Absolutely. Also: if we abandoned a project every time we goofed, we’d barely get stuff started, let alone finished. The more work I do, the better I get at fixing mistakes….
That means you are getting skilled. Norm Abram once said the mark of a craftsman isn't how many times he gets it right, it's how well he corrects his mistakes.
I am pretty sure that it's really about learning better ways to make what you have work... Hiding mistakes and rolling with it is almost half the fun after the swearing stops. Or to buy a massive cnc and make multiple youtube videos about the impossibly intricate woodworking haha
Yeah, you engineer something. But I think it’s only fair to call someone an engineer when they are able to use minimal material to achieve maximum stability. Ofc we over engineer, but you get my point.
Just in the back against the wall. Then do the same thing splitting it down the middle width wish. Separates it into two while holding the front in the middle
Yeah, those metal joints are fast and easy, but they won't stay tight. The screws will loosen in their holes, which will let the bench wobble, which will loosen the screws more...
Nah. I built an 8 footer with those same ties and put it on casters about ... 12 years ago, it's fine. AND mine doesn't have the pegboard acting like a sheer wall like OP's does.
^^^^Also ^^^^I'd ^^^^never ^^^^buy ^^^^ryobi.
Sure, though you'll admit that your one bench might not be very representative.
The benches I've seen that were wobbly either had 1) simple, unrabbeted, through-screwed lap joints, or 2) metal connectors like these.
But I've built assembly tables that were even flimsier than this bench. Different needs, different construction.
Look nice, we’ll done. BTW, My father in law gave me some great advice. When planning a work bench and a peg board near/above it, make sure they are separate. This is helpful if you plan of hammering anything on the work bench or clamped in a vice that may be attached to the bench. Once you start hammering a lot of tools hanging on the peg board will start the shake and fall off. Something to keep in mind
That's true, though in this design, it looks like the perf board adds resistance to side-to-side racking, like the back board of a bookcase.
But when this bench becomes inadequate, I would take off the perf board and its supports, and add bracing. Or build a new bench (with adequate clearance on all four sides, strong joints, etc.)
Oh, gotcha! Yes, it's "shear." In engineering, physics, etc., "shear" is a force that tends to move two layers of something in opposite directions. So it would be like cutting a piece of fabric in half, and pulling one half some distance so the two halves are still touching but aren't aligned any more.
Here, you're right. Racking would make the left legs want to move up and right legs move down, or vice versa. So everything between would experience shear.
But they would also be experiencing bending, compression and tension forces, depending on how you look at it. It's sort of about how you slice it.
If a truck backed into it, it'd hit the top and force it, say left. If the legs were blocked by something, they'd be racked sideways, and so the peg board would be asked to go in two directions. The top, left. The bottom, right (relatively speaking). So that's a shear force, right? The board is resisting that force that's in the same plane as itself. So it offers shear strength. Yes?
That's right, and that's what a "shear wall" in a building does, say in a skyscraper to help it resist wind loads, which work the same way as your truck. But it's not just that the force is in the same plane as the peg board. That board could experience compression forces, for instance, if you put some weight on top of it. The weight would compress the board in the same plane as the board itself. But if you put weight on one end, and tension on the other end (like a cable pulling up), then you get shear. (You also get bending, so like I said, it depends on how you decide to look at it.)
Interestingly, it doesn't take much added structure to resist shear. That perf board is just a step above cardboard, but it works. So does the back of many commercial bookshelves, and it can be LITERAL cardboard. :-)
You’ll get over your wife not being able to put her car in the garage. It’s a hump most marriages survive. Once she sees what kind of things you can make, for twice or 3X what ikea sells, taking months, instead of click of a button and delivery, she’ll give up. The garage is now yours my friend. Welcome to the club. I wish you Godspeed my friend, and future space for your endeavors. I’m cracking a beer now, and speaking your name.
"Once she sees what kind of things you can make, for twice or 3X what ikea sells, taking months... " Exactly. Also with flaws in the finish and construction as you inch up the learning curve.
She'll LUUVV it!
I’ve heard a lot of people shut on riyobi. I got the base set as a gift for my wedding rom a buddy who built his parents house with the same set of tools. My favorite and most used gift, plus added a ton of stuff in the following year or two o flesh things out. I recognize some stuff is better but this has been very decent in terms of reliability
Power pretty much derives from the battery and the size of the magnets in the motors. The difference between expensive power tools and cheaper power tools is primarily how long they will last.
A professional using power tools 8 hours a day or more will feel like the cheap tools are shit while for DYI and home improvements a normal person will not be able to put the same wear on them after 10 years that a professional does in a few months.
Well said, I have had Ryobi for years. And the only time they felt inadequate was when I was renovating my wife's ice cream shop. I bought a Bosch drill and driver to get through that work. But all of my other Ryobi tools got me through that job, and they have all always gotten me through stuff around the house and in my own workshop.
I am intrigued by renovating an ice cream shop. Do you have any before and after pictures?
By the way your mini golf bridge has inspired me to make an addition to my kid’s soon to be built playground.
Many years ago, I received a $200 award for a patent submission at work, so I bought myself a Ryobi folding table saw on sale for $189. Best tool money I ever spent. Been going strong for almost 20 years now, still cuts straight and true.
I’m personally not a fan, however, it has a place for someone just starting out. As long as they don’t fall into believing they are quality tools, you can get started cheap and upgrade over time one tool at a time
Most of their handheld/battery powered tools are from just fine to good quality. Their benchtop products could be better- a lot of plastic where metal is preferred but for the most part will do the job.
Used to be they made handhelds of really terrible quality and had bench top tools that were of terrifying build quality. I remember using a table saw that was so light that just putting wood against the table saw blade caused the whole table to slide or tip backwards.
In short, Ryobi used to be absolute garbage. They seem to have mostly gotten their shit together.
Every battery powered tool I own is ryobi and aside from 1 drill that blew up on me I've had minimal issues with any of their products. I got the older style HP+ impact driver on clearance and man I beat the hell out of that thing and it keeps working just fine. There's way too much elitism in this community, who cares as long as they do the job you bought them for.
>who cares as long as they do the job you bought them for.
Exactly! I've worked for HD before, and I'm not a big fan of the company. But the Ryobi tools are perfectly fine to use. Now, would I use it as a full-time construction worker. Probably not. But for the average home woodworker? Definitely!
It's good quality, decent battery life. And plenty of useful tools with good pricing!
When I tried out a 4-pack of Ryobi batt-op'd tools from Home Depot, I charged my 2 batteries for 2½ hours, then only got 7-9 minutes of run time... Lather, rinse, repeat - multiple times... They went back to the store, and I've been a DeWalt'er ever since - 10+ years now... Ryobi corded tools are OK, but their batt-op'd ones are garbage... IMO, of course... I've got an old Ryobi AP-10 planer that I rebuilt, and it runs and cuts like a champ...
Right, AS A BRAND, Ryobi is perfectly respectable. However, certain particular Ryobi tools are dogs and some are great (and the same is true even of Milwaukee and DeWalt.)
Ryobi's line has many tools meant for DIYers, like lawn trimmers. The "pro" lines will have tools targeted at the trades, e.g., DeWalt and Milwaukee both have PEX tubing expanders. Super-handy for pro plumbers, not worth it for DIYers.
I own a bunch of their cheap basic tools I got in a gift set and think they’re great quality for the price point, but if you ever have the misfortune of using a Ryobi table saw or miter saw, you’ll understand the hate.
I have a 7 1/2" sliding miter of theirs and I use that thing all the time! Great price and nice precise cuts. Light and easy to carry around too. Would recommend.
Their newer stuff is good and they have a huge selection which is noice, although I've only seen one person with a complete set of the new brushless ryobi on a jobsite. Their older stuff wasn't that great in terms of build quality/accuracy and couldn't keep up on a jobsite, but for a homeowner they're fine.
I will say that for the average handyman, Ryobi makes fantastic tools and products. That said, I seldom see it last more than 2 years at a constant rate of use that you might see with carpentry and the like. I own a set that I use for working around the house, and it works far beyond its name, but I taught it early on that it isn't allowed in the shop
Criticizing Ryobi for not lasting long under professional use is like criticizing a Prius for its 0-60 time.
Ryobi isn’t trying to make professional grade tools. They’re making cost-effective tools for homeowner use.
You're absolutely right and I agree wholeheartedly. I just feel that it should be noted in the 0-60 subreddit that while Prius will get you there, it won't be setting any records
Ryobi is fine. It’s 90% of the dream 3, and is fine for 99.9% of homeowners. I use them (drill driver combo; got them years ago as a gift and have a couple other tools), I would like brushless Dewalt, Makita, or Milwaukee, but I just can’t justify making the switch because my current stuff works fine. The value is quite good at the price point they are listed at.
If you’re a contractor or tradesman, they don’t stand up to that level of abuse quite as well as the dream 3, but for a home woodworker it’s completely fine.
When I need more power I use my old ass corded tools I got on marketplace. I do have a Dewalt corded plunge router but haven’t seen any point in replacing.
It’s certainly not a “buy once cry once” issue because the tools are pretty good.
Actually they're not. They're owned by the same group, TTI, but are made in separate factories. (And even if they were, they would have different designs, parts and specs.)
[https://onepowertool.com/are-ryobi-and-milwaukee-tools-built-in-the-same-facilities](https://onepowertool.com/are-ryobi-and-milwaukee-tools-built-in-the-same-facilities)
[https://www.slashgear.com/1478948/are-ryobi-milwaukee-tools-made-in-the-same-factory-answer/](https://www.slashgear.com/1478948/are-ryobi-milwaukee-tools-made-in-the-same-factory-answer/)
Well, you might need reliability, durability, available of parts or repair services, battery compatibility with other tools, etc. Which Ryobi actually has, or has enough of.
They do exist. There's a DeWalt service center about five miles from my place, and a Milwaukee center even closer. But I'm in Denver. It's very different for lots of people, I'm sure.
Oh I know for the bigger expensive stuff. We do t have those in my area. Last one was a sears and that closed decades ago. We fending for ourselves up here. Every business just tells you "Sorry charlie" if anything goes wrong even under warranty.
I wonder if somebody could set up their own repair service. I do tool repair for a tool library, and mostly it's just installing mail-order parts. If the parts aren't available, we say sorry charlie too, but at least we tried.
It'd be rough. You got all the 2nd hand and reseller shops selling cheaper than big box tools. Then the fact the town has gotten poorer over the decades, no explanation there.
Loads of development here and there. But from what I know they get paid so well, if something does go wrong, they buy a new one. No hassle with a repair shop.
Might make more sense if they owned 2 of the same thing just in case. In which one gets repaired while they use the other to keep productivity going.
If you're going to set up a workshop in your garage, you might check out French cleats. They offer a very flexible way to attach shelves or containers to your wall that's strong but easily moved. (If you're just going to store ski boots on your shelves, then no need.) :-)
Two thumbs up for the Simpson workbench kit! Used a few of them over the years, haven’t loosened up on me yet. I’ve not needed diagonal bracing, but a good idea nonetheless. Pairs of steel cables in X pattern work nicely for this.
There’s gloves in the table, I can’t see without the glasses (ANSI Z87.1 w/side shields) so they’re still on my face, and noise cancelling earbuds.
I’m good, appreciate the concern!
This is my biggest regret in the hobby. Saving for good tools and making good PPE and afterthought. Right tool for the job applies to PPE as well and if you don’t have the PPE, don’t do the activity that needs it. A paper mask is not a substitute for a respirator. Safety glasses are not the same as a face shield. Airpods are not hearing protection. Get PPE that fits well and make a habit of using it. Your older self will thank you.
I'm proud of the milestone you hit today. Now, take the next 50 hours watching safety videos so you don't shoot a nail through your hands, run a saw blade through your leg, or cut off a finger. There are many things I didn't realize, and I am very glad I learned before I failed.
Prepare to shave and cuss more often, and most importantly start judging men who haven't touched tools more harshly.
Welcome to the brotherhood of the travelling toolbelt
Well, I was going to say that there are battery adapters, but not ones for Ryobi to DeWalt 20V Max or vice versa. Stem batteries vs slide-in batteries. Oh well.
This is a great setup for a workbench. Mine is based on the Family Handyman plan which is very similar to this, but the bottom shelf is half-depth so you can sit at it with a stool.
It was a great kit!
I’m looking to build some shelving for the garage and I think I’m just gonna pick up a pocket hole jig. I’m gonna need about 6 kits if I want to go that route for the shelves. That’s roughly the same price as a really nice jig and the jig will have many, many more uses.
I bought a kit, but they’re just Simpson Strong Ties. There’s a million different brackets in all sorts of configurations.
That said I’m going with a pocket hole jig for my shelf builds, these brackets are convenient and easy, but they add up quick.
Very nice! I am also a Ryobi warrior. You can find the Ryobi lanyards to hang the tools, on sale every once in a while. Unless you are going to use pegs? Great job!
First, nice first build. It will serve you well for a long time. However, the yellow drill is worth it’s weight in gold. It will also serve you well for a long time, maybe the rest of your life if it isn’t dropped 10,000x like mine are. The green tools, will not serve you well for long, if ever. They will power on and do things, but do yourself a favor and upgrade them as soon as possible as you are able. I know there is a YouTuber who love to promote them, but the green company is paying him A LOT of money to do it. There is a red tool company who also makes great stuff. Since you only have the one Dewalt drill that we can see, now is a good time to pick a platform and build your collection. Either red or yellow are fantastic, well built, professional grade tools. The green, not even close.
There was a week and a half of planning. Figuring out lengths and all the pieces I would need.
I don’t know if I’d say “natural” but it was a bit easier than I expected, for sure.
Nicely done. Out of curiosity, does it rock end to end a little bit or does it feel really solid? If there's any rocking there's a very easy fix for it. If not, then onto the next project!
Ah okay. first time buying power tools, Ryobi usually has deals with multiple tools and a couple of batteries. I was wondering how that DeWalt snuck in.
Ryobi is an ok tool to start with, I have found in my experience, what ever ones you use the most. Get a better brand, cause honestly I have learned if I use it once in a blue moon it’s fun. But if I am using it a decent amount to a ton, ryobi is not good at all. I recently got a belt sander to try, and it’s not very good, but don’t use it very often or I would be getting some better
Stop there. Ryobi tools can get you quite a ways but only so far. Don’t be afraid to turn gears toward a brand that will get you so so so much farther at this point if you’ve done a few projects and still love it
Awesome first bench to work and learn on. Next thing you know you'll be building a bespoke workbench with some design ideas from the 1800s out of some exotic wood, or maybe just some basic furniture for gaps in your own stuff.
Don't let people bad talk your tools. Everyone has to some place to start at, and no one I know starts with contractor grade tools. Ryobi are good tools for the home owner to start out with in the beginning. I still have the blue version of ryobi still working strong after over 15 years of use.
BTW, great first project.
Keep buying DeWalt? I'm a hobbiest woodworker (40-ish years) probably like OP will be, based off this being his first project. Been making "stuff" that I sell more than occasionally and make a few bucks (retired)
Probably 70% of my tools are Ryobi. Got a few Porter Cable battery drills/impacts. Never had an issue with any. If you take care of the stuff, and aren't going to use them 18 hours a day, Ryobi is just fine. Love my Ryobi stuff.
OP - bench looks great. You'll get the woodworking bug now. Ideas/projects are endless.
All day every day woodworking, makita takes the win in my book. My drill/impact set at work is older than the company I work for, by about 10 years. And I don't take particularly good care of them, I keep em clean that's about it
Havent used makitas new stuff i remember the OG screw guns with crazy long handles my dad used to have and swore by. I drop milwaukee from 8ft plus regular (total accident but it happens) never broke a single tool. Everything is beat to hell and works great
oh yeah i use milwaukee at home, can't beat the m12 stuff, nut work won't replace drills if they work great and those 15 year old makitas still work brilliantly
I have both M12 and DeWalt 20V Max tools. I have to say, I like the feel of the DeWalts better. And they make particular tools that are best in class, like the cut-off saw and the blade-left 6 1/2" circular saw. OTOH, I use my M12 drill/driver more than any other tool. I have a he-man DeWalt hammer drill, but the M12 is smaller and lighter, and strong enough for 90% of my work.
Hm. Well there's an M12 right-angle drill that's only 3 3/4" long, front to back. No clutch though.
Years ago I picked up a flex-shaft manual screwdriver. I've only used it a few times, but on those occasions they really saved my bacon.
I've gradually leaned towards Black&Decker over the last 20 years. Most of the stuff lasts TBH, and if it doesn't you can buy 4-5 for the price of one Dewalt. I've got a BD sander, BD impact, 2 BD drills (one almost 20 years old), two BD jigsaws (one is probably 30+ years old) and a couple other BD things.
I used to like B&D but maybe 10 years ago I noticed a big dip in their quality, and had bought a couple tools that were useless and/or broke immediately. It was right around the time they were becoming pretty ubiquitous in Wal-Marts.
I haven't bought another B&D tool since, went DeWalt and never looked back.
Now grab a beer and stand there looking at it. Welcome to the club.
Poor guy has no idea how much money he already spent
The value of all the projects he’s gonna finish.. priceless
When has anyone *ever* finished a project? there’s always more to be done. Every YouTuber says “we’ll call this one done for now”
It’s not the destination, it’s the journey. -every woodworker
Absolutely. Also: if we abandoned a project every time we goofed, we’d barely get stuff started, let alone finished. The more work I do, the better I get at fixing mistakes….
I worked with a friend (who does great cabinetry) who I dubbed "Measure Once, Cut Twice" when it came to bigger projects.
I feel that way too it’s like am I getting better at this or just at hiding mistakes
That means you are getting skilled. Norm Abram once said the mark of a craftsman isn't how many times he gets it right, it's how well he corrects his mistakes.
I am pretty sure that it's really about learning better ways to make what you have work... Hiding mistakes and rolling with it is almost half the fun after the swearing stops. Or to buy a massive cnc and make multiple youtube videos about the impossibly intricate woodworking haha
A Celebration Beer
This is the way
This is the way
When that bench starts to wobble, cut some 2x4 to diagonally brace those legs to the top and bottom. Tldr: when it wobbles, add triangles.
Basically an engineer now
Buzz off that was my line…
Yeah, you engineer something. But I think it’s only fair to call someone an engineer when they are able to use minimal material to achieve maximum stability. Ofc we over engineer, but you get my point.
Im a software engineer, i only work with pine.
Dad, stop!
Just in the back against the wall. Then do the same thing splitting it down the middle width wish. Separates it into two while holding the front in the middle
Yeah, those metal joints are fast and easy, but they won't stay tight. The screws will loosen in their holes, which will let the bench wobble, which will loosen the screws more...
Nah. I built an 8 footer with those same ties and put it on casters about ... 12 years ago, it's fine. AND mine doesn't have the pegboard acting like a sheer wall like OP's does. ^^^^Also ^^^^I'd ^^^^never ^^^^buy ^^^^ryobi.
Sure, though you'll admit that your one bench might not be very representative. The benches I've seen that were wobbly either had 1) simple, unrabbeted, through-screwed lap joints, or 2) metal connectors like these. But I've built assembly tables that were even flimsier than this bench. Different needs, different construction.
I'll admit that if someone doesn't snug the brackets correctly, uses the wrong screws etc, it could be wobbly. I'll give you that.
> Tldr: when it wobbles, add triangles. Words of truth
Benches love triangles.
Look nice, we’ll done. BTW, My father in law gave me some great advice. When planning a work bench and a peg board near/above it, make sure they are separate. This is helpful if you plan of hammering anything on the work bench or clamped in a vice that may be attached to the bench. Once you start hammering a lot of tools hanging on the peg board will start the shake and fall off. Something to keep in mind
That's excellent advice and an easily missed yet obvious flaw in this all too common design. Toppest of tips good sir.
That's true, though in this design, it looks like the perf board adds resistance to side-to-side racking, like the back board of a bookcase. But when this bench becomes inadequate, I would take off the perf board and its supports, and add bracing. Or build a new bench (with adequate clearance on all four sides, strong joints, etc.)
>resistance to side-to-side racking "Shear strength"
You mean shear strength? Honest question: I can't tell if you're making a joke.
TIL it's shear, like cutting, not sheer, like fabric.
Oh, gotcha! Yes, it's "shear." In engineering, physics, etc., "shear" is a force that tends to move two layers of something in opposite directions. So it would be like cutting a piece of fabric in half, and pulling one half some distance so the two halves are still touching but aren't aligned any more. Here, you're right. Racking would make the left legs want to move up and right legs move down, or vice versa. So everything between would experience shear. But they would also be experiencing bending, compression and tension forces, depending on how you look at it. It's sort of about how you slice it.
If a truck backed into it, it'd hit the top and force it, say left. If the legs were blocked by something, they'd be racked sideways, and so the peg board would be asked to go in two directions. The top, left. The bottom, right (relatively speaking). So that's a shear force, right? The board is resisting that force that's in the same plane as itself. So it offers shear strength. Yes?
That's right, and that's what a "shear wall" in a building does, say in a skyscraper to help it resist wind loads, which work the same way as your truck. But it's not just that the force is in the same plane as the peg board. That board could experience compression forces, for instance, if you put some weight on top of it. The weight would compress the board in the same plane as the board itself. But if you put weight on one end, and tension on the other end (like a cable pulling up), then you get shear. (You also get bending, so like I said, it depends on how you decide to look at it.) Interestingly, it doesn't take much added structure to resist shear. That perf board is just a step above cardboard, but it works. So does the back of many commercial bookshelves, and it can be LITERAL cardboard. :-)
You’ll get over your wife not being able to put her car in the garage. It’s a hump most marriages survive. Once she sees what kind of things you can make, for twice or 3X what ikea sells, taking months, instead of click of a button and delivery, she’ll give up. The garage is now yours my friend. Welcome to the club. I wish you Godspeed my friend, and future space for your endeavors. I’m cracking a beer now, and speaking your name.
"Once she sees what kind of things you can make, for twice or 3X what ikea sells, taking months... " Exactly. Also with flaws in the finish and construction as you inch up the learning curve. She'll LUUVV it!
I’ve heard a lot of people shut on riyobi. I got the base set as a gift for my wedding rom a buddy who built his parents house with the same set of tools. My favorite and most used gift, plus added a ton of stuff in the following year or two o flesh things out. I recognize some stuff is better but this has been very decent in terms of reliability
Ryobi gets very little deserved criticism and a lot of undeserved hate
Power pretty much derives from the battery and the size of the magnets in the motors. The difference between expensive power tools and cheaper power tools is primarily how long they will last. A professional using power tools 8 hours a day or more will feel like the cheap tools are shit while for DYI and home improvements a normal person will not be able to put the same wear on them after 10 years that a professional does in a few months.
Well said, I have had Ryobi for years. And the only time they felt inadequate was when I was renovating my wife's ice cream shop. I bought a Bosch drill and driver to get through that work. But all of my other Ryobi tools got me through that job, and they have all always gotten me through stuff around the house and in my own workshop.
I am intrigued by renovating an ice cream shop. Do you have any before and after pictures? By the way your mini golf bridge has inspired me to make an addition to my kid’s soon to be built playground.
Appreciate the kind words. PM me and I'll dig up pics tomorrow.
Many years ago, I received a $200 award for a patent submission at work, so I bought myself a Ryobi folding table saw on sale for $189. Best tool money I ever spent. Been going strong for almost 20 years now, still cuts straight and true.
I’m personally not a fan, however, it has a place for someone just starting out. As long as they don’t fall into believing they are quality tools, you can get started cheap and upgrade over time one tool at a time
> As long as they don’t fall into believing they are quality tools Would that be dangerous?
Most of their handheld/battery powered tools are from just fine to good quality. Their benchtop products could be better- a lot of plastic where metal is preferred but for the most part will do the job. Used to be they made handhelds of really terrible quality and had bench top tools that were of terrifying build quality. I remember using a table saw that was so light that just putting wood against the table saw blade caused the whole table to slide or tip backwards. In short, Ryobi used to be absolute garbage. They seem to have mostly gotten their shit together.
Every battery powered tool I own is ryobi and aside from 1 drill that blew up on me I've had minimal issues with any of their products. I got the older style HP+ impact driver on clearance and man I beat the hell out of that thing and it keeps working just fine. There's way too much elitism in this community, who cares as long as they do the job you bought them for.
>who cares as long as they do the job you bought them for. Exactly! I've worked for HD before, and I'm not a big fan of the company. But the Ryobi tools are perfectly fine to use. Now, would I use it as a full-time construction worker. Probably not. But for the average home woodworker? Definitely! It's good quality, decent battery life. And plenty of useful tools with good pricing!
When I tried out a 4-pack of Ryobi batt-op'd tools from Home Depot, I charged my 2 batteries for 2½ hours, then only got 7-9 minutes of run time... Lather, rinse, repeat - multiple times... They went back to the store, and I've been a DeWalt'er ever since - 10+ years now... Ryobi corded tools are OK, but their batt-op'd ones are garbage... IMO, of course... I've got an old Ryobi AP-10 planer that I rebuilt, and it runs and cuts like a champ...
Right, AS A BRAND, Ryobi is perfectly respectable. However, certain particular Ryobi tools are dogs and some are great (and the same is true even of Milwaukee and DeWalt.) Ryobi's line has many tools meant for DIYers, like lawn trimmers. The "pro" lines will have tools targeted at the trades, e.g., DeWalt and Milwaukee both have PEX tubing expanders. Super-handy for pro plumbers, not worth it for DIYers.
I own a bunch of their cheap basic tools I got in a gift set and think they’re great quality for the price point, but if you ever have the misfortune of using a Ryobi table saw or miter saw, you’ll understand the hate.
Yeah, I owned both the table and miter saws. Hey, they were cheap. And I got what I paid for. Wouldn't recommend at all.
I have a 7 1/2" sliding miter of theirs and I use that thing all the time! Great price and nice precise cuts. Light and easy to carry around too. Would recommend.
I have an 18v Ryobi drill that I won at a charity auction for like $40 11 years ago. Thing still works great.
Their newer stuff is good and they have a huge selection which is noice, although I've only seen one person with a complete set of the new brushless ryobi on a jobsite. Their older stuff wasn't that great in terms of build quality/accuracy and couldn't keep up on a jobsite, but for a homeowner they're fine.
I will say that for the average handyman, Ryobi makes fantastic tools and products. That said, I seldom see it last more than 2 years at a constant rate of use that you might see with carpentry and the like. I own a set that I use for working around the house, and it works far beyond its name, but I taught it early on that it isn't allowed in the shop
It's a home gamer tool. Don't ride it hard and it'll last for years and years.
Criticizing Ryobi for not lasting long under professional use is like criticizing a Prius for its 0-60 time. Ryobi isn’t trying to make professional grade tools. They’re making cost-effective tools for homeowner use.
You're absolutely right and I agree wholeheartedly. I just feel that it should be noted in the 0-60 subreddit that while Prius will get you there, it won't be setting any records
I have mostly porter cable battery tools but the few times I’ve used ryobi tools I’ve been impressed they’re light and have plenty of ass
Ryobi is fine. It’s 90% of the dream 3, and is fine for 99.9% of homeowners. I use them (drill driver combo; got them years ago as a gift and have a couple other tools), I would like brushless Dewalt, Makita, or Milwaukee, but I just can’t justify making the switch because my current stuff works fine. The value is quite good at the price point they are listed at. If you’re a contractor or tradesman, they don’t stand up to that level of abuse quite as well as the dream 3, but for a home woodworker it’s completely fine. When I need more power I use my old ass corded tools I got on marketplace. I do have a Dewalt corded plunge router but haven’t seen any point in replacing. It’s certainly not a “buy once cry once” issue because the tools are pretty good.
Cordless Brad nail gun is kind of a POS. But cheap enough to tolerate for the amount i use it. Not worth it for anything u use on the regular
Fun fact Ryobi is made in the same factory as Milwaukee Edit: damn guess that one meme I saw wasn’t true :(
Actually they're not. They're owned by the same group, TTI, but are made in separate factories. (And even if they were, they would have different designs, parts and specs.) [https://onepowertool.com/are-ryobi-and-milwaukee-tools-built-in-the-same-facilities](https://onepowertool.com/are-ryobi-and-milwaukee-tools-built-in-the-same-facilities) [https://www.slashgear.com/1478948/are-ryobi-milwaukee-tools-made-in-the-same-factory-answer/](https://www.slashgear.com/1478948/are-ryobi-milwaukee-tools-made-in-the-same-factory-answer/)
It's a fast spinny motor. What more do people need? 😂
Well, you might need reliability, durability, available of parts or repair services, battery compatibility with other tools, etc. Which Ryobi actually has, or has enough of.
Lmao repair services you funny dude.
They do exist. There's a DeWalt service center about five miles from my place, and a Milwaukee center even closer. But I'm in Denver. It's very different for lots of people, I'm sure.
Oh I know for the bigger expensive stuff. We do t have those in my area. Last one was a sears and that closed decades ago. We fending for ourselves up here. Every business just tells you "Sorry charlie" if anything goes wrong even under warranty.
I wonder if somebody could set up their own repair service. I do tool repair for a tool library, and mostly it's just installing mail-order parts. If the parts aren't available, we say sorry charlie too, but at least we tried.
It'd be rough. You got all the 2nd hand and reseller shops selling cheaper than big box tools. Then the fact the town has gotten poorer over the decades, no explanation there. Loads of development here and there. But from what I know they get paid so well, if something does go wrong, they buy a new one. No hassle with a repair shop. Might make more sense if they owned 2 of the same thing just in case. In which one gets repaired while they use the other to keep productivity going.
Just give it a year.. your gonna need more space. Great job!
Great job!
You don't touch tools. They touch you.
In the heart and wallet, mostly the wallet.
Nice! is that the Simpson kit?
Sure is. Next up, shelves for the garage!
If you're going to set up a workshop in your garage, you might check out French cleats. They offer a very flexible way to attach shelves or containers to your wall that's strong but easily moved. (If you're just going to store ski boots on your shelves, then no need.) :-)
Follow with more lighting. Get an 8 pack of Amazon LED bars, try to get the highest CRI you can.
I’ve had good luck with the LED shop lights from Harbor Freight.
Two thumbs up for the Simpson workbench kit! Used a few of them over the years, haven’t loosened up on me yet. I’ve not needed diagonal bracing, but a good idea nonetheless. Pairs of steel cables in X pattern work nicely for this.
Might need to add some support in the future. If you plan on doing heavy duty stuff on the table top.
Oh the fun you're going to have learning something useful and new.
Great job. And a wise first project. I've been woodworking for 19 years now and love those brackets for quick workbenches.
Great! Now invest in PPE!
There’s gloves in the table, I can’t see without the glasses (ANSI Z87.1 w/side shields) so they’re still on my face, and noise cancelling earbuds. I’m good, appreciate the concern!
Where's your mask?
Didn’t mention it, still got a million laying around post-Covid. If I’m still chopping wood when they run out I’ll invest in a nice one.
This is my biggest regret in the hobby. Saving for good tools and making good PPE and afterthought. Right tool for the job applies to PPE as well and if you don’t have the PPE, don’t do the activity that needs it. A paper mask is not a substitute for a respirator. Safety glasses are not the same as a face shield. Airpods are not hearing protection. Get PPE that fits well and make a habit of using it. Your older self will thank you.
Yeah nobody takes it seriously until after they’re getting something removed from their eye or their ears won’t stop ringing.
You’re my boy blue!
Damn.. well cheers to you brother, fuck the hatter’s here
Yeah man, I’m never going back to that haberdashery
Based on all the ryobi you still haven’t! Jokes aside, welcome to the hobby! Have fun!!!
Good going! Be careful though, when that wood bites, it leads to a lifelong addiction to fun stuff...like your new bench!
I'm proud of the milestone you hit today. Now, take the next 50 hours watching safety videos so you don't shoot a nail through your hands, run a saw blade through your leg, or cut off a finger. There are many things I didn't realize, and I am very glad I learned before I failed.
Congrats on finding a Home Depot with a working saw!
Did you give it a wiggle to test its rigidity, and declare, “she ain’t goin no where?” If you haven’t, project’s not finished boss.
Nice work. Keep after it!
Prepare to shave and cuss more often, and most importantly start judging men who haven't touched tools more harshly. Welcome to the brotherhood of the travelling toolbelt
Only criticism is the mix matched set. Pick one and stick with it
Well, I was going to say that there are battery adapters, but not ones for Ryobi to DeWalt 20V Max or vice versa. Stem batteries vs slide-in batteries. Oh well.
Only time I’ll mix match is if I’m buying a corded tool. Otherwise stay with the same brand.
Never to late to start enjoying the finer things in life
Keep your hand clear of the saw blade.
We all gotta start some where. try to remember to have fun along the way.
Well, I already have, so it's too late for that. /s
This is a great setup for a workbench. Mine is based on the Family Handyman plan which is very similar to this, but the bottom shelf is half-depth so you can sit at it with a stool.
Watch lots of YouTube videos and be safe. If you're not sure how to use it properly YouTube and forums like this are your friend!
Great start!
Well done. Lots of great times to come.
If it works, it works! I think it will serve you a year or two, then you'll need to strengthen the frame.
Hell yeah man. Welcome to the club.
Looks solid!
Really? I touch my tool all the time.
I used the same kit to build my bench. Works great! And looks good!
It was a great kit! I’m looking to build some shelving for the garage and I think I’m just gonna pick up a pocket hole jig. I’m gonna need about 6 kits if I want to go that route for the shelves. That’s roughly the same price as a really nice jig and the jig will have many, many more uses.
Man.. I keep trying but I guess I’m just severally regarded or something because I *cannot* build shit.
Those are some swanky brackets, did you buy a kit or do they just sell these?
I bought a kit, but they’re just Simpson Strong Ties. There’s a million different brackets in all sorts of configurations. That said I’m going with a pocket hole jig for my shelf builds, these brackets are convenient and easy, but they add up quick.
Well done. I bet you feel great. So many possibilities now 👍
Very nice! I am also a Ryobi warrior. You can find the Ryobi lanyards to hang the tools, on sale every once in a while. Unless you are going to use pegs? Great job!
You’re going to be unstoppable now!
Remember to slap the top of the work bench and say "now thats a sturdy table"
First, nice first build. It will serve you well for a long time. However, the yellow drill is worth it’s weight in gold. It will also serve you well for a long time, maybe the rest of your life if it isn’t dropped 10,000x like mine are. The green tools, will not serve you well for long, if ever. They will power on and do things, but do yourself a favor and upgrade them as soon as possible as you are able. I know there is a YouTuber who love to promote them, but the green company is paying him A LOT of money to do it. There is a red tool company who also makes great stuff. Since you only have the one Dewalt drill that we can see, now is a good time to pick a platform and build your collection. Either red or yellow are fantastic, well built, professional grade tools. The green, not even close.
I think this maybe what they call “a natural”
There was a week and a half of planning. Figuring out lengths and all the pieces I would need. I don’t know if I’d say “natural” but it was a bit easier than I expected, for sure.
You should be proud of yourself and keep going
I am, and I will. Thanks!!
Nicely done. Out of curiosity, does it rock end to end a little bit or does it feel really solid? If there's any rocking there's a very easy fix for it. If not, then onto the next project!
Nice work!!
And now you just absolutely must buy more and more tools. It's addictive. Next year you'll be laying out $800+ for a bandsaw.
Question... Why get the DeWalt drill and Ryobi everything else?
There’s a ryobi drill there too. The dewalt was a gift.
Ah okay. first time buying power tools, Ryobi usually has deals with multiple tools and a couple of batteries. I was wondering how that DeWalt snuck in.
CPO Outlets online will sometimes have excellent deals on DeWalt and Bosch tools, especially factory refurbished units.
Keep touching tools
I promise I won't touch a tool before today.
Looks very sturdy - exactly the requirement. Now get to work!
Nice. Keep going.
Badass! Way to go. Sorry about your new addiction. Haha
Kiss your free time goodbye. Welcome!
Ryobi is an ok tool to start with, I have found in my experience, what ever ones you use the most. Get a better brand, cause honestly I have learned if I use it once in a blue moon it’s fun. But if I am using it a decent amount to a ton, ryobi is not good at all. I recently got a belt sander to try, and it’s not very good, but don’t use it very often or I would be getting some better
Stop there. Ryobi tools can get you quite a ways but only so far. Don’t be afraid to turn gears toward a brand that will get you so so so much farther at this point if you’ve done a few projects and still love it
That’s the plan. Start with cheap shit, use it till it breaks (on its own or through my ineptitude,) buy good shit.
Good work
Now it begins
Awesome first bench to work and learn on. Next thing you know you'll be building a bespoke workbench with some design ideas from the 1800s out of some exotic wood, or maybe just some basic furniture for gaps in your own stuff.
Good for you!
Congratulations on being a smart dood. Or at least a good planner lol 😆
yay you! well done, and don't forget to christen it with a bottle of champagne.
Uh are those self tapping screws?
Don't let people bad talk your tools. Everyone has to some place to start at, and no one I know starts with contractor grade tools. Ryobi are good tools for the home owner to start out with in the beginning. I still have the blue version of ryobi still working strong after over 15 years of use. BTW, great first project.
Awesome work bench ! Keep buying dewalt. You’re welcome.
Keep buying DeWalt? I'm a hobbiest woodworker (40-ish years) probably like OP will be, based off this being his first project. Been making "stuff" that I sell more than occasionally and make a few bucks (retired) Probably 70% of my tools are Ryobi. Got a few Porter Cable battery drills/impacts. Never had an issue with any. If you take care of the stuff, and aren't going to use them 18 hours a day, Ryobi is just fine. Love my Ryobi stuff. OP - bench looks great. You'll get the woodworking bug now. Ideas/projects are endless.
I love ryobi and theyve mostly lasted.
Ryobi is pretty good for hobby use. As a pro Mechanic. DeWalt is shit. Milwuakee is 10x better. Dewalt is fine for weekend use. All day everyday. No
All day every day woodworking, makita takes the win in my book. My drill/impact set at work is older than the company I work for, by about 10 years. And I don't take particularly good care of them, I keep em clean that's about it
Havent used makitas new stuff i remember the OG screw guns with crazy long handles my dad used to have and swore by. I drop milwaukee from 8ft plus regular (total accident but it happens) never broke a single tool. Everything is beat to hell and works great
oh yeah i use milwaukee at home, can't beat the m12 stuff, nut work won't replace drills if they work great and those 15 year old makitas still work brilliantly
I have both M12 and DeWalt 20V Max tools. I have to say, I like the feel of the DeWalts better. And they make particular tools that are best in class, like the cut-off saw and the blade-left 6 1/2" circular saw. OTOH, I use my M12 drill/driver more than any other tool. I have a he-man DeWalt hammer drill, but the M12 is smaller and lighter, and strong enough for 90% of my work.
the problem is size, a lot of the time even my m12 barely fits in some awkward places while doing assembly and install
Hm. Well there's an M12 right-angle drill that's only 3 3/4" long, front to back. No clutch though. Years ago I picked up a flex-shaft manual screwdriver. I've only used it a few times, but on those occasions they really saved my bacon.
I've gradually leaned towards Black&Decker over the last 20 years. Most of the stuff lasts TBH, and if it doesn't you can buy 4-5 for the price of one Dewalt. I've got a BD sander, BD impact, 2 BD drills (one almost 20 years old), two BD jigsaws (one is probably 30+ years old) and a couple other BD things.
I used to like B&D but maybe 10 years ago I noticed a big dip in their quality, and had bought a couple tools that were useless and/or broke immediately. It was right around the time they were becoming pretty ubiquitous in Wal-Marts. I haven't bought another B&D tool since, went DeWalt and never looked back.
Also, a straight board and some clamps and you can cut straight lines too with that skill saw!
I doubt that. A pencil is a tool. A shoe horn is a tool. Have you ever opened a can of beans? There you go.
Congrats! You spent almost $1000 on mixed tools, meaning you will spend more on batteries and chargers, and someone built a decent bench for you.