Portable Affordable Workbench for Small Spaces

This Portable Workbench is an excellent solution for those with limited workshop space or who need a mobile work surface.

If you don’t have a shop this bench is loaded with convenient ways to clamp down your work pieces using built-in features and optional accessories.

It can handle clamping pieces of all different shapes and sizes and it can be easily stored away when not in use so it’s great if you have a small space or even no shop at all.

The best part you only need one 2×10 to build it!

Below are the materials list, cut list, and construction instructions to build this versatile workbench.

Materials List:

• Lumber:
  • One 8-foot-long 2×10 board
• Hardware:
  • Twin Screw Vise Kit
  • Four 1/4-20 x 3″ hanger bolts
  • Four 1/4-20 knobs
  • Red thread locker
• Optional Accessories:
  • Bench dogs
  • In-line bench dog screw clamp
  • Vertical bench dog screw clamp
  • Holdfasts
  • Steel guide bushing
  • Cork rubber

Cut List:

1. Workbench Top:
   • Cut the 2×10 into two equal pieces, each approximately 4 feet long.
2. Feet:
   • From the leftover 2×10 material, cut two pieces:
     • One piece approximately 5 inches long
     • One piece approximately 9 inches long

Construction Instructions:

1. Prepare the Workbench Top:
   • Flatten the Boards: If the 2×10 pieces are warped, flatten them using a planer, hand plane, or belt sander.
   • Glue the Boards Together: Apply wood glue to the edges of the two 4-foot pieces and clamp them together to form a thicker workbench top.
   • Trim to Final Dimensions: Once the glue has dried, trim the edges to ensure the top is square and cut to your desired final dimensions.
2. Drill Dog Holes:
   • Top Surface: Using a drill press or a drilling guide with a steel bushing, drill 3/4-inch dog holes through the top surface in your desired pattern.
   • Side Holes: On the sides of the workbench, drill 3/4-inch holes approximately 2 inches deep for side clamping options.
3. Install the Twin Screw Vise:
   • Threaded Rod Holes: Mark and drill holes for the 10-inch threaded rods included in the vise kit, ensuring they are about 8 inches deep. A drill bit extender may be necessary.
   • Mortises for Square Nuts: Create mortises on the underside of the bench to house the square nuts. These should fit snugly front to back with slight side-to-side play.
   • Vise Jaw: Align the vise jaw with the threaded rod holes and drill corresponding oval holes to allow for clamping angled shapes.
   • Assembly: Use red thread locker to attach the knobs to the threaded rods. Insert the rods through the jaw and into the square nuts embedded in the bench.
4. Add Plane Stops:
   • Drill Holes: On the end grain of the bench, drill two holes using a guide to ensure accuracy.
   • Create Stops: Prepare wooden stops with matching holes and slots slightly larger than 1/4 inch.
   • Attach Stops: Install 1/4-inch hanger bolts into the end of the bench. Place the stops over the bolts and secure them with knobs. Plane the stops flush with the workbench top.
5. Attach the Feet:
   • Prepare Feet: Use the 5-inch and 9-inch pieces cut earlier. Optionally, drill a hole in the center of each for additional clamping options.
   • Attach to Bench: On the underside of the bench, drill recessed holes for lag bolts. Secure the feet using washers and lag bolts, ensuring the bolt heads do not protrude.
6. Final Touches:
   • Flush Surfaces: Plane the top of the twin screw vise and any other areas to ensure all surfaces are flush.
   • Optional Accessories: Install bench dogs, clamps, or other accessories as desired to enhance functionality.

This compact workbench can be clamped to various surfaces and stored easily, making it ideal for small workshops or for those who need a portable solution.