To this I would like to add that you don't need a lot of tools either. I am building mine from recycled timbers which I got in a
rough state. I don't have any powertools because I live in a flat (appartment to those on the other side of the pond). A plane,
some saws, chisels, scrapers, sharpening stones and assorted other small tools is all you need. A B&D WorkMate has been a
lifesaver so far and I have got so used to it that I can imagine that I will continue to use it for some tasks even after the main
bench is complete.

Doing it this way takes a long time but it has been very rewarding.

The base is finished and I am currently working on the top. Winding sticks and that little blue No. 4 record plane are all the
tools I have had out of the closet for weeks.


....you should borrow a Stanley or Record #7 or #8 from Andy Dingly
if you don't have one... get this issue of Woodworkers Journal,

"Ultimate workbench issue" October 2004, volume 28, number 5

In which Frank Klausz and Ian Kirby describe their benches and give
their designs, but the point is Kirby on how to flatten the top with a
large plane. These are two classic woodworking benches. Klausz'
is a traditional design of old, Kirby's is his own design and quite
substantial.

--
Alex
cravdraa_at-yahoo_dot-com
not my site: http://www.e-sword.net/