How to Make a Workbench Episode 1 | Paul Sellers

Having gathered together the necessary materials, tools and equipment, you can get started on the workbench. The first step is laminating and planing up the benchtop.
Cutting list, drawings and tool and hardware lists can be downloaded here:
paulsellers.com/paul-sellers-...
There is more discussion on these videos on Woodworking Masterclasses. You can sign up (for free) here: woodworkingmasterclasses.com/...
Music credit:
Henry Horrell ( / henry-horrell )
For more information on these topics, see paulsellers.com or woodworkingmasterclasses.com

[@t_nordlicht1937]

The most amazing thing about this video is that Paul is actually building a workbench without a workbench! Great

[@johnbesharian9965]

And that points out the necessity of first making a pair of sturdy, identical (at least in hight), out of twist saw horses, or trestles. Then you can avoid having to work on the kitchen table or the floor.

[@LorentzInvariance]

Paul. At 35, I’m only now getting into wood working and your videos are an absolute treat. After each sweat laden project I feel such a sense of accomplishment. I now know, the key to a long life, plane, sweat, admire, repeat.

[@Philaster3000]

Paul, I've been following you for a few years now, I've sharpened my chisels, made myself a scrub plane from a cheap $24 plane, made winding sticks, mortise guides and so on and so on ... And I just keep coming back. There is a beautifully elegant simplicity to your videos and to this project particularly. I love how you are building a bench without already having one, how you've designed it with the most basic of tools. I already have a workbench but I need a new one and this is definitely my next project after I finish my outdoor table based on your other table making video. Thank you so much for your time, effort and patience. You are an international treasure.

[@newinspiration2108]

unlike any and the majority of other KZbinrs, Paul actually built an ultimate workbench without a workbench. His method is also clear and straightforward - no flimflam nor expensive equipment.

[@meboyotube]

Paul: I'm about to make extension for my workbench and I plan to make it using this design. Funny story: Interesting thing, when I first built my workbench and mounted it to the cinder block wall for extra stability I made sure everything was square, level and plumb because I remember reading that if your workbench is off everything you build has a chane of being off. So I put the entire thing together and I had one leg left to install (back si supported by a sill on the block wall, left front l g is a 4X4 and I go to install the last leg and... It's and inch short. I measured and measure again and I could NOT for the life of me understand what I had done wrong. I finally figured out out. The bench was level and the back support was level on the wall but the FLOOR was pitched towards the garage door. Lol. I learned a lesson there. Don't measure somewhere and assume it's going to be the same 6 foot away in a house because it never is. Now I take multiple measurements. Start, middle and end minimum just to check.

[@rafavidal2735]

I like the way of working and teaching of Paul Sellers, he is the best!!..

[@Ballistic_Turtle]

Another workbench series, thank goodness. If there is any series of yours that I plan on *actually* following along with, it's this one. Every man needs a workbench, and I couldn't ask for a better one than one designed by you, Paul. I may not be making it today or anytime soon even, but I really do plan on following along with this series when I can afford to. Thank you for producing these videos, they have changed my life and will continue to do so for many years to come.

[@toysoldier46552]

I couldn't agree more, once I actually get a more permanent shop area not in my basement and a decent set of planes. I will however cheat a bit, reason I bought a jointer but then again, I'm a hybrid woodworker.

[@kdtrimble]

I plan on starting right away however winter is coming here in NE Pennsylvania and my garage is not yet properly heated. Oh boy...

[@kevincostes1]

Kevin Zoid hand tools make their own heat. Plus you can burn the off cuts :)

[@TheNAR89]

I’m super excited for this series. As always, great video Mr. Sellers!

[@matthewmclaren9353]

Anthony E. that's the whole point of this series is to inspire others and let them know they don't need a huge space or fancy tools in order to make nice things! if you actually paid attention to the video then you would see that Paul made the top in no more than a space the size of a small bedroom. you should watch the first series of Paul making a workbench and he did it, utilizing a convenient tree in his back yard... if you say you'll not make anything soon on account of space or super nice tools then what you're saying is that you'll never make anything......

[@timdahl8912]

He makes this look so easy. I put together a small laminated bench top recently. Took forever to plane one side. That’s the difference between a newb like me and a master like Mr. Sellers. So cool…

[@AdrianLopez-sb7eo]

So glad to see a workbench video that shows you how to make a workbench using hand tools rather than power tools. Other woodworkers will show you how to make a workbench using a jointer, planer, band saw, table saw, drill press, and so on, with everything put together on top of an existing workbench (of course). Your approach is much more accessible to those of us who don't already have a workshop with lots of expensive power tools at the ready. You may buy reclaimed lumber of roughly the right dimensions as in your video or have the lumber yard / home center cut them down to size for you, but after that you can do all the work yourself by hand. Thank you for this excellent series!

[@TermiteUSA]

Paul, your previous 11 part series building a bench outdoors with the plants and birds and sounds of the school children at recess in the background was a pure relaxing delight to watch. It's remarkable to me that you are doing this again. I think Im most proud of the fact that my few tools are in much better condition than they were before I started watching your vids. It means a great deal to me that my No.4 Stanley now works as it's supposed to and to hear you say it's such a good all around has kept me from buying other, more expensive planes. Thanks again.

[@bowyer10]

he's actually changed the design, i'm looking forward to seeing this too :D

[@kdtrimble]

I really enjoyed that series as well. I wave watched it 3 times to it's completion. I like that the best.

[@bowyer10]

yeah he's definitely an inspiration. in the end, i went with the nicholson style of bench, from chris schwarz' book, but modified to fit my little garage workshop.

[@Landogarner83]

+ Capt Termite If you like your old Stanley then my advice would be to stay with it. I made the mistake of getting an expensive plane with all the bells and whistles like cast steel body and such before i had any experiance in woodworking. Now that expensive thing is lying more or less forgotten in a drawer somewhere because it is just too heavy to be comfortable. On the other side i really like my No. 7 from the same manufacturer because i think the additional weight helps with the larger plane. So in the end it all comes down to personal preference and if you like a certain tool for a certain job then it is the right one for you.

[@rs-ut5wr]

Sellers at it again! Just a joy to watch and learn from. The woodworking world is better for having you and your free youtube lessons!

[@Korve72]

Paul, your videos are the only ones I don't stop watching because an ad pops up, so worth it.

[@TheWoodYogi]

I've been waiting for this build . Thank you Paul :) ॐ

[@slomo1562]

LMBO! At 18:41 Paul proves the old saying: "Any flat surface in a workshop is where you put stuff." Love it! Thanks for the series!

[@UBO58]

I sadly built my workbench already. And you gave me the ability to do so with your first workbench-series and all the other videos and articles about tools and techniques. It's still a pleasure to follow the new series, but watching it, I would really like to build a new bench. It is such a satisfying work and so great to work on solid, sturdy bench (after many years working on an old, wobbly kitchen table). I can't thank you enough, Paul!

[@brianm.9451]

I love that little of checking for twist in the trestle. That reduces the amount of work taking a bench top out of twist. Since I’m making a new bench, I’m going to keep that tip in mind! :)

[@ancjr]

I built the previous design to this one and couldn't be happier with it. That being said, I still enjoy watching Paul build something - and there's always something new to learn.

[@michaelbulger1947]

This series is better than the original, in my opinion. I plan to shrink this down for a child (my son). Thanks again, Paul.

[@scottmarwood7654]

Paul sellers is the man! Only channel one needs to watch.

[@carterscustomrods]

Seeing you use hand tools makes me rather envious. Having 1 functioning arm/leg limits me in terms of all tools. So hand planes, table saws, hand saws, etc, are not an option. But I'm grateful to live in a time where technology will allow me to do many things I couldn't do otherwise. Now if only there were a 1 handed way to use a drill press. Or an affordable digital drill press. I'm in the US, so the Bosch, (which would be perfect for my disability) is not possible since they're not sold in, or designed to be used in, my country. (We don't use the metric, *and* I can't use a good drill press. 0 for 2 lol.) So thank you for this tool example... you use them beautifully, and I look forward to adding aspects of your bench to my bench I hope to have made by summer 2022. 😀 So thank you again!

[@ben_3256]

God, I love the internet. THANK YOU!

[@kathleenzimmerman8227]

Master Paul Sellers, There is no other person on the face of this planet that I enjoy watching and learning from than YOU!!! You MOST CERTAINLY are God's gift to woodworkers all over the world & you're RIGHT HERE in front of ME. What an HONOR!!! Prayers

[@BenjiMordino]

Thank you sir, for making a bench that doesn't require table saws, joiners, planers and all sorts of flash machinery. I am at the beginning of my woodworking journey and have been looking for a bench I can make with handtools. Thanks a lot!

[@thejonellwood]

Mr. Sellers it's such a joy to see you posting content again and teaching!

[@gazzoss5916]

Очень жаль что у нас в Кыргызстане нет таких мастеров как вы(( Очень хотелось бы быть учеником такого мастера. Долгих лет вам здоровой жизни.

[@MrJimmySmash]

I appreciate the time lapse showing ALL of the work, including sharpening. New woodworkers need to know what they're getting into.

[@josemanuelhermida2199]

Thank you very much Mr. Sellers for your generosity.

[@FunDumb]

When I have a kid, I'm gonna make a playist of your videos for him/her/zer to watch 24/7 in the crib. To get out of the crib they'll have to build themselves out.

[@richardtemple1052]

I have adopted Mr. Sellers as my spirit guide. His gentle style and obvious expertise are qualities to which I aspire. One of his books is on its way to my bench (Working with Wood 1&2), and I will also likely be ordering the video series that accompanies that book.

[@boozoochavis7506]

Watching Paul work has always amazed me, I don't think I have ever seen a person with SO much common sense in my entire life. He gets to work, makes it happen with a minimum of fanfare or fuss and gets the task at hand done and gets on with it. Thanks as always for posting these videos, I always learn so much and enjoy watching them because they are actually fun!!

[@JeepTherapy]

:) Mr. Sellers showing off with his board flip around standing on his perfect height trestle horses. Show off!!! That would of went wrong for me in so many ways.Great video like always. Thank you.

[@justinfacer6332]

Dont obsess about planning the surface is good advice. I'm still trying to square up my lumber for lamination and I've been at that stage for a few weeks. Lol I do work full time and have kids along with other obligations but I've for sure obsessed over it and it's a relief that I can call it good. I've been so caught up on not wanting to see the slightest gaps but I haven't even clamped anything yet

[@jayampathylokeshwara1695]

Dear Mr Paul You are great. Thank you. Greetings from Sri Lanka.

[@DragonCrestPC]

Beautiful work Paul, thank you very much!

[@bobs344]

Paul sellers philosophy of wood working I got from his videos took me down a very enjoyable path when starting out

[@atalayilhan7018]

I already missed old workshop. It has a soul.

[@reggiebarboza6711]

I can't thank you enough for sharing your knowledge. For some reason KZbin unsubscribed me from your channel, luckily I decided to check out your channel page when I had noticed I wasn't getting any videos from you on my feed. Again, thank you. Not many people on here actually share their knowledge but instead just show off what they can do with their power tools in sped-up nonsense videos which usually end up being half a shoutout to their sponsor.

[@j.davidwilliamson1163]

I could not saw that straight with a circular saw. Really nice to see a craftsman using hand tools.

[@DanielBoa]

Thanks for releasing this series on youtube Paul, such a great resource

[@JackWestrop]

I've watched a few other bench build videos now, but this is the best.

[@karltraunmuller7048]

A modern remake of the original, comprehensive „build your own workbench“ video series, which encouraged me to build my own workbench from a large pile of wood with just a handful of hand tools. Applause for both series.

[@fisharmor]

Mr Sellers I'm happy you're reinforcing some things for new woodworkers here. I don't see any other woodworking channel where such emphasis is put on the bench... even though it's one of the first five tools you're going to need. I also love how you emphasize, as we Americans would say, "Git 'er done!" Don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good, save your hard maple and walnut all-dovetail bench for some time in the far-off future, go get construction lumber and get it built!

[@brianm.9451]

fisharmor I never understood these $3000 benches. Why would I want to work on a bench that will get muddied up and glued up and scratched. Mu bench build will be popular and ash because they’re cheap and plentiful. I’ll save the maple and walnut for pieces made on the bench.

[@fernandobarrera6440]

Hey Paul! Love all of your series. Youre a Huge inspiration to me. Cant thank you enough! Never knew i would love planing and sawing until you turned me on to it.

[@user-fq7vs2de8u]

Great looking saw horses/trestles. They were very stable while you were planing.

[@missyknoll3714]

So excited! Thank you, Paul, my husband and I just got our lumber, our vise is on order and we are ready to build our bench! I am learning to do all the sharpening of our irons and chisels and we can do this!

[@ashyclaret]

Going to build mine in the next few weeks. How did you get on?

[@ScrapwoodCity]

Awesome tutorial as always

[@MADMANMUSICINC]

Simply Outstanding! Thank you Paul!

[@Mrshyguy775]

Paul, thank you so much for imparting your knowledge to us.

[@suzannesimpson1672]

Thanks for the plans, Paul. Always enjoy your videos. Signed up for the blog now too!

[@gibb3h]

Cheers Paul, looking forward to the project

[@aintgonnahappen]

Love ya Paul. You take the mystery out of hand-tools and woodworking in general; like a true master you make it look easy and attainable.

[@rbassham21]

Paul I love your videos and craftsmanship.

[@Dougerro]

I need a workbench. Its time to build one. Great job Paul. Greetings from Poland.

[@cedricsoblet2960]

Christmas before December! What a great surprise! Thank you very much for offering us these videos.

[@davidmadeley-willis7447]

Loving the new video style. Love how we can now see all the little bits (that are fast forward) that we couldn't see before

[@738polarbear]

Always relaxing to watch him work . he always seems to have plenty of time and it really is amazing how fast the work goes without power tools or noise or dust . he always gives out lots of useful little tips as well whilst he is working.

[@robgoodsight6216]

A true Master, a guide and inspiration to "do"....Tempted to build one for my living room.... :)

[@jamesreddish2206]

Hi Paul, I've just finished watching all the workbench videos and would like to thank you for them. I look forward to watching more of your videos in the future and now feel confident I can build myself a workbench to be proud of. Thanks again! James

[@darrensmall4313]

Thanks for the video and your time.

[@mackledee]

And here I am thinking I need all kinds of power tools to make a nice workbench. This has been added to my to do list for 2018!

[@WorkingViews]

Great quality as usual! Not at all sure what people are dissatisfied with but to each their own. Also, every question in the comments so far has been extensively answered in Paul's blogs and other videos, so just search if you are confused. His advice comes from 50 years of doing it for a living and as a lifestyle. Just to second it, large planes are great but they are expensive and I personally don't own one larger than a 5 because there were other planes I needed instead. I actually bought another no. 4 and a wooden jack instead of a larger plane. I must say that wooden planes are extremely effective and handle differently than metal planes. Though they appear primitive, they are generally highly refined and require added sensitivity to set and operate. All planes are extremely sensitive though and in my opinion are instruments. Find out for yourself and don't stop experimenting.

[@violetsnow3174]

Love watching you working.you give me hope to try it myself.Thankyou Mr Paul

[@eln74]

Maestro Sellers tnx for this bench series, regards from Laredo, Texas.

[@imortaldeadead]

Thank you for taking the time to show us how to make another work bench, with all the extra bits of knowledge you put in there for us too 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@tremolux13]

As a metal worker turned wood worker I must say this and everything I have been seeing you do in your channel is stupendous. You sir are a true crafstman. Thank you for what you do as there is always wonderful new knowledge to be learned from watching you.

[@tonyb2760]

Always enjoy watching a true craftsman at work. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@greenfingers9471]

A master craftsman , Top man and a joy to learn from.

[@mikejustice1196]

Interesting that you have been at this since you were 15 years old Paul. I’m 70 and started at 15 also as a brick mason. And now I’m into wood projects. 😊

[@akeemwaite]

I learn something in every video. Thank you Paul!

[@mariomuranaka9751]

Very practical and strong workbench, congratulations !

[@markyour6998]

Paul I love your vids, please. Never stop!

[@MarkGarth]

I enjoyed the first workbench build and I'm enjoying this one too. Thanks Paul.

[@rjperkins365]

Love when you put out a long video. I think I like watching you just as much as Peter.

[@benmccormack9114]

I’ve been watching your videos for ages now. When I started level 1 bench joinery at college I always watched your videos for tips. I’m now on level 2 carpentry and Im still watching your videos when I can☺️. Thanks for the great tips and keep up the great videos.

[@EricEllenbrook]

I am really excited for this series, Paul. Your teaching style is so simple and care free. There is no "You have to do it this way or it won't work" with you and I appreciate that.

[@kerfnut7898]

Awesome. I’m soo excited for the series. Can’t wait to build my own. Thanks

[@ismellfunny67]

Your videos are an inspiration. I'm fairly young, and planning my first true woodworking bench this summer. All of your videos have been a great help. Cheers from Oregon.

[@thomasgates7852]

Ive always loved watching paul work and share his knowledge but the new production quality of this video just takes it to the absolute next level

[@ValentinaFaussone]

Thanks for making this tutorials available. This is possibly what would make me start for real, because this is exactly my same situation: no bench, no power tools, little money and a love for hand tools. If I will succeed, I will send you the pictures 😅

[@OSPREY5150]

Thanks for the upload Paul I'm going to make this after Christmas you can't beat a good old workbench

[@44matos]

It's a pleasure to see your videos.

[@BaconSniffer578]

I’ve been a subscriber for ages and was here for the first workbench build you made I the yard. It’s amazing to see how are this channel has come. Fantastic

[@captaincoyote1792]

I’ve looked at cheap workbenches (Harbor Freight, Home Depot, Lowe’s) and I’ve looked at expensive ones (Sondenberg it?). I have an iffy general bench that I assembled back when the wife and I still had the kids at home. Now....64, retired Navy and retired federal law enforcement....I want a good, solid workbench from which I work on and make my duck decoys, carve, and do antique furniture restorations. Dammit....I’m going to do this one (with permission from the Domestic Commander who still works and controls the money!). Bravo-Zulu, Paul....for making this available....and doable without a bunch of power tools! Plus....Watching your videos is akin to “video meditation”....I watch while my Aussie “shop companion” sleeps next to me!

[@keithplumley2054]

I've built 2 of these now. The first one my son saw it and immediately wanted it so I made a Christmas present out of it. The second one I'm keeping. I'm now thinking of doing a third one from a much better grade of lumber.

[@Adanarth68]

What kind of wood did you choose?

[@keithplumley2054]

@@Adanarth68 the first two were built from construction grade pine but I was really picky about selecting clear, defect free lumber. The third one will be from local lumber that I'll mill myself, probably Oak or Maple.

[@robertj.w.mayerarzuaga8044]

Happy New Year from Puerto Rico. Paul is my inspiration! Thanks for the wonderful videos..

[@padraiglynch6726]

Brilliant series Paul!

[@EvulDali]

The best part about this series is that it just started! This is gonna be one awesome remake!

[@fruitytarian]

Watching this video and I'm inspired to start collecting tools and materials to build my own workbench. Your videos are priceless! Thankyou

[@reaDm4earl]

Loved the first series. Got this far then ran out of ambition. Still have all my pieces. Thanks for the renewed effort

[@wadepatton2433]

Also, those aluminum bar-clamps I now find essential to every little project. Took them from carpentry yesterday to metalworking. Used them to help fab a crude bench last weekend. Greatest "new tool" for this soloist. They're floppy junk without the wooden stiffeners, thanks Paul.

[@paulsellers7953]

For those who want to upgrade their clamps you can see it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d6qumnqjh9Zmrbs

[@johnpaulbelleza7430]

Traditional woodworker sir! I salute you. no power tools!

[@pasqualemandara]

Mister Paul, just today I enrolled in the woodworking school here in Malmö, which I'm gonna start in January...and here I have the first episode of how to build my first workbench. It feels like Your divine hand is guiding me through this life path that I have undertaken with Your inspiration. So perfect. Thank You Maestro!!! 😊

[@thomasarussellsr]

Brilliant. I love that your videos go through an entire step. That's just lovely. So many channels cut up their instruction into what ever fits around a time frame to get more videos out of a project. You give us an entire section. That is so appreciated. I don't mind a longer video, at all, if it gives an entire section the way you do. Absolutely brilliant platform. It just makes my day all the better when I see there is a video available from you. I might not be able to get to it right away, but I definitely have something to look forward to when I have the time. Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom and experience with the rest of us who are still learning this craft.

[@johnhannon]

I had a very difficult time cutting the bench ends straight with a cross cut saw. I switched to a rip saw and it seemed to do a much better job for me. I am grateful to Paul for posting all these videos. My workbench is finally moving along!

[@growingknowledge]

Paul, as an amateur woodworker i'm extremely happy to see this series and will follow along eagerly. Love your videos. Please keep doing what you are doing.

[@blackfender100]

Excellent Job Paul thank you.

[@astonmartinman]

Really wish this was the video I reviewed before putting my together. So much great info.

[@ignacioxxi]

Thank you Paul Sellers !

[@carterscustomrods]

The fact that this exists makes me happy. Can a person have too many workbenches??

[@saravanasaravana-cz5gl]

Wow, it's a great tutorial video. Appreciated sir. Thank you for the guide