Child's Workbench

This child's workbench is easy to build, takes up little space and will set the stage for countless hours of pleasurable, productive activity. For a parent or grandparent, working alongside young children on woodworking projects, while encouraging creative input on design and building methods, is a real confidence builder for them as they develop skills that will be useful throughout their lives. Equip the bench with high quality tools that will give optimum performance and durability. The process is a great way to instill a sense of ownership and the benefits of safety, organization and good working habits into the up and coming DIYer. The ideal height for a workbench is measured by placing your arms at your sides using your wrists to gauge the ideal surface height. Adjust the height of the legs in the project if necessary, and add extensions to the legs as the child grows.

What You'll Need
Tools

• mitre saw 1347-584
• sander 1262-369
• bench saw 1346-634
• measuring tape 1048-330
• drill 1240-062
• clamps 1023-351 to 356
• hammer 1030-308
• square 1070-060

Material

• wood glue 2020-173
• 11⁄2" #8 screws 2174-408
• 11⁄2" finishing nails 2130-134
• 11⁄4" finishing nails 2130-125
• 1 x 3 pine (12 feet)
• 1 x 4 pine (32 feet)
• 1 x 6 pine (12 feet)
• 1 x 2 pine (1 foot)
• 7⁄16" plywood (good one side) 2' x 4'
• 11⁄16" plywood (good one side) 2' x 4'
• 1⁄4" pegboard 2' x 4'

Step-by-Step

1. Cut all pieces to size as shown in the parts list.
2. Using 11⁄2" nails or screws, glue and clamp the pieces together to form the 4 legs. Allow it to dry.
3. Complete the 2 side leg frames, using 11⁄2" wood screws and glue. Check for square when assembling.
4. Using glue and 11⁄2" wood screws, attach the four 1 x 4 front and back pieces to the side frames to complete the lower bench frame.
5. Check again for square, then fasten the 1 x 6 back support piece to the back legs as shown using glue and 11⁄2" screws.
6. Install the lower 7⁄16" plywood shelf and the 11⁄16" bench top using 11⁄2" wood screws.
7. Rabbet the 4 pieces for the upper section of the bench as shown. Assemble the upper section of the bench using 11⁄2" wood screws or finishing nails and glue.
8. Lay the pegboard into the rabbets of the upper frame, and secure with 11⁄4" finishing nails. The pegboard will reinforce and square the top frame.
9. Secure the upper section to the bench using 11⁄2" screws. Add the 2 cleats to the base of the upper section as shown, to strengthen the connection between the upper section and the bench.

10. Apply a clear finish, stain or paint colour of your choice.