How to Make Simple Wooden Benches With Basic Hand Tools
- 1). Use a measuring tape and pencil to mark an 8 foot long 2 inch x 12 inch board into three pieces as follows: one 48 inches long (mark "A"), and two 18 inches long each (mark "B").
- 2). Mark a 4 foot long 2 inch x 4 inch board into one piece 43 inches long (mark "C").
- 3). Mark a 4 foot long 2 inch x 2 inch board into four pieces 11-1/4 inches long each (mark "D").
- 4). Use the measuring square to draw precise, straight lines across the boards at those marks, and cut each board at the lines, using a crosscut handsaw.
- 5). Lay out all parts "D" and mark as follows: on one face of each, mark a dot in the center and another 1 inch from each end. Turn ALL four pieces counterclockwise (to your left) one turn, and on two of the pieces mark the same pattern as before--one dot centered, another 1 inch from each end (mark these D1); on the remaining two pieces mark only the center point (mark D2).
- 6). Use a brace (hand drill) and 1/8 inch bit to drill all the way through the wood at each dot marked in parts "D". These are pilot holes for screws.
- 7). Use a rasp to shape the ends of the "A" so that it has slightly rounded corners and top. Follow with sandpaper (working from coarse to fine until the whole board top and ends are smooth).
- 8). Repeat sanding procedure to smooth surfaces of parts B, C and D--do NOT round ends.
- 9). On one side of both parts "B", measure and draw a line 9 inches from one end (the center of the board).
- 10
Position one part "D2" along the line drawn on each part "B", so that each sits below the center line ( perpendicular to "B") and with the face containing three drilled holes facing up. Screw both parts "D2" to both parts "B" through the pre-drilled holes. - 11
Place parts "D1" at the top edge of each part "B" and attach with screws through the three pre-drilled holes as with the step above. - 12
Stand both parts "B" upright with the parts "D" facing. Lay part "C" across between them and fasten each end by screwing them from underneath through parts "D2" at the pre-drilled center hole. - 13
Turn "A" over. Measure and draw a line 2-1/2 inches in from each end. Invert the entire leg and brace section (the now assembled parts B,C and D) over it, positioning parts "D1" so that they lie directly along the lines drawn on the underside of "A". - 14
Fasten in place with screws using the previously drilled pilot holes as guides. - 15
Sand the bench smooth. Finish with stain or paint as desired.
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