My Split Top Roubo Woodworking Workbench - Ask Matt #5

This time I share more information about my split top roubo workbench. I go over it's dimensions, it's work holding options, and I talk a bit about how I built it.
This is the fifth episode of my Ask Matt series where I answer broader topic questions. If you have an idea for a topic for a future episode, please let me know. The next topic will be about my chainsaw kit.
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[@lizellevanwijk]

I bought this for my friend for his birthday as we just moved into a new house and he finally has room for a workshop. The bench was very easy to set up kzbin.infoUgkxyFZUPFEey-PuqsPMxqaykBhgA1LWxFHh They center support is a little difficult to snap in and out of place at first but at least then we know the bench is secure. It was a pleasant surprise when we saw it came with clamps. I apparently missed that in the description. My friend loves the versatility of the bench. Great starter bench for his workshop and easily transportable all over our property. I wish the bench was a little taller but the other features of the bench more than make up for that.

[@tmealer2003]

Ok first off, seeing that log on that trailer and then milled up in your basement and then turned into that bench just blows me away. The majority of us woodworker never see what the tree looked like before we got it, that is so cool. Second, I really love these ask Matt video's. You give so much detail and priceless information about things most just over look. Thank you for doing these video's, I look forward to each one. Lastly, You have a beautiful wife and I hope you thank her and tell her how much you love her every time she gets involved in you hobby. My wife has Lupus, Asthma,Osteoporosis and a few other ailments that limit not only what she can do in her regular life (but don't tell her that, she will do it just to prove you wrong) much less what she can help me with, not that she wouldn't love to but just can't. I see folks with their wives helping them (Just look at Renee (Alain-The woodpecker)) That lady is unbelievable.She has the respect of anyone who has watched any of his workshop video's. Anyway keep up the great work and thank you for all that you do. Tim

[@mcremona]

tmealer2003 Hi Tim! It really makes the experience so much more unique and enjoyable. Unfortunately, I don't have any pictures of the tree before it was cut down but I know where the stump is. I am glad you are liking the series. I'm really enjoying making these. Thank you! I constantly thank her for all the help and support she gives. I don't know what I would do without her. Having a great partner in life is all I need. I wish you and your wife all the best.

[@NickFerry]

Very nicely done Matt. Looks like it will last the test of time. A bench is on my to-do list and this gave me some food for thought.

[@mcremona]

Nick Ferry Thanks Nick! Hopefully you'll be building a bench soon :)

[@richardmadsen115]

Matt one of the things I really appreciate about your channel is that you are a WOOD WORKER, you mill your own wood, dry it and mill it for projects. I have not seen another person that actually does it all. Your projects are excellent and you give good instruction in an easily understood manner. Thank you

[@jacopodanglars4836]

As a Residential/Commercial Audio Video Integrator of 15+ years, you’re living my dream. I’ve always dreamt of having a piece of property, own workshop, pretty much make something like building from scratch. Having a work bench like that is awesome. P.S. I saw Adam Savage’s Bench and it’s pretty awesome. especially the “log”

[@mcremona]

Thanks so much!

[@mcremona]

***** Thanks Chris. I'll give that leather idea a try. I have left overs from the vices somewhere....

[@GuysShop]

Thanks for showing all the features and uses of the Roubo bench. One of these days.. I wish I did enough handwork to justify such a beast of a bench.

[@mcremona]

GuysWoodshop Thanks Guy! Be careful what you wish for ;)

[@lgallant]

Very nice, Matt! We built a Paul Sellers style bench this past fall, and it's so nice not working on a folding table anymore, haha!

[@mcremona]

Leo Gallant Thanks Leo! Oh yeah! It's so much better to have a "real" bench :)

[@josephmulherin6127]

Well, this morning I fitted my roubo workbench top to my Jack-Bench bottom....and it does work to raise the top to a very nice working level. Shall install the center tool topping next week and smooth the top with my router as the WoodWhisperer does to even out the top to totally even and level. And shall drill out the dog holes using my Fortsner drills. Am trying to copy Dema's bench....and it is coming out fine.

[@djm4689]

so often I see these videos and wish the people were in my area....mils, cool..up untill a year ago I loved wood carving but that all came to a halt when we moved from a house to a town house now back in a house with really large 2 car garage now I have room to to replace all my large wood working tools, table saw,band saw etc.....and one day I hope to actually start making a garage workshops but since may 17th I have been working on the interior of the house-it's should have been torn down, the only thing nice about the property is the 'newish' garage...so now when I do the shop I'll be watching your vids...thanks.....St. Paul

[@mcnultyfp]

Every third word in my head is Roubo. I have the hardware, I've ordered the wood, and plan initially to attach the front half to French cleats on the wall in the workroom, which is crowded with two gobar decks for piano making. The back half of the Roubo will wait until I know more. Thanks for your very thorough presentation.

[@mcremona]

Paul Mcnulty That's actually a really good idea. Wall mounted Roubo. I'm sure a lot of people would benefit from that design. Thanks Paul! Good luck on your bench build!

[@dpelcherjr]

My hat is off to you Matt. Extremely detailed video, Awesome build. Wow, I am really impressed with your work bench. I would love to have one for my shop. Problem is, I live in a 115 year old house. Lots of support beams in my basement. I have to keep my table saw on wheels just to use it, lol. Anyway, I am truly starry eyed over that work bench. Thanks Matt.

[@mcremona]

Dave Pelcher Thank you Dave! I only have one support to contend with but I always wish it wasn't there. Thanks as always!

[@chipewill]

Incredible bench, the quality of your video presentation is even better. Excellent work Matt!

[@mcremona]

Chip Williams Thank you so much, Chip!

[@TabLeft]

That leg vice is super slick. I've never seen that scissor design before. Thanks for sharing.

[@mcremona]

TabLeft Thanks! The Crisscross makes it so much more enjoyable to use. After using it, I couldn't imaging always having to more a pin in the parallel guide.

[@TheShavingWoodWorkshop]

Very nice break down and over view of a really good bench.

[@mcremona]

The ShavingWood Workshop Thank you Tommy!

[@dennissmith8853]

Matt, your workbench is beautiful and you did a great job. You also did a great job on the video. You gave great information without showing things you did that are very repetitive. I also liked your humor, I think it will help someone that’s nervous to give it a try a thought to go for it. I am glad to know that you’re close by, just across the river a few miles. Keep sharing.

[@PaulDesmondimakewoodthings]

That bench is awesome Matt. I can tell you're very proud of it and I like that you treat it as a bench. I built a 4'square worktable with an MDF top that sags in the middle and its a total PITA when you need a flat surface for assembly so I'm a bit jealous.

[@mcremona]

Paul Desmond Yeah that would get a bit annoying. I started on a sheet of OSB with only the 4 corners supported so I know what that's like. Thanks Paul!

[@BissellMapleFarm]

MC.... so far ahead of the curve. 7 years ago.... wow.

[@ZacHiggins]

I love that bench! It's tough to beat a split top Roubo for any woodworking task you throw at it, and it just looks lean n mean. Great video Matt, excellent detail about the build. You did a great job on your bench!

[@mcremona]

Zac Higgins Thank you Zac!

[@PaulMeyette]

Awesome bench Matt. Completely jealous. Not so sure I would attempt one myself. Also happy for you, I sense the pride and satisfaction you have for it in the video. Kudos!

[@mcremona]

Thanks Paul! Maybe someday ;)

[@KSFWG]

His bench dogs speak on command... He is Matt Cremona - The Most Interesting Woodworker In The World... :)

[@mcremona]

KSFWG woof woof! :)

[@KSFWG]

Stay woodworking, my friends...

[@russellelwood1845]

How to reprogram a Roomba i7

[@AdventuresInDIY]

Beautiful bench Matt! The split down the middle is a great idea. Wish I could have a bench like that but I would just put a bunch of junk on it and only be able to use a small portion :)

[@mcremona]

AdventuresInDIY haha Sounds like what happens to mine all the time :)

[@WoodworkingBarcelona]

That's a great split top bench Matt, and thanks for your precise explanations. Congrats!

[@mcremona]

Woodworking Barcelona Thank you Lluís!

[@McGinnsWoodShop]

Ohhh yeaa!! I"ve been waiting for a while to get an overview of this beautiful bench!! Thanks Matt!

[@mcremona]

McGinn's WoodShop :) thanks Jason!

[@philjorde4111]

Matt Thanks for the video. Your professionalism on your video is simply inspiring.

[@mcremona]

+phil jorde thank you Phil!

[@theparisattic1797]

I was told once that it takes a bench to build a bench. I can see now that my 2X4 bench really sucks. Thanks for the great videos and keep em coming.

[@mcremona]

The Paris Attic Thank you! I had a 2x4 bench before this one. This one is so much better. You don't know it until you've used it.

[@woodswanderer7274]

Matt, Thanks for the workbench tour. You have got a good set up. I've noticed that a good bench inspires me to greater productivity and creativity. I'm "old School" so my bench is primitive compared to yours but it gets the job done and I'm comfortable with it. I really like the part that you milled the lumber to make it. My first bench was from a lightning killed tree that I cut up with my chain saw. Thanks again--Jim

[@mcremona]

Jim Allen Thanks Jim! I agree. My old bench didn't have very good work holding options so I was less productive with it. This bench really changed the way that I work for the better. That's really that you milled up the wood for your first bench yourself. I think that adds a lot to the experience. Thanks again!

[@MrJsteed2009]

In love with your bench! I am crazy about that spacer in between the two halves of the benchtop. I'm sure you are aware of the style that has a trough in the middle; I like yours better: easier to keep clean and better on your tools. Thanks for keeping it real on woodworking! Keep up the good work!

[@mcremona]

thanks James! yeah if I had a trough it would be full of junk all the time

[@williamday1311]

Hi Matt! I’m in the planning phase for making my own Roubo ‘style’ bench and came across your video. In addition to giving me some great advice, tips and inspiration, you got another subscriber - thanks my friend! Very nice bench - and great job on your presentation.

[@mcremona]

Thank you!

[@nordyfamily]

Hey Matt, I have been binging your channel and wondered if you could put together a chronological playlist from the beginning. I know you have one with 200 from now to 2015. But for other people like me that get turned on to you and want to dig in, it would sure be nice to click the next video and not to have to scroll 18 times to get down to the next video. I have experienced this a lot in my covid no work downtime. Great stuff, thanks

[@danbreyfogle8486]

Nice bench Matt, I am in the "thinking stage" of a bench. I have been a woodworker since I was about 16, now at the age of 67 I am retiring and plan to build a bench as my retirement gift to myself. I like many features of your bench and it will help me past thinking into doing!

[@tom87pate]

You did an outstanding job sir.

[@mcremona]

+Thomas Pate thank you!

[@stevecollins9450]

Excellent explanation of a fantastic workbench, Matt!

[@mcremona]

Steve Collins Thank you, Steve!

[@allenhess6583]

Thanks for your detailed description of your bench. It’s helpful having some general idea of measurements. I am planning on building a top for a base I already have. I am planning on making my vices and your video gives me some ideas. I have not decided what type of vices I am going to use. I like the Roubo style bench. My top is recycled hard maple from a bowling alley. It is 2 3/8” thick. Each pieces has double tongue and groove on each side which will make the glue up process easier. I have thought about drilling horizontally so I can install threaded rod into the bench for additional strength. I don’t think it is absolutely necessary but I tend to overbuild. Thanks again, happy woodworking, be safe.

[@dienstag256]

Absolutely beautiful bench! I've been on the fence for some time about what wood to use, but your comment about it being a WORKbench really hit home. While a well constructed Roubo bench can be a piece of art, in the end it's a tool. I'm much more open to the idea of using soft maple or ash now for mine (whenever I actually start on it that is). It won't save me quite as much money as milling my own boards, but a little goes a long way. Thanks for sharing!

[@mcremona]

Michael Howell I honestly thought it would be a lot more beat up by now but it's really held up well. Good luck with your bench build whenever you are able to start :)

[@TedAlexander24]

There is a lot more going on with your bench than a guy would think. Thanks Matt.

[@mcremona]

Ted Alexander Thanks Ted!

[@rodney73991]

glad i watched lot good ideas maybe add mine some day.

[@rick91443]

Words don't describe...MAGIC Matt...rr

[@phooesnax]

Nicely done Matt. Hoping to build one soon

[@j.d.ransom6721]

Awesome bench! Great information on how it was built. Thanks Matt.

[@mcremona]

J.D. Ransom Thanks J.D.!

[@woodturningjohn]

Nice bench, one of these days I want to build a small version for my small shop.

[@mcremona]

woodturningjohn Thanks John! I know there are a few people who have made 4' long versions of this bench

[@MRrwmac]

I envy you having the nice wood available to build that bench. Did you mention how you flattened the top? I know, but others may not. What a wonderful feeling you must have steeping back looking at it knowing you built it and remembering the build! So many good choices. The beauty of functionality!

[@mcremona]

MRrwmac Thanks Mac! I could have gone into a lot more detail about the build but I was trying to keep it a bit short and provide a good overview. I probably should have mentioned the flattening process though :)

[@CVCceo]

Matt, I have all the materials and hardware ready to go. Just need you to come out and build it. Actually, my plan is to do all the milling on the CNC? Should turn out quite accurate. You can still come and help me

[@mcremona]

James Bushey haha! that would be awesome to watch and help assemble. It would be an awesome blending of new and old tech. :)

[@jamzach4]

Awesome bench. Very well thought out.

[@JimCoogan_CoogansWorkshop]

Great bench and thanks for the in depth explanation of the construction and uses of the various components. I plan to build a new bench and I was thinking about this kind of bench. Thanks for sharing.

[@mcremona]

Jim Coogan Thanks Jim! If you do build this bench, you'll wonder how you managed to build anything before :)

[@MichaelOlsen-Engineer]

Great build and very informative video Matthew Cremona.

[@mcremona]

Michael Olsen Thank you Michael!

[@theds2003]

really nice job on your work bench. if you ever feel like your wanting that second go at the build come to Australia and make it a working bench holiday.

[@mcremona]

theds2003 Thanks! Australian holiday sounds wonderful :)

[@GH-sx6tk]

Glorious! The split top didn’t make sense to me, until i understood about the removable insert. Couldn’t handle having a hole in the centre of my bench (permanently) for all my tools to fall through. Wonder how it would go if you had the insert separated into two halves? Awesome Ask Matt, Matt.

[@mcremona]

Glen H Thanks Harry! Glad seeing the split in action helped. I'm sure you could make the insert two pieces. What are you thinking the advantage of doing that would be?

[@Arnaud07000]

That's the first video I watch from your channel and I have to say it's pretty impressive, awesome bench !

[@mcremona]

Arnaud Vernet Thank you, thank you, thank you!

[@steverochon1620]

Nice bench Matt. BTW, having watched you over some time now, it should be noted how smooth you have become in your presentation. However, it should also be noted that the correct plural of the word vice is VEECE. It comes from the Latin " Veni, vidi, veece," which is translated as "I came, I saw, I held things in place." You're welcome!

[@Andrewpittsfurnituremaker]

This is a great video, Matt. I really like this bench; it is so versatile. I designed and built my bench 35 years ago, along the lines of the European benches of the time, but if I were to do it again, I'd do it like yours.

[@AndrewKleinWW]

I enjoyed the bench tour, makes me wish I had taken the time and money to make mine a bit nicer and more functional.

[@mcremona]

Andrew Klein There's always time to build a new one although it seems that your bench works well for you but maybe that's just because you've learned to work around it's deficiencies...

[@DemasShopforEverything]

I think your work bench is fine.. whats wrong with it?

[@markuscamenzind5510]

Not sure if your comment about missing pins in deadman was an attempt of humor or if you really didn't know that the hold fast are used in deadman too. ( hold fast was most prominent in that shot) Fantastic build doe.

[@josephbrauer2573]

I always wondered about the split top advantages , thanks for those tips , I want to build one now . I totally agree , a workbench is to do work on. I Treat my workbench like the salvage material its made from . hehe

[@CremonaCo]

haha yeah your workbench shouldn't get in the way of doing work :)

[@mattlangdale7969]

Very nice bench!

[@kevinwoodcock7578]

Just subscribed and am really enjoying your videos. I also appreciate your honesty with the affiliated links. I honestly don't know where you find the time to do all these videos. Best of luck to you in your business and thank you!

[@mcremona]

Thank you so much, Kevin!

[@matt_williams1015]

Lots of great information, and great bench!

[@mcremona]

Matt Williams Thank you Matt!

[@garrysmythe]

beautiful piece of work.

[@Tugmun11]

Matt wow what a awesome bench thanks for sharing

[@mcremona]

Reed Kay Thanks Reed!

[@roncooper191]

What do you say at the intro. It sounds like "hey Ron". This Limey is impressed if you can tell who is tuning in!

[@mcremona]

Ron Cooper hahaha! I say "Hey Everyone" Some day I will have to say "hey Ron" :)

[@allenhess6583]

Nice build, thank You for a well narrated and informative tutorial.

[@RivertownWoodcraft]

I'm getting ready for this I think in 2017, great video Matt.

[@mcremona]

+Rivertown Woodcraft killer project. Enjoy it!

[@dlwatib]

@ 3:27 It looks like you should be able to make your holdfast do double duty as a pin in the sliding deadman.

[@mcremona]

dlwatib ummm yup. duh! I feel a little dumb about that now lol

[@matthewjohnson7933]

Dammit! Now I have to build a split top Roubo! Man that bench is sweet!

[@mcremona]

Matthew Johnson haha! yes you do!

[@geoffsgarageworkshop9467]

I like the way the top was connected to the base. On some of the other builds, they use a through tenon. I like this method because it's easy to disassemble if you move. With the through tenon, you're stuck with the structure as is. Great job explaining how everything works and how you use it. Is there anything you would change or add to this bench? Also, did you flatten the top using a sled or did you plane it?

[@mcremona]

Geoff's Garage Workshop Thank you Geoff! I honestly can't think of anything I'd want to change. Another commenter asked me the same question and I couldn't think of one thing. If I had the space it would be nice for it to be longer if I really had to pick something I'd like to change. I flattened it with a router sled. Flattening the bench is why I built my router sled.

[@goslin99]

Great build. Beautiful table!

[@mcremona]

goslin99 Thank you!

[@mytrashaccount3630]

8:50 my dreams illustrated

[@woodengamer]

Hey Matt, two questions for ya. Is your workshop a basement workshop or a garage workshop? I am building out a garage workshop but need to get more electrical run and a ton of insulation done before it is usable. Second question, Can this be done fairly easily with smaller jointer and planer? I know you have a monster of a jointer, but I will most likely only pick up a 6" jointer and then a tabletop planer.

[@mcremona]

woodengamer It's a two car tuck under garage. It's partially below grade so it's partially insulated by the ground. Above about a quarter of the garage is a screen porch so that area of the ceiling is insulated and I have rigid foam insulation in the overhead doors. I have a subpanel in the garage and have all my power for the shop coming out of that panel. You can absolutely use smaller machines to build this. Running the top through those machines would be a bit more difficult physically. I wouldn't attempt it alone and I'd bolt down a portable planer so it doesn't tip over.

[@TheJimsock]

This was a very well done presentation. Bravo. Of course, obviously, the Bench speaks for itself.

[@johntenhundfeld1529]

Thanks for the informative video on your workbench. Very nice workmanship shown in that piece. The multifunction tool-holder down the middle is very clever. Making me consider something like that for the workbench I am currently drawing in Sketchup. Keep up the good work and the vids.

[@MosquitoMade]

Very nice bench Matt. I'd love to use Bench Crafted hardware next time. Currently I've got a small French style Bench (splayed legs, with a tool tray). It's just over 4' long, and 11" wide (not including tool tray). It works great (better than the workmate it replaced), but I hope to build a more substantial bench like this when I have more shop space (i.e. I get to move it out of a spare bedroom)

[@MosquitoMade]

Also, if you haven't yet, I'd suggest adding a small piece of leather to the "foot" of the holdfast. It helps immensely with the grip (also using both of them once you drill more holes will too). I like the dual-wood chop as well

[@EternalImageTatt]

Great Bench! Nice video. Keep up the good work.

[@mcremona]

+Ryan Grondin thanks Ryan!

[@mggcomputers]

I love when a video has links great vid

[@mcremona]

mggcomputers Thank you!

[@jamesnelson6884]

Im starting up a little workshop in the back corner of my garage, where i used to use the old plywood workbench in the last bay of my garage. I would love it if you could make a video showing how you made the actually bench dogs. Thanks!

[@havenisse2009]

very nice! My workbench is 4x2 feet from old ikea cabinets. not jalous at all :)

[@mcremona]

havenisse2009 I started with a beer pong table :)

[@puschmannn]

this is the most incredible video i´ve ever seen. only 70k views? unbelieveable, but i guess woodworking is very special - not so much people seem to share this unique hobby. i love woodworking but it all fails due to the fact that i have no tools *gg* however - thanks for sharing! btw: is there a word in english when someone likes to snuckle/giggle a lot? in austria we say "kichererbse", which means "chickpea" in english. but translated exactly word by word it would be "giggling pea". never lose your chuckling :)

[@phooesnax]

Beautiful job!

[@mcremona]

phooesnax Thank you!

[@thijs199]

I got 2 oak chimneys made of oak for 30 bucks. I need to remove all the nails and fill up the holes with epoxy, then I can start planing, looking at the prices of oak beams these days it's an absolute bargain. beams are 16x11cm and 1,70m long, and I got some wood to extend it

[@brianjoyce9040]

You’re having too much fun Matt. Keep it up

[@tamaselkan8902]

Great bench and demo Matt as always:)!

[@mcremona]

Tamás Elkán Thank you Tamás!

[@DemasShopforEverything]

Kick ass work bench, im going to borrow your sand paper storage thats behind you...:)

[@mcremona]

***** Go for it! It's the most organized thing in my shop

[@deezynar]

That's a very good looking bench, and has everything a good bench needs. I really like that leg vice, it has a lot of space between the top and the screw. Can I ask you, without insulting you, how is it a Roubo bench since the structures are different.

[@mcremona]

Thank you! I'm not sure I follow. Which components are different?

[@deezynar]

+Matthew Cremona Your bench is like a Roubo in that both have thick tops, no aprons, and the facility to take a leg vise. However, there is a fundamental difference between the two, that's in the structure. The legs of a Roubo are mortised directly into the top, and there is only one front-to-back stretcher between each pair of legs at the ends. Additionally, each of those stretchers is located close to the floor for a very important reason. Having the legs fixed solidly to the top creates a problem, the top pushes the legs in and out when it expands and contracts. The movement of the legs is why the stretchers are located near the floor. The joints between the legs and stretchers rack as the top changes size. This is a completely different philosophy of bench building from almost all other benches. The Roubo is only a half step away from peg-and-slab construction. I wouldn't get into a fight over what is, and what is not a Roubo bench, but Roubo benches are fundamentally different from other types in how they're built. I don't see how a completely different structure and top can be called by the same name. But Roubo is having a revival these past 20, or so years, so benches with thick tops are now being called 'Roubo' whether they have the Roubo type of construction, or not. Your bench is a very good bench, no matter what name it's given.

[@canepazzo8192]

Awesome bench and great video.

[@mcremona]

Cane Pazzo Thank you!

[@ulpilotrmh]

Magnificent Matt.

[@wilcoxtube]

Matt - I have been drooling over the various Benchcrafted Split-top Roubo builds for quite awhile now. Nice job on yours! When I get up the nerve, I will be using Marc's vids. Has he created a supplement for the scissor version of the vise? Or did you consult the Benchcrafted plans for that install? I think Marc's vid shows the original version - correct? 80 hours sounds pretty quick to me - I KNOW it will take me way longer! Thanks for the tour!

[@mcremona]

Thank you! He did a retrofit video when he changed to the crisscross from the parallel guide. I built mine before he did that video. I just followed the benchcrafted plans. It's actually a simpler install than the parallel guide.

[@michaelsummer7082]

I had to replay the video at 2:11 to make sure I wasnt missing a gchat message.

[@mcremona]

haha!! :)

[@BigFatTonys]

My first 3 square dog holes took a long time and were difficult. Then inspiration hit me. I made the other 10 in less than 30 minutes. My method probably won't work for anyone else due to differences in design. But alas, now that I can do it fast and accurate, I will never do it again.

[@BigFatTonys]

Well, if anyone is interested; I glued a slab to the edge, cut the dados and then glued another slab to the edge. I made a template to cut the dados as the dogs have heads and are not a simple rectangular stick. Using a router to cut the dogs presented all kinds of problems. Solution - I used the template to cut the basic shape with a hand saw, not cutting to the edge. knocked the waste out with one mallet wack. Then finished the basic shape and cut the head sockets with the router. The dogs have a button from button catches to hold them in position.

[@mcremona]

Big Fat Tony's Cleaver solution. Thanks for sharing. Hopefully it will help someone. Thanks as always!

[@RickMarshallMaps]

Great video

[@mfwoodshop]

Nice bench wish I had room for one

[@mcremona]

Mike Fulton Thanks Mike! I made room for mine :)

[@daveellingsen4854]

Great explanation and info about the build Matt. There are alot of considerations when building the right type/features of a bench depending on what you do most. I can see the quality work you put into it, really looks great and has many useful features. Now that you have used it for awhile, aside from the holdfasts, are there any other customizations you would add or changes in the build if your were going to build another? Thanks!

[@mcremona]

Dave Ellingsen Thank you, Dave! Honestly, I'm really happy with the bench. I have no complaints about it. If I had more space, I would make it longer, but other than that, it fits my needs perfectly. It's a great feeling. I love it.

[@daveellingsen4854]

Matthew Cremona That's great Matt, fit, form and function. Seeing your build is making me reconsider some options in my next bench build. I really like the small split insert with function as a tool holder and a bench dog of sorts, and the ability to clamp vertically is a nice option to have. Thanks again Matt!

[@mcremona]

Dave Ellingsen The tool holder is really nice. It helps keep me organized when I'm working at the bench. No more tools rolling off the bench either (as long as I remember to put them into the holder :) )

[@taffynz90]

Hi Matt, just to let you know I bought the plans and videos etc through the wood whisperer guild, not sure when I'll get round to building it though....

[@mcremona]

Awesome! Hope you're able to find the time to tackle this one. It's worth the investment. Thanks!

[@sea-ferring]

Beautiful build. One question: I have only read about using hard maple for benches - what are the advantages of using soft maple besides (I assume) being easier to work?

[@CMRWoodworks]

Such a great looking bench. I'd love to build one for myself one day. Thanks for all the info!

[@mcremona]

CMR Woodworks | Chris McDowell Thanks Chris!

[@TruBBQtv]

That's a beautiful workbench. Thanks for taking the time to make all of your videos - I find them extremely useful. I'm just starting off in woodworking as a hobby and I've learned a great deal from you. I have a question though about attaching the table top to the frame - I was under the impression that one shouldn't bolt a table top to the frame due to risk of warping/cracking caused by wood movement and instead a table top should be affixed with z clips or something of that nature...? Thank you and I look forward to more of your videos!

[@pjakkur007]

very nice bench and a grate design. 1 question tho! isint the site on the workbench were the leg vise it straight? if it is then isint the lining on the bench site of the vise to mutch? what i mean by that is, when you clamp a long workpeace in the vise it stand a 2 or 3 mm away from the bench at the end so if you try to saw there it vibrates? just some thoughts but again exelent craftmansship and beutifull workbench

[@mcremona]

pjakkur007 Yes, the front of the bench is a clamping surface. The way I have the suede mounted to the front of the bench keeps the workpiece from contacting the entire font surface of the bench. I really only use the leg vice for smaller pieces so this set up works well for me. The added suede on the inside adds more grip and protects the workpiece. I suppose I could also line the entire front of the bench in suede too :) haha! Thanks!

[@MrFrenchy3552]

Amazing. Just amazing.

[@mcremona]

Andrew French Thank you Andrew!

[@scottmcalister4136]

would you consider making another for video and sale ??????

[@CinemaNinja]

You are one badass mo fo! Thank you for your super awesome top notch youtube videos.

[@MrHollick]

Dream Bench!

[@mcremona]

MrHollick :)

[@pcorlis]

Great explanation about your workbench. Any idea how much it weighs? I was more surprised in the cost of the tail vise than I was the leg vise. Both look like quality products that should last a lifetime.

[@mcremona]

pcorlis Thanks! I had to look up some info on silver maple to estimate the weight. There's about 120 board feet in the bench. Silver maple typically weights 33 lbs per cubic foot (12 board feet). So somewhere around 330lbs (plus all the bowl blanks I have under there, so probably over 400lbs).