workbench #1: laminated the top

congratulations on the beginning of the journey – it’s a fun one! so far looking good.

-- ㊍ When in doubt - There is no doubt - Go the safer route.

I’ve started building mine with LVL’s for the base, ( Popular Woodworking inspired) Had the LVL’s left over from building my house. Amazing how well they plane up thru my Dewalt 735. Still deciding on what type of wood to use for the top. I’ll keep watching your progress, enjoy the journey.

a guy i know from TWW forum built his top from LVL. took it to a cabinet shop that had a wide belt sander machine.

-- Got Wood?

For the height you should have the top of the bench hit you around the palm of your hand when you stand straight and let your arm hang limp at your side. My bench hits me at the wrist and it is sometimes a touch high when planing.

You is off to a nice start.

-- CJIII Future cabinetmaker

Wow! You clamped the whole top up at once? If so, props!!

I wasn’t brave enough to clamp everything at once for my bench top. I clamped up two boards, then another two. Finally, I’d clamp those two together. When I got to 8” of width, I’d put that section aside and start on another one. Then, I wound up with three 8” wide sections that I clamped up for the final top.