Hey everyone! I'm a newbie to woodworking and have been practicing with power tools in my apartment, but I'm eager to get into hand tools since they're more portable for my situation. I want to work on some rip cuts and plan to take my mobile workbench outside to enjoy the fresh air. I'm specifically trying to cut out a few 18-inch strips from a 3/4 inch thick walnut board using a ryoba saw. I know that the saw works best for vertical cuts, but I'm struggling to figure out the best way to clamp the board securely to my mobile bench. Also, if you have any general tips, I'd really appreciate it as I'm also working on getting cleaner cuts with chisels and knife lines!
3 Answers
I’d recommend checking out some low-profile Japanese sawhorses. They can provide a really solid base to hold your board securely without taking up much space. Plus, you can easily make them with some scrap wood, like 2x4s or 2x6s. It's a great way to stabilize your work without burdening your mobile bench too much!
Honestly, if your bench is too wobbly, you might have better luck just kneeling or sitting on the board while you cut it flat against the table. Your body weight will stabilize everything. If you want something more permanent, check out YouTuber Rex Krueger for some low bench options. He has some great ideas that might suit your needs!
When it comes to cutting longer pieces with a vertical pull saw, a wood vise is often the go-to tool. If your bench is lightweight, you can use a trigger clamp to secure the board by grabbing a dog on one side and pressing the board against the edge of your bench on the other side. I’ve tried it out, and it holds pretty well, but you’ll still need to manage the board with one hand while cutting. It’s worth a shot!
I get what you're saying about the table. I did some test cuts with clamps, and the table held up surprisingly well! My main issue was finding the right clamp positions. I’ll keep your advice in mind for my next attempts.
Thanks for the suggestion! I'll definitely build some and see how they work out with my setup.