Bench Making

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Bench making course

Many people want to begin woodwork but need a bench. (How do I build a bench if I do not have a bench on which to build a bench…….) Over the past couple of years we have made a number of “modern benches” to our specific design. Two are in use in the workshop on a daily basis and do everything we need of them. They are tough, stable and look rather beautiful.

They are typically 1200mm x 600mm which suits the more “normal” UK garage or shed and are fitted with raisable castors for easy moving combined with totally stable placement. The legs are made of 100mm square pine and the top is 75mm of very solid moisture resistant mdf laminated and surrounded with European oak. The height depends on the individual but is usually in the 850-950mm range. We add a removable lower shelf which is very strong and can be used as is or makes a sturdy platform for tool drawers.

The top and leg structure come apart for transport. (They fit into most estate/SUVs – the top is especially heavy.)

We fit 2 vices – usually vintage Record vices which are far superior to modern alternatives. (You can have new ones if you want of course…..) We build oak cheeks around the vices flush with the top of the bench and line the jaws with leather. Some paint the leg structure and feel they would not be out of place in their kitchen! Most choose not to have a tool well – but this is absolutely feasible and around half choose not to have dog holes – again entirely optional.

We had planned to run bench making as a course however a majority of the people who were interested wanted to make small changes to the size of the bench which would have made it quite difficult to run as a shared experience course. So……

We now handle bench making via 3 one to one days. Material cost will vary depending on personal choice but is likely to be in the region of £400 (approx £275 for wood, £100-150 for vices and £40 for castors) In 2023 we have made half a dozen work benches and none are identical in design, size or construction.

The timeline and design will be agreed in advance with the student and will be fixed. The fee range is £735-£855 depending on number of days, speed of student and weekday vs weekend. This will be agreed in advance.

So for somewhere around £900-£1200 you can make your own very solid woodworking bench which will last several lifetimes. (shop around and see what that buys you!). You’ll learn quite a lot as well; we will use a variety of hand tools and machines over the course of the 3 days.

If you are interested, email and we will have an initial chat on the phone.