Terrace Workbench
Rex Krueger published a video many years ago on how to build a $30 workbench, essentially a version of the "roman workbench" but using materials which are easily available today.
Build a REAL workbench for $30 - Rex Krueger
Back in Denver I had made a version of this workbench, but of course wasn't able to bring it over to Europe when we moved a couple years ago. That first version also wasn't perfect: for starters I rather fucked up the legs, so that they were pretty unsightly. It was also way too long, making the whole thing unwieldy and heavy. I also never actually put a finish on it, despite leaving it outside in the backyard. For all I know it's still there, slowly rotting away...
Our new space here is much smaller than what we had in Denver, but I still miss having a workbench to use. In my last project, the record player table, I used our terrace couch frame as a workbench as best I could, but of course it wasn't designed for that and left a lot to be desired. It came time to build another Kreuger bench.
This time around I learned from my old mistakes, and made some fresh new ones! The result looks like this:
My shiny new workbench, on the terrace where it will live.
The legs look much better this time around, though one of them is sticking out at a weird angle (the front left in that picture). I think this weird leg is actually saving the whole thing, because the intended angle of the legs would have probably left it a bit unstable. I could probably say it's intended and call it art.
This time around I put a finishing on the bench, with what amounted to 6 coats of linseed oil. Whereas on the first bench I put no finishing, on this one I think I put too much. Even after a few weeks the oil hasn't fully dried, and it's a bit tacky to the touch. Oh well, it'll certainly dry once summer rolls around.
The bench is the perfect size for its spot: it can be used as seating when we have guests, a workbench when I'm working on something, and as a plant stand at all other times.
In situ. This thyme/oregano planter was originally just sitting around on the floor.
We have one of those clear plastic desk mats from Ikea, the ones you put on a wooden desk under your keyboard and mouse to keep the desk from getting damaged over time. It's not actually in use, so we're thinking of cutting it to size and placing it under the planter, to give the bench a bit of extra protection. It's fine for now though.
-----
Outside of the workbench I have also been taking a woodworking course here in town. There's an organization here that puts together these courses a few times year, aimed at those who wish to learn a new hobby or enhance their professional skillset if they are working in an adjacent field like architecture or design.
As part of the course I am building a large toolchest which I'll be keeping inside. Between that and this workbench I'll be fully spec'd out to start some real projects again! But that will be for another post.
This site is a mirror of my gemini capsule. The equivalent gemini page can be found here, and you can learn more about gemini at my 🚀 What is Gemini? page.