Building a Roubo Workbench | Part 9

In this video, I stick it all together! YAAAAAAYYYY
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🕵️‍♂️ WHO AM I?:
My name is Matt Estlea and I’m a Woodworker from Basingstoke, England. My aim is to make your woodworking less s***.
I come from 5 years of TRAINING at Rycotewood Furniture Centre in Oxford, 5 years of experience WORKING at Axminster Tools and Machinery in Basingstoke, and 3 years TEACHING both day classes and evening classes at Rycotewood Furniture Centre. All while trying to get this KZbin thing off the ground.
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[@MattEstlea]

If you enjoyed this video, don't forget to press the LIKE button. It really helps me out! Can't be asked to watch the entire series? Watch the overview video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fImuiqqDZctojbc&t

[@leonosbo]

I bought this for my friend for his birthday as we just moved into a new house and he finally has room for a workshop. The bench was very easy to set up kzbin.infoUgkxyFZUPFEey-PuqsPMxqaykBhgA1LWxFHh They center support is a little difficult to snap in and out of place at first but at least then we know the bench is secure. It was a pleasant surprise when we saw it came with clamps. I apparently missed that in the description. My friend loves the versatility of the bench. Great starter bench for his workshop and easily transportable all over our property. I wish the bench was a little taller but the other features of the bench more than make up for that.

[@zackdrotos59]

Great series! My only suggestion: Engrave your name and the date you completed the project somewhere on the bench. I have a workbench my great great grandfather built in 1895 with his name and the date he made it carved into one of the legs. For me, this is priceless. Hopefully, your great great grand kids can appreciate your hard work in 100+ years.

[@MattEstlea]

That's such a great idea! I'm definitely going to do that, cheers!

[@graym1078]

Hi Matt. Ive been a joiner for 35 years and its great to see young folks like yourself keeping up the tradition with such skill and enthusiasm. Keep it up. Hope you get many more subscribers.

[@MattEstlea]

Cheers Graym! Just going to keep them growing!

[@frankjames4573]

I agree Graym. 40 yrs here ... retired now, but still potter around in my workshop! Really nice to see younger folk taking their work seriously, both in design, and construction! Nice job, shame to use the bench at the end of the project... lol

[@MattEstlea]

Cheers Frank, very kind words and much appreciated. I’ve dinged the bench a few times now. I pretended I didn’t care but was secretly crying inside!

[@dons8365]

Wow. Now that you have it finished, I would not mind having in the house as fine furniture. Hope that it can be passed on to your great grandchildren so they will enjoy and respect all the hard work you put into making it. Not only will they have the finished product but also the videos to watch how the process to build it. How would that be nice to watch our ancestors doing that. Keep up the good work and videos.

[@terrystephens1102]

Congratulations Matt, I enjoyed the journey with you - the bench is something you should be very proud of - I admire your honesty in acknowledging the occasional “silly” - the mark of a genuine guy. I look forward to following your future projects. 😃👌👌👌👏👏👏

[@MrWoody135]

Very very impressed, even more impressed with the fact that you shared your mistakes and your work-arounds. You are one talented young professional.

[@chm1701]

Absolutely stunning, Matt. Hands down, the nicest looking bench I’ve seen to date. Really like the fact that you’ve used so many techniques to build it too. It’s been a pleasure watching the series and learning as I go.

[@chm1701]

Just watched the series again, only this time I’m a little more experienced. Your series of videos helped me decide to take on a joinery course at college, so I’m even more appreciative of the techniques, as I have a much better understanding now. All being well, as of July 16th, I’ll be close to finishing my final project, which is a gothic window and be a C&G level 3 joiner and I’ll have time to start making the tool box and cabinet in your relatively recent videos. Woohoo! 😁 Thanks for your inspiration Matt. All the best to you and everyone.

[@gregmislick1117]

And thus Bertha was brought into being! Great series Matt, I've heard you comment on Where's My Thing podcast that these early videos were rubbish....not at all! They may not be what your standards are now, but they are good and this is a very good overview of the building of a Rubo. Congrats!!

[@davidsims1329]

your idea with the tenon's on the top to legs joint was great. over all the that bench is great.

[@michaelstockdale]

Binge-watched the entire series... Awesome job on the workbench! I thoroughly enjoyed the series and look forward to great things from you!

[@MattEstlea]

Cheers Michael! Glad you enjoyed it. Lots of tutorial based things from me for the time being. I will be starting projects again in the near future however!

[@MadPuPsStudio]

If Carlsberg made work benches.... Fantastic mate! well done.

[@MattEstlea]

You sir have just given me the slogan for this workbench. Thank you!

[@Area51Gregos]

What a beautiful piece of furniture in it’s own right. To nice to do work on, I’d just shag the missus on it! But seriously -wait I was serious, but it looks like your 5 years of study paid off. Beautiful. Your video was very informative, Your edit was superb and your music was not annoying whets ever. I watched most of the series late at night and it was very soothing to watch. A++ Keep ‘em coming! Cheers! PS I really appreciated that you took the time to chamfer dog holes. The little thing matter…

[@madsbruun8423]

Well done Matt! Great project and lovely honest commenting.

[@pgfollett]

Magnificent finish. Well done!

[@zacdredge3859]

4:15 I want to see more Andy in future vids; and by that I want to see him again but also want there to be more of him to weigh down future benchtop fittings. Haha

[@donfinch862]

Haven't commented during the build, but you've done a great job. A few cock ups, but worked your way around them really well. Your design (technically) was quite accurate, really impressed when you and yer mate dropped the tops on - alignment was bang on!! Nice choice of hardware, and good fitment. Presentation of the vids was good, nice friendly approach. blah blah blah. When I subscribed, you said I won't be disappointed, well guess wot. I'm an older tradie, sparky come fitter with a woodworking hobby (no expert at that) but I know good skills. Looking forward to watching more of your stuff. Cheers Matt. (p.s. how did your assignment - or whatever, media thingy - go?)

[@DRusso-tu4je]

Hey Matt! Watched this series again as I'm getting ready to jump into building my own dream workbench. Curious as to what size threaded nut and bolt you ultimately used to attach the top to the base? I really like the cleanliness of that fastening method but don't want to go either too small or too large with the bolt. Haven't commented in awhile, but I'm still watching! You really are wildly talented and I enjoy the heck out of your builds!

[@ufdigga]

Hi Matt, I have become addicted to your videos! Your skills in the shop, and on the social media front, are very impressive. You're doing that dissertation proud! Question at 14:00: how do you prevent the orbital sander from cutting into the perpendicular surface when sanding near inside corners? Do you sand into the corner with the orbital, or finish off the inside corners by hand?

[@jodyswoodworking5477]

Looks really nice. Great job!

[@MattEstlea]

Cheers Jody!

[@stevenbellwallace6194]

I've just binged watched the whole series and loved it. I'm in the process of planning a similar build. What was your experience working with Ash? I'm looking to use it myself over the more expensive maple. Did you like it? Do you recommend Ash?

[@MattEstlea]

Thank you mate! Had absolutely no issues working with Ash. I chose it over Beech and Maple because of its cost effectiveness and more prominent grain pattern. It allowed me to be a bit more creative in terms of grain orientation because I had more patterns to work with and is pretty easy to work. The only downside I see happening in the future is the porous grain getting dirty over time. Obviously Beech and Maple are quite close grain so it's less likely to be an issue. But meh, it's a workbench!

[@nomoremuda]

Matt, i'd like to see a more in-depth video on the gap filling you explained with the water based and bludgeoning technique :) Think you could do an example?

[@MattEstlea]

Of course! I have added it to my ever expanding list of video ideas. So annoyed I didn't film it!

[@actividadescreativas8187]

Eres el mejor campeón.

[@sumandl]

Man that was awesome. Subscribed !

[@MattEstlea]

Just seen your follow on Instagram, cheers mate!

[@ChrisJacksonDubai]

Hi Matt, brilliant series. Love the table. Do you have plans and a cutting list for this table?

[@daddy194mari]

Matt, I love your videos. I am halfway through my own workbench build. I was wondering... is the osmo too slippery for a workbench finish? I made a dining table and bench with osmo gloss. It was quite slick, however, I smooth planed and sanded to a very fine grit. I want to say 400-600.

[@sustainableliving880]

So Matt, you must be a master Roubo now! What are you doing with these benches?

[@MarkGray1970]

Very nice!

[@MattEstlea]

Cheers Mark!

[@actividadescreativas8187]

Un saludo grande desde marruecos

[@aaronledbetter1055]

Outstanding... Subscribed!

[@kenlumhemang7654]

Please share the length, breath and thickness of your bench top ?

[@boxo1139]

Matt, Great work, again. Do you have a link to your plans for us US folks? Would love to purchase. Also, any advice on how you came up with a comfortable and workable bench top height?

[@dgt3800]

outstanding!

[@dave_ecclectic]

Why screw the top to the base if the legs are wedged to the top?

[@garychristiansen508]

Great job!!! The video has to be long to get that massive video together for a bench build like that! Curious, how wide is the leg vise chop at the top?

[@moumnyxt3337]

Hello, excellent series. I am finishing up my own built (I am about to drop the tops onto the base) and would like to ask: it doesn't look like you put any glue on the tenons/dovetails /mortises when installing the tops - is it because you didn't think it necessary, or do you have some specific reason for which you would not recommend it? Thank you for all your effort.... C.

[@rhonir3209]

Hey Matt! Thanks for this video and in generalfor your work. It really helps me out! One quick question: How the hell did you get that bench out of there? Must weight at least 200kg. Ah and also, at 12:20 why do you plane the overlaying pieces but sand them afterwards? Isn't a planed surface much nicer than a sanded one? Best regards

[@WoodomainJeremyBroun]

First time I have watched your videos Matt. Refreshing! My guess you are from Rycotewood College? (where I used to teach). Great music.

[@MattEstlea]

Cheers Jeremy! I'm very familiar with your work. Yes this was filmed at Rycotewood College. Funnily enough I now teach there!

[@WoodomainJeremyBroun]

I would never have recognised that was filmed at Rycotewood College. In my time students shared six to a bench!

[@Hockeymyk]

pretty cool

[@alimaleki217]

Matt you did an amazing job; that workbench looks incredible! Are you keeping it there or do you have to move it?

[@garychristiansen508]

Are the bottom and top short rails 2" (50.8mm) or 4" (101.6mm) thick? Also how thick is your sliding deadman? Super bench build, love your videos!!! :)

[@paweljaniak2382]

Very nice 👌🏻 so the deaman is not removable then? I lie the idea of being able to remove it in case it get damaged etc but don’t like the space up on the top which needs to be there on the removable one.

[@0324jake0324]

Hey Matt, Idk if you can answer this since it’s been a while that this project’s been complete. I’ve been in the process of building a bench inspired by this series and have gotten a little stumped about how you got the measurement placement for the threaded inserts embedded in the bottom of the table top. My frame is built and both top sections are similarly close to being dropped on. I’m just nervous about setting those inserts without a good plan for measuring their placement without putting the top on if that makes sense.

[@devinb7790]

Matt, hello from across the pond. Really enjoyed the series so far, only one more to go. Question: What is the make of that drill guide you're using at 13:36 of this video? Looks sturdy and accurate and I want one....have to drill some dog holes in a new benchtop and that thing looks like just the ticket.

[@MattEstlea]

Hi Devin, It's actually from the company I work for in the UK, Axminster Tools and Machinery. It would be perfect for thinner bench tops, but for thicker ones like mine it's probably not sturdy enough. There's still a small amount of play in it. I'd imagine you could get something very similar on your side of the pond! Cheers mate

[@austincraft327]

are you happy with the osmo finish or do you wish you would have used something else?

[@ducatista1098s]

How the heck did you get the dovetail pin section between the end cap and leg off to make adjustments to the fit?!

[@ducatista1098s]

Oh.... patience is a virtue

[@theandroids]

You said you used matt but their is a high sheen to it. Did you buff it?

[@jeffkerr4249]

Watched the whole series, Loved It. What brand is the hand held drill press is that You use?

[@snakkajak]

brilliant! absolutely love the walnut end piece! could you have used a router to create the V for the sliding deadman? (and completely unrelated, but whats the music? shazam isn't picking it up -_-)

[@MattEstlea]

Yea probably could have used a router to create the Vee on the stretcher. Would have been more difficult to create the Vee on the endgrain of the sliding deadman itself however. I think this music was from a royalty free website called Bensound. They have some great stuff on there. Hope that helps, cheers!

[@TrotterG]

Did you have any hesitation about making your sliding deadman integral to the bench where it can't be easily removed or replaced?

[@steverochon1620]

When attaching the top, did you run the risk of racking and therefore jamming the assembly before getting it in place? I'd worry that such a mistake couldn't be remedied. It's beautiful, however. Do people in the UK appreciate your use of the soundtrack from the American movie Shaft? Classic!!!!

[@MattEstlea]

Oh absolutely! I was bricking it while dropping the tops in place. The most likely error was the tongues for the end cap being out of line. However, it's all the result of extremely accurate and precise measuring throughout the entire build. In many cases, I marked off one component to the other instead of relying solely on my drawings.

[@MattEstlea]

And I didn't even know it was a soundtrack! I got it from a royalty free platform so it's probably a rip off. I did find one recently that sounded scarily close to an AC/DC track.

[@kcf955]

Inspiring build! The hounds tooth dovetail looks a tad daunting. I have my hardware and now just need to procure the materials. Question, for lefties, did you give any thought to swapping the leg vise and tail vise sides of the bench? (I thought in another video you mentioned you’re a lefty.)

[@davewatchedthat]

His beautiful bench is set up well for a lefty like us, if you think about it. Location of the leg vise and deadman is perfect for a lefty planing into the support of the deadman.

[@davewatchedthat]

Although, I understand why you ask. Every bench-building-advice video I've ever watched suggests that lefties should switch them around. It looks to me like the deadman makes that pointless, but if I'm missing something, please educate a rookie and tell me why?

[@jameshibbet7177]

Where did you get the M12 Threaded inserts from?

[@thibaultjehl2856]

Great Videos, just suscribed. Why is the last layer only glued without dominos ? I was expecting that layer to be the most sollicited (stress and knocks), and have it simply glued looks weak. I also don't understand the reason for the 45° leg side, is it only style or is there a purpose ?

[@paulgray3231]

looks great. How much did it all cost in the end? and how many hours did it take to complete?

[@MattEstlea]

Cheers Paul. I will be working out an exact figure and posting it in the next video. Not sure I want to find out myself!

[@paulgray3231]

This brings back memories of myself having a bench in that workshop. Enjoy all the machinery as much as you can.

[@dvdallison]

What an absolutley stunning piece of furniture. I say furniture because its far too nice for a work bench, are you actually going to use it???? I know when I made my bench (which is pants compared to yours,) it was months before I stopped being careful and used it properly! I can't wait to see your next project. Well done, keep them coming. Cheers David

[@MattEstlea]

Cheers David! You're absolutely right. Funnily enough, my mum has already tried to call dibs on it for a dining table! I'm going to have a breakdown when I damage it for the first time

[@dvdallison]

Hahah, a Dining Table!!!! whats the vice going to be used for??? cracking walnuts at Christmas???

[@MattEstlea]

I don't know! Pretty convenient way to mash up the leftover veg after a Sunday lunch and make an instant bubble in squeak I guess! She ain't having it.

[@davewatchedthat]

@@MattEstlea Lol; at least she has a beautiful pen you gave her for Mother's Day to record her disappointment at losing a beautiful dining table, heh heh. And I suppose now you have a decent hint at what she might like for a future Mother's Day project; perhaps with similar styling, but a wee bit less robust? Thanks for your work, Matt, it's inspiring, and as others have pointed out, the fact that you 'fess up and document your 'learning experiences' instead of fixing them off camera and creatively editing takes a little of the intimidation out of a project like this, helps reinforce to beginners like me that we, too, can have such a brilliant bench. Love it! A legacy piece. You should check out the Henry O. Studley toolchest, if you haven't already. He was a pianomaker in days of yore, and his toolchest was a demonstration of his skill in much the way this gorgeous bench is a demonstration of yours. Can't wait for your next video, my skills with hand tools have already benefited visibly from your advice, thanks!

[@aintgonnahappen]

How do you like the Roubo? I cannot decide between a split top roubo or a Paul Sellers bench... Sellers swears by his bench and it's dead simple. Anyone help me here?

[@MattEstlea]

Get a book called 'Workbenches: From Design, Theory to Construction and Use' by Chris Schwarz. It'll help you work out what you need in a bench and find a happy medium between something as insanely functional and versatile as this thing, and something as affordable as Paul Sellars' bench.

[@aintgonnahappen]

Ha. I actually own and read that baby many years ago. I'm 49 and have been doing this for some time now; I recently started using hand-tools more so a different bench is needed. I'm stuck on these 2 benches but they are so different to each other... I think I want the BenchCrafted tail vise. Maybe I'll build the Sellers bench but put a BenchCrafted tail vise on. I also like that sliding deadman you got. The cool thing about the Sellers bench is that it uses lumber grade 2 x material throughout the build which is cheap but works fantastic. If I built the Roubo I'd spend a lot more on material. Thanks for responding; new sub here; love the channel.

[@huntingtonbeachsasquatch]

If You Enjoy What You Do Than You'll Never Have To Work A Day In You're Life.!

[@jasonb4350]

I have a question why do you make such nice dove tail joints and then cheat on some of the other joints I think the project came out beautiful just can't see why

[@MattEstlea]

Good question. I assume you're talking about the through tenons? I like to work in a way that creates maximum enjoyment for myself throughout the process. I love cutting dovetails, but through tenons? Nah. Also, this method ensures a perfect fitting joint with no gaps. I'd rather have that in the end result, than be able to brag about hand cut joints. Cheers for the question though, got me thinking!

[@jasonb4350]

Matt Estlea - Furniture thanks for the reply I also find other ways of getting that fancy joint without all the work and the possibility of gaps in the end especially with larger ones

[@GuitarraLisboa1977]

I had the time .. And I spent it well seeing the 9 videos with you making this workbench. And I think you made a fantastic and amazing job. I wish I had one of those! Because that is Fantastic!! ... But I ask my myself... well: - I ask You.. You made that workbench with 99,9% with machinery.. with very good and nice machinery ....Right? And I Thing that a workbench is made to work with HAND TOOLS ... And you almost in this videos NEVER AND NEVER used THEM AS TOOLS.... I never saw you use a single once time .. like a HAND PLAIN... or a manual HAND SAW... And there were several times that you could used them.... AND IT WOULD MAKE A GOOD DIFERENCE!! because tool-machine is eficient work .. but hand tool is a perfect job. And this place you are working is a place were you learn to be a Carpinter .. Right ? .. So... my question is: - Why did MADE workbench lf you don´t care to learn and use HAND TOOLS when it makes a diference? Wouldn´t it be wise .. for you... if you don´t use them .. to just use a simple table.. and CONTINUE to USE ALL THAT FANTASTIC MACHINERY ?? Thank You

[@jasonb4350]

I think your doing a great job but you lost me in that V grove why would you resaw then cut 45 couldn't you just mark the V on the end and cut it on the bandsaw just seems like a lot of extra work

[@MattEstlea]

It was just to get a cleaner cut, that's all! The bandsaw leaves a rough sawn finish that would mean the deadman doesn't slide as smoothly. The table saw and a sharp blade leaves a polished finish, especially on endgrain.

[@daddy194mari]

Matt, I love your videos. I am halfway through my own version of a workbench. I was wondering... is the osmo too slippery for a workbench finish? I made a dining table and bench with osmo gloss. It was quite slick, but I smooth planed and sanded to a very fine grit. I want to say 400-600.