Workbench Advise

I think the heart of every shop is the work bench Vice, a conviction I've held for many years. It's the place where any dream comes to life, where the artist comes alive with whatever they create.

Living in a social media environment, I've noted the phenomenon that has been the focus of workbenches. Each article and every video that attempts to lead you on what bench to create. The challenge with someone studying the issue is the amount of knowledge they have to sift throughout there. And who are you referring to? When craftsman talks on job benches, you should be assured that it is good sound advice. So you've got to look at what someone did and decide if you should listen to what they've got to say.

I think a workbench is a personal item that can only be determined by the person who uses it because it is only after years of practicing their art that they can really realize what works for them or not. When you're a person who makes hand-cut joinery, maybe a moxon vise is something you should talk about, eliminating the need to design a bench that might fit for you or might not. Especially if all you need is a way to secure stock while cutting dovetails.

My best advice is to take as much useful knowledge as you can get. So look at proven woodworkers that you are inspired by work patterns and see what they are doing, committing yourself to learn why they are using what they are using. Perhaps most importantly, don't just build a bench yet, get a few sawhorses and place a few boards over the top to start woodworking. And you can make a truthful, insightful and educated decision on what will or won't work for you only after you advance in your art and learn some expertise.