8. Fit the Bench Top

• To fit the plank top with the carpenter’s well recess in the centre, take one of the top planks (240mm x 45mm 1800mm)and fit to the central recess ensuring equal overhang at the ends (see Fig 9).

• Fix the plank to each crossmember using two wood screws ateach point. Countersink the screws by first drilling the correctsized hole through the plank and into the crossmembers,then using a 9mm bit, countersink (enlarge) these holes to adepth of 10mm (see Fig 10).

• When you fit the screws, they will end up recessed below thebench top, leaving a hole you can fill in the next step.

• Repeat this fixing process for the other two planks.

9. Finishing the Bench

• Fill the countersunk holes in the bench top by gluing a shortlength of 9mm dowel in the countersunk holes (see Fig 11).

• When the glue has dried, trim the dowels level with the benchtop and sand lightly.

• At this point the bench is finished except for afinal tightening of all the bolts. Think aboutapplying oil, paint or stain to the bench toprotect the timber, talk to one of the MagnetMart Paint specialists about your needs.

10. Fitting a Bench Vice

• Perhaps the most useful accessory for your new bench is a vice. Choose from a range ofengineer’s or woodworking vices at your local Magnet Martstore, depending on your needs and the type of work you willdo at the bench.

• If you fit a woodworker’s vice to your bench, take the time tomount it flush with the bench top (see Fig 12), this mayrequire that you fit scrap timber between the vice mountingbracket and the bench top (see Fig 13). A vice mounted inthis manner allows greater flexibility when working with differ-ent size pieces of timber.

• You can also fit timber jaws to yourwoodworking vice simply by cuttinga suitable piece of scrap timber andscrewing it to the vice jaws prior tomounting the vice to the bench (seeFig 13). The timber jaws prevent themetal vice jaws from damaging thetimber you wish to hold.

• Easy to follow step-by-step guide • Important and handy tips• Materials check list• Project Cost EstimatorBefore you start, please read through this pamphlet carefully andestimate and assemble all the materials you will need for the proj-ect and gather your tools and equipment together. Refer to thechecklist and estimating form on the back panel of the pamphletto assist in this preparation.

Project Cost EstimatorMaterials Description Quantity Cost

Pine Top Planks – 240 x 45 x 1800

Legs – 70 x 70 x 810

Crossmembers – 90 x 45 x 700

Centre Crossmember – 90 x 45 x 470

Rails – 90 x 45 x 1500

Dowel – 9 x 300

Lower Bench – 1500 x 560 x 12

Pegboard – 530 x 700

Coach Bolts 16

25mm Flat Head Nails (Packet)

50mm x 2.8mm Flat Head Nails (Packet)

75mm Wood Screws (Packet)

Wood Vice

Equipment

Pencil

Carpenter’s Square

Circular Saw or Hand Saw

Chisel set

Hammer

Measuring Tape

Electric or Hand Drill

File

Shifting Spanner

Screwdriver

TotalAll these materials you need for this job are available at Magnet Mart, your home improvement warehouse.

Phillip Hindmarsh Dr Ph 6281 1744 Fax 6285 2493Belconnen Lathlain St Ph 6251 4622 Fax 6253 1087Mitchell Vicars St Ph 6241 7311 Fax 6241 7545Gungahlin Crinigan Cir Ph 6228 9300 Fax 6228 9311Queanbeyan Yass Rd Ph 6297 8711 Fax 6299 2226Goulburn Sloane St Ph 4821 3533 Fax 4821 7347Bowral Bong Bong St Ph 4861 2355 Fax 4862 1066

Make aWorkbench

Note: Due to the general nature of this advice and its individual application,neither the publisher nor the retailer assumes any responsibility for any loss,damage, injury or expense which may be incurred or suffered as a result ofthe use of this pamphlet.© Magnet Mart 2000

Build Your Own Work Space

For just about every DIY job you undertake, life is easier if you have aworkspace – somewhere for your tools and a sturdy work surface. Aworkshop doesn’t need to be large or filled with the latest machinery,sometimes a corner in the garage or shed will do just fine.

With a little help from Magnet Mart and this brochure, you canbuild the basis for your workshop – a sturdy and very functionalworkbench. This design is flexible so you can build the bench tosuit your needs and the available space.

1. Design

• Your bench can have a flat MDF (medium density fibreboard)top or a timber top with a carpenter’s well, or recess, downthe centre (see Fig 1).

• Think about the types of jobs you wish to use the bench for –do you need a large, flat surface? Is most of your work onmechanical devices or is it making things from timber? Doyou use mainly power tools or hand tools? Do you need stor-age space for your tools?

• The type of work you do may influence the choice of timberfor the bench. If you will be mainly working wood, then apine bench would be sufficient, if you are doing mainlymechanical work involving heavy components, then a hard-wood bench may be necessary.

• The answers to these questions will help in your final designand in the choice of accessories for your bench – like a wood-worker’s or an engineer’s vice, or maybe one of each!

2. Material Preparation

Using the Materials Checklist and the drawings in this brochure,identify the various components of the bench and prepare eachfor assembly as detailed below.

Making the Crossmembers

• Each end of the bench is constructed from two legs and twocrossmembers (see Fig 2) there is also a central crossmember to strengthen the top. If you want a bench with a flat top, simply cut the crossmembers to length – 700mm for the endsand 470 mm for the centre crossmember and mark appropri-ately to identify where they fit.

• If your bench is to have a carpenter’s well (seeFig 2B), the top crossmembers must berecessed. First, mark off 230mm from eachend, squaring a line across the top using a carpenter’s square extend this line down each side (see Fig 2C).

• Mark a depth of 25mm down the side ofeach crossmember and connect the marks(see Fig 2D). Mark the timber to removedwith pencil lines.

• Saw down the line to the correct depth (seeFig 2E/F), remove the waste with a chisel andmallet, taking care to clean up the corners.

• Test the fit of the completed recess on oneof the boards to be used as the bench top(see Fig 2G), when you are satisfied that it isa snug fit, recess the remaining topcrossmembers in the same manner.

• Drill the bench end crossmemberswith a 10mm bit 35mm in fromeach end (see Fig 2H).

3. Assembling the Ends

• Lay the legs down flat on the floor and place the top crossmem-ber on top, checking for square with a carpenter’s square (seeFig 3). Make sure the recess in the top crossmember is facingupwards and is flush with the outside surface of the legs.

• Mark through the holes you drilled earlier in the top crossmem-ber onto the tops of the legs (see Fig 3A).

• Measure 100mm up from the bottom of the legs and placethe bottom crossmember squarely across the legs, using a carpenter’s square for final positioning (see Fig 3B). Markthrough the holes onto the legs as above.

• Drill the marked holes in the legs with the 10mm bit. Re-posi-tion the crossmembers and bolt the pieces loosely together.

• Repeat the above procedure for the other end frame.

4. Adding Storage Space

• Here is a simple way to addtool storage to your bench –simply nail two sheets of530mm x 700mm pegboardto the end frames you havejust finished (see Fig 4).

• The pegboard provides ahandy storage place for all sorts of tools and equipment simply by hanging on wire hooks. To keep track of tools,draw their outline in heavy black marker pen and you can see at a glance if something is not in place.

5. Connecting the End Frames

• Take one of the four 90mm x 45mm x 1500mm rails that connect the end frames and carefully line it up with the lowercrossmember (see Fig 5), drill a 10mm hole into the leg andconnect with a bolt and nut.

• Repeat for the remaining rails –the bench now takes shape asyou connect the frames and rails(see Fig 6).

6. Adding the Lower Bench

• Take the 1500mm x 560mmsheet of 12mm particle board orMDF and fit to the frame on top of the lower rails (see Fig7).Ensure the frame is square, nail the sheet into place, then tight-en all the frame bolts.

7. Fit the Central Crossmember

• Measure the top of the frame and mark the mid-point onboth top rails (see Fig 8).

• Fit the top crossmember carefully at the mid-point, fixing withwood screws through the sides of the top rails use two screwsat each end to ensure a solid top support.

• Remember to fit the central crossmember with the recess facing upwards to allow for the carpenter’s well.

You Can Make Your Own Workbench

Fig1 Workbench withcarpenter’s well.

Fig2 Making the crossmembers

A. Flat top B. With carpenter’swell

C.

D.

E.

F.

G.

H.

Fig 3. Assembling the ends.

Fig 4. Adding storage space

A.

B.

C.

Fig 5. Connect the frames. Fig 6. Both ends connected.

Fig 7. Adding lower bench.

Fig 8. Fitting and fixing thecentral crossmember.

Fig 10. Fitting the carpenter’s well benchtop.

Fig 11. Countersink the screws

Fig 12. Filling thecounter-sunk holes.

Fig 13. Fitting the bench vice.

8. Fit the Bench Top

• To fit the plank top with the carpenter’s well recess in the centre, take one of the top planks (240mm x 45mm 1800mm)and fit to the central recess ensuring equal overhang at the ends (see Fig 9).

• Fix the plank to each crossmember using two wood screws ateach point. Countersink the screws by first drilling the correctsized hole through the plank and into the crossmembers,then using a 9mm bit, countersink (enlarge) these holes to adepth of 10mm (see Fig 10).

• When you fit the screws, they will end up recessed below thebench top, leaving a hole you can fill in the next step.

• Repeat this fixing process for the other two planks.

9. Finishing the Bench

• Fill the countersunk holes in the bench top by gluing a shortlength of 9mm dowel in the countersunk holes (see Fig 11).

• When the glue has dried, trim the dowels level with the benchtop and sand lightly.

• At this point the bench is finished except for afinal tightening of all the bolts. Think aboutapplying oil, paint or stain to the bench toprotect the timber, talk to one of the MagnetMart Paint specialists about your needs.

10. Fitting a Bench Vice

• Perhaps the most useful accessory for your new bench is a vice. Choose from a range ofengineer’s or woodworking vices at your local Magnet Martstore, depending on your needs and the type of work you willdo at the bench.

• If you fit a woodworker’s vice to your bench, take the time tomount it flush with the bench top (see Fig 12), this mayrequire that you fit scrap timber between the vice mountingbracket and the bench top (see Fig 13). A vice mounted inthis manner allows greater flexibility when working with differ-ent size pieces of timber.

• You can also fit timber jaws to yourwoodworking vice simply by cuttinga suitable piece of scrap timber andscrewing it to the vice jaws prior tomounting the vice to the bench (seeFig 13). The timber jaws prevent themetal vice jaws from damaging thetimber you wish to hold.

• Easy to follow step-by-step guide • Important and handy tips• Materials check list• Project Cost EstimatorBefore you start, please read through this pamphlet carefully andestimate and assemble all the materials you will need for the proj-ect and gather your tools and equipment together. Refer to thechecklist and estimating form on the back panel of the pamphletto assist in this preparation.

Project Cost EstimatorMaterials Description Quantity Cost

Pine Top Planks – 240 x 45 x 1800

Legs – 70 x 70 x 810

Crossmembers – 90 x 45 x 700

Centre Crossmember – 90 x 45 x 470

Rails – 90 x 45 x 1500

Dowel – 9 x 300

Lower Bench – 1500 x 560 x 12

Pegboard – 530 x 700

Coach Bolts 16

25mm Flat Head Nails (Packet)

50mm x 2.8mm Flat Head Nails (Packet)

75mm Wood Screws (Packet)

Wood Vice

Equipment

Pencil

Carpenter’s Square

Circular Saw or Hand Saw

Chisel set

Hammer

Measuring Tape

Electric or Hand Drill

File

Shifting Spanner

Screwdriver

TotalAll these materials you need for this job are available at Magnet Mart, your home improvement warehouse.

Phillip Hindmarsh Dr Ph 6281 1744 Fax 6285 2493Belconnen Lathlain St Ph 6251 4622 Fax 6253 1087Mitchell Vicars St Ph 6241 7311 Fax 6241 7545Gungahlin Crinigan Cir Ph 6228 9300 Fax 6228 9311Queanbeyan Yass Rd Ph 6297 8711 Fax 6299 2226Goulburn Sloane St Ph 4821 3533 Fax 4821 7347Bowral Bong Bong St Ph 4861 2355 Fax 4862 1066

Make aWorkbench

Note: Due to the general nature of this advice and its individual application,neither the publisher nor the retailer assumes any responsibility for any loss,damage, injury or expense which may be incurred or suffered as a result ofthe use of this pamphlet.© Magnet Mart 2000

Build Your Own Work Space

For just about every DIY job you undertake, life is easier if you have aworkspace – somewhere for your tools and a sturdy work surface. Aworkshop doesn’t need to be large or filled with the latest machinery,sometimes a corner in the garage or shed will do just fine.

With a little help from Magnet Mart and this brochure, you canbuild the basis for your workshop – a sturdy and very functionalworkbench. This design is flexible so you can build the bench tosuit your needs and the available space.

1. Design

• Your bench can have a flat MDF (medium density fibreboard)top or a timber top with a carpenter’s well, or recess, downthe centre (see Fig 1).

• Think about the types of jobs you wish to use the bench for –do you need a large, flat surface? Is most of your work onmechanical devices or is it making things from timber? Doyou use mainly power tools or hand tools? Do you need stor-age space for your tools?

• The type of work you do may influence the choice of timberfor the bench. If you will be mainly working wood, then apine bench would be sufficient, if you are doing mainlymechanical work involving heavy components, then a hard-wood bench may be necessary.

• The answers to these questions will help in your final designand in the choice of accessories for your bench – like a wood-worker’s or an engineer’s vice, or maybe one of each!

2. Material Preparation

Using the Materials Checklist and the drawings in this brochure,identify the various components of the bench and prepare eachfor assembly as detailed below.

Making the Crossmembers

• Each end of the bench is constructed from two legs and twocrossmembers (see Fig 2) there is also a central crossmember to strengthen the top. If you want a bench with a flat top, simply cut the crossmembers to length – 700mm for the endsand 470 mm for the centre crossmember and mark appropri-ately to identify where they fit.

• If your bench is to have a carpenter’s well (seeFig 2B), the top crossmembers must berecessed. First, mark off 230mm from eachend, squaring a line across the top using a carpenter’s square extend this line down each side (see Fig 2C).

• Mark a depth of 25mm down the side ofeach crossmember and connect the marks(see Fig 2D). Mark the timber to removedwith pencil lines.

• Saw down the line to the correct depth (seeFig 2E/F), remove the waste with a chisel andmallet, taking care to clean up the corners.

• Test the fit of the completed recess on oneof the boards to be used as the bench top(see Fig 2G), when you are satisfied that it isa snug fit, recess the remaining topcrossmembers in the same manner.

• Drill the bench end crossmemberswith a 10mm bit 35mm in fromeach end (see Fig 2H).

3. Assembling the Ends

• Lay the legs down flat on the floor and place the top crossmem-ber on top, checking for square with a carpenter’s square (seeFig 3). Make sure the recess in the top crossmember is facingupwards and is flush with the outside surface of the legs.

• Mark through the holes you drilled earlier in the top crossmem-ber onto the tops of the legs (see Fig 3A).

• Measure 100mm up from the bottom of the legs and placethe bottom crossmember squarely across the legs, using a carpenter’s square for final positioning (see Fig 3B). Markthrough the holes onto the legs as above.

• Drill the marked holes in the legs with the 10mm bit. Re-posi-tion the crossmembers and bolt the pieces loosely together.

• Repeat the above procedure for the other end frame.

4. Adding Storage Space

• Here is a simple way to addtool storage to your bench –simply nail two sheets of530mm x 700mm pegboardto the end frames you havejust finished (see Fig 4).

• The pegboard provides ahandy storage place for all sorts of tools and equipment simply by hanging on wire hooks. To keep track of tools,draw their outline in heavy black marker pen and you can see at a glance if something is not in place.

5. Connecting the End Frames

• Take one of the four 90mm x 45mm x 1500mm rails that connect the end frames and carefully line it up with the lowercrossmember (see Fig 5), drill a 10mm hole into the leg andconnect with a bolt and nut.

• Repeat for the remaining rails –the bench now takes shape asyou connect the frames and rails(see Fig 6).

6. Adding the Lower Bench

• Take the 1500mm x 560mmsheet of 12mm particle board orMDF and fit to the frame on top of the lower rails (see Fig7).Ensure the frame is square, nail the sheet into place, then tight-en all the frame bolts.

7. Fit the Central Crossmember

• Measure the top of the frame and mark the mid-point onboth top rails (see Fig 8).

• Fit the top crossmember carefully at the mid-point, fixing withwood screws through the sides of the top rails use two screwsat each end to ensure a solid top support.

• Remember to fit the central crossmember with the recess facing upwards to allow for the carpenter’s well.

You Can Make Your Own Workbench

Fig1 Workbench withcarpenter’s well.

Fig2 Making the crossmembers

A. Flat top B. With carpenter’swell

C.

D.

E.

F.

G.

H.

Fig 3. Assembling the ends.

Fig 4. Adding storage space

A.

B.

C.

Fig 5. Connect the frames. Fig 6. Both ends connected.

Fig 7. Adding lower bench.

Fig 8. Fitting and fixing thecentral crossmember.

Fig 10. Fitting the carpenter’s well benchtop.

Fig 11. Countersink the screws

Fig 12. Filling thecounter-sunk holes.

Fig 13. Fitting the bench vice.

8. Fit the Bench Top

• To fit the plank top with the carpenter’s well recess in the centre, take one of the top planks (240mm x 45mm 1800mm)and fit to the central recess ensuring equal overhang at the ends (see Fig 9).

• Fix the plank to each crossmember using two wood screws ateach point. Countersink the screws by first drilling the correctsized hole through the plank and into the crossmembers,then using a 9mm bit, countersink (enlarge) these holes to adepth of 10mm (see Fig 10).

• When you fit the screws, they will end up recessed below thebench top, leaving a hole you can fill in the next step.

• Repeat this fixing process for the other two planks.

9. Finishing the Bench

• Fill the countersunk holes in the bench top by gluing a shortlength of 9mm dowel in the countersunk holes (see Fig 11).

• When the glue has dried, trim the dowels level with the benchtop and sand lightly.

• At this point the bench is finished except for afinal tightening of all the bolts. Think aboutapplying oil, paint or stain to the bench toprotect the timber, talk to one of the MagnetMart Paint specialists about your needs.

10. Fitting a Bench Vice

• Perhaps the most useful accessory for your new bench is a vice. Choose from a range ofengineer’s or woodworking vices at your local Magnet Martstore, depending on your needs and the type of work you willdo at the bench.

• If you fit a woodworker’s vice to your bench, take the time tomount it flush with the bench top (see Fig 12), this mayrequire that you fit scrap timber between the vice mountingbracket and the bench top (see Fig 13). A vice mounted inthis manner allows greater flexibility when working with differ-ent size pieces of timber.

• You can also fit timber jaws to yourwoodworking vice simply by cuttinga suitable piece of scrap timber andscrewing it to the vice jaws prior tomounting the vice to the bench (seeFig 13). The timber jaws prevent themetal vice jaws from damaging thetimber you wish to hold.

• Easy to follow step-by-step guide • Important and handy tips• Materials check list• Project Cost EstimatorBefore you start, please read through this pamphlet carefully andestimate and assemble all the materials you will need for the proj-ect and gather your tools and equipment together. Refer to thechecklist and estimating form on the back panel of the pamphletto assist in this preparation.

Project Cost EstimatorMaterials Description Quantity Cost

Pine Top Planks – 240 x 45 x 1800

Legs – 70 x 70 x 810

Crossmembers – 90 x 45 x 700

Centre Crossmember – 90 x 45 x 470

Rails – 90 x 45 x 1500

Dowel – 9 x 300

Lower Bench – 1500 x 560 x 12

Pegboard – 530 x 700

Coach Bolts 16

25mm Flat Head Nails (Packet)

50mm x 2.8mm Flat Head Nails (Packet)

75mm Wood Screws (Packet)

Wood Vice

Equipment

Pencil

Carpenter’s Square

Circular Saw or Hand Saw

Chisel set

Hammer

Measuring Tape

Electric or Hand Drill

File

Shifting Spanner

Screwdriver

TotalAll these materials you need for this job are available at Magnet Mart, your home improvement warehouse.

Phillip Hindmarsh Dr Ph 6281 1744 Fax 6285 2493Belconnen Lathlain St Ph 6251 4622 Fax 6253 1087Mitchell Vicars St Ph 6241 7311 Fax 6241 7545Gungahlin Crinigan Cir Ph 6228 9300 Fax 6228 9311Queanbeyan Yass Rd Ph 6297 8711 Fax 6299 2226Goulburn Sloane St Ph 4821 3533 Fax 4821 7347Bowral Bong Bong St Ph 4861 2355 Fax 4862 1066

Make aWorkbench

Note: Due to the general nature of this advice and its individual application,neither the publisher nor the retailer assumes any responsibility for any loss,damage, injury or expense which may be incurred or suffered as a result ofthe use of this pamphlet.© Magnet Mart 2000

Build Your Own Work Space

For just about every DIY job you undertake, life is easier if you have aworkspace – somewhere for your tools and a sturdy work surface. Aworkshop doesn’t need to be large or filled with the latest machinery,sometimes a corner in the garage or shed will do just fine.

With a little help from Magnet Mart and this brochure, you canbuild the basis for your workshop – a sturdy and very functionalworkbench. This design is flexible so you can build the bench tosuit your needs and the available space.

1. Design

• Your bench can have a flat MDF (medium density fibreboard)top or a timber top with a carpenter’s well, or recess, downthe centre (see Fig 1).

• Think about the types of jobs you wish to use the bench for –do you need a large, flat surface? Is most of your work onmechanical devices or is it making things from timber? Doyou use mainly power tools or hand tools? Do you need stor-age space for your tools?

• The type of work you do may influence the choice of timberfor the bench. If you will be mainly working wood, then apine bench would be sufficient, if you are doing mainlymechanical work involving heavy components, then a hard-wood bench may be necessary.

• The answers to these questions will help in your final designand in the choice of accessories for your bench – like a wood-worker’s or an engineer’s vice, or maybe one of each!

2. Material Preparation

Using the Materials Checklist and the drawings in this brochure,identify the various components of the bench and prepare eachfor assembly as detailed below.

Making the Crossmembers

• Each end of the bench is constructed from two legs and twocrossmembers (see Fig 2) there is also a central crossmember to strengthen the top. If you want a bench with a flat top, simply cut the crossmembers to length – 700mm for the endsand 470 mm for the centre crossmember and mark appropri-ately to identify where they fit.

• If your bench is to have a carpenter’s well (seeFig 2B), the top crossmembers must berecessed. First, mark off 230mm from eachend, squaring a line across the top using a carpenter’s square extend this line down each side (see Fig 2C).

• Mark a depth of 25mm down the side ofeach crossmember and connect the marks(see Fig 2D). Mark the timber to removedwith pencil lines.

• Saw down the line to the correct depth (seeFig 2E/F), remove the waste with a chisel andmallet, taking care to clean up the corners.

• Test the fit of the completed recess on oneof the boards to be used as the bench top(see Fig 2G), when you are satisfied that it isa snug fit, recess the remaining topcrossmembers in the same manner.

• Drill the bench end crossmemberswith a 10mm bit 35mm in fromeach end (see Fig 2H).

3. Assembling the Ends

• Lay the legs down flat on the floor and place the top crossmem-ber on top, checking for square with a carpenter’s square (seeFig 3). Make sure the recess in the top crossmember is facingupwards and is flush with the outside surface of the legs.

• Mark through the holes you drilled earlier in the top crossmem-ber onto the tops of the legs (see Fig 3A).

• Measure 100mm up from the bottom of the legs and placethe bottom crossmember squarely across the legs, using a carpenter’s square for final positioning (see Fig 3B). Markthrough the holes onto the legs as above.

• Drill the marked holes in the legs with the 10mm bit. Re-posi-tion the crossmembers and bolt the pieces loosely together.

• Repeat the above procedure for the other end frame.

4. Adding Storage Space

• Here is a simple way to addtool storage to your bench –simply nail two sheets of530mm x 700mm pegboardto the end frames you havejust finished (see Fig 4).

• The pegboard provides ahandy storage place for all sorts of tools and equipment simply by hanging on wire hooks. To keep track of tools,draw their outline in heavy black marker pen and you can see at a glance if something is not in place.

5. Connecting the End Frames

• Take one of the four 90mm x 45mm x 1500mm rails that connect the end frames and carefully line it up with the lowercrossmember (see Fig 5), drill a 10mm hole into the leg andconnect with a bolt and nut.

• Repeat for the remaining rails –the bench now takes shape asyou connect the frames and rails(see Fig 6).

6. Adding the Lower Bench

• Take the 1500mm x 560mmsheet of 12mm particle board orMDF and fit to the frame on top of the lower rails (see Fig7).Ensure the frame is square, nail the sheet into place, then tight-en all the frame bolts.

7. Fit the Central Crossmember

• Measure the top of the frame and mark the mid-point onboth top rails (see Fig 8).

• Fit the top crossmember carefully at the mid-point, fixing withwood screws through the sides of the top rails use two screwsat each end to ensure a solid top support.

• Remember to fit the central crossmember with the recess facing upwards to allow for the carpenter’s well.

You Can Make Your Own Workbench

Fig1 Workbench withcarpenter’s well.

Fig2 Making the crossmembers

A. Flat top B. With carpenter’swell

C.

D.

E.

F.

G.

H.

Fig 3. Assembling the ends.

Fig 4. Adding storage space

A.

B.

C.

Fig 5. Connect the frames. Fig 6. Both ends connected.

Fig 7. Adding lower bench.

Fig 8. Fitting and fixing thecentral crossmember.

Fig 10. Fitting the carpenter’s well benchtop.

Fig 11. Countersink the screws

Fig 12. Filling thecounter-sunk holes.

Fig 13. Fitting the bench vice.

8. Fit the Bench Top

• To fit the plank top with the carpenter’s well recess in the centre, take one of the top planks (240mm x 45mm 1800mm)and fit to the central recess ensuring equal overhang at the ends (see Fig 9).

• Fix the plank to each crossmember using two wood screws ateach point. Countersink the screws by first drilling the correctsized hole through the plank and into the crossmembers,then using a 9mm bit, countersink (enlarge) these holes to adepth of 10mm (see Fig 10).

• When you fit the screws, they will end up recessed below thebench top, leaving a hole you can fill in the next step.

• Repeat this fixing process for the other two planks.

9. Finishing the Bench

• Fill the countersunk holes in the bench top by gluing a shortlength of 9mm dowel in the countersunk holes (see Fig 11).

• When the glue has dried, trim the dowels level with the benchtop and sand lightly.

• At this point the bench is finished except for afinal tightening of all the bolts. Think aboutapplying oil, paint or stain to the bench toprotect the timber, talk to one of the MagnetMart Paint specialists about your needs.

10. Fitting a Bench Vice

• Perhaps the most useful accessory for your new bench is a vice. Choose from a range ofengineer’s or woodworking vices at your local Magnet Martstore, depending on your needs and the type of work you willdo at the bench.

• If you fit a woodworker’s vice to your bench, take the time tomount it flush with the bench top (see Fig 12), this mayrequire that you fit scrap timber between the vice mountingbracket and the bench top (see Fig 13). A vice mounted inthis manner allows greater flexibility when working with differ-ent size pieces of timber.

• You can also fit timber jaws to yourwoodworking vice simply by cuttinga suitable piece of scrap timber andscrewing it to the vice jaws prior tomounting the vice to the bench (seeFig 13). The timber jaws prevent themetal vice jaws from damaging thetimber you wish to hold.

• Easy to follow step-by-step guide • Important and handy tips• Materials check list• Project Cost EstimatorBefore you start, please read through this pamphlet carefully andestimate and assemble all the materials you will need for the proj-ect and gather your tools and equipment together. Refer to thechecklist and estimating form on the back panel of the pamphletto assist in this preparation.

Project Cost EstimatorMaterials Description Quantity Cost

Pine Top Planks – 240 x 45 x 1800

Legs – 70 x 70 x 810

Crossmembers – 90 x 45 x 700

Centre Crossmember – 90 x 45 x 470

Rails – 90 x 45 x 1500

Dowel – 9 x 300

Lower Bench – 1500 x 560 x 12

Pegboard – 530 x 700

Coach Bolts 16

25mm Flat Head Nails (Packet)

50mm x 2.8mm Flat Head Nails (Packet)

75mm Wood Screws (Packet)

Wood Vice

Equipment

Pencil

Carpenter’s Square

Circular Saw or Hand Saw

Chisel set

Hammer

Measuring Tape

Electric or Hand Drill

File

Shifting Spanner

Screwdriver

TotalAll these materials you need for this job are available at Magnet Mart, your home improvement warehouse.

Phillip Hindmarsh Dr Ph 6281 1744 Fax 6285 2493Belconnen Lathlain St Ph 6251 4622 Fax 6253 1087Mitchell Vicars St Ph 6241 7311 Fax 6241 7545Gungahlin Crinigan Cir Ph 6228 9300 Fax 6228 9311Queanbeyan Yass Rd Ph 6297 8711 Fax 6299 2226Goulburn Sloane St Ph 4821 3533 Fax 4821 7347Bowral Bong Bong St Ph 4861 2355 Fax 4862 1066

Make aWorkbench

Note: Due to the general nature of this advice and its individual application,neither the publisher nor the retailer assumes any responsibility for any loss,damage, injury or expense which may be incurred or suffered as a result ofthe use of this pamphlet.© Magnet Mart 2000

Build Your Own Work Space

For just about every DIY job you undertake, life is easier if you have aworkspace – somewhere for your tools and a sturdy work surface. Aworkshop doesn’t need to be large or filled with the latest machinery,sometimes a corner in the garage or shed will do just fine.

With a little help from Magnet Mart and this brochure, you canbuild the basis for your workshop – a sturdy and very functionalworkbench. This design is flexible so you can build the bench tosuit your needs and the available space.

1. Design

• Your bench can have a flat MDF (medium density fibreboard)top or a timber top with a carpenter’s well, or recess, downthe centre (see Fig 1).

• Think about the types of jobs you wish to use the bench for –do you need a large, flat surface? Is most of your work onmechanical devices or is it making things from timber? Doyou use mainly power tools or hand tools? Do you need stor-age space for your tools?

• The type of work you do may influence the choice of timberfor the bench. If you will be mainly working wood, then apine bench would be sufficient, if you are doing mainlymechanical work involving heavy components, then a hard-wood bench may be necessary.

• The answers to these questions will help in your final designand in the choice of accessories for your bench – like a wood-worker’s or an engineer’s vice, or maybe one of each!

2. Material Preparation

Using the Materials Checklist and the drawings in this brochure,identify the various components of the bench and prepare eachfor assembly as detailed below.

Making the Crossmembers

• Each end of the bench is constructed from two legs and twocrossmembers (see Fig 2) there is also a central crossmember to strengthen the top. If you want a bench with a flat top, simply cut the crossmembers to length – 700mm for the endsand 470 mm for the centre crossmember and mark appropri-ately to identify where they fit.

• If your bench is to have a carpenter’s well (seeFig 2B), the top crossmembers must berecessed. First, mark off 230mm from eachend, squaring a line across the top using a carpenter’s square extend this line down each side (see Fig 2C).

• Mark a depth of 25mm down the side ofeach crossmember and connect the marks(see Fig 2D). Mark the timber to removedwith pencil lines.

• Saw down the line to the correct depth (seeFig 2E/F), remove the waste with a chisel andmallet, taking care to clean up the corners.

• Test the fit of the completed recess on oneof the boards to be used as the bench top(see Fig 2G), when you are satisfied that it isa snug fit, recess the remaining topcrossmembers in the same manner.

• Drill the bench end crossmemberswith a 10mm bit 35mm in fromeach end (see Fig 2H).

3. Assembling the Ends

• Lay the legs down flat on the floor and place the top crossmem-ber on top, checking for square with a carpenter’s square (seeFig 3). Make sure the recess in the top crossmember is facingupwards and is flush with the outside surface of the legs.

• Mark through the holes you drilled earlier in the top crossmem-ber onto the tops of the legs (see Fig 3A).

• Measure 100mm up from the bottom of the legs and placethe bottom crossmember squarely across the legs, using a carpenter’s square for final positioning (see Fig 3B). Markthrough the holes onto the legs as above.

• Drill the marked holes in the legs with the 10mm bit. Re-posi-tion the crossmembers and bolt the pieces loosely together.

• Repeat the above procedure for the other end frame.

4. Adding Storage Space

• Here is a simple way to addtool storage to your bench –simply nail two sheets of530mm x 700mm pegboardto the end frames you havejust finished (see Fig 4).

• The pegboard provides ahandy storage place for all sorts of tools and equipment simply by hanging on wire hooks. To keep track of tools,draw their outline in heavy black marker pen and you can see at a glance if something is not in place.

5. Connecting the End Frames

• Take one of the four 90mm x 45mm x 1500mm rails that connect the end frames and carefully line it up with the lowercrossmember (see Fig 5), drill a 10mm hole into the leg andconnect with a bolt and nut.

• Repeat for the remaining rails –the bench now takes shape asyou connect the frames and rails(see Fig 6).

6. Adding the Lower Bench

• Take the 1500mm x 560mmsheet of 12mm particle board orMDF and fit to the frame on top of the lower rails (see Fig7).Ensure the frame is square, nail the sheet into place, then tight-en all the frame bolts.

7. Fit the Central Crossmember

• Measure the top of the frame and mark the mid-point onboth top rails (see Fig 8).

• Fit the top crossmember carefully at the mid-point, fixing withwood screws through the sides of the top rails use two screwsat each end to ensure a solid top support.

• Remember to fit the central crossmember with the recess facing upwards to allow for the carpenter’s well.

You Can Make Your Own Workbench

Fig1 Workbench withcarpenter’s well.

Fig2 Making the crossmembers

A. Flat top B. With carpenter’swell

C.

D.

E.

F.

G.

H.

Fig 3. Assembling the ends.

Fig 4. Adding storage space

A.

B.

C.

Fig 5. Connect the frames. Fig 6. Both ends connected.

Fig 7. Adding lower bench.

Fig 8. Fitting and fixing thecentral crossmember.

Fig 10. Fitting the carpenter’s well benchtop.

Fig 11. Countersink the screws

Fig 12. Filling thecounter-sunk holes.

Fig 13. Fitting the bench vice.