A Sculptors Version of the Low Roman Workbench

[@JB-to8vy]

Masterpiece! I rarely comment but you sir made something speacial!

[@petercoates2882]

You are too kind! One thing I'd do differently if I were doing it again is make it a little taller. Maybe three inches.

[@jayejaycurry5485]

Its very obvious that youve put in a lot of time planning, building, modifying, and evolving the low bench design. Quite impressive.

[@LitoGeorge]

It seems as if you are far too self deprecating. Your creativity and craftiness has spawned an amazingly versatile and useful workbench. Judging by the comments section, I am not alone in my opinion on that. The best Roman workbench series on KZbin. That coming from a non sculpting, hand tools only woodworker. Strong tip of my hat.

[@petercoates2882]

Thank you so much! It's working out for me, BTW. I still use the conventional tall workbench too, and often go back and forth depending on what aspect of something I'm working on.

[@LitoGeorge]

@@petercoates2882 Peter, I am in the process of making one of these and I was looking at your plans on google docs, and I for the life of me cant see where you detail the length of this bench. Please advise? Also, do you think a 48" long bench would be too short? Tx

[@petercoates2882]

@@LitoGeorge Hmm. I thought I replied but got another notification. Maybe I somehow failed to post it? No, I think 48" would be ok. Mine: 57" top, 47" outside of leg to outside of leg, and 24" apron. I think you could knock 10" off. Not sure where you would best lose the length. Maybe an inch on each end, and the rest half from the apron and half from the other part? Lay it out first, and be sure! I do find the plank across for holding tool boxes very useful, so be sure you have room. One other thing minor thing is, I don't think so many notches are necessary. One on each side is nice, because I often want to put in two 2x4 or 4x4 uprights that I can lash things to. But if I were doing it again, I'd hold off on the other two unless you find a reason. They were intended to anchor the legs of the sawhorse, but I haven't ended up doing that very often.If you do put in four, make the angles on the outside for both (mine were all on the same side which is inconvenient for fasting other work surfaces.) What I DO use for a higher work surface is a strong plywood box held down by holdfasts or C clamps. Very versatile, and easy to clamp or screw to. Also, you can mount it either the tall way or the short way as needed. Super easy and the space inside is handy tool space while working.

[@Pepperpot666]

This is one hell of a workbench and judging by the number of views, one of the most underrated videos to the workbench topic.

[@petercoates2882]

Why thank you. Sorry to be so slow in responding. Yes, I'm the worlds worst publicist!

[@jayejaycurry5485]

I think the low number of view has to do with YT not posting this video very often. This is the first time I've seen it. In the last 3 years, I've seen many videos more than 2 or 3 dozen times that are less impressive.

[@peterellis5626]

I Love the workbench you have invented here. I'll accept that you took inspiration from a low Roman workbench, but there's just nothing in common between what you have created and a low Roman workbench. It's almost like calling a Ferrari a Roman chariot ;) You've made something marvelous, clearly well conceived for your work and your process. This is your workbench, go ahead and take some credit for it ;)

[@petercoates2882]

Why thank you! It's been very handy so far. Still haven't perfected the attachable platforms, but they're coming some day!

[@gm2407]

My favourite one I have seen so far. Edit one year later: Downloaded the plans, this is awesome.

[@SimonTout]

Incredibly thoughtful. A series of “but wait, there’s more...” moments!

[@petercoates2882]

Thanks. Since making it I've discovered all kinds of tricks. A video coming up!

[@koljatrieglaff9781]

Thank you very much, Sir for the free planes. They are great.

[@petercoates2882]

You’re very welcome. Thank you. I wouldn’t be too strict with them though make it to fit your own body your knee height.

[@InDireStraits]

Love this, simple, versatile, useful and looks like a labor of love. I'd love to make one of these...!

[@petercoates2882]

Why thank you Dire Straits. Somewhere on that page there is a link to plans.

[@InDireStraits]

@@petercoates2882 Amazing, I'll be back when I've made one, thanks!

[@petercoates2882]

@@InDireStraits If I were doing it again, I'd make it six inches taller.

[@InDireStraits]

@@petercoates2882 how tall are you? If you don't mind!

[@InDireStraits]

@@petercoates2882 You feel it's too low? how tall are you? going though your pdf, wanna make a cad drawing, and turn inches to mm. Cant tell how long you've made the bench?

[@100BearPaw]

Very nicely done!

[@michaelosborne4050]

Your an amazing craftsman sir and video maker …. I really want one like this …. With all the attachments. I could make one maybe if I had the stuff and knew how to do it …

[@michaelnorris4629]

thanks. Your bench got me started on my "sit on it" bench.

[@petercoates2882]

Alright man... let's see it!

[@michaelnorris4629]

@@petercoates2882 If I can figure out how to I'll send you some photos.

[@unclebear4806]

WOW, this is the most versatile small workbench I ever see.

[@petercoates2882]

Thank you Uncle Bear.

[@mijicmugendo]

@@petercoates2882 I would love to see more of it construction. Flip it over and a few views from underneath. But great bench and I love the add ons👏👏👏

[@normancoutts]

What a joy to watch! I am so glad this dropped into my feed: it’s enough to restore one’s faith in KZbin - well, almost. The bench must be a near perfect marriage of form and function with a huge dollop of originality thrown in for good measure. I am tempted to try a simple version for my gardening and outdoor work. I will follow along for more for sure. With thanks and warm regards from Scotland.

[@petercoates2882]

Thank you Norman. You're too kind. Mine is definitely working out--I use it almost daily. If you do make one, be sure to post a picture!

[@jocelynbeauregard4456]

Nice job Peter! I’m gonna do this low bench for sure….again thanks.

[@jocelynbeauregard4456]

Hey Peter what is the total length of your low Roman bench top and those 2 (2x8) slabs if you don’t mind…thanks and have a nice weekend.😊

[@petercoates2882]

Hi Jocelyn. Sorry--dum-ass thing to not put in the plans! For mine: top is 57" outside to outside of legs is 47" and the apron is 24". I don't think the length really matters. The width dimensions are what are important! Nice to see someone building one. If I were doing it again, I think I'd make it a few inches higher, but I'm quite tall. You might consider it anyway. If you're going to make matching horses, remember, they should be the same height and the main rail's should be the same height as the bench. Please let me know how it goes and send a picture!

[@jocelynbeauregard4456]

@@petercoates2882 thanks Peter, it’s almost done…have a nice evening!

[@kevinmcgrane4279]

Brilliant rendition of an ancient workbench. Well done, sir!

[@CobyDooood]

By far the best low workbench I have seen. I have been trying to figure out how to build something with small space in mind and this is definitely it! I just cant believe that more people have not seen this build!

[@petercoates2882]

Thanks! I'm finding it very convenient in a small space, especially if you make a couple of those wooden boxes that you can clamp to the top for a higher work surface.

[@russelldudley2305]

A thoughtful design. Incredible as a goat. I love the harmonising of nominally discrete elements to achieve a higher or different end. I am sure it can take a cup of coffee tea or whatever. Cheers

[@petercoates2882]

Thanks man. There's a second one on work-holding with it if you're interested.

[@russelldudley2305]

@@petercoates2882 I've watched it. Most valuable. I like the idea of bolting on bits and the interoperability of saw horses etc

[@nutsmcflurry3737]

I like it, nice ideas. You can easily see where this basic bench evolved into the shaving horse, stitching horse and other sit down, low benches.

[@petercoates2882]

Thanks. And you can see why they're not as dominant now that we have power tools!

[@chlebon]

That is amazing ... bench - transformer

[@gillesimard1]

BRILLIANT!!!!

[@petercoates2882]

Why thank you.

[@RonHoglund]

Ingenious is the right word to describe this. I do a fair bit of wood carving and although I love my Ruboux workbench it is not always a good height for addressing workpieces. I'm already planning how I can make one of these Roman Workbenches with attachement for myself. Thanks Peter!

[@petercoates2882]

Glad you like it! Please feel free to post anything you come up with in the comments. I think you're the only commenter who has mentioned carving, which is the main thing I use it for.

[@DeaconFrancis]

Simple concepts that give everything you need for a variety of projects. Excellent work!

[@petercoates2882]

Thank man.

[@furiousfurby]

Your bench is one of the best low Roman workbenches I’ve seen. I just started woodworking and have a decent amount of power equipment but I am becoming more interested in woodworking by hand.

[@petercoates2882]

Thanks. This might be a good project for someone starting out. You can use power tools but there's nothing there you couldn't do with the simplest hand tools. It's useful for a woodworker, but without the chicken/egg problem of needing high level skills. I've done a lot of woodworking over the years, but I'm not really a woodworker. Try googling up Paul Sellers. He's a wonderful teacher. I'd recommend Rob Cosman too. Different approaches, both excellent.

[@ukeloco24]

@@petercoates2882 Mr. Paul Sellers oh yes sir in deed!

[@bootlegnjack]

Mate I love what you did here!

[@petercoates2882]

Thanks. I'm going to post again soon with some tricks for using it.

[@nobuckle40]

Very ingenious! You've really thought everything through. Thank you for making your drawings and information on how to build one available.

[@petercoates2882]

Thanks. I'm curious to see if anyone builds one.

[@dahljerald2934]

What a delight to see something simple be so very functional. The accessories are impressive. Thank you

[@petercoates2882]

Thanks man.

[@Taurabirdy]

I want to see a workup or in depth how to video of how to build the sawhorse that you fit into the notches to make it attach atop the bench. I think that is a genius level idea.

[@TheGarrettomahony]

Wonderful. The additions are amazing. Youve got it all there really

[@petercoates2882]

Thanks. It's working out. I've picked up a few tricks since making it. I'm going to post some soon.

[@SebR-FR]

Smart adaptation.

[@petercoates2882]

Thanks man. It's working out pretty well.

[@frankolinde1111]

Brilliant little bench. Enjoyed the video.

[@petercoates2882]

Thanks Frank. I hope to do more soon.

[@kenwilliams9518]

Im going to have to build one of these. Very well thought out

[@petercoates2882]

Thanks man. Let me know if you do. There's a couple of things I might adjust if I were doing it again. I'm going to do a piece that covers them, but meanwhile, I think I'd make it a little taller (maybe 4") Also, I'd rig up some way to make perfectly vertical holes instead of just boring them by hand. If they're perfect, you can stand wood up against pins that stick up, and use a wedge against opposing pins to hold boards firmly upright for edge planing, etc.

[@alonesrallah]

that is brilliant! love all the modularity

[@petercoates2882]

Thank you Felipe. The modular aspect has turned out to be the biggest thing in practice. The saw horses and the work platform are almost more important than the bench itself. One often comes up with seemingly great ideas that just don't hit the sweet spot somehow. But this design seems to work.

[@boydbutterworth2295]

Fascinating versatility - thank you for sharing, and the thought process. I look forward to seeing the build process, any plans and new additions to it. Really like the way it can be utilised. 👍🏻

[@petercoates2882]

Thank you. I should draw up some plans, but the components are pretty simple. So far, I'm finding that the simple principle of having tops and trestles at exactly the same height has been one of the most valuable things. I'm using the parts separately and together all the time. Being able to throw a board across the saw horse trestles to make a step is something I'm doing all the time.

[@boydbutterworth2295]

@@petercoates2882 The variety of functions it can perform with the accessories is its biggest feature: short question then - what is the length, width and height of the bench if I may ask?

[@petercoates2882]

@@boydbutterworth2295 Hi Boyd. I didn't give the size? It's 23" high, 13" wide, and 57" long. The feet are 20" wide. Those choices seem pretty good but the height is tuned to my leg length. 23" was where I could kneel on it with one leg comfortably. I'm pretty tall, so for a lot of people an inch or two shorter might make sense. BTW, there's a blog entry on it here: sculpturetech.art.blog/2020/05/22/the-perfect-sculptors-bench/

[@boydbutterworth2295]

@@petercoates2882 Thank you very much, those sizes may well suit me as well - appreciate all the details - looking forward to make my own set shortly

[@petercoates2882]

Baddabing. Let me know if you can't see them. drive.google.com/file/d/14dQIidz0MqxI0UM1tqfegHlMuY_mdJZ1/view?usp=sharing

[@joebaker5421]

Incredible. Inspires me to explore a similar design

[@petercoates2882]

There's a link to some drawings below. I think if I were making it again I'd make it a little higher. Maybe three or four inches.

[@Jude-jp6eq]

Very cool. I want to do a Roman Workbench build, but keep vacillating between dead simple and "slightly more complex". Dig your modularity.

[@petercoates2882]

Hey, thanks--I'm liking it so far. The old fashioned work holding stuff gets real use.

[@davidtraugot1405]

I love it! I currently use a pair of 2' high flat-topped saw horses in a similar way, but just by clamping blocks to them. Think I'm gonna have to build one. Thanks!

[@petercoates2882]

Thanks. Sawhorses don't get enough love. The flat topped kind are great. I was thinking about trying a pair with heavy lumber tops so they could be used with hold-fasts. Might be too heavy for some people, but I don't take them on jobs. For around the shop it could be useful.

[@Ki_Thanh]

I love this

[@MikeShawUK]

Thanks Peter, some really neat ideas.

[@petercoates2882]

And thank you. It was an experiment, but it's worked out so far. I've been using it alot.

[@josephpotterf9459]

Super nice I made a shave horse but this looks like it can do everything . The 2x4 thing looks as good as the rest on video .... function first!

[@petercoates2882]

How did that shave horse work out? It's a cool idea but does it turn out to be useful? Might be handy for carving wood.

[@Rogueflier]

Very nice..

[@TheRealUSPSureShot]

A lot of thought. Well done.

[@petercoates2882]

Thank you Gregor.

[@thomashverring9484]

Very interesting!

[@Oliver-rh5bv]

Even for woodworking in the Garden it is a great tool. In most cases you just have a tiny house and not enough space to have a full size workbench. Besides you can move it easily around. Let the bench come to the work, not the work to the bench. :D

[@petercoates2882]

Yes, absolutely. Many people don't have space indoors and even if you could get a fancy bench outside you wouldn't dare leave it there in the weather and the dew.

[@johnhayes6414]

I seen a tutorial how to make this type of bench. But I truly like your take on this. I would like detailed plans to make yours. And the type of wood you used

[@petercoates2882]

Hi John. Thanks. It's all Douglas fir from the big box. Cheap. Be sure to get the Douglas fir, not the "Hem-Fir" which is mostly hemlock, which is softer, lighter, and not as pretty. The plans are here: drive.google.com/file/d/14dQIidz0MqxI0UM1tqfegHlMuY_mdJZ1/view?usp=sharing

[@BillHartCooks.]

Very Very Nice! Sub added, looking forward to more!

[@petercoates2882]

Thank you. I look forward to doing that but I've been sidelined for the nonce. Doing an online study program! I'll be back soon.

[@williammitchell7021]

Brilliant! I really like the sawhorses- they really suit my work. Can you post dimensions?

[@lpanebr]

The workbench is awesome. Consider using s microphone for the next videos.

[@petercoates2882]

Thanks. Yes my production values are dreadful. I need a camera and a mic. I’m doing all this with my phone if you can believe it.

[@tommitchell5547]

I like those saw horses with the tabletop. Looks like you used 2x6 and 4x4 all around, and maybe a 2x12 for the top with a little blocking. Is that about right?

[@petercoates2882]

Hi Tom. There should be a link to some plans for the bench but there aren't any yet for the saw horses. The rails and legs are cut 4x4's cut down some. I think you're right about the top. The vertical pieces are 2x8. It's all the same pile of wood from the bench. I'll try to add some plans for that.

[@billsutherland2128]

The link to the plans doesn’t work. Great bench: I’m going to use it because I’m a disabled Veteran and love woodworking and carving.

[@petercoates2882]

Hey, thanks. Not sure why the link doesn't work. Try the one that follows and please let me know if it fails. If you make one, please share in the comments! drive.google.com/file/d/14dQIidz0MqxI0UM1tqfegHlMuY_mdJZ1/view?usp=sharing

[@Taurabirdy]

I have been studying your drawings and I read all your notes that you linked to on your blog. I think I have it Except for what you describe under the picture looking at the apron sitting on the leg. You said as a caption to the photo, "another view showing how the apron sits on the leg plus a horizontal spacer attached to the trestle. The allignment blocks for the wedding notches sit on the same spacer." I don't see that horizontal piece or the alignment blocks accounted for in the diagrams. Can you explain what those are made out of and whether the horizontal piece was attached and then the notches cut out or did you cut actual blocks and screw those onto the trestle? Thanks so much for all this, I really want to make this bench, it is perfect for my carving and woodworking projects.

[@petercoates2882]

Hi Taura. I hope I'm understanding your question. Here goes. The vertical trestle is 1.5 inches thick leaving a wide space between the trestle and the outer sides of the 7.5 inch wide legs. The horizontal member I'm referring to is that asymmetrical extra piece that is flush with the bottom of the trestle AND flush with outer vertical edge of the leg. Without it, there would be nothing to bolt the lower edge of the apron to. It also serves as a place to attach those blocks that line up with the vertical edge of the notches. Are those adjustable blocks really necessary? In theory, not, because the edge of the notch that is down in the picture should be perfectly perpendicular to the top and there are wooden cleats across the bottom pf the benchtop that also line up with that square edge making it 3.5 + 1.5 = 5 inches of square vertical surface., But in practice, wood isn't always perfectly straight, the cut might be off a little, etc. so those adjustable blocks give you another point of alignment that adds another 7.5 inches rather than just the 1.5 inch extension that the cleats add. Also, if you notice, the widths of all the pieces are chosen so that things line up naturally if your wood is standard dimension lumber. The trestle plus the spacer make an edge level with the edge of the leg, and two pieces of wood for the apron let the apron line up with the edge of the top. But this kind of wood will always move, so the apron is attached with lags to let you slide some shims in if things go out of alignment. BTW, it's very exiting that you are actually doing this! Let me know how it all goes and be sure to send some pix.

[@petercoates2882]

Oh-and btw, the horizontal piece is the same dimensional fir that the rest is made of. It's glued and screwed to the trestle.

[@Taurabirdy]

@@petercoates2882 yes, this answers my question perfectly! I bought my wood, letting it sit. Will be starting on the top soon. Will post pics for sure.

[@petercoates2882]

@@Taurabirdy It’s kind of an interesting experiment to weigh one of the big pieces of wood on the bathroom scale and then come back in a week or two. I wish I could lose weight that fast

[@Taurabirdy]

@@petercoates2882 hilarious, me too!

[@ianpearse4480]

Sir, do you intend to release the plans for your bench?

[@divyabirsingh2905]

why so less subscribers, u got good content

[@petercoates2882]

I don't know man--you tell me!

[@kljw66]

Amazing.... do you plans available? i built a similar bench for my homwe office, but this is a stage further i feel.

[@petercoates2882]

Sorry, I didn't draw any up. But you'd probably want to adjust the dimensions to suit your needs, especially height. It's important that it be the most comfortable height for you to kneel on work. The other thing plans-worthy would be that one side of the notches is square and the other has a slight angle that matches the wedges.

[@kljw66]

@@petercoates2882 a sketch showing it from various angles is all that is needed, I can calculate sizes from there, just not how it all goes together. You know you want to 😂😂😂😂

[@petercoates2882]

Here you go! Let me know if you can't see it. drive.google.com/file/d/14dQIidz0MqxI0UM1tqfegHlMuY_mdJZ1/view?usp=sharing

[@kljw66]

@@petercoates2882 excellent, project for the Xmas break I think.....

[@petercoates2882]

@@kljw66 I'm really liking it so far. I had 1000 pounds on it and it didn't even creak.

[@Intagliosulegno]

Complimenti per i tuoi lavori . Se hai piacere mi puoi seguire su Istagram : @woodcarving78 o su KZbin: kzbin.info

[@petercoates2882]

Thanks. I'll check it out!

[@petercoates2882]

Hey, all you non-Italian speakers. This guy's work is spectacular! Makes me feel like going back to programming.

[@terrysmith8714]

WHAT?