How to Choose a Woodworking Workbench

[@avisato9950]

i don’t usually comment publicly but i think your advice at the end might be the best woodworking advice on youtube. build a bench. now. build some furniture. now that’s advice!

[@marcus3457]

Agreed. It is also great advice for life generally.

[@RenegadestickyXXL]

I gotta admit, that advice is accurate for most things in life, especially art related things. Now woodworking is about the same amount of art/science, but still... just do the thing

[@makeitbetter.1402]

Ha! I also don’t comment much but that ending advice was fantastic. I’m just one more fan in the choir. Let’s go make stuff.

[@hucadarn1]

I totally agree. I ended up making Rex's traveler bench and have been using it for almost a year. I have learned a lot while using it. Now that I have some experience (and a bit of extra cash) I'm planning on making his minimum tender bench. Will it be my forever bench? Probably not, but it's going to be the one that I use to learn more and do projects until I decide to make a different one!

[@bertRaven1]

I really appreciate how generous Rex is, there are so many youtubers that are just undercover tools salesmen, whereas he gives credit and points to so many different sources, kudos.

[@thethirdman225]

*_"there are so many youtubers that are just undercover tools salesmen"_* My God, that is so true. Rex, Paul Sellers and Matt Estlea are basically the only ones I watch now. The whole 'Woodwork for Humans' concept is just great.

[@ThroningLeek492]

My dyslexia must be getting worse cause I read gorgeous 🤣

[@stephenfrizzell7670]

"We live in a culture that keeps telling us how different and how special we are and that attitude leads us to ask ourselves insane questions..." This statement alone touched my heart and I now want to carve it into my workbench

[@FastEddieDee]

Its about time someone said it. God bless Rex.

[@CindyBallreich]

My Moravian bench is sitting in my dining room right now waiting for me to finish my tea and get back to work. I could NOT have built it without the advice and support form the gang on your forum. ❤

[@thomashverring9484]

And your work blew us away!

[@A1BASE]

You did a great job on it

[@robgoodsight6216]

👍

[@marcsmith7037]

I've been working on 'built in' style benches since I was a kid. When the Roubo fad hit, I could see the possibilities but...complex (esp. if I design it). When I saw your Nicholson bench video, a light went on...and I built one out of (pre-COVID) 8ft SYP 2X12s (track saw, chop saw, biscuit joiner, #26 Stanley transitional Jack, #8 Jointer and a drill/driver). Of course, I re-designed it for myself. Two layer 18" wide top, two layer skirts (3" of thickness top and skirts), an extra 8ft center board...and a 6" tool well. Massive Record 52-1/2 vise and a Hovarter wagon vise. Very heavy, very stable, and would have been very quick to build, had I not kept re-designing it on the fly. Thank you for your excellent and entertaining videos.

[@xiaohu22]

As a total beginner who threw together the low work bench in two afternoons based on Rex’s video I can absolutely vouch for it being worth it. It was very approachable, I made a few mistakes but that’s fine because I learned a lot. It really built my confidence for my projects since and I use it all the time! Thanks for another great video Rex.

[@odieblock481]

This is what I love about you, Rex. You not only make great in-depth videos but also include other sources for us to go and investigate. Thank you so much, Rex. I'll never stop recommending your videos.

[@kazinix]

You're so right about the mindset that prevents us from making things. Whenever my "I want it to be perfect" kicks in, I go to your videos and watch, you show us that it is okay to make mistakes. Whenever I want to buy an expensive tool, I remember you doing stuffs with limited and not so expensive tools and everything worked just fine. Thank you Rex! I'm sure your channel made a lot of people not to quit and enjoy woodworking.

[@onbailup]

Similar experience Dominic, had not done any woodwork since high school over 45 years ago and then I go and build a bench based on Rex's encouragement that any idiot could do it.....He was right and it worked out great.

[@mmgross144]

My first exposure to workbenches was, as for many, my father's and grandfather's built-in benches. As my own experiences grew, mostly on jobsites, whatever heavy, straight-ish boards that could be clamped or screwed to saw horses had to suffice. Then I converted my 2 car garage into a dediczted woodshop and the process began in reversed order from saw horse to modified gorilla rack shelves with a thick top serving to help me build a Woodsmith version of a Scandinavian workbench (which I have modified twice) from construction lumber and repurposed oak flooring. Then I bult a smaller version of your English workbench for my office/project space. Often I'll work in my driveway under pop-up canopies when I need more space. So now I'll build either a Moravian or a Roman low bench that I can pull out when needed. So if you can't make up your mind follow my path and build them all.

[@1pcfred]

Realistically something on sawhorses is the best first step. Unless you're flexible enough to go the Japanese route working on the ground.

[@WhatAboutZoidberg]

Analysis paralysis is a real thing. Just make a decision, do it and learn something. Thanks for another great video Rex.

[@lyster1ne681]

What a fantastic video. I really wish I’d had Rex when I was getting started. I started woodworking on a plastic folding table, the absolute worst workbench conceivable. When I built my first bench, I spent all my money to get the wood and hardware for a real roubo. The build took me about 3 months start to finish, as I was only 11 at the time and had to work around school. That bench has been the core of my workshop for almost 7 years now, and has helped me start and grow my woodworking business. Hands down the best part about it is that I left it bare. I simply built a framework, put on 1 vise, and started work. It’s had all manner of different work holding and tool storage devices screwed, glued, and ripped off of it in that time, and at least 6 different vises. Someday I will build it again out of nice hardwoods, with only my favorite features, but it has been the perfect bench for me.

[@erichansen1115]

Christopher Schwarz, reference at the end is THE ultimate authority on workbenches and their history. His books and articles are fabulous. And to think it all started with "The $175 Workbench"

[@1pcfred]

The $175 workbench will cost you at least $525 to build today.

[@johnford7847]

I think your final thought is the most important thing in the video. The best bench is the one you have at hand to work on. Great info, Rex.

[@DrewC75]

Paul Seller’s workbench was my first to build and my current workbench. I really enjoy it, however the front vise is not flush with the apron so you have to do some improvising to hold long pieces. I also made a couple of dog holes that are not on his bench. But the inconveniences are small and it was a great first project as a beginning hand tool wood worker. The only tools I had were a Kobalt no 4 plane, harbor freight set of chisels and two cheap saws. I learned a lot from the experience. I’ve been using the bench for over a year now. Sellers has the complete video series free on KZbin.

[@glencrandall7051]

I built my first bench about 36 years ago. It was 12, 10 foot 2/4's bolted together face to face with all thread rod. It was my first and only bench. I still use it today. Thank you for sharing a interesting and informative video. Have a great day and stay safe.

[@Tobsen660]

I build a Moravian Bench during the first lockdown. I build it with hand tools only, in my flat and I can't be happier. The Top was build out of two big construction lumber posts joint with 5 big MaschineScrews and nuts. A year later I made a nicer top with a wagon vise build in. I think I was lucky, to have picked the perfekt bench for me without knowing much before... Time will tell. Thanks rex for all the top information.

[@mysingingmonsterspmg]

I came across your video on idea to make my door bench operable and be able to knock it down your dowel idea was very interesting. It baffled me that you added that half dowel to the post. I've had a much simpler approach by drilling the holes for the dowels about 3/8 of a inch from the edge of the outside post and used a half dowel tapered and it does the same thing thanks for the vid

[@UserNameAnonymous]

Rex's English joiner's bench is an EXCELLENT starter bench if you've never built a bench before. It's super easy to do with basically no skills, there's no complicated joinery to get stuck on. You might mess up a piece or two, but all you need to do is remake that piece and keep going. Edit: the thing that makes the English joiners bench so good is Rex himself. He walks you through step by step and he's a great teacher.

[@colinmartin9797]

I built his portable bench, and made a few small tweaks (legs are tapered and secured in bridles mortised into the batons, tapered cuts around the edges of the top) for aesthetic to let it also work as a piece of hallway furniture. And for eight freaking dollars in wood, I have a gorgeous mid-century styled hemlock hallway bench that I can carry outside and use to knock together other projects.

[@gaylanbishop1641]

Lots of videos on woodworking but I enjoy yours most. I’ve decided to start woodworking, but I have a couple of challenges. First, I lost both my hands in an accident a few years ago. Second, I live in an assisted living facility, so I’ll have to do all my work by hand to keep noise down. Fortunately, there is a company (Fillauer) that makes a nice set of woodworking tools. I’m getting fitted for the new prosthetics soon, so right now I’m trying to decide on workbench as my first project. Any input would be appreciated.

[@simonmurray2002]

I also subscribe to the idea of building a bench and working with it but then rather than building another, have a think about modifiying the bench, adding features. There is a lot of snobbery about only using a bench of one style. I reckon if you think the tool well of a Scandinavian bench works and you like the apron of the English bench stick them together and make it work for what you do

[@matthewring8301]

I like that you don’t just give good advice. You also tell us where we can find more, like the books you mentioned. Also, reminding us to get off KZbin and go read a book is fantastic! Thank you!

[@JoeBob79569]

I built Rex's English workbench as my first woodworking project last year during the lockdown. It was very straightforward and everything went according to plan. It's pretty difficult to screw up. Definitely a good "general" sturdy workbench for a beginner to make. I literally built mine on the kitchen table then moved the parts into the spare bedroom (which then became a workshop) to assemble it.

[@sgsax]

I built my bench 20+ years ago. I don't know that I was inspired by any particular design, I just had an idea in my head of what I wanted that would fit in my space at the time. The very simple frame is made from 2x4s and 2x6s, held together with carriage bolts and construction screws. The front side of the top frame is three layers of 1x6 oak with spaces for dog holes in the middle layer down the length. I have a shelf at the bottom that leaves space for my shop vac at the end under the top. The top is 3/4" plywood with 1/4" hardboard on top, resting in a rabbit on the inside edge of the top frame. The hardboard isn't glued down, I figured that way I could replace it if it got too chewed up. I haven't replaced it yet. This has served me quite well over all this time. I'm in the process of adding a moxon-style vise to the front using 2x6, wheel handles from plywood, and some acme thread I salvaged from a kitchen trash compactor. Thanks for this overview. I never realized there were so many classical options out there. Thanks for sharing!

[@jeffhildreth9244]

I have James Krenov's first bench he bought when in Sweden. He ordered a larger one and sold his bench to another American in Sweden who eventually moved to the US near me. This person ordered another larger bench from Sweden and I bought his (Krenov's) bench from him. . By necessity, I lifted the base of the bench 3 " as Krenov was shorter than I. The bench includes his original deliver/order tag. I also have an upper end Sjoberg which my wife uses for her mosaic art. Another useful bench is self made from plywood and 4X4s. Strong, large. Disassembles with bolts and screws in the event it needs to be moved.

[@joshwalker5605]

man thats a bit of woodworking history, nice find!

[@XsavioR38]

This is the most definitive wood working bench / table selection goto that human kind has ever made, That ive seen. ty brother. As-salamu alaykum

[@jeffTcorbin81]

I have been in design limbo for my 1st bench for months and today (just now) I have finally decided on the dimensions of the mortise & tenon joints. And literally 15 seconds after finally coming up with those dimensions, this video comes on.. lol.. The real reason I was stalled for months was my learning how to use my hand planes to get all the 4x4 & 4x6 stock true and dimensionally square along with a few side projects I used as prerequisite builds leading up to my bench (mallet, wooden mortise gauge & a heavy duty 18"x24" table I plan to turn into a sharpening station if I ever finish this bench... Rex your content has been a huge help and has taught me so much along the way. Thanks for being here for us woodworking Newbs!! Cheers my friend!!!!

[@kevinf6413]

Rex, fantastic video. It is so comprehensive in its overview and then "links" to where one can find details on what they decide. Thanks again. You have become a KZbin treasure.

[@tonyminehan7144]

I built Rex's English wood workers bench ......... out of scrap wood which included, part of a car port, an old bed and some wood my wife was planning on cutting up for firewood. And it's brilliant, and yes I did use a thin top, supported by a lot of stretchers. And I don't see myself building another as this meets all my needs.

[@christophermcclellan8730]

I really appreciate you mentioning built in benches as a legitimate route to go. It’s way too easy to watch some videos and think you need something fancy, when all you really need is a solid and stable work surface.

[@gagegolish9306]

I would also recommend Paul Seller's variation on the english joiners bench. He has a series on building the bench without a bench. I built mine about two years ago and I've built everything from small projects to eight foot dining tables and king size bed from using just that bench, and it's holding up great.

[@jimcarter4929]

Big fan of Rex, but leaving this bench out seems like huge oversight, whether intentional or not. Since he covered at least three English benches and makers I do not understand how Sellers could be left out, considering the huge influence he has had in bench building and its proven capabilities.

[@RexKrueger]

Paul has covered that bench well and people are very aware of it. You might see his bench as another variation on the Nicholson, or you might see it as a bench that's kind of unique to him. Either way, it's outside of the scope of this video....not because I don't love Paul, he's a massive influence.

[@SteifWood]

While watching this excellent and comprehensive video I was - all the time - waiting for Rex to mention Sellers' series on "How to build a workbench." Sellers also made a good and sturdy bench of plywood, the same as Pask Makes did. Rex could also have mentioned John Heisz version of the Euro-style bench he designed, which isn't too complicated to build with his detailed plans. However, as Rex said, there are no concise answer to which type to build, just go for #1 and expect #2 to be the one you will live with.

[@matthewgartner5339]

The easiest way to mention Paul Sellers on KZbin Woodworking is by not mentioning him. Anyone who has googled a woodworking video knows Paul Sellers and will immediately comment that you left Paul out of the discussion. His work bench is awesome I built a modified version of it as a built-in in my garage. Does that make my bench a Seller's bench or an American built-in? I think Paul's bench is a version of the English Jointer bench with a heavier top and tool well.

[@teeeff5179]

outstanding! best short survey of practical woodworking workbenches i've ever seen, here or anywhere else, and i've been reading about this stuff for 30 years. nicely done. 👍

[@fisharmor]

The Roubo might not have any drawbacks for most people, but I am CONSTANTLY using pegs and holdfasts in the dogholes in the front of my English bench, and I can't envision working without them at this point.

[@ricos1497]

Just add a sliding dead man. Another thing to build of course, but I'm guessing a person who has built that style of bench would be more than capable of adding one.

[@fisharmor]

@@ricos1497 I don't place any value on clamping to the bench so an apron is the low tech permanent solution. Of course having a basic smithy and being able to make my own holdfasts for the price of 5/8" bar changes my perspective a bit.

[@ricos1497]

@@fisharmor I have to admit, if I didn't need the space for drawers, I'd prefer the apron option too. I've got a number of holes in my bench legs that sort of perform the apron function, but not as well.

[@fisharmor]

@@ricos1497 I've got a 2x12 apron and starting right under that, I have drawers. Nine of them. The drawer carcass top is just at the bottom of the 2x12, and the void above the carcass is just deep enough for the holdfasts to work. Plus I can store a bunch of long clamps from the end, on top of the drawer carcass, and they don't interfere with the holdfasts until I stack them 2 high. I've become a big fan of using all the space I have, so the biggest of these drawers is I think 5" deep. The smallest is 1.5" - because I don't need more than that for pencils and rulers. And you only need a 3" drawer to fit a whole plane if you have to (on its side, of course). I didn't really know what I was doing at the time, I just thought "I want to learn dovetails and a carcass and drawer bodies seems like the thing" and then went a little nuts, but it totally works. My current thing is using my cheap HF bending brake to turn old computer case into custom fit organizer bins. You can reclaim entire drawers that way.

[@coreygrua3271]

An honest conversation with Rex Krueger. Loved it enough to watch it twice and now I’m ready to build.

[@sbenjamin55]

Damn, dropping some serious wisdom at the end and calling people up and out of their introspective lifestyle into something more.. WELL DONE!

[@williamcunningham5805]

I've built two Moravian benches -- one out of 2x6s laminated together for the top and 2x4 laminated together for the legs, the other 2x4 all the way through. The first one is a little over built for woodworking, so I mostly use it for workshop stuff, especially working on heavy cast iron equipment. The other one I did a little closer to Will's design, with the tool tray and overall smaller top. Both frames are built from laminating 2x4s to create the joinery, so I skipped the 1/2 lap dovetail for a through mortise with full size tenon, same with the middle brace, and the bridle joint just had a full size 2x4 glued into and planed down to the angle. This system was *way* more beginner friendly and used a compound sliding miter saw for everything but the angled through mortise for the long stretchers and wedges.

[@robmcdiarmid285]

I got into woodworking a few months ago when I found your channel Rex. I just got the wood for my first bench (a knock down Nicholson) and can't wait to try to build it! Thanks for all the inspiring videos!

[@timpenner7858]

Haven't had a good dose of Rex for quite a while. (I watch too many videos about table saw and band saw hacks.) It's just plain fun to watch someone who's this excited about working with hand tools.

[@VishwanathSaragadamRV]

Rex, may I just say a huge thank you for your wisdom on just making the workbench instead of over-optimizing for the perfect workbench. I believe this philosophy extends to numerous activities in real life!

[@tomjoseph1444]

I have been woodworking for over 40 years and I find your shows informative and entertaining. You are a great presenter and do a terrific job on content and layout. I am almost done with my last workbench. I have seen all the various types and am just building one that suits my needs while utilizing features from various other designs. I am lucky enough to have two Emmert Pattern Makers vises which I have acquired over the years for free and am incorporating them into it. The biggest mistake I see most make in the videos is that they are trying to combine a work bench with an assembly table. To me they are two separate benches and not a good thing when combined.

[@Postfrogish]

How dare you ask this question the week after I finished my first workbench? I will watch this video with a sceptical frown... But with great interest. Looking forward to it

[@thethirdman225]

Good video, Rex. For those of you who can't decide, build the English (Nicholson) bench. Don't think twice, just do it. You won't be sorry. I built mine with timber sourced from a demolition site. The only bits I bought were the top and the aprons and a few carriage bolts. I had a tenon (back) saw, a chisel, a hammer (!), a hand drill with a couple of bits and a brace and bit that just happened to have the right sized bit for making dog holes. All the tools were rusty. I built the entire thing on my parent's back patio (concrete) when I was about 18. I put a small wood vice in it and fitted pine cheeks to it. The whole bench was about 1.8 metres long, weighed over 100 kilos and was rock solid. Once I had set it up, I put an old bearer on the top and hit it with a sledge hammer. Then I tightened up the bolts to main force. It never moved. There are a couple of bits I would change now but certainly nothing major. I think I would set it up for holdfasts, which until recently, I had never seen. I'd probably put a removable metalwork vice on the opposite end. I'd probably put a power board on one of the legs too. I really don't get benches like the Roubo and the Scandinavian bench. You need a well equipped workshop, including - guess what? - a workbench, to build one and I don't really see the benefit. I've seen a Scandinavian bench up close and thought the shoulder vice was one of the stupidest things I've seen on a bench. I realise you can pack them but I found it just got in the way. The joinery in the Roubo is just excessive for no great gain and the sliding deadman is unnecessary in most cases. The front apron of the Nicholson takes care of that. The Nicholson's disadvantages are actually really easy to overcome. You don't need a tail vice. You can use dogs or a plane stop and wedges to achieve the same thing. Simples. You can make a workbench to look like a piece of furniture if you like. Like everything, that's a matter of personal choice. The whole idea of a workbench is to provide a stable, solid platform on which clamp, nail, saw, plane and chop mortices. They take a hell of a beating. A Nicholson can be knocked up in a single day and doesn't require high levels of skill. It's also absurdly cheap and effective and it's adaptable to almost any need. And don't forget, there's nothing that says you can't use the ideas from one bench on another. You may never get around to building that Roubo you've always admired...

[@David_K_Dickson]

A very helpful roundup. Thank you. I am glad that you mentioned Rob Cosman but disappointed you didn't mention Paul Sellers. They have both been massive influences on me.

[@kippyster]

I think an overlooked quality of the built-in bench (as it was described in this video) is that your workbench is RIGHT UNDER your tool wall, if you have such a wall installed. With the potential for shelving too, the potential tool access provided by the built-in w/ a wall contributes to really nice workflow.

[@CoronaWolle]

I built the low bench first, then followed Rex's YT videos to build the English joiner's bench on the low bench. I still use it for every project, big and small, even after more power tools have crept into my shop. At the same time I learnt a lot building these benches since I was a complete rookie at the time

[@mikeking7470]

My workbench is 2x4's, laid flat, on a pair of steel legs I bought 30 years ago. It has a small Craftsman wood vise. I built it in the shed on the back of my mobile home, the corner of the benchtop was whacked off at a weird angle so that the door would open, it immediately got piled high with junk and I worked on sawhorses in the driveway. The bench "followed" me to my new house and is screwed to the interior basement wall. My entire winter shop measures 9.75 ft square. I did gain enough extra room to fix the benchtop's weird angle but my new shop is also "cozy". I've been restoring a few planes, and just noticed that I now have a lot of Bailey Pattern planes. Your channel is always super informative and I liked YOUR book, too.

[@1Barrel2u]

I built my first bench sometime around 1980.. Yes to some of you that is almost prehistoric but so am I. It was built along the lines of a freestanding built in and was 40" wide and 60" long. I still use that bench a lot but I have built others over the years that had my experiences built into them. Rex is right in that you should forget about building the perfect bench and instead build one you can use today. The secret to building things is to start building things. I have to say that Rex is a very good person to learn from and I like that he is always giving information as to where you can go to learn more on whatever subject he is talking about.

[@crichtonbruce4329]

One of the things I most appreciate about Rex is he understands that perfection is a process. If you want to be a "Maker" then start making something! Due to economic and space issues I got by with a Black and Decker Workmate and hand tools for many years, and I previously had a full shop. Find some info on craftsmen from poor countries who produce masterworks with next to nothing, tool wise, they will inspire you!

[@jwinsatt]

I made the English joiner's bench in a few hours a year or so ago and love it. I didn't even have a vice for a while and that never slowed me down, now I've got a leg vice and an end vice. Even though I wouldn't rule out making another sort of bench, I like the idea behind the English joiner's bench. Do what you can, with what you have, where you are. If you know how to make that style of bench, you can put one together anywhere and at least manage anything the others can do. I added another 2x10 to the apron to make doors and cabinets even more convenient, as well as a tool tray at the back and one of those length-ways pop out stop boards down the middle. The first and last of those helped especially when I was only working with a crochet in the beginning. Thanks for the vids!

[@roberthenson6153]

I had a nice combination bench that I’d built with “free” cast off lumber that I’d gotten from the shipping department of a place I used to work. Was partially a “built in”, and partially a timber bench. I say this, and the top, and stringers were all 4x4 lumber. The two front legs, where found in the rafters of the old farmhouse I was in, they were true 2x2, with 12x12 pad feet, with 4 gussets, and steel dowel drilled center on the ends. I was able to use the dowels into blind holes in the underside of the top, the leg glued/and braced with straps to the face of the front stringer. The rear stringer was set shallow to allow the rear of the bench to rest on a piece of strapping that was lagged into the brick wall of the house. It was heavy, solid, and cost me only the hardware to assemble it.

[@theren8311]

Types of Benches: 1. Low Bench: 0:39 2. Built-In Bench: 1:04 3. Cabinetmaker's Bench: 2:12 4. English Bench: 5:13 5. Roubo Bench: 7:58 6. Moravian Bench: 10:43 7. Work situations: 11:58 8. Final thoughts: 15:41

[@PeteQuad]

I bought the Bench Horse workbench from Blum Tool Co years ago and actually never got around to building another bench. I actually bought a second one to clamp then together for a larger project once. For heavy planing I stuck velcro strips on the floor. For really heavy planing I put a long pipe clamp against a stop on the wall. This bench is amazing in it's versatility and can do everything. Impressive for a bench that you can fold up and carry away if you want.

[@drawlele]

I’m building my bench timber frame style, it’s taken me 2 years so far, because other than the glue and vice I’m not spending money on it. I’m doing this by using pallets, and the pallets I’m using have to be pretty specific, I’m only using pallets made of red/white oak and hickory, that way I have a nice sturdy hardwood bench. Now if I just wanted to use the standard available pallet that is made of pine I would have Ben done 18 months ago. Oh well can’t complain about a bench that is only costing me the $17.50 for glue- the vice was a Christmas gift so no money there. Now I kind of feel like I have to say this: I do currently have 2 makeshift benches that I got for free that are the rickety thin top Nicholson type that I added 2x4 to the underside of for support and those get me by for now- I really can’t wait to finish my bench

[@foxmoulder7724]

I ended up making mine mostly resemble a timber frame, however I've not attached the top yet, mostly because when I do get a tail vice I'd like to be able to adjust for size. It's 5ft from leg end to leg end with 1ft of overhang on each side. Top made of glued up 2x4 for a thick top to add bench dogs I did skip the dovetail double tenon for it, but did at least half lap all of 4x4 legs for 2x4 frames. Thanks for your help Rex 👍 I don't see myself having to build another, it may outlive me 👌

[@blakeguyan2662]

I am literally like 2 weeks away from moving to a new house and building a new workbench... nice timing Rex!

[@rogeranderson8763]

'Knowing' what ya want before you have any experience is rather like flipping a coin. Me, I purchased one of those cheap and lousy Wilson benches from Harbor Freight and used that to make a sawbench and a matching height Japanese style sawhorse. I'd no real idea that woodworking was going to be my 'Hobby of Choice' yet....but was leaning that way. Charles Swartz' KZbin video's were informative and the Roubo style bench was the one that caught my interest the best, so I built one starting from rough sawn boards....and got an education into the use of handplanes, sharpening and 'basics'. If I was going to start again, I think the low Roman bench would be a better starting point....but my Roubo bench is a keeper. -Veteran '66-68

[@elsantodelsol]

Proud to say Chris and Megan at Lost Art Press helped me make a Roman bench on the pictured timber bench. Amazing writers, craftspeople, teachers and friends.

[@wreckenbach9703]

Thanks Rex. I really appreciated the end where you talked about (paraphrase ahead) getting over your special self and just doing it.

[@millerma27]

"Just another project you have to do before you make any damn furniture!" Loved it. My current shop time situation.

[@briandesjardin9381]

Good luck, MM! After about a month of working at it, I just got my first workbench complete enough (though not really finished yet) to build my first not-part-of-the-bench project on it. The bench build and the not bench project have both been fun. But the un-bench one is WAY easier on my back and knees than working on the ground to get the bench going : )

[@TimH86]

Thank you Rex for just putting it out there to stop watching youtube once in a while and stop optimizing every detail before diving into some actual WORK! 🙏 As a testimony for simplyfying things being helpful: your videos got me started in hand sharpening within a week when I was stuck on ‘which stones are absolutely perfect and which grits, fluids or whatever are perfect, and which technique… etc etc.’ - and you did that by simplyfying the topic for me 👍

[@linusyootasteisking]

When I moved out from my parents' house 2 years ago, I got our old pine kitchen table (3 cm thick top of laminated pieces), legs held with metal corner fastener-thingies.. rickety. I made through mortise and tenons betwween all legs with 2x4's, put my toolbox on the shelf sitting on the lower stretcher level. Then, inspired by rex'a pine vise, I made a similar with an oak slab. the whole bench is just shot together, you can make anything work.

[@KonradZielinski]

My workbench is a repurposed set of shelves or high Coffee table (I'm really not sure what it was intended as as it was an in-between height). I built a frame on top out of 2x4's and used that to make an improvised vice that uses two threaded rods, then put a top on that, also out of constuction lumber. this left it at about the right work height for me. The work surface is 12 inches wide and has a tool caddy behind it.

[@fred5480]

Great video. I needed this three years ago before I built my "forever" bench lol.

[@mickwall1286]

This is what the internet is for. Very good work. I've inherited my father's pattern maker's bench from a foundry in the English midlands. It takes two of us to move it, but that's kind of the point. I have never been limited by it, but still Rex has ideas I might add and then they'll get passed on in turn.

[@bobbyb1607]

Excellent advice. My first bench was made from a kitchen remodel. The top was 3 layers of laminated 3/4 fir plywood and old fir framing for the edging. It measured 27 x 63 because that was the size of the plywood. The legs and stretchers were made of old framing 2x4's laminated together. It had no vises. It looked like your first bench. it worked. When I got more experience I built a better bench and passed the old one on to someone who was remodeling and building a shop.

[@MarzNet256]

Excellent video. I'm a lazy cabinetmaker so I made my main bench out of 2x4 and 3/4 ply, and 2-3/4 coated screws (T-25). It's 36" wide, 8ft long, and 32" high. The frame for the plywood top is a ladder style construction, and I made a second skirt to go around the legs about 2" off the ground (for strength) , and the plywood top overhangs frame 2" all the way around (for clamping). It is also my table saw out feed table. There is no shelf so there is tons of open storage underneath. I also cut small 45's at all four corners of top for safety. For me...it's perfect.

[@zlancenyc]

So I built a low bench first, and then did a 2x4 roubo variant with 8 mortise and tenons, 4 for legs and 4 for stretchers. I just glued the top and legs with holes in them already. And for the other 2 stretchers I just did a half lap and bolted it on. I want to say it was about 20 2x4s. Basically Rex's 30$ bench a bit wider on roubo legs from laminated 2x4s

[@ruffryder13]

Good comment about just picking one. I'm about 1/2 way through a roubo with a built top, but currently just on some sturdy sawhorses. Decided to whip up a moxon vise, drill some dogholes, maybe add a planing stop, and put the rest of the bench together in between my furniture projects.

[@RickHenderson]

I’m making the traveller’s bench, and today I stopped hemming and hawing about how I should sharpen my axe and a chisel, and finally did it. The chisel turned out awesome. Tomorrow I’m having my son help me put together a drill mate just to get him involved, and I’ll be using a drill for the batens, but I’m trying to do everything else by hand. I have wanted to read the Anarchist book, great to know there is a pdf!

[@blackoak4978]

I agree with the mentality of just getting what you need to get going and figuring out what you really need from your experience using it. I'm not a wood worker, though I find it interesting, but I've gotten into hobbies with that mentality. When I got into backpacking I didn't stress about getting the best, low weight, expensive tent. I bought a cheap tent(amongst other gear) that would get me out there enjoying the trail. That tent was stupid cheap, and I learned a few things that I would change when I got another tent. However I don't for a minute regret getting that tent. It taught me what I liked, what I didn't, as well as what I needed and what I didn't

[@mirkondt9711]

The most important message of this entire video (in my humble opinion) is to purchase at lease one of the books that Rex has mentioned. If you are prepared to invest one, two, or even eight hundred dollars on a bench, what is the cost of a fifty dollar book and the knowledge it contains. Outstanding work Rex, merci!

[@closingup9765]

You are ao generous, experienced and wise. Thank you. I made my mine not following any plan but my need, and also with "hard rubbished" wood. Its a disaster but i love it. It really solved what I wanted to. You helped me a lot.

[@stevem268]

a great video for those getting started and needing a bench. my first major project when getting back into woodworking was my scandinavian bench built using the tage frid plans in fine woodworking magazine. it was a very early issue of the magazine, back when it was just in black and white! the vise screws came from lee valley, i believe they are english made. that bench has served me well for 25 years and just as solid today as it was when i built it. i did add an old castiron convertional vise on the back side

[@systemtrader1]

I have build the workbench from Paul Sellers, and am fully satisfied.

[@MemphisCorollaS]

That’s awesome! Did you build his older version with a bench top on either side of the tool well or his newer one with only one worktop side? I’ve wondered which people prefer assuming they aren’t limited by extra small space.

[@szlan]

I built my first workbench about 7 years ago. It's structure is made from 2x4 lumber and has a 2x22mm OSB top. It is like a built in bench but it is not. After 7 years i see a bounch of flaws about it. I will design my new workbench in the future considering the many things i had learned from your videos.. Thank you.

[@onbailup]

Built my first ever joiners bench based off your design. Thank you for instilling me with the confidence to give it a go, it works well, better than I could have imagined.

[@muser44Xst]

Just build a bench. Super good advice. I'm currently building a bench that was a built in carpenters bench with a valley in the middle for my shed and I just need to build it already. Stop looking at vice options and tenon joiner and put it together. Thanks Rex

[@stufarnham]

My bench evolved out of Rob Cosman’s Cosman bench, which in turn is a Scandinavian design. Its main asset is its massive, flat MDF top. The trestle is made from laminated Baltic birch held together with long bolts. If I do it over I will skip the bolts and do joinery via lamination. I did not have the money to purchase the Sjoberg vise that Rob recommends so went with dog holes and holdfasrs. I also left the front edge of the top proud of the trestle and added an apron and a crochet. Later I built a Moxon vise. This design has served me well. Using holdfasts, bench dogs, and a planing stop I have been able to hold every workpiece that I have dealt with. Recently I added an 9” Eclipse vise to the end. The idea is that you can mix and match elements of various bench designs to meet your needs and budget. Sti

[@russellcash3885]

Me: Finished laminating 2x4s together and planed them up to make a workbench top today. Also me: Now it's REALLY time to figure out what design you're actually going to go with, genius. Sometimes things just line up nicely. Thanks, Rex.

[@nathanboyd7460]

Been watching your channel for awhile now. I have to say I've never had a video inspire me to open so many tabs at once on my browser...Thank you. You are a well of fantastic information. Thanks, Rex. Keep up the great work.

[@journeymanadventure]

I'm working for a joiner and our work benches are made from two large saw horses about bellybutton high with two ful sheets of 20mm mdf and a 3mm sheet on top of that as a sacrificial. It's solid and moveable. We make kitchen units, hardwood timber windows and fancy furniture. At home I use an old table and a saw horses but I'm liking the idea of the low bench for traveling on my boat. I'm thinking along the lines of a tool chest that doubles as a bench but have yet to visualize it.

[@JackRockBLC]

I needed something ultra portable for a bunch of reasons. I wound up buying Jay Bates' Workhorse plans, and found it PERFECT for what I need. I can put it away out of the rain (my shop is outdoors when in use), and I can take it to craft shows without an issue. When I get a place with some indoor space for a shop, I'll probably move to Rex's English bench at first, and will probably ultimately upgrade to a Timber Frame style. I have Schwarz's Workbench book (the blue one, not just the free one) for that time.

[@patallen4904]

Great show. I made a small work bench for my shed (4 by 8) 40inch in lenght by 24inchs wode. It weighs in at 140kgs! Two oak sleepers, tool tray in the middle, legs made out of 4x4 gence posts and 1inch ply. This material was left overs from previous jobs. I splash out on a 9inch quick release vice. 👍

[@patallen4904]

Fence posts...

[@byronservies4043]

All the greatest hits! I built Mr. MaGuires' English Workbench, with a gap for a flip stop down the middle that also allows for clamping. Richard is my favorite instructor, but dang I spend a lot of $$ at Lost Art Press. Incredible books.

[@ElCanaldeJGRV]

Myself use the floor, a common bench, two chairs, stairs, regular tables, workhorses... Everything works fine!

[@Thamian]

I think you're absolutely correct about the experience issue Rex: Last year I refurbished a workbench (essentially rebuilt the rotted top by duplicating it with 25mm plywood slabs), have been using it ever since, and through doing so have learned so much about ways of working and the limitations of that design (or of how I rebuilt it at any rate - putting both vices on the face was actually a bit of an accidental masterstroke). Will be moving to a new house in the not too distant future, and I have every intention of building a new bench when setting up the new workshop - and all of those lessons of experience (and yes, all of your tutorials and all the other resources I've found) will be going into that process.

[@muon23]

I built several big furnitures in my house with a work bench that is just a big 48x48x3/4 plywood board sitting on top of a mechanical tool cabinet

[@jakey5179]

I started with the low Roman and I decided to experiment. I added Roubo style legs and an apron on one side for holdfasts. I also added a handmade wooden Moxon vise on the opposite side for dovetailing. Now I have a stocky low Roman that I really like. Thanks to Rex’s videos and Chris Schwartz’s books. Perhaps I should post it on the forum

[@michaelsnell4034]

As I've posted before, my workbench is based on a few. I made a Moxon style twin screw vice on the end of a portable, extendable bench inspired by Pask Makes. The legs I made as a knock down tusked tenon based on Rex. I put threaded inserts into the legs and bench to hold the bench together and also to keep the stretchers and legs stacked as units for storage. My roughly 42" bench extends to 6 feet if needed.

[@hydrochloridrix]

It just so happens that I started this very day on a Moravian workbench. Crazy, right? What drew me to it is the fact that I can knock it down. My shop is in the basement and should we ever move I would be able to take it with me. Plus, I love its modularity. You see, I’m left-handed and wanted to build a workbench to my needs. Will Myers gives great tips and hints on how to build a left-handed version, by the way. The original plan had been to build the one from King's Sketchup tutorial but that would never have been able to leave my shop in one piece so I had to find something new. Don't hold your breath for me finishing the workbench, though since I decided to get rough lumber and mill it myself. Wood prices are still through the roof over here, so I had to look elsewhere. Plus, with two kids there's not much time. Anyways, great video as always! This should help anybody who‘s unsure what to build.

[@hydrochloridrix]

Woooo! I have finally finished the Moravian workbench! Works great and looks great, too.

[@scottbuttrick-w8skb396]

I just finished building the Rob Cosman workbench and it is fantastic !

[@Bloodray19]

I built a workbench about 5 months ago. It was for guitar repair/woodworking. I had to build it on the floor, because I didn't have a bench, but it came out amazing. It's not a traditional bench in any way, I like to work standing straight, so I build it pretty high, 1 meter and 3 cm tall to be exact, for my height it's the perfect surfase height so that I can comfortably work. I used glued and screwed joint, but these were massive screws, almost like bolts for wood. I only used precut wood and plywood, only had to trim the legs to length. It's really massive and I love it. Even built a twin-screw vise for it.

[@osomxl]

The Paul Sellers plywood work bench that he made a year or two ago uses standard plywood and some neat techniques.

[@robertswilson3483]

100% great stuff. I concur wholeheartedly about Chris Schwarz. I was so blown away by his free downloads I sprung open my wallet and boought stuff. I now have a signed copy of The Anarchist Design book and the plans for a stick chair. The Moravian bench is in my immediate future. And you're right too, about his expertise and his writing style. Very well done. And thanks for your generosity and sharing the hard won knowledge.

[@MechaStreisand1]

Such a great overview, Rex! My first bench was an MDF top one from a Fine Woodworking article and video series (I'm eternally grateful to Asa Christiana for getting me started in my woodworking hobby with that bench). I quickly outgrew it and built an English-style bench to replace it, but I just could not get used to working with those aprons and the construction lumber I used wasn't the best. Then I read Chris Schwarz's Workbench book and set out to build a Roubo... It literally took me three summers to complete, using only hand tools, in my unheated New England garage (you're not kidding when you say you need a buddy - maneuvering a 300 pound white ash laminated slab to cut the leg joints was no joke!) but I can honestly say it's the best and last workbench I'll ever need. The Roubo design was a complete revelation for me and I encourage everyone to build one!

[@tonylenge424]

I also would recommend Paul Sellers workbench. I built the Mike Siemens bench and I am very happy with it. Thanks

[@cgrovespsyd]

This is a damn fine honest, informative, comprehensive and inspiring video! Very impressive. The best I’ve seen on this subject to date.

[@robohippy]

Just what I needed, more 'food' for thought.... My first bench was pretty 'rustic'..... I still use it. Top was 2 layers of MDF and edge trimmed in bubinga. It doubled as a table saw infeed table. I have taken to getting restaurant grade maple tops, which come in kind of standard 25 inch widths, but are available in widths up to over 4 feet, and lengths varying up to 8 foot. I have a 3 foot wide one that will be my next bench. These preformed table tops are great. If you have enough frame under them, they don't bounce. Just finishing a bench/table for my chisels, planes, and marking/lay out tools. It was a 'learning' experience..... Not a cabinet maker, but each project does get better than the one before....

[@jbbresers]

After watching your videos I built a version of the joiner's bench very similar to yours but with a tool tray added underneath. It's great, many thanks for the inspiration.

[@jakelilevjen9766]

I built a timber frame workbench two years ago, and can say that it has one major downside: it is HEAVY! If you plan on moving your workbench from place to place, this is not the one. Also, Rex’s comment about having an extra hand is spot on. Even doing something as simple as flipping the top of the workbench over so you can work on the bottom side is best done with two people. Mine is simple construction lumber (Douglas fir), but it still weighs around 150-200 pounds.

[@ewok007]

My first workbench (and still the only) is the inexpensive black and decker's "workmate 125", i got it for 60-70USD bundled with a same brand jigsaw, its very handy for chiseling some tenons and do so some stuff, those clamps are amazing. But right now i just cannot keep doing things on that as i want to build bigger things, thats why i bought a moravian workbench plans and even tho you say it's challenging on the angles, i think i can do it, wish me luck uncle Rex

[@Bob-kp5ll]

I love Landis’ book. Fine Woodworking has a series of videos on making a Shaker workbench. My current workbench is a piece of melamine over two adjustable height sawhorses. When I finish my current project my plan is to make a blend of a Roubo and Shaker. Two vises plus internal storage. Should be a fun project.