Smudger
Established Member
This is probably a set of dumb questions, so don't jump on me too hard or laugh!
After trying to do crude woodwork on a workmate and a kitchen table, I've bought a workbench - the medium size Axminster one, which fitted my budget. Which I'm pleased with so far, but I am puzzled by a couple of things.
How do I saw on the bench? Using a bench hook is OK for small pieces, but larger pieces are a pain (literally, in an old weakness of the left wrist). I can't clamp them securely enough - though that may be a case of sanding the shiny finish off the bench. Or do I use something else to saw on?
Will hold-downs help me more than bench dogs when rebating and routing?
Should I replace the vices? There are lots of old Records on the Bay, and I like the ones at school. Will they retrofit easily?
Should I panel in the back legs to prevent the bench moving or racking?
Is there anything else I need to know?
After trying to do crude woodwork on a workmate and a kitchen table, I've bought a workbench - the medium size Axminster one, which fitted my budget. Which I'm pleased with so far, but I am puzzled by a couple of things.
How do I saw on the bench? Using a bench hook is OK for small pieces, but larger pieces are a pain (literally, in an old weakness of the left wrist). I can't clamp them securely enough - though that may be a case of sanding the shiny finish off the bench. Or do I use something else to saw on?
Will hold-downs help me more than bench dogs when rebating and routing?
Should I replace the vices? There are lots of old Records on the Bay, and I like the ones at school. Will they retrofit easily?
Should I panel in the back legs to prevent the bench moving or racking?
Is there anything else I need to know?