Work Tables For the Woodworking

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