Owning a woodworking bench is not easy guys. It comes with some responsibility. That’s the base of your all creation. It’s where you show your creativity. If you don’t have enough concern about maintaining it properly then you fail your responsibility.
A dirty workbench can spoil all your hard work. Your precious DIY projects need a space to lay their head. So be sure not neglecting some basic woodworking bench caring. It’s important if you wish to run your projects smoothly.
Don’t worry if you are not really good with maintenance and all. I’ll share some important points that matter for proper caring. Let’s start with it!
Think About the Storage Options!
Possibly the main reason to mess up your workbench is not giving right storage to your tools. Tool storage is the base where everything starts. You need ample space to hold them. There are so many friends who will just toss their tools on workbench once off for the day.
And then one day, some tools show to be missing. Now let me talk about one of the simplest workbench hacks that can save you from such misery. The very first and foremost tips, keep your tools in an adequate space. Organizing them will help later.
Another super cool technique to hold tools in place is buying some hardware drawers. These subline additions are really helpful to keep everything in place.
You can simply get hardware boxes like these that come with thirty to forty spaces. These are easy to grab and also comes with labels for better handling.
Done for The Day = It’s Time to Clean!
Okay now as a very responsible parent we always make our kids clean up space after playing with toys. This simple rule needs to follow by us, adults too. Make sure you go with this trick every time done for a day.Every day just cleaning and sorting the place for five to ten minutes will save hours for later. Always make a habit of putting previous project tools away whenever you are starting another one. Don’t wait till everything sums up and create a messy environment in your workshop.
Categorization Is Important When Cleaning Up!
Always make a habit of storing similar type of tools in one place. This will help you to find and use tools easily. Screwdrivers, hammer, wrenches or ratchets whole stay together so that you can access others while getting one. Grouping is one of the best ways to store tools and keep workbench clean-clear. Keep one toolbox as a primary option.
You can simply:
Hang Some on A Pegboard!
There are certain tools that are not storable in box. For these, the most suitable option is a pegboard. You can simply hang it and keep them noticeable right above your bench.
These are really accessible on any local DIY stores. You can grab one online for cheap price also. You should always keep your most used tools hand on this pegboard. So that they are accessible while your workbench stays clean.
Antiques Need Separate Space!
There are many fanatics who love collecting antique tools. If you are someone from the category make sure to collect and store them separately from tools you regularly use.
Let me assign you a DIY project. Make a display case and use it to show off your collections. This will keep them off from your bench. While your friends and family will compliment you a lot.
Using Your Own Solutions!
Toolbox and common storing techniques are obvious. You need to think outside the box and grab some solutions for yourself. Don’t limit the storing only within a few cabinets, toolbox and bench. You can buy some plastic tubs and store your nails bolts, nuts and other fasteners within.
Garb all unused CDs and DVDs available in your house. Use the plastic spool for storing your tools. Simply fix them to your wall and there is a hanging mechanism with a hook. You can use it to keep hoses, ropes, pipe wrenches and similar tools.
How to Protect Workbench Top?
So, it’s time to talk about your bench’s surface a bit. This is an important part where most of us will start losing interest. Just because a good finish sometimes makes top slippery.
But for the proper protection, you need to apply some coating such as shellac, wax or anything similar. The concept will save your bench from continuous abuse that you perform on it for a project.
You can’t imagine what benefits proper coating can bring. Every woodworker needs to deal with glues. These falling on your bench can certainly call a big disaster. The stains, once it drops on surface, will not leave sooner or sometimes never.
A few will not care about such stains. But in reality, glue building up can be a huge problem that later will totally mess with your bench surface. It’s going to become uneven and sooner unable to perform tasks correctly.
Soft glues are removable with scrapping or chiseling. Mild stains and splotches are not a big issue hurting anything.
Always go for monthly clean-up process. Even the newest workbench will look dull after a few uses when you lack deep cleaning. Once you are finishing any project, make sure to wipe the bench down properly.
There are so many solvents you use on these benches that need to get rid of. These have a tendency to get dried over time. Which can make a huge deal. Use a dry rag and lightly wipe the stains. Water-based finishes and stains will need the process even more prominently.
Sanding is a process that includes battering of workbenches also. This makes sure the design is compatible with heavy usage works.
Polish the Surface!
Once every month follow this simple process. Use a chisel and get rid of any sticking glue or spot on the surface.
Now it’s time to polish a bit. First of all, grab some polymerized Tung oil. You can also go with linseed oil. Then simply damp a soft rag with the solution. Use the rage to softly wipe surface of your workbench.
You should make sure the oil is spreading well and reaching every corner of your surface. Now use a stiff bristled brush to gently get rid of any threads available on screws. You can get some car door lock cleaning materials to know as graphite lube for these threads.
Make sure these do not reach any of your working pieces. It can leave really ugly spots. Also, the stains are pretty hard to remove. So, watch out!
You can also use other solutions instead of these lubricate. Beeswax or similar paste silicone is also ideal for lubricating threads. If you believe this is not enough for your surface then go for a refinishing workbench top service.
Using Sanders!
Removing nicks and other sorts of damages can be pretty irritating. To get rid of these from your bench simply use a belt sander or hand plane. You can begin with a sander to remove any existing old finish or glue materials. Spend first few passes with sanding and making sure everything is clear.
Remember this simple rule. The less abuse your workbench gets, the better protected it would stay. Especially it’s top! This tends to last long when sanding is done properly.
Use Some Rosin Paper!
Rosin paper can be an ideal cover for your workbench. It gives you instant protection from any type of dirty job. So, once you are starting with a new project make sure to garb some rosin paper. This will absorb any glue or stains and keep them away from your finish.
Once you see the paper is enough dirty, tear it off and toss away. One roll of rosin paper comes with 170 ft. of length. So, it’s going to last long and keep your bench’s top protected.
What You Should Never Use on A Workbench!
There are some ingredients that can cause harm to your bench’s top. For example, window cleaning fluids such as Windex. Also don’t use any gritty fabric, scrubbing compounds or lacquer thinner.
Other chemicals you should avoid are benzene, harsh solvents, gasoline and so on. Make sure to never have any contact with carbon tetrachloride, acetone or alcohol.Also, check the instruction available for your particular workbench. It should tell you more about the things useable and what to avoid in detail.
Verdict:
So, these are some simple but effective tips for woodworking bench caring. I hope you give enough attention to your workshops’ bench.
Pick the best woodworking bench suitable to your purpose and follow proper maintenance routine. A proper caring agenda can bring you years of good work. Your base probably depends on the area where projects are held. Don’t keep it dirty or messed up. Good Luck for Your Next Project!