Attempting to build a workbench with only hand tools. So far I am just working on 2 slabs of fir 4"x11"x8'. I am trying to hand plane them flat. I seem to only be reducing the height. Every time I attack a high spot or warp I seems to go too far then have to take the whole thing down some more. I have a few questions.
Is there a particular technique for establishing a reference mark to plane down to from initially unsquared lumber?
What is a good rule for how flat to make the top? I don't want to be obsessive about flatness but I would like the bench to be useful for small project (no high-end furniture). I noticed a bench in use at Old Salem that was pretty imperfect but has obviously gotten a lot of use.
Also, I do not want to take too much off the bottom of the top planks (to save the thickness). Would there be a problem attaching the top to the base and using shims to adjust for a less than perfect fit or even some sort of 'carriage' that sits between the base and the top?
Thanks!
OK. I know pictures help. So I am editing my orig post to include a few shots. Unfortunately, I have not documented very well but you can get a feel for what I'm working with.
Here is a shot of the lumber pile that I got the material for the base from.
Pile that I got the top slabs from (the pieces in the middle). These are about 7.5 ft long.
Here are a few shots of one of the slabs after I Initially planed off the saw marks (not flat but not as rough as it began either). It is on sawhorses and has already been useful as a workbench. This has started me to wonder if I really need a 'flat' top at all. I guess it all depends on what you are working on.
And my newest plane that I am attempting to rehab. A Stanley #8. Even in rough condition (and in spite of myself) I have already used it to successfully joint 2 of these slabs together!
Is there a particular technique for establishing a reference mark to plane down to from initially unsquared lumber?
What is a good rule for how flat to make the top? I don't want to be obsessive about flatness but I would like the bench to be useful for small project (no high-end furniture). I noticed a bench in use at Old Salem that was pretty imperfect but has obviously gotten a lot of use.
Also, I do not want to take too much off the bottom of the top planks (to save the thickness). Would there be a problem attaching the top to the base and using shims to adjust for a less than perfect fit or even some sort of 'carriage' that sits between the base and the top?
Thanks!
OK. I know pictures help. So I am editing my orig post to include a few shots. Unfortunately, I have not documented very well but you can get a feel for what I'm working with.
Here is a shot of the lumber pile that I got the material for the base from.
Pile that I got the top slabs from (the pieces in the middle). These are about 7.5 ft long.
Here are a few shots of one of the slabs after I Initially planed off the saw marks (not flat but not as rough as it began either). It is on sawhorses and has already been useful as a workbench. This has started me to wonder if I really need a 'flat' top at all. I guess it all depends on what you are working on.
And my newest plane that I am attempting to rehab. A Stanley #8. Even in rough condition (and in spite of myself) I have already used it to successfully joint 2 of these slabs together!