Building a Functional Workbench: What You Need to Know About Vises, Saws, and Clamps

A work bench is a table used by woodworkers to hold workpieces while they are being cut, shaped, or otherwise worked on. A workbench needs to be sturdy enough to support the weight of the workpiece and the tools being used on it, and it also needs to be flat so that the workpiece can be securely held in place. The size of a workbench will depend on the type of woodworking being done; for example, a larger bench will be needed for shaping pieces of furniture than for carving small objects. In addition to the table itself, a workbench will typically have a vise or other clamping device attached to it so that pieces can be more easily worked on.

MAGNETIC STRIP

There are many different types of magnetic strips available on the market. Some are made from ferrous metals, while others are made from rare earth materials. The type of material used will affect the strength of the magnetism. Ferrous metals are less expensive but do not have as strong of a hold as rare earth magnets.

When choosing a magnetic strip for your workbench, consider the size and shape of the items you will be using it with. You also want to make sure that the magnetism is strong enough to keep your tools and fasteners in place, but not so strong that it makes them difficult to remove when you need to use them.

POWER STRIP

Most workbenches need a power strip to provide electricity to various tools. The power strip should be easily accessible and have enough outlets to accommodate all of the devices you will be using. It is also important to make sure that the power strip has surge protection in case of a power surge.

Related: 12 DIY Lumber Storage Racks

A good work bench should be sturdy and stable, with a flat surface to work on. It should also be the right height for you – not too low or too high. And it should have plenty of storage space for all your tools and materials.

Here are 12 things that every work bench needs:

1. A sturdy frame. The frame of your workbench should be made from strong material like steel or heavy-duty plastic. Avoid using wood, as it can warp over time.

2. A level surface. Your workbench top should be nice and level, so your projects turn out looking neat and professional. Use a spirit level to check before you start working on anything.

3

CLAMP TRACK KIT

A workbench is not complete without a clamp track kit! The kit includes two tracks with pre-drilled holes for easy installation, four clamps, and all the necessary hardware. The tracks can be mounted to the top or bottom of your workbench, and are perfect for holding woodworking clamps, pipes, or other long objects. The clamps are adjustable and can be moved along the tracks to accommodate your project. With this handy kit, you’ll never have to search for a place to put your clamps again!

BENCH VICE

The first thing to consider when choosing a bench vice is the size of the jaws. The jaws need to be big enough to grip the material you’ll be working with, but not so big that they get in the way or make it difficult to maneuver your workpiece. A good rule of thumb is to choose a vice with jaws that are half an inch smaller than the largest dimension of your workpiece.

Another important consideration is how much weight the vice can hold. If you’re planning on using it for heavy-duty tasks, such as clamping down large pieces of wood or metal, then you’ll need a stronger vice that can handle more weight. On the other hand, if you only plan on using your vice for light-duty tasks like holding small pieces in place while you drill or saw them, then you can save money by choosing a lighter model.

Once you’ve decided on the size and strength of bench vice you need, there are still more choices to make. For example, do you want a fixed jaw or swivel jaw? Fixed jaw models are more sturdy and provide better support for your workpiece, but they’re not as versatile since you can’t move them around like swivel models allow. Swivel models offer more flexibility but aren’t quite as stable; however, they’re often less expensive than fixed models since they have fewer parts overall. Another choice you’ll need to make is whether or not you want a vise with integrated storage; some models come with built-in shelves or drawers where you can keep your tools and supplies organized and within easy reach while working. Regardless of which type of bench vice model you ultimately decide on, be sure to get one that’s made from high-quality materials; after all, this is an investment that will see a lot of use over the years, so you don’t want something that’s going to fall apart after just a few months. Look for cast iron construction and hardened steel components for durability and long lasting use.

CASTER WHEELS

Caster wheels are an important part of every workbench. They allow the bench to be moved around easily, and they also help to keep the bench level. Without caster wheels, it would be very difficult to move the bench around, and it would also be difficult to keep the bench level. The caster wheels on a workbench make it possible to move the bench around easily and also make it possible for the user to keep the bench level.

BENCH COOKIES

A work bench needs a few things to be functional. A good cook will have a few key tools to help with prep work. A large cutting board, a good knife, and a set of measuring spoons are necessary. However, one other tool that is often overlooked is the humble bench cookie.

A bench cookie is simply a round piece of wood or plastic that fits snugly on top of a workbench. It has a hole in the center so that it can be attached to the bench with a screw or nail. The purpose of a bench cookie is twofold: first, it protects the surface of the bench from scratches; and second, it provides an elevated surface on which to place delicate items while working on them.

For example, when carving a intricate design into wood, it is often helpful to have the wood piece elevated off the workbench surface in order to get better leverage and control over one’s carving tool. A bench cookie can also be useful for holding small metal objects in place while soldering them together. In fact, there are endless uses for bench cookies – any time you need an extra hand or an elevated surface upon which to work, reach for a trusty bench cookie!

Related: 10 Essential Tools Under $15 for the DIYer

It’s fairly common knowledge that a workbench needs a vise, but what else? Here is a list of 10 essential tools for the DIYer, all under $15.

1. A Vise: This is probably the most obvious tool that you need for your workbench. A vise will allow you to hold your workpiece securely while you work on it.

2. An Anvil: An anvil is great for pounding out dents or shaping metal. It can also be used as a heavy duty paperweight.

3. A Hammer: You’ll need a hammer for driving nails, shaping metal, and lots of other tasks around the workshop.

4. Screwdrivers: A good set of screwdrivers is essential for any do-it-yourselfer. You’ll use them countless times when working on projects big and small.

5.] Pliers: Pliers are another versatile tool that you’ll find yourself reaching for often while working in the shop or garage