Build Your First Workbench: A Free Beginner’s Guide with Plans

 

Why This Workbench Is Perfect for Beginners

• No Workbench Needed: You don’t even need a workbench to build this workbench! That’s what makes it such a great starter project. Build it on the ground or any flat surface.

• Simple Tools Required: All you need is a circular saw and a drill to complete this project. No fancy or expensive tools necessary!

• Budget-Friendly Materials: This workbench is built using standard 2x4 lumber, making it affordable and easy to source materials from any hardware store.

• Learn as You Build: This project is a great way to practice basic skills like measuring, cutting, and assembling. You’ll build confidence while creating something practical and durable.

• Compact Yet Sturdy: The design is compact enough to fit against a wall in your garage or workspace but sturdy enough to handle heavy-duty use. Optional caster wheels add mobility if you need to move it around.

• Customizable: Build one as a standalone workbench, or make two to use as sawhorses or group together for a larger workspace.

• Storage: The added lower shelf is perfect for tool storage, keeping your space organized and efficient.

 

 

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Free Plans and Resources Included

We’ve made it as easy as possible to get started. Here’s what you’ll find in our free plans:

• Video Tutorial: Follow along step-by-step to see how it’s built.

• Cut List and Shopping List: Know exactly what materials and measurements you’ll need before you start.

• Detailed Diagrams: Easy-to-follow diagrams walk you through every step of the process.

All of these resources are completely free and designed to help you succeed on your first build.

 

 

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Benefits of Building This Workbench

• Save Money: Instead of buying an expensive workbench, build your own for a fraction of the cost.

• Skill Development: This project will teach you foundational woodworking skills that you can apply to future builds.

• Future Projects: Once you’ve built this workbench, you’ll have a reliable surface to take on more complex projects.

• Functional and Versatile: Whether you’re working in a small garage or a spacious shop, this workbench is the ideal companion for any DIY enthusiast.

 

 

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Video Tutorial: How to Build Your Own First Workbench with Free Plans

Building your first workbench is just a few steps away. With only a few tools, basic materials, and our free plans, you’ll be able to create a sturdy, functional workbench that will support all your future DIY projects. Watch this video to see the process:

VIDEO COMING SOON

 

 

from Recent Project Plans https://ift.tt/Eb1enOK

Free DIY Tote Storage Rack Configurator and Plans by Ana White

Free Tote Storage Rack Configurator by Ana White

Your Dimensions

Tote Length (with lid):
Tote Height (with lid):
Tote Width (under lip):
Rows (totes stacked vertically):
Columns (totes side by side):

Your Custom Tote Storage Rack Plans

Not to scale

Overall Dimensions: 70.00 inches H x 66.00 inches W x 27.00 inches D

Cut List:
8 - 2x4 @ 67.00 inches - Legs
24 - 2x4 @ 27.00 inches - Runners
4 - 2x4 @ 66.00 inches - Top and Bottoms

Total 2x4 Board Feet Needed: 123 Board Feet

Length of Spacer Block, Cut 2: 12.50 inches

from Recent Project Plans https://ift.tt/zSvbMQy

DIY Hockey Scoreboard

Why I Built this Project

My kids love knee hockey.  They get their mini sticks out and disappear for hours.  Friends come over and they have tournaments and shootouts and series.

We tried using an iPad app as a scoreboard, but this takes set up time, batteries must be charged, and the screen lock has to be turned off so the screen doesn't keep timing out on them.  Such a pain.

We tried an electronic scoreboard, but the problem was it had a tiny remote that always got lost, and took setup time and use.  So the kids just wouldn't bother using it.  

The kids needed a scoreboard so simple to use, that it was worth using.  And if it looked like a big time scoreboard, they'd want to use it.  

With some scrap wood pieces, black spray paint and a kitchen timer, we made them this!

 

 

How I Built this Project

Here's how I built this project -

I cut 1x2 boards in 24" and 14-1/2" long and made a frame.  I used glue and 1-1/4" brad nails.

I cut a 1/4" plywood piece for the back and glued and nailed it on.

I spray painted the frame, back, wood wheels and rods with black spray paint.

The wood wheels I cut from a 1-1/4" wood dowel and drilled the centers out.  You can also purchase wood wheels and use them instead.  I painted all but two wheels black.  The center wheels I painted red.

The metal rods I found at my hardware store.  You could potentially use wood dowels, but the metal was more appealing to me since I wanted this scoreboard to take some use (and abuse).  I painted the rods black too.

Okay, now for the vinyl lettering - this is what makes this scoreboard!  And the good news is you can customize for however you like!

I have a Cricut Joy and I used it with white permanent vinyl to cut the lettering out for the header.  

For the Home and Guest score boxes, I simply made a white vinyl block 5-1/2" x 9" and then cut out the "home" and "guest" lettering, so I didn't have to paint the white boxes on the black frame.

Then we drilled out for the rods, hot glued them in place (with the wood wheels on of course), and mounted the kitchen timer to the center.  

So how this works is the top bar is the "game" scoring.  When a team scores, simply slide a wood wheel over to that teams white box.  When the time clock runs out, whichever team has more wood wheels is the winner.  Alternatively, you can play the first to seven, with the red wood wheel being the seventh score.

The lower row of scoring is for a series.  When a team wins a game, they then get a series point on the lower abacus.  I put seven wood wheels on our series scoring, the first to win four games wins the series.

Our goal with this scoreboard is for it to look like a real scoreboard and add an arena feel to the room, for it to work simply and without much setup, and even without power or batteries, so there are no barriers to using it.  

The kids are loving it, and it's a fun decor element to their playroom!

Watch!  Build Video for This Project

VIDEO COMING SOON

 

Free Plans to Build Your Own Personalized Home Scoreboard

The only way to get this home scoreboard is to make it!  Here's the free plans with links to the materials I used.  Thank you for using my plans, I'm glad we can help!

from Recent Project Plans https://ift.tt/Qj8bmGR

DIY Hockey Scorboard

Why I Built this Project

My kids love knee hockey.  They get their mini sticks out and disappear for hours.  Friends come over and they have tournaments and shootouts and series.

We tried using an iPad app as a scoreboard, but this takes set up time, batteries must be charged, and the screen lock has to be turned off so the screen doesn't keep timing out on them.  Such a pain.

We tried an electronic scoreboard, but the problem was it had a tiny remote that always got lost, and took setup time and use.  So the kids just wouldn't bother using it.  

The kids needed a scoreboard so simple to use, that it was worth using.  And if it looked like a big time scoreboard, they'd want to use it.  

With some scrap wood pieces, black spray paint and a kitchen timer, we made them this!

 

 

How I Built this Project

Here's how I built this project -

I cut 1x2 boards in 24" and 14-1/2" long and made a frame.  I used glue and 1-1/4" brad nails.

I cut a 1/4" plywood piece for the back and glued and nailed it on.

I spray painted the frame, back, wood wheels and rods with black spray paint.

The wood wheels I cut from a 1-1/4" wood dowel and drilled the centers out.  You can also purchase wood wheels and use them instead.  I painted all but two wheels black.  The center wheels I painted red.

The metal rods I found at my hardware store.  You could potentially use wood dowels, but the metal was more appealing to me since I wanted this scoreboard to take some use (and abuse).  I painted the rods black too.

Okay, now for the vinyl lettering - this is what makes this scoreboard!  And the good news is you can customize for however you like!

I have a Cricut Joy and I used it with white permanent vinyl to cut the lettering out for the header.  

For the Home and Guest score boxes, I simply made a white vinyl block 5-1/2" x 9" and then cut out the "home" and "guest" lettering, so I didn't have to paint the white boxes on the black frame.

Then we drilled out for the rods, hot glued them in place (with the wood wheels on of course), and mounted the kitchen timer to the center.  

So how this works is the top bar is the "game" scoring.  When a team scores, simply slide a wood wheel over to that teams white box.  When the time clock runs out, whichever team has more wood wheels is the winner.  Alternatively, you can play the first to seven, with the red wood wheel being the seventh score.

The lower row of scoring is for a series.  When a team wins a game, they then get a series point on the lower abacus.  I put seven wood wheels on our series scoring, the first to win four games wins the series.

Our goal with this scoreboard is for it to look like a real scoreboard and add an arena feel to the room, for it to work simply and without much setup, and even without power or batteries, so there are no barriers to using it.  

The kids are loving it, and it's a fun decor element to their playroom!

Watch!  Build Video for This Project

VIDEO COMING SOON

 

Free Plans to Build Your Own Personalized Home Scoreboard

The only way to get this home scoreboard is to make it!  Here's the free plans with links to the materials I used.  Thank you for using my plans, I'm glad we can help!

from Recent Project Plans https://ift.tt/XJxcTSy

Minimalist Modern Nightstand (Narrow) - Free Plans

Why I Built this Modern Narrow Nightstand

Well, it's a long story!

A couple years ago I built this dresser -

It turned out so awesome, really has been one of my all time favorite dressers ever.  We are still using and loving it! So much, that my older daughter asked for another dresser in the tall version! 

 Because this building process for this collection is so easy and fast, I built the matching bed and standard sized nightstands for a short term rental property.

So when my daughter asked for a new nightstand, I was excited to get an opportunity to build this narrow version!

 

 

Why We Love this Narrow Minimalist Modern Nightstand

• Fast and easy build!
• Modern design
• Drawer and shelf combo great for storage
• Paint or stain any color!

 

How I Built this Project

Steps coming soon

 

Watch!  Build Video for This Project

Here's a quick reel of building this narrow nightstand.

REEL

And here's a longer video showing how I built the standard sized nightstand - it's the same build process in just a different size format.

 

Free Plans to Build Your Own Narrow Minimalist Modern Nightstand

Ready to build this yourself?  Here's the free plans, enjoy!

from Recent Project Plans https://ift.tt/vGSc3tu