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Step 3Start Cuttin'
Once you have an idea of the size of the bench that you want and have all this lumber stacked up in your back yard, it is time to start cutting things up.
First the legs - I used 4x4's because I think that they look tough and tend to offer a bit more structural support than 2x4's. Plus they were free. Get an idea of the height of the bench that you want and cut the legs to that length. Keep in mind, that there will be a table top and, if you're finicky, keep that 3/4" in mind. If you're more like me, throw caution to the wind and cut the legs to the length that you want. Most people will need 4 legs. If you have less than that, you are either gifted or in trouble.
Next the back braces. Figure out how long you want your bench to be and cut your braces to be this length. My bench is 6 feet long. I also made 3 braces. 2 for the back and one for the front. The two top braces not only give your bench support, but they also act as the support you will attach your top to.
Finally, the side braces. Again, figure out how deep you want your bench to be and cut to that length. you'll need 4 of these puppies. 2 for each side. If you want to put a shelf on the bottom, as I did, it will be where you attach the shelf.
Having a mitre saw is boss and if you've been looking for any excuse to buy one, this is it. Each of these cuts takes about 3 seconds (4x4's) or less. A circular saw on 4x4's is a hassle because you have to cut one side than the other.
First the legs - I used 4x4's because I think that they look tough and tend to offer a bit more structural support than 2x4's. Plus they were free. Get an idea of the height of the bench that you want and cut the legs to that length. Keep in mind, that there will be a table top and, if you're finicky, keep that 3/4" in mind. If you're more like me, throw caution to the wind and cut the legs to the length that you want. Most people will need 4 legs. If you have less than that, you are either gifted or in trouble.
Next the back braces. Figure out how long you want your bench to be and cut your braces to be this length. My bench is 6 feet long. I also made 3 braces. 2 for the back and one for the front. The two top braces not only give your bench support, but they also act as the support you will attach your top to.
Finally, the side braces. Again, figure out how deep you want your bench to be and cut to that length. you'll need 4 of these puppies. 2 for each side. If you want to put a shelf on the bottom, as I did, it will be where you attach the shelf.
Having a mitre saw is boss and if you've been looking for any excuse to buy one, this is it. Each of these cuts takes about 3 seconds (4x4's) or less. A circular saw on 4x4's is a hassle because you have to cut one side than the other.
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