The beginnings of my workshop - workbench

[Mangokid]

Well, I'm pretty happy to have picked up the below workbench! Its the start of my (proper) workshop (I hope)...

A local woodworker had passed away a while back and his son was selling this workbench. I snapped it up, think it's pretty cool and the guy thinks its probably as old as me! A little bit of history.... Personally I think there is some great workmanship in this, it has certainly seen some use, with a good share of marks in the top. It's 7 foot by about 2.5 foot.

However, it had been sitting in the sons garage for a while, used for nothing more than storing the usual garage bits and could do with a clean up. Has anyone any tips on that? I'm thinking to clean it down with some sugar soap and then sand it and then an oil? Any details on the exact approach to take with sanding or oil is appreciated, I'd rather not make a mess of it!

Thanks

 

[Mangokid]

Not sure why the pics are sideways, the originals aren't....

 

[SVB]

Depending on what type of work you're,planning on, it may benefit from a plane to flatten it. I'd scrub with stiff brush to remove embedded grit and then flatten it with a no 7 or similar.

 

[Hot stuff]

Good find! I'd be well chuffed if I'd found that. You'll just need to keep your eyes open for a couple of hold fasts.

 

[Mangokid]

Depending on what type of work you're,planning on, it may benefit from a plane to flatten it. I'd scrub with stiff brush to remove embedded grit and then flatten it with a no 7 or similar.

Thanks, sounds like a good plan, and only fitting to do it by hand I think. Any tips for finish after that?

 

[Mangokid]

Good find! I'd be well chuffed if I'd found that. You'll just need to keep your eyes open for a couple of hold fasts.

Thanks, I was well chuffed myself! Hold fasts are next on the list for it after some clean up. 8)

 

[AndyT]

I agree about the planing as the best way to get it flat. But if you are not yet confident to take that on (assuming you're a beginner, apologies if you are not) I suggest you put something like flooring grade chipboard on the top and work on that for a while.

When you have planed the top, I suggest good old boiled linseed oil. Cheap, easy to use and enough protection from dirt, glue and cups of coffee.

 

[Mangokid]

I agree about the planing as the best way to get it flat. But if you are not yet confident to take that on (assuming you're a beginner, apologies if you are not) I suggest you put something like flooring grade chipboard on the top and work on that for a while.

When you have planed the top, I suggest good old boiled linseed oil. Cheap, easy to use and enough protection from dirt, glue and cups of coffee.

Thanks for the tip on the linseed oil.

Yes, very much a beginner though I have a couple of planes but your right, I would need some more experience and no doubt a better plane, before I tackled the bench.

 

[SVB]

Guess this is also option if you're not confident hand planing it

https://youtu.be/qtkBZHLJyD0

S

 

[n0legs]

Damn good way to start, excellent find =D>

 

[Mangokid]

Guess this is also option if you're not confident hand planing it

https://youtu.be/qtkBZHLJyD0

S

Nice video, thank you.

 

[Mangokid]

Damn good way to start, excellent find =D>

Thanks. Got lucky