EPIC Roubo Woodworking Workbench Build (1/3)

[@annettehawkins8467]

I like the way you narrate your videos. It is like having a conversation, if that makes since. Other KZbin channels try to wow you within the first 30 to 45 seconds. I feel like I am sitting in your shop, just hanging out talking about the table you are making. Great job

[@michaelhenderson4706]

Eh to each their own - just started out watching this guy a couple weeks ago and his voice-over is probably my least favorite part. I really enjoy his process though and his finished pieces are quite amazing, not trying to complain hehe.

[@SawyerDesign]

Thanks Annette. Another of my early videos. Definitely improving my narration skills and audio quality.

[@SawyerDesign]

@Michael Henderson It's definitely been a learning curve on narration. It's my least favorite part, but a lot of people complain when I don't explain anything. Hopefully the new videos are improving. Feel like I'm at least starting to get the hang of it vs. this roubo series which was the first thing I ever uploaded.

[@michaelhenderson4706]

@@SawyerDesign Oh yeah man, the narration has been loads better with the newer vids. And hey, you started making quality vids right from the start when I can't even make it through the older vids of some of my favorite woodworking channels. Only fair that you had to come in to your own narration style; proves you're still human :D Thanks for the reply, man!

[@Dtrainchuggin]

Dead sexy is correct. I know my comment is a little late to the table, but I do agree it is dead sexy with all the joinery and inlays.

[@MrShmugan]

This is my dream project one day. Can’t wait to watch the rest!

[@SawyerDesign]

Takes a little time and planning, but it will be one of the best things you ever make! Life’s so much easier with a proper bench 🙌🏼

[@blaksin]

Awesome work mate; watching all part

[@TheTranq]

The Tough Built sawhorses from Home Depot are the best I’ve ever owned. Looks good so far

[@johnschotz1614]

True, bot the 650 And 700.

[@daveparker5569]

Not overkill. For a woodworker using hand tools in any real capacity, the workbench is the vital companion tool to all your hand tools. It’s not a table. It’s a tool. And a Roubo like this is everything that tool should be. I prefer the old school Scandinavian bench with L shaped shoulder vise and the traditional tail vise. But the next one I build will be a Roubo. I like that you didn’t make the top too wide. It’s a tool. Not a table.

[@jasonrobinson9524]

That beech looks incredible. I'm halfway through a split top build. I fully agree with your assessment of split versus solid top, but both are way in excess of how solid is solid enough for me. Looking forward to watching the rest of this series.

[@SawyerDesign]

Awesome, thank you! Enjoy the build!

[@williamcooper9753]

Jason, I built my split top a couple of years ago and used a solid slab of hard maple for each side. I was nervous it would not feel solid enough but it is more than fine. I believe your thoughts on solid enough are spot on. I think you also will be more than happy with your bench. In woodworking there’s a bit of over reliance on tradition to make engineering decisions. Enjoy your bench Jason. It’s the most important tool in your shop.

[@mjschaeffer2112]

Great work on the legs. Excellent point about the bounce/blow factor regarding the split top design. I think your thoughts on that helped make up my mind on what to do now. I was contemplating the “extra” clamping space, but wasn’t sure how much mass I would lose.

[@SawyerDesign]

Thanks! I think an extra dog hole row on the far side provides plenty of clamping opportunity. Definitely have never regretted going solid. I only a little regret not doing square dogs and 1” holdfast holes.

[@DrFunke]

Wow! Gorgeous!

[@SawyerDesign]

Thank you!

[@tomware9448]

My workbench is the most used tool in my shop. I built my 20 years ago. More of a European design,shoulder vice and a tail vice . 12 / 4 hard maple.

[@SawyerDesign]

It’s the most useful part of any shop!

[@SteveSmith-zz4ih]

Just subbed, nice timber, i would really like to build something similar, have the timber but its just a dream. Time is running away as we get older!

[@zephyr1408]

By the way I want to say thank you for making these videos I know they R extremely time consuming , cost for equipment , and takes away from customer work! So I just really want to say thk u! If you open a store for stuff u use on Amazon I will purchase from it!!

[@moj0ryzin]

I'm in the beginning stages of my own Ruobo build and it's interesting to hear you articulate the rationale for replacing your existing work bench because the primary issues you site (injuring yourself and chasing work pieces across the bench) are my issues as well. I really like your approach to making this video in that you discuss your thoughts as opposed to making it instructional. Well done. I'll be watching more of your videos - thank you.

[@SawyerDesign]

Glad you like the format. Enjoy your roubo build! Best thing you’ll add to your shop

[@HeartPumper]

A mass is a mass, it's always useful. Roubo is well known as the most massive design, so no need to excuse for your choices. Great build, I'm off to next parts!! PS For such small but annoying wounds/scratches on your hands - use Bepanthen cream.

[@jamesro196]

Me too re the sawhorses! And the split top.

[@TheSMEAC]

Man, I really felt for you not having a long pairing chisel on that sliding dovetail tenon.

[@SawyerDesign]

You and me both 😓 😂

[@Saw-IT]

Very interesting video and I like your style. I will watch this again before i make my next bench. Oh and I just noticed Roubo 4/3 video and a heap of other amazing projects or your channel to inspire me. Thanks.

[@SawyerDesign]

Thanks Matthew! Really appreciate it man

[@jamesellis3323]

You do amazing work, keep it up.

[@SawyerDesign]

Thank you very much!

[@latenightwoodworker3283]

This has been the best roubo build video by far. I am still in the design part of my bench. I am convinced I will try the split top robot for sure now. Your bench is a work of art. I hope I am as creative. I want something to enjoy looking at while I build. Just gorgeous

[@SawyerDesign]

Thanks so much! Enjoy the build and have fun with the design. Always happy to answer any questions once you get going! Having a functional bit of daily inspiration to enjoy is so worth the investment 🤙

[@catagoryv]

I can really relate to your current setup, and the struggles of clamping stuff to my torsion box assembly table. I'm also working with a contractors saw and a 6" jointer. I started wood working and making furniture a couple of years ago, and I'm in the middle of my own roubo build now. I can't wait to complete it. Even the assembly table was a life changing addition to my shop considering the only surface I had to work on previously was a basic workbench made of some 2x4's and a couple sheets of plywood. I think I have more fun upgrading my shop than making furniture...

[@SawyerDesign]

Hahaha yes to all of this! Enjoy the bench build. You’re going to love the addition

[@kuffyswoodwork]

I love a good bench build, and this is shaping up to be one bloody great bench build! Can't wait to see the rest 👍

[@SawyerDesign]

Thanks! Episode 3 is where it really all comes together. Best shop addition to date 👍

[@michaelm9871]

Right when I was thinking about your plastic sawhorses supporting the weight of that solid top, you made a comment about crippling them! I couldn't imagine supporting that kind of weight on those saw horses! I have similar saw horses and mostly use them to move my work outside to spray or use an oil based poly and even then they feel flimsy!

[@yomomz3921]

Pimp my workbench. 🤣 Nah, I genuinely do love overkill though. That is a sexy bench. 🍻

[@jamesro196]

Hahaha, just saw this. I think I commented on an earlier post that this was the sexiest bench I’ve ever seen. Great reference. I had the same book when I was building mine. I just didn’t have the same wood, beautiful.

[@JeremiahL]

I design airplanes for a living. Your logic is sound. A solid slab is more structurally determinate in shear than splitting the top into 2 pieces. By splitting the top you disconnect the rationalization of shear forces between the front and rear legs. This makes the legs, and more importantly the leg stretchers your primary load path... There is way less material reacting the shear loads. The reality is that both designs are tried and true through hundreds of years of woodworking... What do you gain by splitting the top into 2 pieces? A bump stop and a spot to dump more tools that you aren't using... I think I prefer the design that gets me closer to zero deflection, over the design that provides a dumping ground for tools. You can easily create a bump stop by using dog holes, and tooling.

[@dpmeyer4867]

cool

[@zlancenyc]

Roubo workbench is the v8 engine of woodworking. It's overkill, but it's fun to build and use. I built one from 2x4s and it works just great. But I also have 2 5x10 white oak beams drying for another build when they dry up some.

[@SawyerDesign]

Awesome! Yeah it definitely is, but so nice to work at. One day in a larger shop, I definitely have plans for a big joinery height bench.

[@zlancenyc]

@@SawyerDesign I myself am contemplating a small 4-5 foot bench for the basement winter workshop.

[@brianpburch]

I too am build a smaller version of this bench as i have limited space. I am including the through mortises as they do look amazing however I made the dovetail with like a 10 or 15 degree angle. Seems with the 45 degree angle at the outer edge of the top the joint line could be brittle. I would love to get your opinion on that or anyone other than out there that has build a Robuo bench with the through mortise construction.

[@14jan141]

super! 👍

[@brentfarmer4139]

This thing is awesome! Do you have any blueprints for sale, love your measurements and the proportions you used. Keep up the great work

[@edgarmendoza3045]

Looking for other video the original...this man copy yo the other one and come whit sizes and everyting

[@spiffmark]

I had those same crappy sawhorses for making my roubo. When I flipped the top, it snapped one of legs right off the sawhorse.

[@SawyerDesign]

Haha me too! Mine are tied together with paracord now lol

[@MrCFB80]

Awesome bench - I love it! I made a split top and wouldn't go any other way, I've used clamping through the middle heaps and find it extremely useful, for me it was about options if you have a solid top you've just limited your options - mind you I did use stock 135mm thick for the top, stretchers and legs so it's super solid!

[@SawyerDesign]

I just added a widely spaced doghole row down the far side and have never wanted for any additional clamping. Honestly, I don't think there's a wrong way to go- If it works, don't fix it! Thanks Charl!

[@juancarlosdeabreudanobrega]

👍

[@davidbender5998]

Batman to the rescue😉

[@50Acres]

Really nice work. Im curious why all these benches are called "Roubo". Is that a brand, or a person or what?

[@SawyerDesign]

It’s a design by an 18th c. French carpenter, André Roubo. He was a cabinetmaker and author who dove quite deep into the improvement of efficiency in a workbench. His design is regarded today as one of a few styles that has held the test of time for craftsmen (and women)

[@rogeranderson8763]

A shout out and thank you to Christopher Schwarz for his work researching workbenches in general and the Roubo design in particular. I built mine a few years ago as a beginner handtool woodworker and find it is the heart of my little shop. Be sure to look into using the 1" dia ductal iron holdfasts from Crucible Tool....they are a real treat. I've also found the sliding deadman is used frequently and am very glad I included it. Mine is in a left hand corner so I had to put the leg vise on the right, fortunately I am 6'3" so it is not an issue, I have not found it in the way at all. As to height, mine is 39" high and seems to be just right for me....I use hand planes and agree with Paul Sellars that one does not need to 'Bear down' if one is using a sharp plane. The height is very easy on my back and quite nice for dovetailing while sitting. Build one, if you have not already done so...it's an adventure! -Veteran '66-68

[@janikumlander1822]

Nice you got new sub 😁

[@SawyerDesign]

Thanks Jani!

[@roscocsa]

I’m very glad I’m not the only one who looks like I bare knuckle box wild bobcats. Wife gives me so much grief on the little red dots I leave everywhere.

[@SawyerDesign]

🤣 😂 that’s the best description

[@zephyr1408]

Not to get off the subject Nick ? Can u tell me what work boot your wearing ? Do they help with the concrete floors from killing your feet?? Sorry but I am hurting here on my shop floor looking for a solution!

[@SawyerDesign]

They’ve helped a ton with back pain on concrete. They’re Nick’s Boots out of Spokane Wa

[@contra81]

Nice job bud. Realistically, what was the cost for the lumber you used? I knor you said you had some extra walnut for the top, but how much do u think it ended up being per bd ft?

[@SawyerDesign]

Walnut’s gone crazy lately. I just purchased 400bf of FAS for $11/bf. It’s up about 30% this year

[@SawyerDesign]

Sorry just realized what video this comment was on. I think lumber was $350

[@th34lch3m1st]

Doesn't that solid top throw out of square legs or risk to damage stretcher joints when wood expand?

[@SawyerDesign]

You’d think so, but the massive top actually gains some stability. It’s only moving >1mm over the course of the year

[@th34lch3m1st]

@@SawyerDesign Thanks for your answer. I'm currently building my workbench with construction lumber (european fir) and I have glued two section, but honestly I don't like that slot on my top.

[@beezelbuzzel]

Your hands look like you have a cat. Awesome work BTW!

[@VadimBiliy]

👍👍👍👍

[@AssafOppenheimer]

any chance you can tell me what dimensions the tenon is? it looks massive

[@SawyerDesign]

You bet-Which tenon?

[@AssafOppenheimer]

@@SawyerDesign the one that joins the front right leg (closest to the tail vise)

[@AssafOppenheimer]

also how thick is the front laminate? I'm trying to figure out how they fit together

[@SawyerDesign]

I’ll shoot you an email with a few pics

[@AssafOppenheimer]

@@SawyerDesign thank you!

[@Hockeymyk]

sorry can't finish im sure it turns out good but the fast motion messes with my head too much

[@georgel3657]

I notice you have trouble keeping to a line when you're sawing and it created you a lot of extra work having to tidy up. In my apprenticeship in the early days my tutor made me constantly make saw horses and mitre boxes and even just ripping down lengths of ply by hand using left and right hand. It's a skill I don't even have to think about now until I see others having trouble. Your stance should be "bladed" and stand like you're firing a gun. I don't mean to offend you this is just a tip, I know some actual tradesmen who don't saw much better than you! All the best

[@AhnDhyYhu]

It could have been perfect if the top was solid hardwood.

[@SawyerDesign]

It is all solid hardwood

[@daveparker5569]

I built a split top bench the first time. I did not build a split top the second time.

[@inmyimage1081]

Why do you keep talking as if you had a vast library of videos already published when this is your first uploaded video? Did you delete a bunch? Actually publish videos on a different platform?

[@williammclaughlin-tx9dd]

Great work! You need to wear gloves! Your hands are a mess!

[@mattmatt222333]

ur hands are fuuuuuggd up

[@SawyerDesign]

Dude I abuse these paws