Building a Roman workbench.

[@DW_woodworks]

Free ebook with plans enjoy! drive.google.com/file/d/1H-xTXDzXO4CKuKemYYaUc0r8WZpDnqJ3/view

[@ikust007]

Love the kumiko in the background .

[@steven_vogt]

During my research for a bench to build I have come across these Roman/low benches before but had always dismissed them rather out of hand. However, watching your videos and seeing you actually use it in so many various ways has actually made me reconsider of this isn't in fact a viable option for me! I have limited space in a one car garage filled with other junk and bikes etc. I am just starting to get into woodworking as a hobby at retirement age and I think this could actually be a good starting point. Thank you for opening my eyes again and also thank you for the e.book - I shall read it with interest. Liked and subscribed by way of "thank you" 👍

[@DW_woodworks]

Thanks very much 👍. They are versatile benches once you learn how to use them. I've built all sorts using them.

[@jamessmith4836]

Would love to see the shave horse attachment!

[@DW_woodworks]

I'll see what I can do my friend.

[@kylecarman6584]

Agreed I would like to see shave horse video too.

[@magonmen2011]

This is the most detailed video I’ve found about Roman type benches, thank you a lot

[@DW_woodworks]

Thanks for watching 👍

[@damiunwalker357]

Modern day roman bench master!

[@DW_woodworks]

Thanks man, I don't know about the master part though 😂

[@jeffantonio1627]

thank you for these detailed videos and the ebook, they are very helpful. i am using them to make my first workbench!

[@DW_woodworks]

You're welcome. The reamer should match the angle of the conical tenon. For instance, the veritas reamer, and tenon cutter have the same angle which means, the male and female parts of the joint will mate together, giving a good strong, tight, perfect joint. Hope that helps.

[@dariamindowski7604]

Thanks so much for your detailed videos on the roman workbench. The information, as well as watching you actually using it as your regular bench, is really indispensable. Hope you are all well!

[@DW_woodworks]

Thanks very much, i appreciate you watching the video. It's amazing what you can do on these little benches.

[@quiricotupingan1173]

Thanks for sharing bro. From Philippines 👍💪

[@ikust007]

Love it. No laser, no gizmo, no sh”’.

[@DW_woodworks]

Thanks man 👍

[@Chris_DuCasse]

Would absolutely love to see a shave horse attachment for the bench if you haven't already done it. This video really helped me plan out my low roman bench

[@DW_woodworks]

I have a free ebook with a guide and plans for that.

[@cbdeandc]

I saw the curls you brought up with that card scraper and knew you know your way around wood (and sharpening stones)

[@DW_woodworks]

Thanks man, I'm always learning 👍

[@IvorPuddifant]

Really enjoyed this. Lots of useful information.

[@DW_woodworks]

You're very welcome 👍

[@foundit6088]

A lot of great information. Thanks for the detailed video!

[@DW_woodworks]

Thanks for watching, there is a free ebook pdf, with plans and instructions, should you be interested.

[@aarondaniels629]

have you made the video on how to build one with shave horse attachment? that is what i REALLY want!

[@DW_woodworks]

No, but I do have a free ebook (pdf) with the plans, and instructions for the bench with the shavehorse. There's links dotted about all over my content.

[@erykriver]

that was a great video this is my next project now

[@DW_woodworks]

Thanks man 👍

[@amrn123]

Exactly what I was looking for! Thank you sir.

[@DW_woodworks]

Your welcome

[@dchinell]

Thanks for doing this. It was well worth the wait!

[@DW_woodworks]

Thanks for watching, I appreciate your time.

[@stuartosborne6263]

I really like that, thankyou for sharing.

[@DW_woodworks]

You're welcome, thanks for watching 👍

[@gabrielneto1156]

I was waiting for this video since you said that was planning to make it.. Looking forward to make one myself

[@DW_woodworks]

Thanks, I hope it helps.

[@douglashopkins8070]

That was very nice. I will probably be doing mine with a top glued up out of 2.5"x3.5' skid rails out of hard maple. It is the one part of the project I am not looking forward to at all. This is the main reason I have not started it yet even though I have all the wood. I really liked your video on the dog hole layout. I will look forward to seeing the shave horse attachment.

[@DW_woodworks]

Thanks for watching. The benches are very forgiving, so don't worry about it. I would recommend slightly longer 5' - 7' ( only my opinion).

[@douglashopkins8070]

@@DW_woodworks actually that should have been 2.5 x 3.5 inches. Most of the actual pieces I have are about 4 ft. I am planning on a 5 ft length though. Since I am laminating the top I can easily get a bit of extra length by throwing in an extra piece.

[@DW_woodworks]

Sounds good, should be a nice bench when it's done.

[@virtualhermit]

excellent! Lots of great techniques

[@rodavlasdtgeirke387]

Freakin awesome I love it

[@cliffordduhh45]

I see the two sizes of tenon cutters in your amazon tools link. Which size cutter are you using for this project?

[@DW_woodworks]

I used the 5/8s for this bench. It's a good all-rounder for chairs etc.

[@MostlyCivilEngineer]

I've got a bench in the works, so this is great! I think I want to add a modern quick release vice, and I'm hoping to get your guidance on the most useful location. I don't know which side to put it on (I'm right handed, so maybe the right side as you sit?), where along the bench edge (at the far end in front of me, back by my knee, in the middle of the bench, or behind me out of the way) or I could go straight off the end. Where would you add it if you had wanted one?

[@DW_woodworks]

I personally wouldn't add one. If anything, I would suggest a removable moxon style vise, then you could fix it anywhere via holdfasts. I think the left side would be in the way because of planing. So you're right about the right side. Either end maybe problematic using width ways, cutting wide tenons etc. I think I would put it where I've put the notch. It's out of the way there.

[@jimm9818]

Would laminating two pieces of 3/4" plywood work as a suitable bench top? Anyone?

[@DW_woodworks]

Hi Jim, I say a minimum of 2" thick top so 1" laminated would work, I'd also recommend a good quality ply as well.

[@neillawther9500]

I live in the states now and i cant find the matching Reamer and tenoning jig. I will be back visiting England early December, in fact the Darlington area. Where can i buy these matching tools? Thanks Neil.

[@DW_woodworks]

You should be able to get both in the states, to my knowledge they're widely available online, both are Veritas.

[@kevinbrauer7635]

This was a really helpfull video and i would really love to see how you build the shavehorse attachment! Keep going, you really produce great content 😊

[@DW_woodworks]

Thanks for watching, I appreciate it. I'll see what I can do.

[@murrayralph2353]

Thanks for making this. I’ve been planning a Roman workbench for a while. I just picked up some salvaged timber today to make the bench top, and I have a reamer and cutter on it’s way. Your clip is the best one I’ve come across on KZbin that explains the process for making one in simple terms and with all the little tips and tricks along the way. I need mine to have removable legs and you mention one of your other benches does too - can you tell me if you still drill the mortise all the way through, or do you stop short? Thanks again from Australia.

[@DW_woodworks]

Thanks for watching, I appreciate your time. Yeah, the holes go all the way through. Everything will compress in time, so it is needed. You'll have to trim the top of the tenons, in a month or so due to the compression.

[@murrayralph2353]

@@DW_woodworks ah-ha, thanks. That was my next question - whether the tenons will continue to push through. I’ll try them as removable and if I get too much movement I guess I’ll have to glue them in.

[@DW_woodworks]

I've only had to trim them twice, so you should be ok.

[@rossmcleod7983]

Love yer work, learnt heaps. Ordered my oak slab yesterday, tad pricey, but keen as mustard to get into it. Curious about the Helenium eight legged model, have you any opinion on them? Ordered a book too “ Ingenious Mecanicks” by Michael (?) Schwarz where he dives into the various non vice historic holding devices for work benches. Anyhoo, many thanks again, I’ll get your e book too.

[@Belizzle]

I'm curious your thoughts on a different style of legs. I have seen a version of a Roman bench that has the legs half-lapped into the side of the bench, still angled toward the two ends of the bench, but flush with the edges of the top rather than splayed out. This would be a lot easier with the limited tools I already have, but since you have a lot of experience with these benches, I was wondering if you thought if this would work as well or have issues (e.g. would it get in the way of your feet? would it get in the way or different work holding? etc.?)

[@DW_woodworks]

I think the joint would fail in time. You could add a leg rail (or 2) which would help a lot. A rake and splay would be better to offer more stability (in my opinion). I think rocking could be an issue. If the bench top has some weight, rocking will be reduced. I don't think the legs will be in the way, and I often use the legs for footing etc.

[@phesify]

Can you have a bottom worktop edge that has some bits missing where there was bark? Or am I better to cut it down? It is 370 wide and this would make it 333 wide

[@DW_woodworks]

You could try it first, and you've always got the option to cut it at a later date, if you don't like it. I think I would cut it straight, but I wouldn't be to bothered about a little bit of Waney section on the under corner. I think a wider bench is slightly better but, 333mm will work.

[@TomK32]

Great video, and I'll get back to it when I build my own work bench, but one teeny technical note on the video: Lots of audio software like Audacity have a function to filter out background noises which I really recommend with that motorway you have in the background.

[@DW_woodworks]

Thanks for watching, yeah I know the videos need some attention, they are getting a little better as I learn, thanks for the feedback it all helps.

[@brightnuertey1451]

May God bless your hand work !!!.

[@phesify]

For softening the dog holes what would you suggest if I don’t have a countersink/chamfer bit? File and sand paper?

[@DW_woodworks]

I'd probably use a small chisel bevel down, then sandpaper.

[@phesify]

That totally worked! Thanks! You need to set up a patreon account.

[@DW_woodworks]

You're welcome, maybe when I get more KZbin subs, I might do.

[@willyt664]

Pregunta mi señora que qué és eso que está construyendo en madera que se ve en el fondo.... va a ser algo vidriado?? dice que es muy importante saber.... gracias

[@DW_woodworks]

English please?

[@willyt664]

@@DW_woodworks hahaha sorry about that.... I was actually going along with my wife that was asking me to ask you.... that wooden structure in the back... what is it going to end up being??

[@DW_woodworks]

@@willyt664 lol, that's just some decking. The panels are some very large Japanese kumiko.

[@willyt664]

@@DW_woodworks wooow... I recognised the kumiko pattern but didn't know if it was a deck or was a work in progress. Excellent video, I'm planning on making my own low bench now!

[@DW_woodworks]

@@willyt664 there good benches, you won't regret building one.

[@albertgauche4575]

What size bit did you use to drill the hole for the legs before you reamed them out?

[@DW_woodworks]

Those were 5/8's

[@albertgauche4575]

Thanks

[@ikust007]

Sapele is horrible for splinters but beautiful and so strong. Doesn’t rot.

[@tomcheng3903]

Where'd you find your brace & bit? I'm looking at getting one, but a lot of the older ones seem to have this really weird square jaw rather than the 3-part jaw that a normal electric drill would have - does yours have a circular jaw for normal bits? I can find 'the brace' dead cheap, but getting good auger bits are way too spenny, I was thinking if I got one with a circular chuck I could cheap out & just use a spade bit (?) I've got a cordless drill, but it's shite & doesn't have the capacity for this size hole in wood

[@DW_woodworks]

I'd suggest flee markets, and carboot sales, there's normally a lot of them.

[@tomcheng3903]

@@DW_woodworks With the circular jaw? I'm confined to ebay due to corona & they all seem to use the old square jaw - does that grip circular bits just fine?

[@DW_woodworks]

Most of the old braces will only accept the auger bits, with the square, tapered ends. There is some modern braces that will accept a hex bit. There not designed to hold round bits, although I have used a brace with a counter sink. Unfortunately, a set of reconditioned bits can be pricey. If you can't wait, just use whatever you can get your hands on, it doesn't have to be an auger bit. Or you could use a hex auger bit in an electric drill, if you have one. If you can wait, markets etc will be open soon, and you'll be able to make a set up. You'll just have to sharpen them up.

[@ikust007]

Ah. You don’t do your cut in the legs for the wedges before…??

[@DW_woodworks]

Sometimes, just depends.

[@ikust007]

@@DW_woodworks fair enough

[@markhalvorson4631]

Fantastic work! And so thin! How thick is that bench? I figured I needed a really thick slab, but this has me looking at my wood pile anew

[@DW_woodworks]

Thanks for watching,I appreciate it. It's roughly 2", most of the benches I've made have been around that size, hardwood is recommended at that thickness. Only issue is the weight, I use mine on grass most of the time, so it's not an issue for me but, the bench can move around on a flat surface.

[@brianlegrand2210]

I am a little confused if you layed out the dog holes on the video or not, is there a place where you did? Are there complete plans to build the Roman Work Bench, and if so could I retrieve them from you? This is well done, I just do not catch everything here!

[@DW_woodworks]

Link in description my friend.

[@DW_woodworks]

Get the ebook for free which has plans. Link will be on my Instagram, as well as other videos, look for free ebook link

[@brianlegrand2210]

@@DW_woodworks Hello David, we presently do not have any Kindle products, is that the only platform to access the plans? I truly appreciate the fact that you are sharing your work for free, but I would not have a problem otherwise. Would there be another way of attaining the plans? Not only would these plans make a great book, but they would adapt well to a Shave Horse or a Bodgers Horse.

[@DW_woodworks]

@@brianlegrand2210 try this, a PDF format of the book. drive.google.com/file/d/1H-xTXDzXO4CKuKemYYaUc0r8WZpDnqJ3/view?usp=drivesdk

[@brianlegrand2210]

@@DW_woodworks Thank You so much, I started studying it as soon as it downloaded!!

[@almogkurtser4557]

Hi, thanks for these videos and the podcast (which was the first of the two for me to discover), it is a great resource for both knowledge and confidence for me as a total newbie to woodworking. Since you encouraged your listeners to ask you any additional questions about the roman workbench, and as I'm in the progress of building my first one I'd love to ask you these: 1. I do not have a taper reamer and the only one that I'm aware of that is produced regularly is the large Veritas reamer (which is out of stock at the moment). I did find some resources for building a reamer but it is probably beyond my current skill level. Do you know of any other options for a reamer? 2. Assuming I won't use a reamer, the 2nd option is a simple 1-1/2 inch round tenon, which got me thinking of an idea if isn't completely stupid, might have the advantage of adaptability for small spaces, so... What do you think of using threaded 1-1/2 inch legs that I could stow away when storing for long period? I was thinking of fitting the threads all the way through a 3.5" thick bench top, and to reinforce the leg, I could add a wide piece of wood that acts as a (fixed) nut to lock the leg and the bench-top in place. That way, I'm hoping to be able to take the bench completely apart very easily, but I'm not sure how durable it'll really be and whether the wooden threads could withstand the forces applied to the bench (assuming the bench top is thick laminated pine and the legs are made of hardwood). Thanks! Edit: added a bunch of text that somehow got cut away.

[@almogkurtser4557]

Sorry, my 2nd question got lost in the editing, just added it :)

[@DW_woodworks]

The round tenons should be fine, and I have used these myself. Check out my free ebook (link in my Instagram profile) which shows this process. I personally would glue and wedge the legs, I think the threads would damage easily. As for a reamer, there are makers who make traditional one's. If you have the spare cash, you could look into that.

[@almogkurtser4557]

​@@DW_woodworks Thanks for the super quick reply! I read your book and I am going for something along the lines of the poor-man's-workbench. My 2nd question got messed up in the initial submission. I edited it just when you replied. It was really about a weird-ish idea that I had to use threaded round tenons. Would love to know what you think about that.

[@DW_woodworks]

@@almogkurtser4557 I would not used the threaded tenons, I think the threads would damage easily.

[@almogkurtser4557]

@@DW_woodworks I feared so, thank you for confirming it!

[@kevintiffin9843]

👍

[@СергійСергій-э2ю]

Довго говорить. Показав би розміри, розмітки, було б добре. Дякую за науку. Хочу собі зробити таку приспособу.

[@DW_woodworks]

Free ebook with the plans enjoy drive.google.com/file/d/1H-xTXDzXO4CKuKemYYaUc0r8WZpDnqJ3/view

[@dennycrawford8513]

Great video. I have been looking for the free e-book to no avail. If someone could send me a link, I would be very appreciative. As this is the first time I’ve commented on a video, I don’t know how it works as far as notification of a reply. Being nearly blind makes youtube interaction a mostly painful, and therefore mostly avoided activity, save for watching. Don’t do any social media. Thanks in advance and best regards to all.

[@DW_woodworks]

Hi Denny, here you go. drive.google.com/file/d/1H-xTXDzXO4CKuKemYYaUc0r8WZpDnqJ3/view If you need any help, drop me a message, I can be quick at replying mostly on Instagram (if you have an account), or otherwise on KZbin, I'm not to bad either.

[@matthewcampbell7412]

Could you do a voice over with better audio?

[@DW_woodworks]

Hi Mathew, I've already covered this style of construction a lot, so I'm not going to do that. I have a free pdf ebook you can download (no sign ups), which has a full guide, and plans. Use the link to my linktree (in most of my recent videos), and you'll see the book there. Hope that helps.

[@littlegray4537]

You should also check out Rex Krueger's LRB kzbin.info/www/bejne/baOyeah5lN6ojJY.. you can use a softwood or a hardwood ... it depends on your personal preference ... softwood is quieter because it absorbs more sound and is generally lighter than hardwood so softwood might be better for your application .. you should at least put a planing stop on your surface, if not a bunch of dog holes for your hold fasts (a form of viseless working) ... also it's a good idea to include a jaw on the side for wedges and holding boards on their sides. I think benches on your leg tenons is a bad idea ... legs should be tapered to allow for always driving the surface onto the legs. Your going to want to use a bevel guage (and leave the bevel guage set up on the bench top to while you are drilling) or a guide for ensuring the legs are at the right angles. There are lots of ways to make the leg tenons, you can use a rasp and sandpaper.

[@DW_woodworks]

I'm not sure if you watched the whole video? The tenons are conical (preferred by myself), but I have successfully used round tenons. The bench contains around 20 dog holes, for my work. I think you might be missing the point when I said add them as you need them. Also, there's no need at all to add a vice. The peg system and notch, handle most things. A good example of what the bench can do kzbin.info/www/bejne/mmKte5eIgK19mbM I also think a soft wood is not the best choice in my own opinion, and speaking from experience. I'm no expert but, this bench is number seven, and I've got around 4 years experience with low benches, and haven't used a vise in over a year + What you can build on a tall bench with a vise, you can build on a low bench without a vise, which I can, have, and do. Of course this is only my own opinion and experience.

[@littlegray4537]

@@DW_woodworks I watched up to 26:49 before I had to leave ... checking out the rest now. As to what I was saying in my post, there are a lot of ways to build a lrb and it probably depends most on what you are using your LRB for. I need mine to be portable. I did miss the point but I think your going to cover it in the remaining portion of the video. Thank you!

[@СергійСергій-э2ю]

Чужому учітеся, і свого не цурайтеся... Т. Шевченко

[@DW_woodworks]

Free ebook with the plans inside, enjoy drive.google.com/file/d/1H-xTXDzXO4CKuKemYYaUc0r8WZpDnqJ3/view

[@tonystoops7802]

Between your accent and the wind, I can't hear a damn thing.

[@DW_woodworks]

I can't do a thing about either, but I can help you out with a guide and plans. Thanks for watching and commenting ***FREE ROMAN WORKBENCH EBOOK*** drive.google.com/file/d/1H-xTXDzXO4CKuKemYYaUc0r8WZpDnqJ3/view?usp=drivesdk

[@ChrisPandHisFlyingV]

Can't hear the dude. Gave up on the video after 60 seconds. Get a mic bro.

[@DW_woodworks]

@@ChrisPandHisFlyingV yes mate I know, all my newer videos are mic'd. There is a free ebook with plans, and a build guide. That's the best I can offer, I do apologise my friend.

[@jachse8464]

Or use closed captions and accept the limitations of others.

[@jacomarce7]

What an attitude you've got going chris. can't hear? get closer. beautiful bench man, all i have to say

[@DW_woodworks]

@@jacomarce7 thanks man 👍

[@brandyhawking7908]

Woodglut is a solid company with the best woodworking plans.