Scandinavian Workbench Made Easy!

[@lorrainelavin764]

Thx for sharing ....... love Scandinavian stuff and carpentry

[@abbbee8918]

Brilliant and beautiful

[@deezynar]

I like the simplicity, David. And I agree with you about the legs. Nice job, sir.

[@davidbarronwoodwork]

Thank you!

[@prepperjonpnw6482]

Maybe you could do a video showing the Scandinavian bench in detail. It would be nice for a couple of reasons. First of all it would be really interesting to understand how all the various bits and bobs are integrated into it and how they work together and individually. Second, seeing it in detail would inspire someone (me lol) to replicate it in a build of their own. Thank you for the video. Cheers mate and happy trails

[@mr.smallshop9787]

Brilliant video! Loved it! Great advise, mate.

[@mikeradic9218]

Thanks for sharing your experience your master work I never saw better wood working bench

[@mariolagarde1672]

not only a great looking bench, but shows superb craftmanship we are use to all your work. thanks.

[@davidbarronwoodwork]

No problem!

[@hutts57]

Enjoying your channel. Thanks for taking the time to post your knowledge.

[@davidbarronwoodwork]

No problem, I'm glad you enjoy the videos. All the best, David.

[@RGRGJKK]

I like both design thanks for sharing them

[@twalsh1490]

I particularly admire the way you modified the traditional fifth leg. It looks graceful for such a large timber. I like the unobstructed foot space. Thanks for your thoughts on the inset tail vise, too. Interesting to compare the Veritas and H.N.T. Gordon versions.

[@janbuzrla9314]

Nice video, David, some really clever ideas put in your bench.

[@davidbarronwoodwork]

Thank you!

[@HeavyTone66]

I found the article in F&C recently. Love the design and attempting to use this as the bones for my new bench. Thanks for the effort you put in David. your passion and dedication to perfection inspires me to do better.

[@davidbarronwoodwork]

Hi Tony, No problem, I'd like to see some pictures when you're done. All the best, David.

[@andymckenzie8031]

Thanks for this video... I've been looking at making a bench similar to this, and it's nice to have another source of details!

[@jameslenhart9565]

This is awesome! Is there plans available?

[@noncched6839]

You pumping out some great vids!!

[@davidbarronwoodwork]

thanks you!

[@mikebassett1663]

Hi David, as a starting but elderly woodworker I think I must had read about every design of workbench and your variant of a Scandinavian workbench is the one that makes most sense to me. I will be making the base from kiln dried Douglas fir and I would like to know if you think it would also be a suitable wood for the top. One day I might change it for a hardwood top but I need to build a basic bench before I improve it. My other question is about the finish, I notice that you paint your base rather than use an oiled finish, what sort of paint do you use and would you say it is better than linseed oil or is it just a personal choice. It is nice to see unpretentious common sense from the UK.

[@jthomas2853]

I made a Polish bench, it's a chair.

[@lbeau061]

Thanks for the laugh!

[@vincent7520]

Very nice !… Thanks for posting !

[@davidbarronwoodwork]

No Problem!

[@robhebert1704]

I must confess I had to watch this twice because I was simply gob-smacked by that beautiful book-matched cabinet back there, and I missed about half of what you were saying. Excellent work, sir!

[@davidbarronwoodwork]

Hi Rob, Thank you. I did a video on the cabinet a while back, if you search 'Studley style wall cabinet' it should come up. All the best, David.

[@4578simonhi]

Definitely going to have to make one of these when I get a bigger space, I'll end up with the best of both worlds then. Cracking videos as usual David, well worth the wait !!!

[@davidbarronwoodwork]

Thanks Simon, you need to build that workshop first!!

[@morganplatt6762]

I absolutely love your videos, do more of them! Best wishes.

[@yellownp22541]

Thank you very much for sharing!

[@balisticsquirel]

Brilliant.

[@youremybiggestfan]

Born and raised in Sweden. I want to build a bench like that.

[@donniewillis2926]

I am torn between the Roubo and the way you constructed it or this one. I know both would be great. I will use some power tools but I really want to focus on hand tool work in my retirement in 5 years. Do you have a recommendation between the two? Thanks for your input and your work is incredible and inspiring!

[@mattjennings4493]

Hi David, do you have a plan and/or cutting list please? Thanks

[@just-dl]

you are tempting me beyond my capacity to resist....must. build. it..... :-)

[@davidbarronwoodwork]

Just do it!

[@jetset9561]

David that looks like the perfect bench for my small garage workshop thanks for sharing

[@davidbarronwoodwork]

Hi James, you'll have to send me a picture if you make one. All the best, David.

[@jetset9561]

Will do when I can get round to it. Currently nursing a broken thumb back to working order but will be ordering the wood as soon as I'm back to ten digits.

[@davidbarronwoodwork]

yes you'll need to be fully fit to make that 4" top.

[@MultiAlxndr]

I'd love to see an article or video on your process for laminating and smoothing the bench top

[@davidbarronwoodwork]

I've found it's best to laminate one board to another, rather than try to glue them all up at once. It's slower but you get far cleaner gap free joints. All the best, David.

[@eherlitz]

Cool stuff, you want to google the word Hyvelbänk (Swedish) or Høvelbenk (Norwegian) which translates to "jointers bench", or poissibly "planing bench". There are numerous versions and traditions in Scandinavia and there are several small scale manufacturers available, Målilla Hyvelbänkar, Sjöbergs. Other European manufacturers have also adopted the design, Holzmann has their own for example which is pretty much identical to the first one you show.

[@davidbarronwoodwork]

Thanks very much Eric, I'll have a good look. All the best, David.

[@ureasmith3049]

Great bench!

[@TheKansaibogus]

I love the insect vice!!

[@eddenrabin9583]

You know good stuff awaits when you hear David Barron utter the words: "And I'd like to show you that now..."

[@steverochon1620]

I really like this version of a bench, and you did a superb job. I have two questions: I find conflicting info on determine a proper bench height. The video by Jim Tolpin is helpful, but so many videos show conflicting information on proper height, so I'd appreciate your take on the matter. My second question is regarding the cover plate over your vice. I would have thought that the plate itself might expand and contract across its grain, making the fit different at various seasons. Is that not the case because of its relatively small size? I plan to redo a bench this fall, as my first one built nearly 20 years ago was meant to accommodate more power tool use and panels as material. I've evolved to more hand tool use and need perhaps a lower bench and one in which the dog holes are closer to the front edge. Thanks much for the inspiration and insight. I learn a great deal from your video work. Steve

[@ottarvendel]

The height of the bench from Målila (see above) is 84 cm (33 inches)

[@steverochon1620]

ottarvendel thank you, and how tall are you? I've seen so many formulae that are completely different. At 6'6", everything from 32-38" has been suggested. I'm leaning towards a taller bench.

[@bluekingfisher1416]

Steve Rochon having only just come across your response in relation to Bench heights, I too find myself considering that question for my new bench. I note your response is 3 years old Now. Did you ever get around to building your bench? In addition, at 6'6" you are taller than the average bear! although, your height alone does not always determine the bench height, as I found out several years ago when being fitted for golf clubs. I am 6'3" but have a long back with unproportionally short arms and legs, which means my hands are further from the ground than for an individual with arms/legs/ back in proportion. Therefore, I prefer a slightly taller bench, so I don't have to stoop or bend, which is a real back saver if working at the bench all day. I established (through my golf club fitting) my hands hang 1.5" further from the ground than that of an individual fitted for the standard golf club. What I have done for other shop benches is to stand upright with my fists clenched loosely and hanging by my side. The distance from the base of my clenched fist to the floor is the approximate height. Required for the bench top. Personally I may add 1/2. - 3/4" to that height as I do not like to stoop as I have a tendency to do so naturally. Anyways, should the final height not be ideal once built then it's not the end day of the world to increase or shorten the height marginally provided you factor that into the build at the design stage. Hope things worked out well for you. Regards, David.

[@MultiWarrior63]

Great bench David, I could be tempted with this one mate

[@davidbarronwoodwork]

Thanks Ken!

[@phooesnax]

Nicely done.

[@davidbarronwoodwork]

Thank you!

[@JoelShapiro]

thank you, great video, I will indeed have a go at this style of workbench! :)

[@davidbarronwoodwork]

You'll have to send me some pictures when you are done. All the best, David.

[@Antony_blr]

Great Video. Thank you.

[@hollysmith562]

I'm waiting on my wood threading kit to start building this bench. I'm building a bench top version with maple and walnut without the tool tray. I wish I had the space for a full size bench but I can't wait to finally have a good bench to use

[@eygloaradottir]

Doesn´t Sjöberg of Sweden still produce those "scandinavian" workbences?

[@davidiand7]

eygloaradottir; check this video, kzbin.info/www/bejne/o2XIZnWIpreqr5o

[@roofermarc1]

How much space is required for the right vise filler? To the left of the large leg, how wide is that block?

[@StarDustSid]

Great bench David. Did you say the legs and stretchers are 4 inches square? Out of interest, what size tenons do you use to join them together? Cheers.

[@floriantennapel6908]

Hamran in Norway still makes these, not sure about shipping to other countries though.

[@gabrielemaggioni5521]

Thank you David!

[@davidbarronwoodwork]

No problem.

[@robertbrunston5406]

Nice bench.

[@davidbarronwoodwork]

Thanks!

[@666russevans]

You could add a sliding deadman would work well

[@davidbarronwoodwork]

Yes if you work longer boards then a sliding dead man would be a great addition. All the best, David.

[@fab0398]

To create that tool tray, those boards were cut short and at an angle, so that end grain is exposed on the inside?

[@bobtailvw22]

Popular in eastern europe too

[@irvincereynolds6540]

What is the top made of?

[@keithhayward9095]

Hi David. Although very much an amateur I am keen to build a half decent workbench. I really like your version you made. Is the top made out of beech? (You mentioned the legs were pine). I have one of your dovetail guides that I'm itching to use! Many thanks

[@davidbarronwoodwork]

Hi Keith, yes the top is 4" thick beech, achieved by laminating up 2" boards. The underframe is 4" square pine from a timber merchant, best to buy this 3 months in advance to let it settle. I'd like to see some pictures when you are done. All the best, David.

[@JanMgelbjerg]

Lervad of Denmark is a big supplier for schools - lervad.com. But it is not cheap ; prices from $900 to $3,000.

[@fab0398]

So the whole shoulder vise apparatus is permanently attached to the main core, right? Nice work Sir!!!

[@davidbarronwoodwork]

Yes that's right, solid as a rock!

[@robertreeves9646]

Any chance that a plan will be available?

[@davidbarronwoodwork]

I did an article for Furniture and Cabinet Making magazine with plans, if you contact Derek Jones the editor he will send you a copy. All the best, David.

[@jimbo2629]

The Scandinavian workbench needs to be complemented by a work table.

[@myhandlehasbeenmishandled]

What do you mean? Don't all scenarios call for more tables, desks, and workbenches?

[@rantallion5032]

Nice

[@GH-sx6tk]

A beautiful bench! Love it! I do believe i will be purchasing one of those HNT Tail vices. Do you still use the Roubo that you built?

[@davidbarronwoodwork]

Thanks Glen, I sold the Roubo to a good friend. I love making new benches but I have to let the old ones go from time to time. All the best, David.

[@4578simonhi]

I'm the lucky sod that bought David's lovely Roubo, it's a stunning piece and I love having it to use and abuse, it's like an anvil, so heavy and solid !!!

[@cobberpete1]

You asked the question I was about to ask, and was answered. I built a Roubo a few years ago after watching David. I'm thinking of updating, but will stick with a Roubo. I will consider the HT Gordon

[@thethirdman225]

No offence, it’s beautifully made but I could never get used to a shoulder vice and I don’t like tail vices. I’d rather use a Nicholson bench. It’s a good height though. Yours is marginally better.

[@MyVinylRips]

Hamran of Norway still makes benches in this style www.hamran.no/h%C3%B8velbenker/

[@glyntutt1586]

Klaus, the link is interesting, but based upon the primary observation that the deep dovetails and wooden vices are not part of this design, then it is hardly a traditional bench and is more akin to the one being proposed in this very informative video.

[@mrlankywelshman7296]

David, how do you size stock for your project? thanks

[@davidbarronwoodwork]

Hi Adam, I have a 16" planer thicknesser. I love hand tools but only after the rough stuff has been done by machine. All the best, David.

[@andrewmillwardwatford9410]

just picked up one for 230 pounds on ebay in great condition.

[@davidbarronwoodwork]

Well done! Sounds like a bargain.

[@andrewmillwardwatford9410]

Very pleased to own it. I work wood in Estonia in the summer so it's going almost back home to my workshop. Thanks for your videos they are inspiring and help fuel my love of my hobby.

[@robertreeves9646]

Thanks

[@williamfretwell6077]

Without the traditional tail vise the holding is vastly different and the jaws missing! Is ceases to be Scandinavian bench!

[@missionron]

after using Leif's benches at school for long peiods of time...to suddenly not have that tail vise is unthinkable. Its the best though out bench ive seen yet. full size, length is designed into the vises..unlike most all others. Even Ulmia's benches have the space robbing front vise. Thank the gods that you can actually buy one of these sweet Swedish benches, still today from Leif, at Malilla !

[@williamfretwell6077]

@@missionron I did build one but I made the tail vise longer and moved the leg right, perhaps the first guy in 300 yrs to do so. It stops the overhang wobble you can get. It also evens out the wear on the tail dogs as more get used. The tail vise opening is just over 13" so when needed you make the bench over a foot longer. The long tail is less prone to droop also. Can't seem to post a pic here but 'long tail Danish workbench' might find it.

[@missionron]

. I dont get that "wGon vise"? teeny little knob you have to use your finger tips to open and close it....it takes so long to open it and close it. and the short little handle on the face vise. Ive no idea why Lake Erie tools did that. When you xompare the two workbenches here in real world conditions...id have to lean on Leif's bench for real world use.

[@SuperKwame1]

David, you seems to do brilliant work. Thanks for the videos.

[@davidbarronwoodwork]

No problem!

[@Lialalou]

Sjöbergs of Sweden still make benches in this style.

[@davidbarronwoodwork]

Hi Lialalou, I've checked on their website and I can't find this style of bench being advertised. It would be good if they were still available. All the best, David.

[@Lialalou]

did you look at www.sjobergs.se/ ? Thank you for posting your work.

[@davidbarronwoodwork]

Thank you, I can see it in the schools section with a tail vice and it mentions a shoulder vice can be fitted but I can only see a front vice being offered as an option, not a shoulder vice. All the best, David.

[@Tome4kkkk]

Yeah. You just need to sell some organs to afford it ;)

[@Teddy-zz6kp]

davidbarronwoodwork will you make more videos in the future and maybe some more tools? You don't seem to upload very often. Thank you

[@artnouveau4332]

Do you build any furniture or all you do is preview woodworking tools and benches.

[@roofermarc1]

Nice