As woodworkers, our greatest joy is working on a project and getting amazing results – projects that’ll leave you proud and satisfied. The major question a lot of woodworkers ask is “should I buy or build a workbench”, and the truth is – the choice you make depends on a lot of factors that go way beyond just the stress and time it’ll take to get one.
The confusion of building or buying a workbench is usually common amongst novice woodworkers, and there is absolutely nothing to be ashamed of – even professionals get confused too. Well, that being said it’s time to educate yourself well enough to make your final decision.
Before we dive into which one is best for you and which one is not, it’s best to know what exactly a good bench is made up of. So you know just what to look out for whether you choose to build one or buy one. Here are some of the factors to consider before making your final decision;
- Cost
Where there’s variety in taste, design and, materials used – there’s definitely got to be a variety in prices. It is true that most expensive workbenches are usually of higher quality than cheaper benches, but this is not always true and this is why the cost of building or buying a workbench isn’t the only factor to consider.
If you choose to buy a workbench, make sure you’re getting one from a reputable brand, so you know you’re definitely getting your money’s worth and if you’re going to be building one make sure the materials you buy are not just expensive, but of high quality too.
If the cost of building or buying a workbench is your major concern then you should weigh your options and see if buying one is cheaper than building one and vice versa.
- Skills required
If you choose to build your own workbench, you need to know it isn’t going to be an easy job. You’ll need certain skills to help you come out with a good one and even more professional skills to come up with your own design. If you don’t possess enough skills to build your own workbench, the next best option is to buy one or probably acquire those skills, just in case you’re all bent on adding a huge project to your portfolio.
- Style
Here’s a chance to express yourself however you like in the best possible way. If you’re going to be buying a workbench, choosing a style that best suits you might be difficult and most likely limit the chances of owning your dream workbench and this is where the idea of building your own workbench comes in and you get to be creative. So if you need a specially designed workbench, you should consider building your own workbench.
- Time and Comfort
Building your own workbench takes a whole lot of time and dedication. Not having the luxury of time to build one could push you to build a bad one or leave you without one for a really long time. If you find it difficult to build your own workbench, buying one is the next best option.
A word of advice
Now that you know the factors to put into consideration before making your final decision, it’s time to put YOU into consideration.
If you’re just a newbie woodworker, you don’t need to push yourself too hard, you’ll get there eventually. Building your own workbench might take a whole lot out of your time and still end up being terrible. Take your time to learn, get better, acquire enough skills and experience good enough to help you make a good workbench. You might not necessarily get it at first, only a few woodworkers get it at their first try, but if you don’t – it’s fine you’ll do better next time. Buying the cheap workbench is the best option for you or buying an expensive one is even better if the cost isn’t a big deal to you.
For the experts who have been in the game for quite a while, you probably have the skills required and building a workbench isn’t going to be such a difficult task. If you have the luxury of time, go ahead and build one, it’ll only help you get better at the end of it all. Buying an expensive workbench when you have the skills and time to build one isn’t a great idea, but if the cost means nothing to you. Why not?
Conclusion
Building a workbench or buying one are both great ideas and the only possible ways to own a workbench. I hope you’ll be able to make a better decision now that you know all there is to know about owning your own workbench. It all boils down to you at the end of the day.=
