The PERFECT Woodworking Workbench? | The Nicholson Workbench | English Workbench

#woodworking #nicholsonbench #workbench
The Nicholson Workbench, also known as the English Carpenter's Bench or English Workbench, is the ultimate hand tool woodworking workbench. This bench, as opposed to the roubo or French workbench is primarily made of construction grade materials, which still provide a ton of weight and beauty to this cornerstone of your shop. The English workbench provides a variety of work holding options, with hold fasts not only in the top of the bench but in the apron as well, which allows this bench to be built without a sliding deadman. This particular iteration of the workbench is made with a modified leg vise and a quick release vise which allows for extremely secure work holding for plane work and chiseling. This work bench is potentially the perfect workbench for smaller shops because it provides for functional use from all sides of the bench and does not need to be butted up to a wall for stability. The angled legs and the drawbored mortise and tenon, drawbore joinery, make this the ultimate workbench for wood work, as it deprives the bench from any bench rock whatsoever. This is a small workbench version of the Christopher Schwarz Workbench in his blue book on workbenches. His design featured a massive workbench at approximately eight feet in length, whereas this workbench build with vise comes in around five feet. Please check out the link below for his book, which includes his Nicholson workbench plans, which were utilized in the building of this bench. This Nicholson workbench design hopefully inspires you to think outside the box on workbench build ideas and woodworking bench design. Not all benches need to be made with thousands of dollars of hardwood lumber. This bench, vises aside, was built with $150 worth of construction grade lumber and in my opinion, creates a versatile and unique woodworking bench.
Support my channel by purchasing Christopher Schwarz's Workbench Book on Amazon, with plans for this bench as well as the Roubo or French style bench: amzn.to/3hpQRhk
If you want access to some of the tools, check out my amazon storefront: www.amazon.com/shop/cowdogcra...
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Website: www.cowdogcraftworks.com

[@CowDogCraftWorks]

Support my channel by purchasing Christopher Schwarz's Workbench Book on Amazon, with plans for this bench as well as the Roubo or French style bench: amzn.to/3hpQRhk

[@josetorres-kg5eq]

the author does like to from scratch, shaping and trimming wood from large blocks into fine finished products. kzbin.infoUgkxD-QRFQz730FJEh4f9BYSf-nkIMIC9hL_ as another reviewer mentioned, most projects require a lot of high-dollar equipment that most of us dont have the room or budget for. But, knowing how to do these things, even if we wont be able to practice the full stack project, is still great.

[@CowDogCraftWorks]

Rip, cross, loin, flank, rib eye

[@NicTaylorWoodworking]

I’m finding myself wanting a new bench more and more lately. I’ve just been sitting on youtube stalking everyone’s awesome bench builds. Nice job dude!

[@CowDogCraftWorks]

I’m hopefully bringing the Nicholson back en vogue.

[@BruceAUlrich]

Killer build, Chris! I love the way that thing looks and I'm sure it has all of the features that you were looking for!

[@CowDogCraftWorks]

40000000000 ways to hold things in place haha

[@modustrial]

Great video Chris!

[@CowDogCraftWorks]

Thanks Mike! Really liking the new mirrorless camera.

[@3x3CustomTamar]

Aaaaand now I want to build a bench like this. So awesome.

[@CowDogCraftWorks]

Thanks tamar. Collab!?

[@fletchro789]

You two should totally do a collaboration!

[@3x3CustomTamar]

Cow Dog Craft Works if that means I get to escape the north and go to Florida. Yes. Ha.

[@leehaelters6182]

Tamar, do! Been waiting to see you have some such like to work on.

[@waynej8671]

Yeah Tamara you should, we live to see more projects from both of you. Nice job

[@donwyatt1516]

Yo Dawg. Absolutely love this video. I’ve watched it 5 times already just today. I also shared it with my brother. We are new to woodwork and realize we need a workbench. I have searched hi & low for the perfect one for our needs. I believe this work of art is it. I have used your Amazon link and ordered Mr Schwartz’s book. I can’t wait to read it. Thanks for a great video and may I say you are a true craftsman.

[@CowDogCraftWorks]

Thanks man. A solid workbench is the foundation to a bright future. If you look at videos like my timber frame barn door or the Japanese shaker desk you can definitely see how versatile the work holding options are and how steady the bench is. It’s probably my favorite build I’ve done because of how it continues to serve me daily.

[@WickedMakers]

Yeeeeeaaah man!! 🤘🏼💀 So good. The leg vise is out of control awesome.

[@CowDogCraftWorks]

It is cool to think that you’ve got like... the leg vise’s cousin in your house in the box. Haha.

[@DaileyWoodworks]

I love the practical/hybrid approach to building this. Power tools, handtools, super glue, etc.

[@CowDogCraftWorks]

Thank you! Really trying to push the hybrid woodworking thing to younger folks honestly. There’s a fair amount of craftsmanship culture being lost and I think it’s fair to say that learning the hows and whys of woodworking can help keep some of that alive. Thanks for watching!

[@derekpeterson8005]

Great build, turned out beautiful! Thanks for sharing your time and talent!

[@CowDogCraftWorks]

Thank you!

[@4Truth4All]

A great build! I've watched it three times and really appreciate the effort you put in to creating a functional piece of art for your shop.

[@CowDogCraftWorks]

Wow thank you. It may be my proudest build and I’ve done a bunch of videos since then… you can really see it’s utility, the patina on it, and how it’s truly become the heart of my shop.

[@Grampiswoodshop]

This is me 3rd time watching this build and I've watched many woodworking bench build videos. I'm definitely buying this book and building it the way you did!! Great Job!!👍

[@ciaoricardo]

Well done! I loved the dry commentary and complimentary sounds. Truly inspirational!

[@CowDogCraftWorks]

Thank you!

[@alanratcliff7217]

I just bought a house and am turning the garage into a wood shop and have been debating on the bench I want. Pretty sure you’re video just made my mind up for me lol. Great job!

[@CowDogCraftWorks]

That’s the highest compliment man. Thank you.

[@hebierob]

Love this channel! Your explanations are clear and helpful to this hobbiest. Thank you very much!

[@CowDogCraftWorks]

Thank you!

[@738polarbear]

Really nice bench .You built this extremely well. Probably the best design out there.100% agree with the quick release vice.I also thick flattening the bottom is a waste of time but each to his own.

[@CowDogCraftWorks]

Thanks. As for the bottom I agree in part. I don’t think it needs to be DEAD flat. But I think at least having it settle in a mostly flat posture works well and makes your life easier in the long run.

[@terristroh3965]

Very nice! I can’t add much to what everyone else said (and I totally agree) except I think that shelf looks natural and classy.

[@CowDogCraftWorks]

Thanks Terri! Fun fact: the lower shelf actually adds more rigidity to the bench as a whole which helps it be more solid. So it’s not only pretty but has structural value too.

[@gilberthattier3249]

What a gorgeous bench build!! I've been researching the Nicholson workbench and saw your video after watching Rex Krueger's video. I will definitely be building a Nicholson bench. I hope mine comes out as handsomely as yours did. Great choices in wood species for the vices.

[@CowDogCraftWorks]

Thanks man. Would definitely suggest the Schwarz book on workbenches. He’s got a ton of super in depth info on the build. Options for like a wagon vise, etc. good stuff.

[@boydbutterworth2295]

Really enjoyed that building process - thanks for the detail and the tips

[@CowDogCraftWorks]

Thanks for watching.

[@markackman2602]

You actually said “scrap rosewood”. I had already seen a few green tool appearances and thought “this guy might be too rich for me” but hearing the phrase scrap rosewood really hammered it home.

[@CowDogCraftWorks]

If you think I was too rich for you when this video was filmed in 2020 I’m basically Jeff Bezos in terms of my tool arsenal… and I didn’t even need to get anymore green tools. Enter coupon code, “askmehow” at checkout. Thanks for watching.

[@Ragnovlod]

You had me on dope. The bevels on the leg vice are dope, so is the wood/contrast. Nice work! Nice bench!

[@CowDogCraftWorks]

Haha thanks. Easily the most used tool in my shop. It’s great.

[@patfew9796]

First time I have seen your channel and I am impressed with your skill level. I have watched alot of people cut treaded rods and bolts but you are the first one to show putting on a nut first so it is easy to clean the end of the bolt or rod, a trick my Father taught me some 63 years ago. I was ten. Keep up the good work.

[@CowDogCraftWorks]

Thank you! I appreciate it greatly. It’s an old trick but a goodie clearly.

[@KatLiepinsArt]

Chris! This thing’s a beast! Nice work, my friend!!! 🔥🔥🔥

[@CowDogCraftWorks]

Thanks Kat! Gonna be hard to top it. But I’ll try nonetheless. 😉

[@andrewford80]

THis is a beautiful build and a very well made presentation. Thank you

[@CowDogCraftWorks]

Thank you for watching!

[@brocbradley2313]

Very well done; both the bench and video. Professional quality. Appreciate the no nonsense approach.

[@CowDogCraftWorks]

Thank you sir.

[@JTWoodworks]

This bench came out great! And awesome video Chris!!

[@CowDogCraftWorks]

Thanks Johnny! Remember when I told you back in February that I was gonna make this? Haha

[@jasondavis9590]

That is a gorgeous build and very inspiring for future ideas

[@CowDogCraftWorks]

Thank you!

[@WorkshopHustle]

Great job man, enjoyed this video and the bench looks amazing!

[@CowDogCraftWorks]

Thanks man! It’a crazy how functional this is. I was chamfering some stair treads with a router the other day and I used the holdfasts to keep it in place and it was a dream. It’s not just a hand tool bench.

[@shopcatt643]

Turned out great 👍 👌

[@PMoney365]

Excellent job! What a great looking bench!

[@CowDogCraftWorks]

Thank you sir!

[@RobertFallon]

Stunning and inspirational. Great video and better bench!

[@CowDogCraftWorks]

Thank you sir! I appreciate it.

[@gregbaker6215]

Nice bench, I haven't seen that style before now.. Thank you, love and light...

[@CowDogCraftWorks]

Thanks Greg! It’s a great bench that should last until I outgrow it. And odds are if I move spaces I’ll just have this as my mini bench and I’ll make something else as a full time bench.

[@mikedixon8741]

Fantastic job. Serious bench envy here!

[@CowDogCraftWorks]

Well the nice thing about this bench is that anyone can make it! It’s literally about $150 in pine and the vises can be made out of any hardwood.

[@tinyvanderwesthuyzen6513]

outstanding. answered loads of questions and assisted me on a shitload of decision making.thanks and well done

[@CowDogCraftWorks]

No worries and thank you! Let me know if you have any more questions.

[@dalepratt2114]

Amazing craftsmanship! I was in awe for the entire video.

[@CowDogCraftWorks]

Thank you sir. Much appreciated.

[@SilverFenixFyre]

same!

[@amatamat55]

Beautiful work my friend thanks for sharing 👍🏼

[@CowDogCraftWorks]

Thanks my dude!

[@egglyph]

Quite a stunning build! Surprisingly, a mortised bench stop works better than that aluminum one, I regret installing in on my last bench. Also, Nicholson illustrations show leg shoulders angled (with matching housing cuts in aprons). It's for making a gap less apparent when aprons will shrink, learned that a hard way too.

[@CowDogCraftWorks]

I wanted to get the benchcrafted plane stop but the issue is location for me. You have to do a reach around (heyooooooo) the apron and where my bench is, it’s routinely blocked by the tablesaw because of my size limitations. With that being said, I’ve been using this stop for a few weeks now and I don’t hate it, although I can see it’s limitations. I’m working on a desk now and had to use my doe’s feet as plane stop extender because I was in this weird no man’s land where I was out of space to pin it in the back with a holdfast and doe’s foot yet it still wasn’t reaching the quick release vise.

[@alexdroban4312]

Great job. Your video and product is inspirational! Thank you!

[@CowDogCraftWorks]

Much appreciated!

[@RyanWattersRyanWatters]

Absolutely beautiful work!

[@CowDogCraftWorks]

Thank you.

[@juswoodshop]

Great looking bench Chris. Enjoyed the video.

[@CowDogCraftWorks]

Thanks 👍 jus! You the man.

[@LaoZi2023]

Nice touch with the rose wood.

[@CowDogCraftWorks]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@carlwebinar1571]

Excellent work. I hope you enjoy it for many years.

[@CowDogCraftWorks]

Thank you!

[@phoenix2441]

Way to smash the video, and smart move making it table saw height! Good luck with the channel, and I’ll be tuning in!

[@CowDogCraftWorks]

Thank you! So it’s actually 3/4 inches below table saw surface so that I could take a piece of plywood to cover the bench for more intense outfeed sessions and assembly/finishing.

[@TheHandToolery]

Nicely done! Excellent job, and greatly video quality!

[@CowDogCraftWorks]

Thank you!

[@chriscunicelli7070]

Love it. I’ve built a few Nicholson benches and think highly of them. Yours is over the top

[@CowDogCraftWorks]

Thank you! I’ve been considering building a more simplified vice-less version for my back yard with the plane stops set up for Japanese hand planes. But that’s probably fairly far off.

[@arthurrsaker8893]

In what way is it over the top do you think? Do you think, for example, that there are too many work holding options? or that as its a work bench it does not require the degree of craftsmanship applied to the joinery etc? If you can see a simpler easier way of getting the same degree of functionality, I for one would like to know what it is bcoz being unskilled, I need primitive easy stuff to make things work, at least fairly reliably.

[@5minutewoodworker143]

Fantastic production and instruction!

[@CowDogCraftWorks]

Thank you!

[@davidcox8943]

congratulations on your build looks awesome.

[@CowDogCraftWorks]

Thank you! It’s working great! Check out the new video to see it in action.

[@haskelloness5941]

Awesome craftsmanship

[@CowDogCraftWorks]

Thank you!

[@kebinator]

Congrats - really beautiful job on the workbench and the video production was excellent!

[@CowDogCraftWorks]

Thank you! It continues to be an excellent tool in my shop. It’s the cornerstone of all my work.

[@bruceotruba3324]

Excellent video and a great looking bench!

[@CowDogCraftWorks]

Thank you! Appreciate ya.

[@BearMaked]

I'm ashamed of how long it took me to get here and watch this. But I'm glad I finally did. Nice video bud! And an excellent bench.

[@CowDogCraftWorks]

Thanks Justin! You da man.

[@hugocanepamuskett3924]

Me encanta el Moravian Bench. Excelente trabajo y explicación. Saludos desde Argentina. Muy buen video y producto final.

[@CowDogCraftWorks]

Gracias amigo. Agradezco que se tome el tiempo para mirar.

[@KeithHanlan]

Great job! I already own Schwartz's book and have similar plans for the autumn. I would love to get an update from you after you have worked with the bench for a while. In particular, I want to know how often you curse the handle on that leg-vise wheel! I can feel the bruises already. The strong bevels on the leg vise look fabulous. It's a beautiful design element.

[@CowDogCraftWorks]

Haha! Yeah that pivot handle is probably going to be a shin murderer. If it gets too uppity with me I’ll just take that handle off and leave the wheel itself... which makes it more benchcrafted-esque.

[@Evolucion7]

The 45° on the ends of the aprons do serve a purpose. It eliminates banging your knees into a sharpish corner.

[@CowDogCraftWorks]

Hmmm perhaps

[@christiangebhard6749]

Nice job. I hope to see more. Chapeau!

[@CowDogCraftWorks]

I’ve got a shaker inspired desk with some really interesting joinery coming up next. Should only be about another week or so.

[@kevintowle9665]

Great video man! I know nothing about woodworking but love watching videos like these… kudos!

[@CowDogCraftWorks]

Awesome! Thanks for watching.

[@walther9161]

Incredible build...

[@CowDogCraftWorks]

Thanks! You should check out what I’ve actually been making since I got the bench. It’s a game changer.

[@budlloyd3127]

just found your channel through this video, one of the easiest subscriptions I've done!

[@CowDogCraftWorks]

Thank you!

[@leehaelters6182]

Nice build! At 7:25, the function of that shape is to prevent spearing your knee with a sharp corner, or the back of your head when you bend down to retrieve an item from the floor.

[@CowDogCraftWorks]

Good to know!

[@jexmartinez9343]

Super amazing. Awesome job.

[@CowDogCraftWorks]

Thank you. Still holding up well.

[@monkeyfaceII]

That’s a beautiful bench brother and a well made video

[@CowDogCraftWorks]

Much appreciated! Thanks for watching.

[@getenlightened]

Very nice bench. Thanks for the build vid.

[@CowDogCraftWorks]

Thank you!

[@jimmcnett]

Just found your channel. Wonderful video. The bench came out perfectly. I will be watching more videos.

[@CowDogCraftWorks]

Thanks Jim. Should have a Roman style bench coming soon.

[@adrianmack3]

Beautiful bench, great build and editing. One suggestion, just like you backed up the dog holes in the top with some additional material, you might want to do that for the aprons as well. In your first shot of using the holdfast in the side apron, you can already see it start to wallow out the hole because the holdfast is canting over too much and putting excessive pressure on the top corner of the hole.

[@CowDogCraftWorks]

Sweet thank you!

[@dougdorain4427]

Beautiful

[@CowDogCraftWorks]

Thank you. Much appreciated.

[@mikedixon8741]

I just watched Christopher Schwarz build a Roubo bench with mostly hand tools and just marveled at the work he does. I still love your bench, and the seemingly ease in which you make it, but guys like Schwarz and Cosman drop my jaw to the floor every time they work. Wow. I still want to make yours though if I had all the necessary machinery to do the job.

[@CowDogCraftWorks]

Those guys are amazing. To make a weird comparison: those folks are like lebron James, magic, Jordan, etc. I’m like... Ricky Davis in 2012 who just maintains a really overly positive mindset to be able to stay in the NBA. 😂

[@ralphspinardi6903]

Woodwork & the NBA are among my passions. I'll never be MJ, but hard work keeps me earning PT in the shop. (Think P.J. Tucker.) I relate to your effort & fearless pursuit of improving your game.

[@kennyshipman7136]

Excellent job! Beautiful bench

[@CowDogCraftWorks]

Thank you!

[@bosse641]

It's a beauty. Well done.

[@CowDogCraftWorks]

Thank you!

[@donfillenworth1721]

Very nice! I like the bench design. I’m subscribing to see more. Thanks for sharing.

[@CowDogCraftWorks]

Thank you! I think the immediate next build is probably going to be a shaker inspired desk with a new joint I just learned incorporated. Should be a fun one.

[@andersonsidney69]

great job

[@davefieldhouse5119]

Awesome bro thanks

[@CowDogCraftWorks]

Thank you!

[@chriscunicelli7070]

Love it!

[@CowDogCraftWorks]

Thank you sir!

[@horsetowater]

Brave, cutting the tenons before the mortices!. Nice job.

[@CowDogCraftWorks]

Thank you! I forget why I did it that way. Typically I would cut a tenon to fit a mortise but if I recall I think Schwarz’s book said to do it the other way around for one reason or another.

[@leemarzahl8891]

Very Cool! Great Job Young Man!

[@CowDogCraftWorks]

Thank you sir!

[@wilkbor]

Great job.

[@CowDogCraftWorks]

Thank you sir 🙏🏼

[@pj_fetscher]

My favorite part is the leg vise.. because it’s rosewood.. and I remember the day that tree came down. Hand planes are lame. Ily fam.

[@CowDogCraftWorks]

I mean... the quick release is also rosewood... ijs

[@pj_fetscher]

Cow Dog Craft Works No sapwood.. I’m out.

[@deanaldinger5018]

Keep this up Chris and you’re shop will be moving out of the ghetto garage. Excellent video and build

[@CowDogCraftWorks]

Thanks dean! Yeah maybe a bigger house with a bigger garage is in order. Maybe even get a little a/c in here. 😂

[@66scotty73]

What a terrific job !!

[@CowDogCraftWorks]

Thanks!

[@chrisb5086]

I’ve been looking for a bench to build and think I’ve found it…. Thank you!

[@CowDogCraftWorks]

I posted this video almost three years ago and the bench is still sturdy and amazing. A little less flat over time because of wood movement but still excellent nonetheless.

[@Earth_Systems]

Nice chill video dude, great bench!

[@CowDogCraftWorks]

Thank you sir.

[@bradgrozdanich7416]

Nice Job! I am jealous of your rosewood.

[@CowDogCraftWorks]

Thanks! I’ve still got some left. You’ll see it on a few more projects.

[@johnburens3395]

Nice job! I was considering a Nicholson bench, but then I saw the Moravian work Bench and fell in love e with it. Except for ripping the maple for the top and the under carriage pieces, everything else was done with hand tools. The top is a full four inches thick. Nice to see how your bench turned out, and hopefully, you can make some great stuff with it!

[@CowDogCraftWorks]

Got a channel full of stuff I’ve made with it. The Moravian is an excellent bench! Might be my next one honestly.

[@wizardwillbonner]

Enjoyed watching (no disrespect intended) a youngster craftsmen creating with a spin on an old classic. Kudos for a job well done!

[@CowDogCraftWorks]

Thank you sir. Just exactly what I’m trying to do.

[@grmelectric6826]

Wow awesome job!

[@CowDogCraftWorks]

Twas a doozy but easily the best tool in my shop to date.

[@johnathanscott7175]

I must say - I am wanting to build my own bench and this one is now one of two - good hand skills and I am very much a hand tool kind of guy. Impressive to the very end. My only -ve is that as the bench will be indoors, don't use danish oil but use something lighter, like a linseed/spirit mix oil. As for the movement on your dog holes - that's how a bench like this weathers. Lastly, as I am in England, an English bench would, of course, suit very well indeed. Top Job.

[@CowDogCraftWorks]

Great tips and points all around and thanks for checking out the video! Hope you stick around and watch some later videos where you get to see the bench in action.

[@aferetis2379]

awesone video!

[@CowDogCraftWorks]

Thanks!

[@carlitosway60]

Very different work bench , I like it a lot , thank you for the video well done

[@CowDogCraftWorks]

Thank you for the support.

[@thomasgilbert9347]

Nice bench, thanks for the video.

[@CowDogCraftWorks]

You’re welcome. Thanks for watching.

[@frankrudman1666]

Beautiful bud, great job

[@CowDogCraftWorks]

Thank you sir!

[@EmadeEasy]

Beautiful bench

[@CowDogCraftWorks]

Thanks Kirk. It’s become the heart of my shop.

[@kristophermarsh9400]

Well done

[@CowDogCraftWorks]

Thank you.

[@jorgepena4177]

That is an awesome workbench!!!

[@CowDogCraftWorks]

Thank you! It’s been serving me well and taking a ton of abuse from me as well. 😂

[@webbcrafts5736]

Awesome work bench, really like how it turned out! Keep up the good work

[@CowDogCraftWorks]

Thank you! Looking forward to making some cool stuff on here.

[@webbcrafts5736]

@@CowDogCraftWorks I look forward to watching it!

[@johnburens3395]

Nice Bench!!

[@CowDogCraftWorks]

Thank you!

[@thebackyardgriller9076]

Great build.

[@CowDogCraftWorks]

Thank you.

[@TheUglyAmerican007]

Nice work sir !

[@CowDogCraftWorks]

Thanks!!

[@trablackwell]

My first time watching any of your vids. GREAT job, man! (And for all the haters... I enjoyed the background music). What I really appreciate is the reality that one's work space doesn't need to be an empty three car garage to be an awesome woodworker. I quite admire the use of the hand tools. Very cool. I hope to one day learn that part of this craft. (I'm currently addicted and dependent on power tools). Again.. GREAT video and great narration.

[@CowDogCraftWorks]

Thanks Tracy. Should have a cool video on a shaker inspired desk with some random Japanese joinery coming up soon. Just trying to wrap the build up now.

[@bubbakav]

Good stuff. Nicely done.

[@CowDogCraftWorks]

Thank you kindly!

[@MichaelFinnell]

This made me subscribe to your channel. Great work and great bench!

[@CowDogCraftWorks]

Thank you sir! I got a pretty cool desk coming up too.

[@flippingize]

a just great bench very awesome

[@CowDogCraftWorks]

Thank you. It’s continuing to serve me very well.