The incredible English Joiner's Bench

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through building a full-size, hand-tool workbench inspired by traditional English joiner's benches. This design is not only sturdy and practical for woodworking tasks but also affordable and straightforward to construct. You'll learn how to create a bench that is efficient for both beginners and experienced woodworkers.

Step 1: Gather Your Materials and Tools

Before you start building, gather the necessary materials and tools. Here’s what you’ll need:

Materials

• 2x10 planks for the top
• 2x4s for the trestles, aprons, and braces
• 4x4s for additional support ribs
• Carriage bolts for fastening
• Construction adhesive

Tools

• Drill and driver
• Handsaw or power saw
• Clamps (wooden handscrew clamps recommended)
• Ball peen hammer
• Chisel
• Measuring tape
• Square

Step 2: Construct the Trestles

The trestles form the foundation of your bench. Follow these steps:

1. Prepare the Legs: Lay out your legs on a flat surface with the worst face turned inward.
2. Adhere and Fasten: Apply a bead of construction adhesive to the joints and use your drill to insert fasteners.
3. Add Diagonal Braces: Cut 2x4s to 45-degree angles and create half lap joints where they touch the legs. Use construction adhesive and fasteners to secure them in place.

Step 3: Assemble the Aprons

The aprons will add stiffness to the bench structure.

1. Select Your Apron Boards: Choose straight, flat boards for the aprons.
2. Check for Twists: Ensure the boards are flat and not twisted.
3. Plane the Center: Use a scrub plane to level the center of the apron board.
4. Countersink Bolts: Lay the apron across the trestles, and drill countersink holes for carriage bolts.

Step 4: Secure the Legs and Aprons

Now it’s time to attach the aprons to the legs.

1. Drill Holes: Use the countersink holes in the apron to mark and drill through the legs for the carriage bolts.
2. Insert Carriage Bolts: Hammer the bolts into the holes and secure with nuts and washers.
3. Square the Legs: Stand the bench up and use a square to ensure the legs are at right angles before tightening the bolts.

Step 5: Add Stability with a Key

To enhance the bench's rigidity, create a key component.

1. Notch the Aprons: Draw notches in the center of each apron and remove the waste material.
2. Install the Key: Cut a piece of 2x10 to fit snugly into the notches. Apply construction adhesive and tap it in for a tight fit.

Step 6: Install Additional Bracing

Prevent racking and flexing by adding more braces.

1. Cut Additional Braces: Use 2x4s and install them between the trestles and the key.
2. Secure with Fasteners: Attach these braces using screws, ensuring not to use adhesive on the legs for easy disassembly later.

Step 7: Create the Bench Top

Now, let's finish the top of your bench.

1. Select Planks: Choose the straightest and flattest boards from your stock.
2. Install the Top: Lay the boards across the frame and secure them with fasteners—ensure to countersink the screws to avoid interference with your tools.
3. Plane the Surface: Once installed, flatten the top using a scrub plane.

Conclusion

You have now constructed a sturdy and functional joiner's bench. This project is not only a great introduction to woodworking but also allows for future modifications and improvements. Consider sharing your progress on social media and join a community of builders to exchange ideas and enhancements. Happy woodworking!