Laminated Pine Workbench From 2x4's - Woodworking

I needed a new workbench. Watch as I make an affordable, simple, heavy laminated workbench out of construction pine 2x4's.
All construction was from pine 2x4's except the pine dowels. This is a good project for anyone wanting to build a sturdy workbench without breaking the bank.
Bumba Crossing by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (creativecommons.org/licenses/...)
Source: incompetech.com/music/royalty-...
Artist: incompetech.com/
12 Mornings by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (creativecommons.org/licenses/...)
Artist: audionautix.com/

[@gsnad]

So glad to see a workbench video that shows you don't need thousands of dollars worth of tools to make. Definitely going to make a copy of this in the near future

[@joekusnier4774]

This is a valuable addition to my woodwork collection kzbin.infoUgkxbnOKZBE4evMO5V2vroHeCjq6d_MV6wJO I still will rate this woodwork plan as the best in my reference library. It always seem to stand out from the rest whenever you go through the library. This is a masterpiece.

[@pumpkinheadghoul]

I know my comment is a couple of years late, but for anyone watching this now, there's a great video by Matthias Wandel where he tests the strengths of various wood glues. He proved these foaming glues, like the one being used here, and also like Gorilla Glue form the weakest bonds and were by far the easiest to break apart. I had been using Gorilla clue for nearly everything, and had no idea it actually created such a weak bond. He proved good old fashioned standard wood glue was by far the strongest of glues for bonding wood. Just thought I'd point that out.

[@tictac1020]

As a total noob, this is good to know. A few other craftsmen I follow on here, notably Kobeomusk and Ishitani (spelling may be off), always use the green label Titebond Ultimate so I figured that must be the one to go for. Those two dudes are the absolute best woodworkers I know of. This video was on the same level as those guys. The ingenuity and precision is sexy as fuck. Awesome job.

[@timma_thy]

This answers my question. I was wondering what kind of glue goes on brown and dries white.

[@timma_thy]

@@tictac1020 I use Titebond 3 too because it has a slower set up time. Gives me more time to get things straight as a total noob. You have to be aware that it dries pretty dark though.

[@fredberger3155]

If it's for wood then I buy whatever glue is on sale, provided it is yellow or white carpenter glue, and is made in the United States. Spread adequately, "place" your clamps properly (don't overtighten), make sure the room is and will stay warm for 12 hours at least.

[@raymondbunkofske4702]

Polyurethane glues have bond strength of around 3,500 psi, aliphatic resin about 3,600 psi. (Titebond specs for both). If you prepare the material properly and follow manufacturer instructions for clamping they’re both fine.

[@mtmarcy4495]

Will is a living, breathing example of the saying, "if you're gonna do something, do it right". Beautiful job fella.

[@246trixie]

If you want ti lose your life at the table saw…

[@marioaraya7765]

Dang! This is a Workbench? Could be a DINING TABLE!!! Fine workmanship!!!

[@WillMatthews]

Thank you :)

[@50thstateofmind37]

Mario Araya exactly what I was thinking

[@LaurensiusYuliusTahaka]

LOL i was thingking the same.... not its too good to be used as a workbench....

[@Choice777]

@@WillMatthews Why oil it and not paint it with a lacquer ? Now it's all greasy and even more flammable.

[@Ramingo1983]

ahah! I was writing the same comment! :D

[@LCConservative]

There are some awesome techniques in this video. I love the way he used a router to true the surface of his bench. that alone is worth watching.

[@JasonTreadway007]

right?! I was like man that is a great idea

[@colt1954]

That to me seemed unnecessary? What's wrong with using a good jack plane

[@patty109109]

@@colt1954 same reason you have a power planet. This is setup once and just done.

[@keza41]

Apart from making stuff myself, I don’t think there is anything more satisfying than watching a craftsman going about his work, excellent YouTubing my man.

[@MrHadrian71]

What have I just watched! I don't think you needed to put at the end "If you like subcribed" What a beautiful build! Outstanding masterclass and excellent choice in music! I was mesmerized! Thank you x 3!!!

[@sebrame]

Don't know if you live in an area that gets tornadoes, but if one was coming, I'd hide under that workbench!

[@WillMatthews]

+Steve Brame Haha, nice alternative use!

[@liquidee]

He must be from Australia or NZ, looking at the power sockets

[@jarodmorris611]

Those of us that do live in areas with tornadoes (I live in Oklahoma City), we go out to our front yards to figure out if we can see the tornado, then we take cover if we have to.

[@geoprism457]

Steve Brame hahaha right

[@MC-zr7hl]

@@jarodmorris611 I dont live in tornado country and dont know the process so Im curious how else you would know whether you need to get to shelter or not? I'd assume even if you heard it on the news and they recommended taking cover you'd still wanna go outside to check and see how close, how big, which direction its headed, etc.

[@BronkBuilt]

All I can say is WOW! What you built for yourself to pound on, glue on, and generally abuse in the shop I would be proud to put in my house as a kitchen table. Fantastic work!

[@brensweeney2222]

BronkBuilt

[@AereForst]

There’s nothing more relaxing than watching a good build 👌🏻

[@darylbunning3903]

Will, simply beautiful. I think it might be the nicest 2x4 workbench I have seen made. Loved the use of stacking scrap 2x4s to raise the top piece high enough to slide on top of the legs.

[@brianlane9534]

That was the most enjoyable 20 minutes I've spent all week. Thanks

[@ZNA_Productions]

The music makes me feel like I'm playing Toa Tahu's level in the mask of light Bionicle game. (Awesome build too)

[@BarneyGumbl3]

What a fucking blast from the past, I haven't heard of Bionicles in nearly 20 years hahaha

[@robertmarsh5107]

"Ah I see your a man of culture as well" Good job ZNA, keep fighting the anticlause.

[@losttribe3001]

Or Super Mario Sunshine

[@SHdrummerguy08]

I get Diablo 2 Lut Gholein vibes

[@johnbesharian9965]

The slab-flattening techniques and jig alone are priceless. Thank you. (Lemme see now, one to clamp, pound and assemble on. Another, lower one to assemble taller projects on. Another to rebuild engines on and one to reload on. I'm gonna need a bigger shop.)

[@chauntikleer]

"I'm gonna need a bigger shop" - the classic Woodworker's Lament. I hear you, bro. I hear you.

[@robertgraham7751]

That was truly inspirational. I am about to start my workbench build and have watched quite a few videos and most are using tools I can only dream of owning. Yours provided me with an insight on how to use the tools I have and the budget I have to get the job done. Brilliant.

[@hesebaby1]

Amazing to watch ! I've only recently taken an interest in woodworking and this has given me some useful ideas. Love the finished product.

[@j.stires]

It's a tough job (for this newbie, at least.) I'm laminating about 15 2x6's and it's not exactly a tea party. Very inspirational and put me right in my place at the back of the room!

[@bbrachman]

Will. I don't think I have seen someone take so much care making a 2x4 workbench. Your work is incredibly precise and clean. I wish I had the ambition, space and tools to make something this elegant. I just cannot say enough about how well you constructed, filmed and edited this video. I would be really interested to see if you put a vise on the bench. Can you tell us how long it took to complete? Thank you again. Great work.

[@WillMatthews]

Bruce Brachman thanks heaps for the feedback! It took about 4 weekends on and off when I got time. Yes I put two vices on. An engineering vice on one end and a standard 6" woodworkers vice on the other. You can see them in action in my other videos. Cheers!

[@bbrachman]

What a pleasure to watch. Keep it up.

[@eln74]

Bruce Brachman you said it bro. Now let's dig some holes for those bench dogs, distribute some 7/8 diam. holes, 3/4 and finally some 1/2 inch holes that you'll find very handy when using a wide variety of tools and diferent material bench dogs, even plastic or composite. Hope you can make it accesible for any tipe of job. Thanks sir, awesome build. :D

[@AndrewFrink]

Bruce, This looks like it could be made with; a drill and drill bit to match some dowel stock, a hand saw, a chisel, a mallet/hammer, a #4 bench plane, and some time. Can't help with the ambition and space issues, though you could make it narrower and shorter in length. It would take longer to flatten the top with the hand plane than the router setup will used, and a forstner bit would be helpful for hogging out the mortises, but they could be chopped all by hand.

[@bbrachman]

Andrew: I have seen other benches made with just hand tools. I could do it. This one is just so beautiful. I would never go to this extent. 4 x 4 legs. 2 x 6 stretchers, plywood top would be my speed.

[@josephcarabetta1494]

I have never enjoyed an Irish whiskey so much watching a true craftsman at his work. where were you when they built the Titanic. Cheers from Australia

[@ancienttom97]

Your old school tenon skills are amazing. A skill to be proud of. When I lay up my wood laminating, I think I'll cut those tenons in the 2x4s first before gluing. At 74, I no longer have the arms, stamina, or patients for all that chiseling.

[@cpickslay]

Nice work! I love the way you lifted the top up to place it by alternating blocks on either end--very clever.

[@WillMatthews]

Haha yeah I had no one around to help so had to come up with something! Thanks

[@lightning4871]

That was a damn fine job. Really good.

[@ARMYStrongHOOAH17]

I already know that was one heavy sumbitch! I chuckled, not only out of amusement but also out of amazement, at the clever way in which you lifted the tabletop up onto the base. I'll have to keep that in mind when I find myself in the same situation.

[@eurotourcaddy]

It's so nice I fear you'll be devastated when you slip your first chisel into it. Good job. Throughly enjoyed watching you work.

[@game-r-age7157]

Correction, it's nice to finally mess up the finish on a work piece meant as a tool. You can finally stop worrying about messing it up.

[@dulay1234]

Just love how you got creative in the joints. Looks amazing. Keep the creative ideas coming.

[@danvanhoose6783]

That tables a beast.good build.old school mortise and tenon work.

[@carsonschaneman]

Out of all your videos, this one is my absolute favorite. Part of making a quality craft is having quality equipment, and the table made here is of very high grade.

[@PhillyChevy215]

Awesome craftmanship. Everything was done to perfection. Having the right tools makes all the difference in the world.

[@HarlyGuy13]

Wow,is all I can say. Mad props for some great skills.

[@leticiahoskins3296]

This was so therapeutic to watch! Also, looks like a good sturdy work table!

[@Shad0wC0mpany2]

Leticia Hoskins Lol, right?! I loved the music almost as much as the table!

[@Victoria-jo3wr]

This was such a joy to watch, thank you!

[@tmoore471]

Regularly watch this video, as I find your editing and composition for making videos to be among the best, and this one of yours is one of my favorites. Keep making, keep taking us along, it's worth it!

[@prestonbahr989]

RedRumPres I use to think I was pretty good, so much for that silly idea. Pretty amazing work, you are a true craftsman.

[@indyvin]

She's a beauty. Love your technique. I want one just like this.

[@antiquelude]

This was so mesmerizing I forgot what I was even watching halfway through. I was just watching to watch.

[@expatcanuck2087]

Extraordinary workmanship. And I even enjoyed the font selection for the 'This just won't do" opening.

[@SalvageWorkshop]

That bench is built like a TANK!! Well made!

[@MrJustliketht]

waste of time.

[@mitchdenner9743]

@@MrJustliketht so is your life

[@MrJustliketht]

mitch denner don’t be butt hurt, it is completely a waste of time to make it this way.

[@mitchdenner9743]

@@MrJustliketht said the guy with no life

[@MrJustliketht]

mitch denner define how I have “ no life” silly rabbit.

[@derekcavan6000]

19 minutes and 43 seconds of my time well spent! Excellent video, though speeded up a wee bit too much at times.. It was great to see the time and effort you put in to create a great finish. I was also extremely impressed to see the use of screws only for the table top fixing. Very inspirational video. Subscribed! :D

[@neville132bbk]

square drive screws,,,, 2nd only to sliced bread :-))

[@Hiawatha3971]

Thank you Will . Found your clip at the best possible time , I'm building my retirement work shop at the moment , your bench is truly masterful.

[@V8SKULLS]

Just a beautiful and wonderful craftsmanship table. Thank you for sharing your stories

[@VitorMadeira]

Finally, a DIY video here on KZbin where the backtrack sound music is almost as good as the video itself. No off-beat stupid techno "music"... Ouch! Thank you and greetings from Portugal.

[@barryroberts6470]

Wow that is one Brilliant Workbench Build. I loved watching this build come together from start to finish, this build has to be one of your finest achievements and constructions that you have done, and i am glad that i found this video to watch it. Well Done on an Excellent build. Barry (ENG)

[@WillMatthews]

Thanks Barry :)

[@feldgrau2664]

stop it, Barry, you're embarrassing yourself.

[@robertflinn8306]

One of the best builds I couldn’t stop watching! Awesome work!

[@jamesbarros950]

This is the best alternative to having an epic planer I’ve ever seen. I feel like this may be doable for me. Thank you so much!!!

[@Miketoledo1]

Will, you did an excellent job on this bench. Great editing and impressive workmanship. I'd be proud to work on a bench like this. You've inspired me. Thank you!

[@forest487]

*Craftship (less sexist)

[@chaseflynn6956]

That router jig was genius, can't believe I haven't seen it before. Also fantastic work on the joinery man you rock.

[@EileenTheCr0w]

Basically a mobile planer

[@MultiShizmo]

Normally I don't like instructional videos without talking, but this one was awesome. Well done.

[@kryptik0]

I have been working on remodeling our only bathroom for the last 6 days. It has broken both my back and my spirit, but things are beginning to look up. I watched this beautiful, almost therapeutic video as I took a coffee break. This is art and the table is literally an exhibit. I can only hope I can get to about 10% of the level this guy is at.

[@jjs71072]

I wish I had your talent! Great Job

[@mindfullsilence]

5:18 I like how you stop for a second like "Okay, now how the hell do I move this beast?" lol

[@papablueshirt]

That is not a work bench, it is a work of art. Nice Job

[@mrniceshoes2118]

Perfect no jibber jabbers ! no obnoxious music ! Good camera work ! Can build this !! .....I wish all tutorials with like this. !!

[@Amtk509]

Stunning!!! I'm in serious disbelief that anyone would give a thumbs down to this video, they must be overly jealous.

[@larrywoods820]

I gave one and you can read my explanation that I posted.

[@nyinfamous2k2]

incredible piece of workable art.

[@andrewlindberg630]

jsj

[@Tunaslayer1]

Amazing video!! I had a big smile on my face the minute you starting oiling it up. Must have been a great sense of accomplishment!! Nice job!

[@frankgambino3147]

Thank you Will, finally, a video showing how to build a fantastic workbench without having to buy thousands of dollars worth of tools, you used all the tools I have on hand. thank you, I am in the process of building one now. You did a great job,

[@skezus]

Genius! Love how your jig to true the surface!

[@chewbakkah7144]

He should make a video dedicated to that process alone.

[@user-jr3zm1jb5s]

damn, nice work! thank you so much for the video and hard work!

[@kaliavarad]

absolutely beautiful - stunning work out of simple pine. I admire the patience and diligence

[@huverdelasierra5061]

That work bench looks like it will last a life time, thanks for sharing and teaching us your skills.

[@ScottTurnerformeindustrious]

Will that was a great job you did there on the workbench. You have a bright future ahead of you on the You Tubes. All the best mate!

[@datomohamadbinyusof4421]

Ouúp

[@gordonchapman222]

That bit where the bench top was to heavy for you to lift alone - you stacked wooden blocks to slowly raise the top up - Genius 5⭐'s What a great buld, thanks for sharing

[@overlord5580]

That looks like an extremely solid table . . . I love it!

[@franktartan6808]

Amazing!! Wife loved this too. She said it is too nice to go in a workshop.

[@jorgeojeda697]

I like so much this proyect. Saludos desde Uruguay, sud América!

[@arkansas1336]

You sir, are a better than average KZbin wood worker. Almost all of You Tube.....but NOT ALL...."builders" think they have built something awesome and post it for the whole world to see. Some of them just need to think they're good and not video anything and prove to the viewers that they're not (good). You did an EXCELLENT job.....very well done!!!!!!! ....13

[@WillMatthews]

I really appreciate the kind words arkansas13, thanks

[@brianwood7480]

I will make an educated guess here. After putting myself in Will's head for a li'l while, I would bet that he gets just as much satisfaction from knowing that he has inspired 100's of hobby carpenters, as he does from building beautiful, useful projects. Lovely job, Will. Of course I subscribed, cheers mate.

[@Tom_M_Riddle]

man... this has got to be the best self made table ive ever seen

[@jjk109]

Although it’s an amazing workbench I would take this into my house and use it as a dining table because I wouldn’t want anything to happen to it.

[@bornn68]

Great job Mr.!Your'e really fast this will take me longer. Glad this was in my suggested playlist! New subscriber!

[@357bullfrog2]

Beautifull work. And that Spanish guitar instrumental was really something. I could listen to it all day long.

[@louismansour4764]

I gotta say, even though watching you use a table saw made my phantom thumb tingle, that table came out amazing.

[@DanLimbach]

10:38 his left arm looks like it almost falls onto the blade when he is catching the wood as it falls off the table. Maybe it is just the angle and the speed-up of the video.

[@funtycase2043]

you make joints like how i roll them lol. pure masterclass

[@willb3698]

everytime you lent over the table saw, I was: Aaaaaaaaah. But nice Table!!!! Well done

[@motomyrtle]

Excellent! Too beautiful for a workbench! Definitely an heirloom!

[@chrisgenovese8188]

THAT is how you make a workbench! I feel like I was in a trance while watching this.

[@stephenfranco964]

That table is nicer than my kitchen table.

[@rokpodlogar6062]

i was so glad i saw the orbital sander after a short glimpse of a belt sander. that thing can ruin a flat surface in no time. :)

[@kenjepsen4579]

Yeah I really cringed when I saw the belt sander come out... I learned about THOSE the hard way...lol

[@tonywright8294]

ken jepsen tosser

[@tkskagen]

Now all you need is a Wooden Bench Clamp/Vise! WOW... That turned out BEAUTIFUL!!!👍

[@suearmstrong3404]

Absolutely gorgeous! Amazing skill to make 2x4s look so beautiful

[@chauntikleer]

10:04 Watching the whole benchtop flex as you plane, I can see why you want a nice, beefy benchtop. And your new benchtop is **plenty** beefy. As are the legs. EDIT: And I love how you use both power tools and hand tools as appropriate (11:32) - classic modern woodworker.

[@johnbarneswood]

Great video brother

[@richscatenclosures7535]

The ingenuity with the build the cool camera angles. Loved it

[@TheYanivR]

Wow, Amazing old school carpentry. The outcome is beautiful.

[@MrJustliketht]

This isn't old school carpentry entirely.

[@oobaka1967]

I felt kind of sad that the old bench was helping you create its replacement :( Liked and subscribed.

[@emm_gee1294]

oobaka1967 unrelated think about this you have to dip chicken in an egg wash to fry it. On a farm you literally bathing a chicken in the blood of its children. Just some food for thought no pun intended lol. But I did see that irony as well. If only the old bench knew what was coming.

[@shelbyseelbach9568]

Matthew Gerwin there is no blood in an unfertilized chicken egg, and it is not a baby chicken. NO BLOOD, NO BABY. Inserting analogy, but wrong at every level.

[@williamoloughlin8298]

you missed the point!

[@quintonmorris11]

Shelby, I feel your passion on this subject is somehow linked to your thoughts on the abortion debate...

[@longbeachboy57]

Happens in my shop all the time. And I do get the same feeling :(

[@nitrojunkie22]

3 years ago, 2 x 4s were cheap. Not so much a "penny-pinching" project anymore. Nice bench nonetheless.

[@luisg1653]

Yeah seriously! They've gone up quite a bit.

[@nitrojunkie22]

@@luisg1653 Wood in general has gotten ridiculous. You can usually expect a slight uptick during hurricane season, but with idiots burning down forests because of a gender reveal party mishap or what have you, then prices go up even more. For instance, plywood used to be the less expensive option. I remember when a 4 x 8 sheet of 3/4 furniture grade oak plywood was like $45. Now it's like $55. That sheet of plywood equals 24 board feet. I can go to the Amish and buy 4/4 red oak for $2 a board foot if I buy 100 feet. So, I can pay $200 for 100 Bft of solid wood, OR I can pay $220 for 4 sheets of plywood, and only get 96 Bft. Why WOULDN'T I just get solid wood at that point? Sure, there's less work involved in using plywood, but from a price point and quality point, it's a no-brainer.

[@dlw9119]

lol

[@johnfreeman9766]

Instead sit on your ass and Build a bench in the mEtAvErSe.

[@tyler.walker]

@@johnfreeman9766 I’m building a workbench so I can put my computer on it and use it to design more woodworking projects and design 3D assets for VR environments such as the Metaverse, I feel personally attacked lol 😂

[@nicoleshults8719]

Fantastic craftsmanship. Loved all the pro-tips and tricks throughout the video!

[@travistravis7190]

That trick for lifting that workbench by building up each side a stack is genius.

[@Acheiropoietos]

When the linseed comes out

[@lagrottedubarbu]

waouh super interesting and inspiring video that's a nice looking workbench :D

[@georgechatzi849]

Olivier Chambon παραμύθια Ε

[@LanceMcGrew]

Wore me out just watching time lapse. Can't imagine how many real time hours. Very ambitious project. Beautiful piece of shop furniture that will last many generations.

[@haroldrull4943]

Just the workbench that I need... solid as can be. Good job!

[@sumandl]

Good Job Will. You got a new subscriber👍

[@WillMatthews]

+SAWBLADE PROJECTS thanks!

[@oscarmadrid8452]

Ditto!

[@EdwardHKrebs]

Great job

[@raymondpolacek4045]

SAWBLADE

[@bespokebrisley3423]

i made a bench too just like some advice on youtube please

[@69adrummer]

That is so cool and beautiful. My coffee went cold as I was watching! Didn't get one sip!! :( haha

[@ForestWoodworks]

😂 mine too... Just had to reheat, LOL

[@robertfreund7525]

Big respect, hat down. Love how you solve some details.

[@jamesgreff2120]

Wow! That's absolutely some fine craftsmanship!

[@43srgrock]

Love it man watched 3 times.

[@skylermoore9000]

@Bobbi Floss his watching the video for entertainment. Sure there are other videos but if he likes this one he has the right to watch it as many times as he wants. It's not wasted time if he's doing something he enjoys no matter what it is

[@SonOfPatriots]

@Bobbi Floss when you watch a detailed video the first time you don't always catch "everything" the first time. so if you really need the specifics for educational purposes you tend to watch it more than once to capture all the details. i take it your workbench is not this good since the specifics are irrelevant to you...

[@davidrustylouis6818]

@Bobbi Floss so you're telling me that you waste hours of your life watching millions of KZbin videos?

[@michaelreyes2794]

Here is a huge collection of 16,000 woodworking plans: *WoodPlan. info*

[@WARPapaRouge]

Only 3???

[@archangel20031]

I'd make a series of 1/2" holes every 12" to 18" down the center of every board, then use a 1/2" steel rod threaded on both ends to pull it all together. It will add strength for the life of the table through the boards and also prevent them from racking while gluing together. You can then recess the ends and plug them so they are net seen. I'd also put the oil on before installing the top so you can get all sides easier, it will prevent the wood from absorbing moisture in the humid summer.

[@jbsoul4575]

Make your own video.

[@joelegrand5903]

Love that floor jack, to save your back by using your head!! Love the table frame, with the "H" frame legs. I am making a dinning Farmhouse table, the the same frame , but with a single top stretcher & a single bottom stretcher .

[@agustinmaldonado71]

You put a lot of love in this build and with minimal hardware. Very beautiful and handcrafted design. 2 thumbs up.