Setting up a new bench - need some seasoned advice

[Phil_S]

One idea I had was to build a portable woodworking station and do all that outside. I found a great tutorial to build a portable table saw, scroll saw, router box. Folds up super compact, and is on wheels.

I saw at least one fabulous video on youtube for a rolling work table like you describe. If you haven't already done the search, you'll find a few good videos and they will give you tons of good ideas. Good luck.

[Gainzilla]

I saw at least one fabulous video on youtube for a rolling work table like you describe. If you haven't already done the search, you'll find a few good videos and they will give you tons of good ideas. Good luck.

Was this the one you saw? This looks pretty cool.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZlFU7DjYZQ

[JazzGuitarGimp]

I saw at least one fabulous video on youtube for a rolling work table like you describe. If you haven't already done the search, you'll find a few good videos and they will give you tons of good ideas. Good luck.

Was this the one you saw? This looks pretty cool.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZlFU7DjYZQ

Wow, that is really cool.

[Phil_S]

That one is way beyond cool. I may have to build that one. It is really compact.

The one I saw was a bit larger and not quite as versatile. It was similar in concept, and meant to be wheeled in and out of the garage. Some of them are meant to be moved to a job site.

[Gainzilla]

I know! When I first saw it, I immediately had to show it to someone. Of course the only one nearby was my wife. She clearly wasn't as impressed. Lol

The plans for this thing are like $18. I think I'm going to spring for them. With all the moving, and then being new house poor for a couple months, I imagine this will be on the back burner. But damn... So cool.

[Structo]

The comments about the bench height and stool or chair is important.

While I was in high school, we had the tall stools and high benches.

It was OK when I was young but, if you are hunched over for long periods of time, it can cause a sore neck and or back.

And yeah, sawdust and electronics not good.

[drew]

I know! When I first saw it, I immediately had to show it to someone. Of course the only one nearby was my wife. She clearly wasn't as impressed. Lol

The plans for this thing are like $18. I think I'm going to spring for them. With all the moving, and then being new house poor for a couple months, I imagine this will be on the back burner. But damn... So cool.

While it has a novelty factor, I think that as a practical matter, it would take a long time to build, and you would end up with something that is just not going to be as straight, flat, square, and capable of making accurate, repeatable cuts as a decent contractor's table saw with a Biesmeyer or similar fence. I would keep an eye out for one of those on your local Craigslist, garage sales, etc.

[Phil_S]

Check out this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jKuBVTe_cgw
Cheap enough that if it does more than one trick, it's a winner. I might be getting one for Father's Day!

[Gainzilla]

The comments about the bench height and stool or chair is important.

While I was in high school, we had the tall stools and high benches.

It was OK when I was young but, if you are hunched over for long periods of time, it can cause a sore neck and or back.

And yeah, sawdust and electronics not good.

This is great advise. My thought is something tall enough to bring the work up close when sitting on a stool, but still comfortable when standing. however I'm thinking maybe it's better to have a smaller electronics bench and a larger general purpose bench. Part of the reason the portable saw setup was appealing is that I could roll it out into the driveway for any dust making activities

[Gainzilla]

While it has a novelty factor, I think that as a practical matter, it would take a long time to build, and you would end up with something that is just not going to be as straight, flat, square...

Agreed. I'm sure the guy in the video's bench works great, as he's clearly a master woodworker. Mine would likely be somewhat lesser. Lol

[Gainzilla]

Nice tip on the portable husky, Phil_S. That looks pretty nice, with the added benefit of not having to make a super complicated box. Bookmarked.

I couldn't help getting excited about the simplicity, and general awesomeness of this bench. Instant cred. I'd have to buy some vintage planes and saws to really sell it, though.

http://youtu.be/GKI4aQtIRlg