Mobility and efficient space usage are a must for any woodworker right now. Fortunately, this is made possible through a portable folding workbench. Building one is surprisingly easy if you have the right tools and a decent woodworking plan.
1. Design
When designing your workbench, always remember that this project is meant for you to have access to all of your tools within arm’s reach. Make sure that the dimensions of the storage area can store the biggest tool that you currently have and has enough clearance for other tools to move around.
Also, never forget about the support at the bottom of the storage area as well as the folding mechanism on top.
2. Materials and Component Guide
For this project, you will need the following:
* Handsaw
* Drill and nails
* 6 hinge parts for the folding work panel
* 4 wheels for the legs
* 2-4 handles
* Wood Glue
* Paint or stain of your choice
* Plane or sandpaper
There is no exact wood that you have to use for this project. Just make sure that some parts are at least 2 inches wide to give the structure the sturdiness it needs.
Depending on your design, your project should require you to create the following:
* 4 small leg parts
* 3 container panels
* 2 work surface panels
* 2 top and bottom panels
* 4 frame parts
* 4 support struts for the folding track
* 2-3 divider panels
* 2 side panels for the work surface
The measurements for these components will be different from one woodworking plan to another. It is best that you properly make measurements on your wood boards to prevent fitting issues later on.
3. Building
Start by cutting the wood board into the various components for your bench. At this time, you may want to start sanding the surface especially for the bench’s inwards-facing walls.
Once done, you can start assembling the components. Start with the frame of the container area by attaching the 4 frame beams and then installing the legs, wall panels, and dividers.
After the storage area is complete, you can start assembling the folding work panel on top. Start by attaching the support struts on both sides of the bench and then assembling the work panels on top.
It is important that you test the folding mechanism at this point to make sure that every moving part is properly secured. Once done, all that is left to do is to attach the handles at the side and the wheels at the bottom and then to give the entire bench a coat of paint or stain.
4. Usage
Knowing how to use your workbench right will increase its lifespan to a degree. Always place the heaviest power tools you have at the bottom part of the bench and the hand tools at the top. This way, the combined weight does not wear down on the frame.
Also, you have to segregate your tools properly and commit to the system you have placed for them. The less you have to needlessly move the workbench’s moving parts, the longer they will remain functional.
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