I am brand new here and about to embark on a bench build. I have been reading and studying everything (Chris Schwarz, woodworking blogs, forums, etc.) over the last several months and I am ready to do it. I am going with the Benchcrafted Classic Workbench with the classic leg vise with crisscross (it has already been ordered).
I have been going back and forth regarding which wood to use. I contemplated soft maple, but last week I went to the local Blue BORG and bought Douglas fir lumber. The lumber is in my shop acclimating. It was an impulse buy, because I am ready to get started, it fits my price point and it was convenient (or not, since I spent 2 hours combing through the stacks).
However, I am now having doubts about the wood choice. I have read tons on the issue but it is clear as mud. I want to know if anyone out there regrets going with a "softer" wood.
I originally planned to work mostly with hand tools during the build, but I may join the local woodworkers guild to have access to jointers and planers and such. In the future, I plan to definitely work with hard woods and make things that are needed around the house (kid's bed, coffee tables, etc.).
Reversing course and going with the maple would cost at least twice as much as the D Fir, that would make the leg vise hardware less affordable (meaning I would definitely go over my project allowance). I also had the idea to get enough maple to make a leg and the chop for the vise. It may clash some with the D Fir, but I figured it would provide extra strength for installing the vise--do anyone think this is necessary or would the D Fir be enough?
If anyone has any advice or knows of pitfalls to watch out for then I am all ears. If I go with the D Fir then I will give another 10 days to acclimate and then I'll get started and try to post some pics.
Thanks for any input.