The Making of a Garden Bench: A DIY Project by Badger Workshop
Do you have a spare Singer sewing machine base lying around? Last year, Matt, the creator behind the Youtube channel Badger Workshop, transformed a vintage Singer sewing machine base into a unique garden table. Inspired by his past project, Matt decided to create a matching garden bench. Follow along with Badger Workshop’s video to see how he created a beautiful garden bench using construction timber and a few other materials.
Starting the Bench Base
Matt begins by cutting down some untreated six by two construction timber. He admits that treated timber would be better, but using up the resources he has on hand is his priority. The construction timber he acquired has rounded edges, which he does not want for his bench.
To correct this, Matt opts to rip off a small strip on each edge of the timber to keep the edges squared. He then lays out three of these pieces and marks up some positions for adding biscuits. While the biscuits are not necessary, using them makes creating the slatted bench panel easier.
Making Use of the Machine
Matt plans to use his Singer sewing machine to cut the timber with biscuits in it. He attaches a spare piece of timber to a bench with bench hooks and uses it as a fence for the machine. Using a bit of force, he gets the timber with biscuits installed into the machine for it to cut the shape he needs.
After applying glue to the cut pieces, he clamps them together into shape. Making two of these, these cut pieces are used to form the bench’s legs. He then leaves them to dry for several hours.
Creating the Base Legs
To create the leg shape Matt has in mind, he needs to add a five-degree taper. He sets up the sliding carriage to help him cut the taper on one end of both pieces. Once he finishes one end, he sets up a stop block and cuts the other one. This leaves both pieces at the same length with a tapered edge.
After completing the legs, Matt draws a sketch and creates a template for the bench’s back piece. He marks where he’ll need to cut, then cuts the shape using a jig. Although he could use a bandsaw or jigsaw, he opts for the latter. He uses a jig used for “edging boards” to get a precise cut.
He clamps the jig into place and adjusts the fence for the saw. He removes the blade guard due to clamp issues, pushes the jig up against the fence, and cuts the excess with ease. He repeats this process to get two identical back pieces with five-degree angles cut on top and bottom to match the now-dried legs.
Building the Foot for the Bench
Matt wants to add a wider foot to the bench’s legs, each with a three by two cut down. He uses a jigsaw to approximately cut down the foot and sets the blade to a five-degree angle. Although this doesn’t serve much of a purpose, he thinks it looks better when all the angles match.
He then glues and screws the pieces together. Using a plug cutter, Matt drills some pilot holes then clamps one leg in a vice. He applies glue to the bottom of the leg, screws on the foot, and then positions it accordingly.
He pre-drills holes with countersinks for attaching the upright pieces together with screws and attaches with glue. He covers these screw holes with plugs he made himself with Oak wood cut to 12 mil size, then sanded down and installed.
Finishing Up the Project
After letting dry for a few hours, Matt finishes the project with a bit of Danish Oil he had on hand. Although not suitable for outside use, he doesn’t plan to leave it out all year-round. He then adds the slats, sanding them down to ensure a consistent look, and pre-drills holes for the screws holding them in place.
He then lines up a combination square to ensure even spacing between slats, installs them, and covers each screw hole with a 12 mil plug. After tapping down the plugs into place with glue, Matt uses his saw to trim them flush. He then applies the same finish he used for the legs to the bench seat.
To finish up the project, Matt positions the bench outside and adds the table he made previously with the Singer sewing machine base. With this project coming full circle, he can sit back and enjoy a cold beverage in a beautiful garden setting.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Matt’s incredible woodworking skills brought us yet another amazing DIY garden project. Starting with cutting construction timber pieces and glueing them together for the bench’s legs, he had the vision and skills to create a beautiful bench that matched perfectly with his previous project. The bench’s distinct design with slats and an angled seat-back makes it a charming addition to any garden. By using inexpensive and readily available materials, he proves that anyone can create unique and stunning home decor with the right tools and creativity.