I have been thinking about this workbench idea and have some up with some parameters. It needs to fill the needs of a woodworking bench, sturdy, stable, and flat. It needs to be affordable but not preclude someone from going all out. It needs to be easy to build and not require a high level of skill or expensive tools. Keep in mind that this is a starter bench and that it can be used to build a better one later when skills and knowledge improve.
I have developed a bench that should fulfill those parameters.The top will be made of MDF, cheap, flat, and stable. The base is Dimensioned Douglas Fir. Joints are bolt together. As we build each section, I will explain some of the options and why I chose as I did.
I will start off with the tool list. One parameter is that the bench can be built unplugged with a minimum of tools. Below is a picture of all that is needed in the way of hand tools.
The bench is a Workmate. At top is a cross cut saw. From the left bottom, folding rule, 1872 marking gauge, modern version, at top down - 7/8 bit, marking knife, pencil, 3/8 bit, right top – square, brace, tape. 1/4 and a 1 inch chisels and mallet.
Sometimes I like to use a knife to mark lines. On a saw cut, the severed fibers will have less of a tendency to splinter out. The thin knife line is also a bit more accurate. I have the folding rule and the 1872 marking gauge just to fill a hole in the bench, I usually use the modern version and the tape.
Below are the power tool alternatives.
Not as good a picture but here goes. The marking gauge, square, small tri-square, marking gauge, 7/8 Forstner bit, marking gauge, skill saw, tape, 3/8 brad point bit, drill motor.
Not shown but also used are a chop saw and drill press.
section 2 - Material list