Building a Solid Woodworking Workbench from cheap lumber

In this video I'm building a solid workbench for woodworking.
❤️️ Workbench Plans: dieter.me/prod...
I made it of construction grade timber, things I got for free and some plywood. I'm using mortise and tenon joinery and drawboring. There are some small things left that I need to complete and I will make an update video when those things are in place. This is a really heavy workbench especially when all the drawers and cabinets are filled with tools and stuff.
I basically used a table saw, japanese hand saw and a regular No. 4 handplane. It took a lot of elbow grease but it was a good practice using hand saws. The workbench top is made of an old solid hardwood coffe table I was lucky to get for free. It's not dead flat but pretty close I would say. I installed a small Veritas inset vise at the one end of the table and I am planning to add a vise at the left side as well but for now I just use my portable vise.
If you want to build this workbench yourself I have plans available on my site (see the top of this description) You should be able to build it with just hand tools but a table saw will ease up things dramatically.
If you like this video please give me a thumbs up and subscribe to my channel. Buying the plans will also help to support my channel so I can make more videos. Thank you for watching, every view is highly appreciated.
Follow me on Instagram: / dieterarno
Dieter Schneider

[@waynebooker498]

Probably the nicest bench I've seen made from construction grade wood.

[@DieterSchneider]

Thank You Wayne, that's nice to hear. Appreciate it.

[@bradymiguel]

Respects the bench enough to take his shoes off before standing on it. 🙏🏼👌🏽

[@BartStratton]

I love your use of handtools.

[@DieterSchneider]

Thanks

[@TheHibener]

Der Tipp mit dem Salz ist sehr interessant, probiert und für sehr gut befunden!. Danke !

[@ashadowawhisper]

Paul Sellers would be proud... A great video Dieter, ganz cool.

[@DieterSchneider]

Thanks Aaron, appreciate it. Thanks for watching

[@holzmotte]

The workbench is really good, solid craftsmanship. It was fun to watch. Thumbs up and greetings from Germany.

[@RobRobertson1000]

Really well done Dieter.

[@DieterSchneider]

Thank you Rob

[@SmallestWorkshopGH]

An extremely pleasing design, well constructed with some very nice accurate joints. Many more please.👍

[@DieterSchneider]

Thank you so much. Appreciate it

[@GuysShop]

Solid, compact and affordable. Great build Dieter!

[@DieterSchneider]

Thank you Sir! Looks like a nice channel you have by the way, subscribed.

[@gavinhouliston]

Very well constructed, you make great use of traditional joinery and with a modern twist which I like. The way you have made most of the available space is brilliant. Thank you for sharing this

[@DieterSchneider]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@barstad-9591]

Very nice attention to detail.

[@mrriioo]

actually i like the video so much. you got that style that one wants to keep watching. great job man. thanks.

[@DieterSchneider]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@MrJohnnyboyrebel]

I especially liked your use of a hand plane. Please consider getting a #6 or larger plane for truing and flattening the top. You’ll get better results with a longer plane. Two years ago, I made a modified Paulk workbench, but am unhappy with its performance. Your bench seems like a great replacement.

[@simonbarnard1861]

Made me smile that you took your shoes off to stand on the ‘work’ bench!!!

[@1pcfred]

Was funny.

[@1boredlady60]

I love the glue sounds lol

[@DieterSchneider]

hehe, thanks :)

[@davidrobinson6645]

Dieter Schneider b he has

[@KianaKaslana638]

Applying wood glue sound something like "an explosive diarrhea"

[@julietphillips1991]

Lots to learn watching this build...awesome workbench...and the ending was funny with a bit of jazzy music!

[@raymondbailey7045]

I figured would love to build one. Thanks again

[@DieterSchneider]

Thanks, that's cool. Would be nice to see a pic if you build it.

[@DsHardWoodCreations]

Nice very solid piece

[@classic287]

Beautiful bench. I like the use of the pull saw too....

[@DieterSchneider]

Thanks. Yes, the pull saw is great. I find it much easier to saw straight with it rather than a traditional saw. Makes a nice clean cut too.

[@staninjapan07]

Ha! I have no need of a workbench whatsoever, but now I want to move out of my 5th floor apartment and get a place with a garage so I can watch this again and go begging for wood and make my own like this. Cool video. Thanks a lot.

[@DieterSchneider]

hehe, go for it! Thanks for watching.

[@dancahill9122]

staninjapan07 Hope you've come to enjoy woodworking.

[@Andre-pe9mm]

staninjapan07 q

[@bigredswildrootjuice113]

It's funny how everyone has there own way of doing something. If it works, let it be. I would have used different tools but this guy used what he was comfortable with. I think there's something there when you dont use power tools. A real carpenter can use the tools that are given. Its an art.

[@mobarakibi]

wow !!!! i appreciate your work ..great job ! im from morocco i like woodworking

[@amacnaughton85]

مبارك الرقيبي Ana sakin f Dar l Beida o nta?

[@DogDog173]

You made me drool, man. Very good job. Thumbs up!

[@DieterSchneider]

Thank You Sir

[@DarkTouch]

, and very nice little workbench! I think it would even be good in a bigger shop for doing smaller jobs, where you might have a bigger bench for other purposes. sweet little bench.

[@benjamindebellis6664]

Some have said it's too small. I disagree. I have a large work bench and a small size like what you made. I find myself using the smaller bench more comfortable to use for smaller projects. Awesome job !!

[@DieterSchneider]

Thank You Sir. I wanted it to be bigger but due to the limited space I had to make it this size. On the other hand I think it will work very well for my projects as well since I mostly make smaller stuff too. So it might be I would regret it if I made it bigger.

[@blackfender100]

Nice Job Dieter great bench.

[@DieterSchneider]

Thanks

[@barstad-9591]

Put some full extension glides on those drawers and you'll be dancing on that workbench top!😊

[@Sedoi123]

Well done, quality work is always nice.

[@DieterSchneider]

Thank you very much!

[@kevinsmith1976]

Very nice. Good attention to detail.

[@DieterSchneider]

Thank you Kevin

[@johnhester6187]

just watched. Outstanding. I like the table. I love that you use "old school" technology in the build. I'll model my legs and frame after yours. Thanks for posting!

[@DieterSchneider]

Thanks for watching and good luck with the project :)

[@sapphodesigns2377]

Great workmanship

[@dbcooper9401]

that hand saw is pretty nice too! i'm new to this.

[@DieterSchneider]

Yes, it's a Japanese pull saw. It's great.

[@thehire01]

It's a Japanese saw

[@randomratz]

Beautiful bench and refreshing to see a unique smaller design. Might have to build one for the conservatory. Subscribed!

[@DieterSchneider]

Thanks a lot, appreciate it. Would love to see some photos if you build one.

[@ForestWardenBushcraft]

That salt tip is gold, mi father used to do the same thing!!! Great video!!

[@DieterSchneider]

Thanks. Yes, it works very well

[@jimm9818]

Salt? OMG. Brilliant. One of the most frustrating problems I have gluing up butcher blocks. I'm going to try it on the next one.

[@DieterSchneider]

Thank You. Should make gluing up a little less frustrating :)

[@CurtisBenjaminIsrael4453]

Awesome bench.

[@АлексейЧезганов]

Ist sehr gross Arbeit. Und sehr wunderschönen. Mir gefällt. Like!!!

[@DieterSchneider]

Thank you Sir

[@HansZarkovPhD]

I like your videos because you use about the same type and variety of tools that I own. You are a brave man cutting those tenons with a hand saw. I have not had much luck with that thus far, but am practicing. I am building a shaker style tool cabinet now and the next project is a bench similar to the one you are building in the video.

[@BigmoRivera]

Very nice work bench 👍

[@soundcog]

Dieter, I really enjoyed your video on making the workbench. I am about to start on one and am considering your plan. Please keep up the videos they are informative and educational.

[@DieterSchneider]

Thank You Bob, appreciate it. I'll to my best

[@dennisoshea4906]

I really like the leg construction well done

[@DieterSchneider]

Thanks :)

[@prouddaddyme6989]

Really cool build

[@diyprojectchannel]

So nice workbench!!! Good job dude 😃👍👍👍

[@bufford14]

Another good job Dieter. I love to watch you do these kinds of projects.

[@brentnicol6391]

Very nice. I like the design.

[@DieterSchneider]

Thank You so much Brent. I appreciate it.

[@jamesonelam]

Great looking bench! Well done. Thanks for sharing 👊

[@DieterSchneider]

Thank You :)

[@TimRoyalPastortim]

Really nice bench build

[@DieterSchneider]

Thank you so much Tim. Appreciate it.

[@beer1for2break3fast4]

Nice work. That is one sturdy bench! Got to love the Japanese saw. Those people know how to make wood working tools that work for you not against you haha. That reminds me ... I need to buy one.

[@DieterSchneider]

Thanks. Yes, those saws are great. I'm amazed how long they stay sharp too. The downside is that they are getting very popular so the price is increasing hehe.

[@michaelweatherford4954]

As I am lazy and don’t want to read all the comments, I apologize for the possible late question. What are you shaking onto the glue and why? Great video!

[@samiches2008]

I like your drill press. It looks like it has a lot longer stroke than most.

[@DieterSchneider]

It's ok for it's price but feels a bit flimsy

[@informedcitizen8687]

Very nice work ,with simple joinery and basic power tools you produced a very functional workbench with inexpensive materials. Impressive!

[@robertbrunston5406]

Looks nice and strong, thanks.

[@DieterSchneider]

Thanks

[@henryt9254]

Very nice workbench. I would make it bigger. Considering you have enough space and the amount of work you put into it, a bigger workbench gives you a lot more options down the road.

[@DieterSchneider]

Thanks. Yes I agree, bigger would be better but I have very limited space. If I get more space in the future I might build a bigger one using more exclusive wood as well.

[@allanleroux5413]

Very nice, well built

[@DieterSchneider]

Thank You Allan

[@RicardoBiloti]

Impressive! You are highly skilled!

[@DieterSchneider]

Thank you so much Ricardo, glad you liked the video.

[@gregdodson5064]

Nice work. I really appreciate the video!

[@DieterSchneider]

Thank You so much

[@scatwater]

Thank you for sharing. I really enjoyed watching you work!

[@DieterSchneider]

Thanks, that is great. Thank you for your comment.

[@corbinscharnhorst7415]

Great workbench, Dieter! I'm in the middle of building one, myself, so this was helpful. I love the concept of the drawbore joints. Nice video!

[@paulogiovani44]

Very good, congratulations on your work!

[@DieterSchneider]

Thank You Sir!

[@Rotwang72]

Awesome vid. Nice technique.

[@tonybp965]

That's an awesome build. I'm new to woodworking and I appreciate the fact that you put a lot of elbow grease to it. It gives it a certain kind of charm and very gratifying. I just subscribed and you taught this beginner a whole lot. Thank you so much for giving me the pleasure of watching such craftsmenship.

[@DieterSchneider]

Thank You, glad you liked it

[@121sabah]

wow......Very creative work I liked

[@DieterSchneider]

Thank You. Appreciate it

[@noeldc]

Very impressive. I liked that you made it using very few tools.

[@DieterSchneider]

Thank you for your kind words noeldc.

[@davidking708]

great job on the desk and on the editing for the video

[@DieterSchneider]

Thanks

[@tonyburroughs1799]

Great build, and solid design too!! I like the use of salt on the glue up. It was the reason I read the comments......so I won't be like so many others and ask that same question.lol. The size of the bench is good.....the joinery and your method of construction can be applied to any custom size......more often than not, I alter dimensions from the plans for furniture that I build to suit the application or person that will use it. I believe that in woodworking it is necessary to adapt and add custom size changes to builds, and still follow the intended plans that the designer has created. This project that you have presented is perfect for experienced and new wood workers. It shows tried and true mortise and tenon joinery, accomplished with skill with thoughtfulness on core woodworking tools. Awesome!! I'm now a subscriber

[@DieterSchneider]

Thanks Tony. Really appreciate that you took the time to write such a nice comment, and subscribed to my channel.

[@jarvisstewart]

That's too nice for a workbench!

[@vicvar8991]

Very very nice job man

[@DieterSchneider]

Thank You :)

[@More-Space-In-Ear]

Nicely made sir. 👍🏼

[@DieterSchneider]

Thanks a lot :)

[@TheLoyal76]

Nice technique 👍

[@FutureReverberations]

Recently developed an interest in woodworking out of nowhere... I think i shall start out by trying my hand at a cutting board and work my way up. This is aways off for me, cool build though. :)

[@richardgreer459]

Gut gemacht!

[@alexander.2992]

As well as a great sense of humor . :)

[@ianhayes6393]

really nice, i'm just about to start a joinery course and this is inspirational.

[@DieterSchneider]

Thanks. Cool that you find inspiration in my video.

[@Frank50505]

Hi Dieter. Please let me know what is that powder you are shaking on the glue before you clamp your glue up. It looks like a salt shaker. Thanks much for the video.

[@jonq8714]

very nice compact bench...

[@DieterSchneider]

Thanks

[@mark-uk]

Wonderful piece of craftsmanship, it looks amazing!

[@ovro4496]

muy hermoso tu banco de trabajo, felicitaciones y que los disfrutes, "Orlando Vro"

[@DrCRAZYde]

Nice Little Build.

[@DieterSchneider]

Thanks, appreciate it.

[@barstad-9591]

Great effort; much appreciated. Thanks.

[@Robswoodworkingdiy]

i love the way youve taken your shoes off to test and show just how strong your workbench is????? great workbench though. how long did it take you to build it.

[@DeDiescher]

Schöne Werkbank, viel Arbeit, ich hatte so in den letzten 5-8 Min des Videos das Gefühl du hattest keine Lust mehr als du diese vielen Schrauben verwendet hast.

[@currentprojects]

very nicely done!

[@DieterSchneider]

Thank you so much :)

[@skipbrooks3646]

Good video, keep up the good work.

[@DieterSchneider]

Thanks, I'll do my best

[@jonathanjones691]

that grain match between 1st and 2nd board is cool @1:47

[@DieterSchneider]

hehe, did not notice before you mention it

[@peterswerkstatt9853]

Sehr schöne Arbeit! Top Video!

[@DieterSchneider]

Thank You Sir!

[@ronh9384]

Great job on the bench!

[@balancebringer7888]

Nice work well done

[@DieterSchneider]

Thanks 👍

[@63rml]

Well done. Mike

[@DieterSchneider]

Thank You Mike

[@oficinagarcia1442]

profissional competente precisão manual perfeita PARABÉNS

[@InventionTherapy]

Great video.

[@woodywoodwoodiii]

Beautifully made :)

[@DieterSchneider]

Thank you so much Paul. Appreciate it.

[@boomer1104]

He He funny... the washingmaschine in the background. Same as me. But well done, good work. 👍

[@DieterSchneider]

Yep, right next to the laundry room :) Thanks.

[@bernieinsaudi]

Nice bench.

[@DieterSchneider]

Thank you. Your comment is highly appreciated.

[@ricardocoloma-md]

Dieter awesome build, I have a question, what was the powder you sprinkle on top of the glue and what you use it for? Thank you very much.

[@DieterSchneider]

Thank You. To prevent the boards from sliding around while clamping.

[@ricardocoloma-md]

thanks

[@asturias581]

Muy buen trabajo! Es de agradecer la ausencia de música, durante el desarrollo del mismo!

[@stuartatkin6058]

a fantastic project I'm going to buy the planes thank you

[@DieterSchneider]

Thank you so much Sir. :)

[@Rolandas466]

Great job

[@DieterSchneider]

thanks

[@reaper060670]

It's a beautiful workbench bro. I love it but what is that wood? Is that just cheap 8ft lengths of round over soft pine and then u put the hardwood top on it from the table u got for nothing?? That portable vice u use by clamping onto ur bench?? Where can I get one of those please?? I love the idea of that.. Salute to u Dieter man.. I'm watching from Ireland.. Great job again mate. Keep up the great work. I'm not ready to build one of these smaller benches yet. I'm still clearing my garage out of years of collectables and basically a load of other crap and rubbish 1st.. LMAO.. Once I get that cleared I'll be starting on my workshop and a bench like this would be perfect. I will buy the plans once I get going with the shop but not just yet. Best of luck with the growth of ur already massive subscriber base.. It's great to see so many ppl loving woodwork. I intend on recycling allthe wood I can get my hands on in the near future bro..

[@Psychlist1972]

Really nice work on the workbench and the video.

[@DieterSchneider]

Thanks

[@lancerussell666]

Best movie best actor best music enjoyed