Adding a Toolwell: Step 05 in Crafting a Woodworking Workbench Using Hand Tools Only

by Why Don't You Build it? June 27, 2023, 1:35 pm 11 Comments

# **Title: Enhancing Your Workbench with a Tool Well | DIY Woodworking Project**

## **Description:**
Upgrade your workbench and make it more functional by adding a tool well. In this DIY woodworking project, I show you step by step how I made a tool well using recycled wood. The frame is constructed with dovetail joints for durability, and the bars supporting the bottom are joined with a unique technique. Follow along and learn how to create this practical addition to your workbench.

## **Transcript:**
Next on my list is the addition of a tool well to my workbench. Instead of purchasing new wood, I decided to repurpose old fence boards to match the rustic aesthetic of my bench. Although the boards don’t need to be perfect, I did replace the blade of my plane for better results. If you’re interested, I can do a review of this affordable plane, so let me know in the comments.

The plan for the tool well is straightforward – building a box held together with dovetail joints. Since I don’t have a bevel gauge, I made a temporary one to mark my angles. Measuring accurately is essential for a flawless joint, and there are plenty of useful videos on YouTube demonstrating how to saw joints properly. Ideally, I would invest in a fret saw to avoid excessive chiseling in the future.

Having the right tool for the job is truly valuable. Although a larger chisel would have been preferable, I didn’t let the lack of it discourage me. I managed to achieve a nice tight fit with the tools at hand. With the framing completed, it’s time to move on to the bottom of the tool well.

Originally, I considered using a solid board fitted in grooves. However, to keep the well clean from debris, I decided to make it removable. I came up with an innovative idea that I’m quite proud of – a joint that I’m unsure if it has a name. If you know it, please share in the comments. This type of joint not only facilitates construction but also ensures a flush bottom, eliminating any wasted space vertically. Additionally, the soft wood of the boards allows for some flexibility, accommodating slightly longer bars.

For the bottom of the tool well, I opted for old pallet boards instead of a thin layer of plywood. This decision not only adds an element of fun to the project but also gives me the opportunity to practice planing and joining. Perfect fit achieved! It’s a shame that the most beautiful part is hidden from sight.

Lastly, I wanted the tool well to be at the same level as the top of my workbench. To achieve this, I glued thin boards and planed them to the desired height. To finish off, I recently acquired and restored an old wooden plane, which I absolutely adore. A final touch of linseed oil brings out the natural beauty of the wood. I couldn’t be happier with the end result. Share your thoughts in the comments below!

## **Keywords/Tags:**
woodworking, workbench, legno, Incastri, falegnameria, segaccio, sega da incastri, scalpello, banco da lavoro, ripsaw, rip saw, wood glue, colla vinilica, 鉋, カンナ, hand tools, pialla, 鋸, ノコギリ, joint, dovetail joint, tool well, toolwell, coda di rondine, incastro a coda di rondine, 蟻継ぎ, 通し蟻継ぎ, 蟻継, あり継ぎ, 大工, 大工道具

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While the top made my workbench look like a real workbench, it was missing something. So I went on and added a tool well.
I made it, as always, from recycled wood. The frame is made from boards reclaimed from a fence, and the bottom from pallets boards. The frame is joined with dovetail joints, and I made some kind of joint for joining the bars that support the bottom. I don’t know what kind of join is it, I don’t even know if it has a name…
I hope you enjoy watching it as much as I enjoyed making it.