| Your woodworking shop needs to be a functional | | | | woodworking shop is the finishing table. This table |
| space. There are many processes in completing a | | | | is most useful for the assembly and finishing of |
| project that require the use of some sort of | | | | large projects such as cabinets and furniture. The |
| work bench or work table. This article discusses | | | | goal in constructing this table is to keep it low to |
| the various types of work benches and tables | | | | the floor. This is important so that one can easily |
| that enhance the functionality of the woodworking | | | | lift the project onto the table and do assembly or |
| shop. | | | | finishing work from above the piece. This allows |
| The most obvious types of woodworking tables | | | | for less wear and tear on the craftsman's back. |
| are those associated with the table saw, the radial | | | | This work table is best placed in an open space in |
| arm saw, the router table, and the tables on the | | | | the shop so that work can be done from any |
| belt/disc sander and the drill press. Most often | | | | side of the piece. This author constructed one |
| these tables come with the machines when | | | | that was approximately 18" off the floor. It was |
| purchased. | | | | quickly and inexpensively put together with used |
| However, there are tables and benches that a | | | | 4 x 4 fence posts for legs, 2 x 4's for bracing |
| woodworker needs in order to complete such | | | | and a 4 x 4 sheet of press board for the top. Of |
| steps as doing calculations, drawing, copying | | | | course, the size of this table can be altered to fit |
| templates, routing long lengths of wood, and | | | | the needs of the woodworker's shop and project |
| finishing the project. These are tables that can be | | | | sizes. |
| easily constructed in the shop rather than being | | | | Another very useful work table is one which sits |
| purchased. They can be custom made for the | | | | along a wall. The key feature of this table is that |
| woodworker's specific needs and shop space. | | | | its height is that of the usual table but it is as long |
| The first table to be discussed can be called the | | | | as possible given the amount of space available in |
| drawing table. This table is used for drawing or | | | | the wood shop. This table serves as a base for |
| sketching project designs, tracing with templates, | | | | smaller drill presses, a belt sander, and the |
| doing math calculations, and resting and thinking. It | | | | attachment of a vise. It can also be used for |
| is best placed in an open space in the shop so | | | | routing long pieces using spring clamps to hold the |
| that the user can easily work from any side of it. | | | | piece in place during the routing process. This |
| What is unique about this table is that its height | | | | works best if the top overhangs the bracing |
| can be custom-made to fit the woodworker's | | | | underneath by at least 6". By adding a shelf |
| height. The goal in constructing this table is to | | | | underneath the top, there can be plenty of |
| make the height of the top such that the user | | | | storage for routers, router accessories, hand |
| can comfortably stand at it with his/her elbows | | | | saws, and other hand tools. This author |
| on it. By adding a second shelf or shelves below | | | | constructed a table of this type by using recycled |
| the top, templates, drawing paper, a calculator, | | | | 4 x 4 fence posts for legs, 2 x 4's for bracing, |
| rulers, etc. can be stored and are ready for use | | | | and press board for the top and shelf. Its |
| when needed. The top can also be used for | | | | dimensions are approximately 3' wide and 8' long. |
| assembling small projects such as bird houses. | | | | It was easily attached to wall studs for more |
| This author easily and inexpensively made such a | | | | stability. |
| table for himself by using used 4 x 4 fence posts, | | | | There are many types of woodworking benches |
| a few 2 x 4 's and a 4 x 8 sheet of press board | | | | and tables that can be purchased or easily and |
| cut in half, one half for the top and the other for | | | | inexpensively constructed by the craftsman for |
| a shelf underneath. When you have visitors, this | | | | his/her workshop. They can be custom-made for |
| table can also serve as a center point for your | | | | comfort while working and usefulness during the |
| wood shop. | | | | construction processes. |
| A second table to be considered for your | | | | |