Building Stuff

There was a time, starting about 40 years ago, when I really had myself a nice woodworking shop.  I very much enjoyed making all kinds of things.  Through the years I sold off some of the big tools, some were stolen, and some I have no idea where they went to.  Lately I've gotten back into it again and it just makes me feel good to be doing it.  As I began to make things I really missed having a good workbench.  I haven't had one for a very long time.  Through the years I have had various work 'places' but not a good bench.  So, I've spent the last few days making myself one.  As I did so I tried to remember all the things I always forgot to include in previous benches and well as tried to remember to leave off the crap I never needed.  With my vision in my mind I set off and I'm rather happy with the results.

I'm rather fortunate to have a 3-car garage which means I wasn't hurting for work space as I got going.  I'd gotten a bench saw and it had a very clever setup for the wheels.  I duplicated it for the workbench although it's a bet tough to see in this shot.

 

The sucker had to be strong and this one would make a good house foundation.

 

Used the new table saw to rip the plywood.  Worked quite well.

 

Got a few coats of spar urethane on the top and although you can't see them I came up with the neatest set of swiveling handles ever invented.  Well, at least invented by me.  The thing is rock solid when in place and then very easy to move when I want to.

 

Had to have drawers and I made some as simply as I could with a couple of plastic totes.  This was one of the things I've learned along the way.  You need somewhere to put the tools you're using at the moment but need them off the work top.  These will do the trick.

 

Tried to get a shot of the handles but this is the best I can do because if you're not using them they swing down along the table leg.  I wanted to see how easy I could move it fully loaded with the miter saw stored underneath so I just walked it around the garage, smiling all the while I was doing it.  I crack myself up :)  OK... now I gotta figure out something to build!