Kreg Skill-Builder Workbench Part 2

Basic Assembly Complete but not Fully Complete

After a long delay, not related to the project… I got back to construction of the Kreg Workbench from their SkillBuilder DVD and Website.  Although I had originally intended to setup the workbench in the garage, there was little room there, so thought I’d try the basement.  It’s a little cramped there too, but I plan to move some things around and make enough space for some small projects.

Leg Leveler

When I first put the workbench on the floor, I was surprised to see it rocked… Although I could probably attribute this to the basement floor having slope and uneven, I also realize that I hadn’t assembled it on a flat, hard surface.  Rather than reassemble and straighten the wobble, I found some lightweight adjustable feet at a hardware store, and installed them.  They may be too light for the job, but I’ll worry about that if  and when needed. I also got some wood shims to keep the table top from wobbling  or really to keep it from being bowed when I fastened the top to the bench frame.

Rockler T-track and Clamps

I wanted to install some Kreg T-track and clamps, but at the local Rockler Woodworking and Hardware Store, the Rockler T-track and clamps were on sale, and I got the much lighter product.  As you can see from this image, the clamp really needs a wider area around the T-track.  I’m planning to add a frame around the table and will try to make it wide enough to meet the clamp’s needs.  I also have more track for the two sides, but haven’t added it yet.  At this point, I think I should be able to use the table, so I’m making this my milestone and will post the completed project, or updates when and if available.

To add the T-track, I guess I could have routed out an area in the top of the table, but since the top is two layers, I just shimmed up the  track from the bottom surface and trimmed the upper sheet to add space for the track, but now it seems I’m a little too close to the table edge for proper clamp operation.

Kreg Skill-Builder Workbench

My First Pocket Hole Project

NOTE: Always research and use proper safety precautions. Tools, especially power tools can be dangerous.

I recently became interested in the Kreg Pocket Hole System of wood joining.

After picking up a basic Kreg Pocket Hole System, I needed a starter project to try it out.

The Kreg Tool dot com site has many educational media tools, including complete plans for what they call the Kreg Workbench.  http://www.kregtool.com/images/icons/2x4_bench.pdf

There is also an abundance of additional information on the internet, including many online videos regarding the Kreg Pocket Hole System.  For a selection of blogs, webpages and videos, search on keywords “Kreg”, “Pocket Hole”, “Skillbuilder”, and “Workbench”.

I haven’t finished my Workbench Project yet, but here are a few of my snapshots of how the project is going… Not everyone will require more than one session to finish their project, but I’m doing it as I’m inspired and able.

Here are some of the steps as I see them:

1. Get Plans, Wood, and Kreg Tools.
2. Cut Wood Pieces (Safety First)
3. Drill Pocket Holes
4. Assemble Base.
5. Assemble Table Top.
6. Finishing and Personal Touches.

Using the above list, I’m between steps 4 & 5, and working on step 6 planning.

Top: Short Sides; Mid: Legs; Bottom: Long Sides

Best side up, Drill side marked down.

The side to drill was marked, but on the opposite end.

After my first 16 pocket holes (not counting the extra while daydreaming)

Cutting and Drilling Complete… Well,… I did forget the sheet mounting holes at this point.