Leopold Bench

The Leopold bench is an ideal first project for beginning woodworkers or DIY’ers. The joinery is straightforward with no complex layouts or cuts and can easily be built in an afternoon. It will teach you how to lay out a project, make the cuts, and assemble the project. You have options on finishing (leave it raw, paint, or a penetrating oil). Further, it is a very useful bench to have around your house.

With only 4 boards you can build two benches. Further, you can cut the boards in half at the store and transport them home in almost any car.

Tools Required

Saw – circular is best and what this project is designed for. However, a jigsaw or hand saw will work as well.

Steps:

Making the cuts

Buy one 10′ – 2″x10″, two 10′ – 2″x8″, and one 10′ – 2″x6″ boards. Pick the straightest ones you can find, look for #1 grade. If you can transport 10′ boards, you can break them down at home. Otherwise, cut them in half in the store or the parking lot. Some stores offer a method to cut down lumber. Options for cutting it yourself in the parking lot are using a battery-operated saw or a hand saw.

Cut two pieces of the 2″x10″ to 57″ for the seats and two pieces of the 2″x6″ to 60″ for the backs. Make sure to cut the ends square so the joint will be square when assembling the bench. The factory edge might not be square so it is better to trim each edge. Following the diagram cut the 4 leg pieces.

Now would be a good time to sand all the pieces to remove any mill marks, rough spots, or splinters.

Assembling The Legs

The most important thing to remember when assembling the legs is they are mirror images of each other. The next most important is that the bottom of the legs are in a straight line so that the bench is stable and does not rock.

Use the board for the back to align the bottoms of the legs. Then fasten them together with either 3 carriage bolts or glue and screws.

Attach The Seat & Back

Wood screws and glue are used to attach the seat and back. Center the seat on the leg and align the back with the top of the long leg.

Finishing

If you want to round over the edges it will make the bench more comfortable to the touch. The boards already have a small round-over on the factory edges, where you cut them it will have a sharp edge. Sandpaper or a router can be used to knock down the edges.

You could leave the wood raw, but it will last longer if painted or you apply a penetrating oil finish.

Options

You can make the bench any length you want, just cut the seat 3″ shorter than the back. About 6′ is the practical length, if it gets too long it will sag.

The length of the shorter leg determines the seat height. If you find a taller or shorter seat height more comfortable then adjusting the shorter leg will change the seat height.

The Circular Saw: One of the basic tools for the DIY’er

Today, we’re diving deep into the world of circular saws and why they’re a staple in every DIY enthusiast’s toolkit.

A Bit About the Circular Saw

The circular saw is, quite simply, a DIYer’s best friend. Whether you’re looking to crosscut lumber or break down sheet goods, this tool is essential. It’s versatile, relatively easy to use, efficient, and affordable. In the realm of home projects, it’s like the Swiss Army knife of power tools!

Uses and Limitations

The circular saw excels at crosscutting lumber and breaking down sheet goods. However, ripping narrow lumber can be dangerous so it’s best to turn to table saws or specialty tools for that.

Safety First

A word on safety: Every tool, no matter how familiar or simple it may seem, comes with risks. Always read and follow the safety instructions that came with your saw. Never, and I mean never, get complacent.

Additionally, make sure you’re geared up with the right personal protective equipment:

  • Safety Glasses: Protect those peepers.
  • Hearing Protection: Those motors can be loud.
  • Dust Mask: Sawdust isn’t a great thing to inhale.
  • Sturdy Gloves: While they might not always be necessary, they can provide an extra layer of protection.

Remember, in the world of DIY, knowledge is power, but safety always comes first. With the right preparation and understanding of your tools, there’s no project too big or small.

Until next time, happy building, and stay safe!