. But a good quality bench will not only help
the work to go faster and more accurately it will also keep
the user safe.
Today a good workbench will come in all shapes and sizes. It
may be a small foldable one which can be taken from job to
job or it may be a heavy furniture like piece with drawers
and cabinets which is a permanent fixture in someone's
workshop. Often the permanent woodworking benches have a
standard top and their counter height is normally about 36"
from the ground. This is ideal for many woodworking
projects, but if you want you can purchase an adjustable
bench. This is particularly handy if you want to tailor them
to your own height and also the tools that you will be
working with.
So when looking for a bench what should you be considering?
1. Look for one that you feel most comfortable with. If you
can visit your local store and try out a few woodworking
benches to see what suits you best. It is important that the
bench is not only comfortable for your size but also how you
work. This will ensure that you will have a safe and
convenient place in order for getting your work done.
2. Look at what kinds of accessories you can get for your
woodworking bench or what is included. Many woodworking
benches come with a vice that is attached to them. There are
three main types of vice that are available. The front vice
screw, the tail or end vice screw and the quick action vice
(but this is more often used for those working in metal).
Also many woodworking benches come with dog holes as well as
bench dogs which can be used for clamping operations. They
can also be used as stops in order for work to butt up
against them. These are often 19mm in diameter and are
either made from hard wood, solid brass or some other soft
material such as plastic in order that they do not damage
what the person is working on.
So remember when looking for fine woodworking benches you
should consider the points above. But probably the most
important of these is finding a bench which you will
comfortable working at.
