Shooting Bench – Free DIY Plans

If you want to learn more about how to build a shooting bench, you have to take a close look over the free plans in the article. I have designed this wood table so you can rehearse your shooting skills. If you have a screwdriver and a circular saw, chances are you can build this shooting bench in a few hours. The plans are free, come with 3D step by step diagrams and lots of instructions. PDF download and Print friendly.

If you want to get the job done in a professional manner, we recommend you to plan everything with attention, as to prevent costly mistakes and to build a professional diy bench. Invest in high quality materials, such as cedar, pine or redwood, as the bench will be exposed to all kinds of weather. Apply a few coats of paint over the components, to enhance their appearance and to protect them from bad weather. Since you are here, make sure you don’t miss this list of free deer blind plans.

Shooting Bench – Free DIY Plans

Building a shooting bench

Materials

• A – 4 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 30″ long LEGS
• B – 2 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 48″ long, 2 pieces – 30″ long, 1 piece – 15″ long, 1 piece – 9″ long, 1 piece – 33″ long, 1 piece – 34 1/2″ long FRAME
• C – 1 piece of 2×4 lumber – 48″ long, 3 pieces – 33″ long SUPPORTS
• D – 1 piece of 2×6 lumber – 34 3/4″ long  BRACE
• E – 2 pieces of 3/4″ plywood – 3’x4′ long TOP
• F – 2 pieces of 3/4″ plywood – 3’x4′ long SEAT

• 5 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 10 ft
• 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 8 ft
• 1 piece of 3/4″ plywood – 4’x8′
• 50 pieces of 3 1/2″ screws
• 50 pieces of 2 1/2″ screws
• wood glue, stain/paint

Tools

• Hammer, Tape measure, Carpentry square
• Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander, Router
• Safety Gloves, Safety Glasses, Respiratory Mask

Time

• One day

Shooting Bench – Cut Diagram

Cut-list—shooting-bench

How to build a shooting bench

Top frame – shooting bench

The first step of the project is to build the frame for the shooting bench. Cut all the components from 2×6 lumber, at the dimensions shown in the diagram. Drill pilot holes through the side beams and insert 3 1/2″ screws into the perpendicular components. Align the edges and make sure the corners are right-angled. Align the edges flush. Add construction glue to the joints.

Fitting the legs to the top frame

After assembling the top frames, you need to attach the 2×6 legs. Make sure the corners are square, drill pilot holes through the legs and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the frames. Add glue to the joints. Insert 4 screws for every joint. Use a spirit level to make sure the frames are horizontal. Add construction glue to the joints.

Fitting the base braces

Fit the 2×4 braces to the base of the shooting bench. Align the edges as shown in the plans, drill pilot holes and insert 2 1/2″ screws to lock them into place.

Fitting the seat supports

Attach the bench leg with the corresponding supports. Drill pilot holes and insert the 3 1/2″ screws. Plumb the leg with a spirit level. Make sure the braces are perfectly horizontal.

Fitting the diagonal brace

Use 2×6 lumber for the brace. Make 45 degree cuts at both ends of the brace. Add the brace to the frame of the shooting bench. Add glue to the joint, drill pilot holes and insert 2 1/2″ wood screws.

Fitting the top

Use 3/4″ plywood for the top of the shooting bench. Glue together two pieces of plywood. Align the edges flush, drill pilot holes and insert 2 1/2″ screws to lock them into place tightly.

Seat for shooting bench

After assembling the bench you need to attach the seat. Use 2×4 lumber for the seat. Glue together two pieces of 3/4″ plywood, cut as shown in the diagram. Drill pilot holes and insert 2 1/2″ screws to lock the seat to the supports.

Shooting bench plans – front view

This is a super sturdy shooting bench that you can build in a few hours and have it for decades. In addition, I have designed this workbench so you keep the costs down and get the job done with minimum of tools.

How to build a shooting bench

You can easily add wheels to the front of the shooting table, so you can move it from one place to another. Check out plans for a simple 2×4 workbench.

Shooting bench plans

We recommend you to check if the components are locked into place properly and structure is rigid enough for your garden. Make sure there are no protruding screws or sharp edges.

PRO TIP: Apply several coats of paint or stain over the components, in order to protect them from decay. Check out the rest of the project to learn more about building diy projects.

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