3 Ways to Make the Most of Your Workbench

Check out "Worked: A Bench Guide to Hand-Tool Efficiency": www.mortiseandtenonmag.com/co...

[@curtiszeitelhack981]

Josh, I really appreciate this video, because it has important advice that even newbies like me can understand. I did notice that you said "dealbreaker" a few times in this video, but I think you really meant the opposite. Your comments were about features that benefit the use of the bench. More like dealmakers really. Just a slip of the tongue, I suppose.

[@MikeAG333]

As an alternative to toothing the surface of your bench, try scrub planing it at 45 degrees. It does 2 jobs in one: flattening the bench, and roughening the surface.

[@bestbuilder1st]

You said the "three most important things" - when building furniture. I would say that is misguided information. See some of the other's comments below, your "three most important things" won't work for most people. For me, they are not even on any of my lists and I do just fine. I do agree that a super smooth, highly finished, Roubo style bench is just for looks and for someone who doesn't really use a bench for "working". But I have never had to "tooth" my bench. Just flatten it occasionally and then get back to work, the work will roughen it up soon enough. Personally, I use an 8ft, double sided English style joiners bench, that accommodates working from both sides (I have others working with me on occasion). It sits on a concrete floor in the middle of the shop (heavy enough not to move while working). All my wall space is taken up the tool or wood storage. All the tools you have "ready to go", I have at hand without taking a step. They are either a shelf under the bench, in a bench drawer, or hanging on the apron (saws). I think the best points to take from your video are: #1 - Have a solid bench - Whatever it takes in your circumstance to make that happen (mine is just really heavy, built sturdy, but not pretty) #2 - Have a variety of ways to clamp/hold things while working (I agree with you about the tail vise - they, to me, are a pain). Don't get locked into the latest KZbin fad, many vises work. #3 - Be creative about how you use your bench for whatever it is you are trying to do. Think outside of the box.

[@buzzmooney2801]

Thinking outside the box may be the most important point you made.

[@brianwhitmore4705]

My workshop is in our living room. My workbench must be able to move to get at the bookcase so it is on retractable wheels. My tools are on a cart with a Dutch tool chest on it so I can move them right next to my work area. I don't have to search for tools, they're right next to me. This is a nice video but there are plenty of other ways to make a bench more efficient.

[@roman_le]

My workshop is at my kitchen. My workbench can be assembled in 4 minutes.

[@ricos1497]

Agreed. My bench consists of 2 X 100x60cm benches with drawers in them on locking castors. They're rock solid, and never move during planing. Unless I'm planing something very large, perhaps during flattening stage, I don't even raise the castor wheels. The wheels allow me to move the bench towards the window and return it back when finished. If I was to secure to the wall, I'd be standing facing that wall all day. With the two benches I can split them if I have a long board, but 99% of my work I can support on a single bench for all planing and sawing. Having the tools in drawers is not a hindrance at all, and I absolutely have to keep them stored due to the rust issues I get living 100metres from the sea. In short, design your bench around your own circumstances. There are many, many good ways to setup your workflow, as long as you abide by the mantra in the video: "everything has its place".

[@davidclark9086]

I think this is one of the most informative and useful videos I have seen in a very long time. Although I have considered your first tip you convinced me to do so but I think the last tip makes so much sense but never, ever have I seen it mentioned before. I just moved from a large to a very small shop and built a small bench to fit so this video was perfectly timed. Thank you.

[@jporterfield]

Bravo! This is a homerun video! Having just moved to a condo, e.g. smaller space, you've answered three very important questions. Thanks.

[@DRJMF1]

Agree with all of it. However, if I have a Roman heavy duty half log bench that I sit on and have direct view from above the work bench, parallaxed vision, then that is better.

[@HomeFromFarAway]

this stuff is gold. I hope this chanel gets the following it deserves !👍👏

[@claybowser698]

I really enjoyed this video. Thank you. The images of your shop that I've seen totally rock! Seems like a work place heaven. My shop is a railcar cargo container 8ft x 9ft x 40 ft. I cut windows and doors in it, insulated and furred out the ceiling and walls with planned pallet boards. It's very comfortable though a bit more narrow than I'd prefer. I did put an 18ft x 26ft porch on it so that does help. My work bench top is a 6inch x 36inch x 8ft glulam beam left over from a construction jobsite. The legs are metal well casings with plates welded on top and bottom. Basically I just used what materials I had available and that bench is a tank. Your shop looks warm and creativity inspiring. I would love to see a video of the whole area outside around it to get an idea and image of it as a whole. Anyway thank you for the videos.

[@gregoryguarneri8473]

Another great video thank you

[@johnfreiler6017]

Recent subscriber to the M&T magazine here. Love the video, but you've got to work on your sound quality. I'm currently building my Split top Rubio bench from trees growing on my property and you've given me some food for thought.

[@richardsinger01]

How long have you been drying the slabs? Once it's built I bet you won't be going over the benchtop with the toothing plane!

[@johnfreiler6017]

@@richardsinger01 I've been at it since early summer, so it's been about 7 months drying. In the book I've got, they got a french slab just like Rubio decsribes and they said it was wet as hell and they just built it and then evened out the top later. I figure I'll be doing the same. As for the toothing plane, I am seriously considering it: the top will be about 5" thick which means I can do a lot of planing, smoothing and toothing before I risk taking off too much.

[@onehandedmaker]

Hi from One Handed Maker Very informative video and a pleasure to watch. I have subscribed and will be watching more of your content. Regards James One Handed Maker 1 🤚 🔨

[@DRJMF1]

It is better because it is mobile, thus I can locate in best daylight conditions too etc

[@tomasjosefvela1]

here from Rex Krueger to help support a good channel by subscribing, i look forward to seeing what he liked about you guys...

[@te3895]

relieved that I don't have to build a fancy roubo to get some work done. do you have any type of plans or further description of this bench build? would love to build one of my own.

[@DRJMF1]

It is better because I don’t need a vice and all my body is SYMMETRICally located along axis of work piece.

[@johng1097]

I’d love to hear your thoughts on vices. From your videos - I see you don’t like tail vices, and like the English vice (with a screw and guide about 10 inches apart) and leg vices. But how do the two vices compare ? And are they better than a crochet hook and a hold fast ?

[@peetky8645]

good pointers

[@frankstalteri972]

What about the height of the work bench? I'm 5' 7inches and my bench is 32 inches. I was planning to flatten a board and I seemed to think that the height might be too low . I through my back out but before it happened, I was feeling soreness in my lower back. Sorry my bench is 34 inches high.

[@seraphin_creates]

It might be important to flatten all of your bench. Historically, you should look at the woodworker's ability to create planes (with the mentioned tool ; ) . It stands to reason, that big flat work surfaces would have been a basic need for joinery. Anyways, thank you for the great video

[@studiohost]

I like being able to work on all 4 sides of the bench . Jr.

[@hiervi]

I got a old style scandi 6` birch thing i been lugging along for 25 years. the toolwell looks like shit, cose i been shimming that thing and raming screws into walls everywere i lived. Ruffing up the bench for gripp +1, northfacing sett of windows and a optimal sett of studds for that -1, lots of deadmen for your work +1

[@Thom4123]

I’ve been kicking around this idea for my Rubio bench up against the wall, it would not only give more room I also would than be able to incorporate more of these ideas and methods, I think I just answered my question but would like to hear your thoughts. Thank You very much.

[@jdawkins111]

but then you can't use three sides of your bench! being against the wall is the real "dealbreaker" here.

[@richardsinger01]

Those of us with normal sized workshops (eg single garage size) have the bench against the wall. If you mostly use solid timber it's fine. I would like more room at each end of the bench, but rarely have I thought I needed to access the rear of the bench.

[@jdawkins111]

@@richardsinger01 my bench is right in the middle of a one-car garage and I use the back all the time. not usually, but not rarely either. you are really missing out on a lot of what your bench can do.

[@Thom4123]

@@richardsinger01 Thank You, I’m in my basement so every inch counts. Take Care

[@hiervi]

@@Thom4123 its like the Kitchen island debate, and it al boils down to your space. i fix my bench cose most of my places has been affording that. You balance it towards wallspace i find. more room for shelfs=> kitchen island. Not sober and not a native english speaker. if you go for a centerplaced workbench, there is also the storage that can be afforded by having a shelf hangin by the roof. undt so weither. The Rubio bench is historicaly made to be nondependent? @Mark Purcell Good point, but again its a mather of available space.. i personaly got a 3x 12 m space atm, so i dont do things that forces me to use 4 sides of my bench unless i sett up something temporaly to facilitate that. i would not consider anything a hard nogo.

[@MrDaneBrammage]

Does the bench not also need to be flat if you are using it for assembly? Trying to put things together square and true on a crooked bench is an exercise in frustration.

[@buzzmooney2801]

I'll guess at his answer: The advice he gives is for a bench with small work areas, and that large assembly would be done elsewhere, so he doesn't need a large true surface. I suspect he'd agree that for the work YOU'RE doing, a full-flat bench is essential, but that not EVERY woodworker actually NEEDS to have a full-flat bench. That probably IS a point that could have been better clarified, so I think you've asked an excellent question.

[@Gumbat_woodworks]

👍👍

[@oakenarm]

OK now reframe this if you will for us folks working out of a typical one or two car garage with slab floors?

[@christophernoto]

Or the corner I’ve cleared out in my utility room, also with a slab floor! ❤

[@noahfreeman8115]

i have a one-car garage I work out of, and i just bolted my nichlson to the wall and hung a super simple and not very pretty tool rack above it. super super sturdy! add a floor lamp or two at either end of the bench and you’re set!

[@julianporter8587]

Jeez guys…it’s Roubo….c’mon

[@tonywwp]

Deal breaker means having it a certain way means no deal. Get it right