I'm replacing my ageing DIY workbench and I'm looking for designs with an intention to build my own. I've poked around on the internet and been into my local tool shop (always dangerous!) so I've seen a few designs.
The workbench that I want is aimed at woodworking primarily but it will get used for other tasks as well. My current bench has a flat (planked) top but I note that some dedicated woodwork benches have a lower centre section, often of a lighter build, running the length of the bench. They were like this in our school woodwork shop, many year's ago and I seem to recall us using a simple device called a 'bench hook', if I remember rightly, which was used to help hold a workpiece. A lot of the bench plans that I've found recently have a flat top.
Is there an advantage or purpose to the lowered section or has design changed now?
Are there any good 'do and don't' guides to making a workbench, such as what to include and what not to?
Are there any plans that people have used which they could recommend?
The workbench that I want is aimed at woodworking primarily but it will get used for other tasks as well. My current bench has a flat (planked) top but I note that some dedicated woodwork benches have a lower centre section, often of a lighter build, running the length of the bench. They were like this in our school woodwork shop, many year's ago and I seem to recall us using a simple device called a 'bench hook', if I remember rightly, which was used to help hold a workpiece. A lot of the bench plans that I've found recently have a flat top.
Is there an advantage or purpose to the lowered section or has design changed now?
Are there any good 'do and don't' guides to making a workbench, such as what to include and what not to?
Are there any plans that people have used which they could recommend?