Onion Slices

Last night I got a bunch of prep work done, and got started building the sawhorses that I would need to build my workbench. The reason why I got started, but didn’t finish is because I took for granted having all the material I needed.

I got a miter saw set up on the floor (thanks Sean and Julie!) and started measuring. I had some long 2x4’s and figured that out of each I could get two 36 inch boards and one shorter. The longer boards were going to be the top and bottom of the I-beam shape, and the shorter would be the middle. This would allow me to clamp all the way around the top board, even on the ends. I was going to assemble the I-beams and then measure for the legs. I want to miter them so the face of the leg sits flush on the I-beam (just me trying to be fancy). As I was laying things out and getting the drill ready to start putting the pilot holes in, I looked for the screws so I could double-check the length (I have been totally measuring twice this project). Well, there was a problem with that…

Back in the apartment (and before), I had a big box of 2 inch drywall screws. I loved using these for woodworking because they hold well and they are easy to sink or remove, so I thought they would be perfect for this plan. Sadly, they are nowhere to be found!!! D’oh!

So, I ended my woodworking for the night with a trip to the hardware store, and picked up some of the things that I’ve been meaning to get, and a big box of 2 inch drywall screws…

I’m working on this project as a stepping stone and as a proof-of-concept that I still have the skills I used to. It seems that if I am focused on what I’m doing, I’m still able to measure accurately and cut the line where I want it to be cut. The next part is going to be laying out the screw holes, drilling the screw-well with some Forsner bits, pilot drilling, and then filling the holes with some dowels and glue. It’s way more than I need to be doing with a set of sawhorses, but I’m having a great time (except for crawling around on the garage floor because I don’t have a work surface yet)!