Sizing Workbenches

You don't need a tape measure (i.e. numerical dimensions) to size a workbench. You just need you!

[@michaelmccauslin3676]

I've seen over 100 videos on work benches and this is the only one that covered this knowledge.... the wisdom of a master craftsman. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@JimTolpin1]

Michael Mccauslin your welcome

[@stephenroth8132]

This is actually the most concise description of how to size a woodworking bench I have seen yet! We can all manufacture "upper benches." This at least gives me a starting point for what I have which isn't working as well as I'd like. Thank you!

[@Mark-im6pm]

Most impressive! I'm about to build my work bench and was concerned about sizing. Never heard sizing explained as scientifically as you just did. Thank you.

[@peterpinel5251]

Hi Jim its nice to see you are still active with your wood working. In 1998 I purchased one of your books: Building Traditional Kitchen Cabinets. I am working on a DIY kitchen cabinet project and I pulled this book off the shelf and was so impressed to see how current and relevant it is today.

[@JimTolpin1]

Thanks Peter. I'm still active and posting regularly on Instagram if you are interested.

[@OrangeGeemer]

I''m going to make a workbench with my wife (we want to make the furniture for our daughter) so this video is great for us. Just wanted to say thanks for sharing what you know. Cheers!

[@JimTolpin1]

Your welcome... glad I could be of help

[@jochens5024]

Thank you very much for being "normal". Using the own body for measuring the tools to work with.

[@frankhill9527]

Thanks for the insight, I am new to woodworking and am looking to build my first workbench. I do all hand tools so this was very helpful.

[@jeyarajshankar]

This is fantastic. Thank you! The way you break it down shows your years of experience & your skill.

[@bluekingfisher1416]

Simple, logical advice, I had never thought of considering the dimensions for my soon to be built bench in this way. I have an unusually long back relevant to my limbs, so I will put this theory to practice to see if it works for me. Thank you.

[@Chris-yb5dj]

This is one of the best video's I have ever seen on the breakdown of sizing benches, as a beginner woodworker I am soaking up as much information as I can from those who I believe are relatable and can teach me. You Sir, have earned my subscription, thank you for the video, i look forward to watching the rest of your videos

[@andrewdunn9605]

I'm a tall guy so I assumed I wanted a tall workbench. After watching, I set my newly completed bench top on some low horses and planed some scraps. Having the work closer to my natural center of gravity makes it easier to use my legs and hips instead of my lower back. The difference was surprising. Thanks for making this.

[@JimTolpin1]

Glad you found the video helpful. Your workbench should be more helpful now!

[@suzannesims5794]

Love the higher vice on bench two of your presentation, makes complete sense to work comfortably in a standing position. Could imagine that it would be particularly useful for the paring of dovetails.

[@JimTolpin1]

only room/desire for one bench? go low and use clamp-on fixtures for sawing.

[@hammeredanvil7377]

Awesome content in this video. Jam packed with so many takeaways for someone about to embark on a bench build. Thanks.

[@JimTolpin1]

You're welcome

[@expresso3000]

Wow. That's the most comprehensive explanation among everything I've watched/read over the last year. Thank you so much. Wonderful shop as well.

[@haines96]

A great description hard to find. Many will say it should be sized to your body but stop there, and it is hard to know, especially when starting out. I like the practical guide and the "approximate-ness" (for lack of a better word) where the rationale guides the user, not some precise number. As the saying goes, it's always better to be approximately right than precisely wrong. (i.e. minutiae can distract from the core matter)

[@pmwoodworkingstudio7610]

You made this explanation so simple and I learned something new. Thank you!

[@dfurey9446]

Hearing this was like obtaining a new level of understanding…. Clarity. Wow, looking forward to this rabbit hole

[@CarabnrFilms]

Just wanted to thank you for making this video. It really helped me get the height right on the Moravian workbench I'm building. I really thought about it for quite a while and considered all the options. I'm planning on doing a lot of carving greenwood on my bench once I finish finishing it and drilling the holes. I used my large divider to step off the space between the bench legs to lay out the dog holes. I love this stuff! The concept of artisan geometry is really fascinating. I hope to learn more soon. Many thanks for your insight.

[@kickpublishing]

Beautiful intro animation - that alone would make a great series if expanded upon. Aim it at Dads/Gramps and kids and you'd be on to a real winner because it has the ability to sell the nostalgia and generational heritage of woodworking and teach some valuable life and work values along the way.

[@pirateoutlaw6275]

I like your sizing method , I was considering building a new woodworking bench to replace my 1st ever & old one . This will give me a better idea of how large i want my new & 2nd ever woodworking bench to be . I am really glad i seen your video before i got started on it this spring . Thanks for the great video & hope to see more . ////Dare to Dream\\\\

[@kiwilonewolf]

Really interesting - and it had me measuring my handspan and comparing to the dimensions of my new bench! Glad to say I've managed to fluke pretty much the right height, depth, and length!

[@harakiri881]

Thank you for sharing your way of setups.

[@georgeghazaleh6887]

This video is simply perfect!! Thank you!

[@clydekallal5753]

WOW! an amazing helpful video. I'm preparing to build a workshop in part of my garage and this is by far some of the most useful aspects of workbench size requirements. Thank you. You have a new subscriber.

[@chucksierraflpd]

That was extremely informative and simple to understand. Thank you. No vague shirt cuff references like other videos lol

[@rodfauth1280]

I concur with the previous comment. This is the only video I've seen that discusses some logical reasoning behind workbench dimensioning. Well done!

[@k3ith29]

I've got Jim's tool box book which is fantastic. Also have "From Truth to Tools", another great book. I should be receiving by hand and eye and hound and eye very soon.

[@algrundy]

Just starting out in woodworking and looking to build a bench. Thanks for a good video explaining the ergonomics of bench design.

[@kylejones2525]

algrundy I'm in the same boat, what kind of bench are you thinkin of makin?

[@thomastieffenbacherdocsava1549]

I remember a comment you made which I wish I'd heard even earlier when building my shop. "Don't make it if you don't have a place for it." As others have said. These are great suggestions for reducing stress on the body. I rebuilt a bench to match my comfort level when using a 22 inch long plane.

[@maineiachomestead7550]

A much debated topic made very simple. I knew about the wrist height, but you opened my eyes to other things to consider for my future bench(s). Thanks Jim.

[@PhotoWolfe]

Great video. Glad you pointed out how to size to the person using instead of random plans people find online.

[@xunilpenguin]

Thanks for the information Jim, I am in process of building out my workshop and will keep these measurement ideas in mind.

[@deezynar]

Beautiful shop, and beautiful benches Mr. Tolpin. I like the higher bench, especially the high leg vise. I'm not so sure a bench needs to be low for planing, but yours isn't as low as some people reccomend so it looks like it would be good.

[@psguardian]

THIS is the logic I've been searching for!

[@thejoshthat]

Major knowledge dropped at 2:25 !!! Thank you so much!!!

[@jaimefalcon5352]

Easy and simple tips. Thank you

[@tonyrowan3192]

I'm just preparing the stock at the moment as I build my bench. This video will help enormously on the sizing.

[@normandleblanc2902]

That's one of the best woodworking video I've ever seen. Great work.

[@ericrickert3045]

Love that bench, and love that wood-burning stove in the background!

[@MaghoxFr]

That's one great intro!

[@dan__________________]

Amazing intro. I agree mostly with the bench height recommendations. I partially disagree with the height of the bench for planing because this implies that you need downward pressure when planing, which you don't. I would return by saying you want it higher than this for planing, because you are extending your arm out while planing, which would mean you would want it closer to the height of the bench you use for sawing. Having it as low as you do where you arms are relaxed would mean you would have to either bend over when planing along the length of the board or you would have to walk along while planing, which would be awkward. This is because when you extend your arm out your hand would naturally rise upward. I raised my bench up 2 inches because having mine as low as yours, I found my back got soar quickly.

[@JimTolpin1]

Dan Letkeman good points. I build larger project s often...like doors and tables and benches, so I often do walk along with the plane and avoid over extending

[@nskmda]

thanks a lot! perferct explanation and instructions. technically, 5 hand-spans may b more or less 'universal' if u can afford some kind of a raiser (for the person) when 1 does planing. u can always get a bit higher, but 2 get lower it way harder. :)

[@PamPeerceLanders]

Excellent. Thanks for sharing these sensible, easy to remember standards.

[@noyb72]

My grandmother taught me that you should rest your fingertips on a sink bottom, and your elbows should be level with the to of a mixing bowl. I spent a number of years looking for the right bowl to work with the countertop height that put the sink at the correct spot, but it makes the kitchen a pleasure.

[@JimTolpin1]

A chef once showed me the importance of counter height based on the height from the ground to the bottom of a large pot of soup when held in his arms with his elbows locked at his side!

[@rangersmith4652]

Subbed based on the intro. Brilliant.

[@pabloramirezdiaz7668]

Thanks for your wisdom and generosity of sharing it. All the best!

[@JimTolpin1]

You're welcome!

[@robs5186]

thank you for the information it will help a lot in building my bench

[@AustrianJager]

You seem to be a very relaxed, very experienced and very wise man, sir! I like your way to explaine your thougths. I do mostly agree with you. Still i made my workbanch 39 inches high, which fits perfect for my body with 6,3 feet.

[@JimTolpin1]

Did you notice that 39" works out to be about four of your handspans?

[@nelsonmelamund1225]

Thank you for your comment on wrist movement. I will have to check my sawing stance and see if I am doing that or not. Good tip.

[@CrimeVid]

Jim, nice workshop, must disagree with your planing height bench though ! I find that I prefer to plane at the old bench height of elbow height less a fist width, that way my back doesn't hurt. I 've spent too much time on jobs planing on "Workmates" to want to do it in my workshop.

[@TheNickHorton]

Awesome channel. Just found and immediately subbed. Wonderful shop you have 👍🏻

[@TheFedster18]

A delightful video, though I noticed that I have either long arms (or small hands) -- my arm is 4 1/2 hands spans. I think any body based dimensioning should based on the body part we are focusing on (arm length, height, waist height, etc) rather than hand size, as the hand/body size proportion might vary a fair bit.

[@JimTolpin1]

I agree...The handspan is a convenient module usually, but the bottom line is to proportion utilitarian objects such as workbenches to fit your particular body form. In this case, the depth of a workbench would usually be the extent to which you can reach--which is your arm length. Doesn't really matter how many handspans there are in your arm.

[@Cowanaudio]

Yep, I have a 240mm handspan and stand 170cm tall. This wouldn't work for me.

[@r.s.grantwoodworking7691]

Nice video. I love your books too.

[@melotone3305]

Love the intro cartoon!😊🤗

[@crieverytim]

thank you for sharing, appreciated!

[@sinclairmarcus]

Awesome content thank you sir

[@randallcalhoun6604]

First time watching one of your videos. You got my sub before the intro was over. 😂

[@ivanmunoz2961]

Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge sir.

[@JimTolpin1]

Your welcome

[@marcoweissheimer2627]

Thank you for explaining!!! Greetings from Germany!

[@Farli-Gaming]

many thanks for great explanation

[@ebbios]

killer intro...subscribed... thank you sir for explaining this...gonna start building my workbench in 2 more weeks

[@alanouellette]

Nice! I Always appreciate your helpful contributions.

[@1pcfred]

I just measured my hand and workbench. I missed the optimal height by a quarter of an inch. I'm OK with it.

[@oldmarine312]

Add a block

[@scottmartin7717]

Omg subbed instantly bc of the intro alone 🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@MrMarkpeggy]

Well done and well said. Thanks for sharing.

[@williamfretwell6077]

Lovely workshop. With a low planing bench your arms do more of the work. A bit higher and your shoulders and body do most of the work which is less tiring. Traditional bench heights were set 300 years ago when people were smaller. If you put a block of wood 6" thick on the bench to plane, it will still be very comfortable. This suggests that most people plane too low for regular stock.My 'hand' is 9", your ratio puts my bench at 36". Work boots add 1.5" (no one planes in bare feet). My bench is actually 38.5".Traditional heights and those suggested in some books are wrong as many people discover later. So yes; build things to fit the user.

[@JimTolpin1]

William got it right: build to the height that works for your body and for the work that you usually do with the tools you usually use. With the typical woodbodied planes, and on stock that is thicker than the usual 3/4 stuff, a lower bench will work better for the bio mechanics of rough/aggressive planing work.

[@fabiofaria4243]

Great video!

[@johnnyreggae969]

Fantastic insight I will definitely use the equations

[@jmsmorley]

That literally took all the guesswork out of it. Perfect

[@andrewwatson9805]

Nice! But unfortunately it doesn't work for me... I'm 6'4", but wear jeans with a 28" inseam. I struggle to find vehicles that will accept my height--legroom is never an issue but finding one with sufficient headroom is a real pain--which limits me to North American trucks and larger SUVs. I do like your description of where the table top should be as far as being most comfortable; I'll put that into action, albeit with different measurements.

[@TheButtofmnky]

Really enjoyed thank you

[@Gary_G]

Super informative!

[@escaflowne33055]

brought up some interesting points. i'll have to consider on my setup. thanks.

[@preyes12345]

This mans a damn genius.

[@jmquez]

Perfect! Thank you! Please post more videos, I get it editing is difficult, but just put the camera rolling and let us skip instead! Subscribed for more content!

[@miltonmiller]

What a great video! So useful.

[@garyp.7501]

Beautiful bench!

[@Jeremy-su3xy]

This is one important informative video. Thanks man.

[@yannisvaroufakis9395]

Whenever I'm in Greece I marvel at the beautiful proportions of the Parthenon. I'm confident they built it based on a similar proportionality approach as you demonstrated with your benches, and not by the use of tape measures! Your Roubo bench exhibits classically elegant proportions also. I am about to embark on building my very first workbench, and I have just ordered both your books, "By Hand & Eye" and "By Hound & Eye" from Lost Art Press. Can't wait for them to arrive. In the meanwhile, I would like to ask you a technical question: From the video, your bench looks like it has a split-top, with the central gap occupied by a full-length stop. If so, did you have to modify the base to be a trestle design to support the two independent slabs? And how do you make sure that the two slabs don't expand-contract at different rates so as to make the entire top become mis-leveled over time?

[@JimTolpin1]

Excellent questions...thanks for asking them. The base is a simple trestle; the slabs sit on the cross-wise top stretchers, wood pins (not bolts) centered on the slab keep them from shifting. Only gravity holds them down (and its plenty heavy being 4 inch thick Eastern Maple. There is a possiblity that they will go out of level with each other but since my shop is kept at a constant temperature and humidity, that hasn't been a problem. If they do go out of coplanar its a relatively quick fix with a try plane. Its almost fun in fact! Feel free to ask more questions.

[@cozydram1]

brilliant and simple thank you

[@enyoc3d]

great intro! great info! Thanks for posting!

[@nmssis]

Wise tip indeed!

[@brianfitzgerald1235]

Thank you, very informative!

[@kevinturner9228]

Thank you, very helpful info. Much appreciated.

[@jbb5470]

Great video Jim! I like using hand measure to size your bench. I have not built a dedicated work bench but I will for sure being using this method! Thanks for sharing your video!!

[@peterpinel5251]

yes certainly I will look it up. Jim I want to build my kitchen cabinets at two apartments at my home. And I am trying to purchase a small combination saw with jointer and thickness planer and shaper preferably a used one or new. Can assist me with a link where I can get one of these in the USA. These are not very popular.

[@saidchoucair9247]

Nice to see you. Thanks a lot... This informations are very important. Big hug from Brasil. Said Choucair

[@focusonthefocus]

Outstanding information.

[@steverochon1620]

Jim, I have found this very helpful. One point of clarification please. As I prepare to make my 2nd bench, I am considering a lower height. It is presently at 37.75" (I'm tall at almost 6'7"). That is the height that hits me at my wrist. However, when planing, I tend to take an athletic stance with my knees bent a bit. In that posture, my wrist comes to 34.75". I am thinking that I should be closer to that height for planing. Would you agree? Thanks for your insight and inspiration; your benches are marvelous tools!

[@JimTolpin1]

Steven Rochon I prefer a lower height for dimension planing. Best way to see what works for you is to mock up the setup and plane away on a board for a while. For shorter run precision planing you'll likely gravitate towards a higher setting.

[@dwarfsbaneironfist2527]

Very nice video.

[@Dunc2222]

Very interesting.

[@manofausagain]

Dude, more videos please

[@MrKapii]

I really love the intro

[@severinoroseno4381]

This is a pretty solid little workbench. While once you figure out how it comes together, it is physically Easy to assemble kzbin.infoUgkxyFZUPFEey-PuqsPMxqaykBhgA1LWxFHh by yourself. But the diagrams explaining the steps are really pretty bad. I could not get the handle pins in all the way despite multiple attempts, so I just used a screw I had on hand for the 2nd handle. I could not get the first pin in further or pull it back out. You are supposed to hammer it in, but I had no leverage and the handle is plastic and I did not want to risk breaking it. I will get a lot of use out of the bench because of the convenient size and height. It does fold up nicely for storage. They even explain how to fold it so you don't get pinched...that is important!

[@amirlatifim]

Awesome 👍

[@richardrearick1975]

Very cool 😎

[@walterrider9600]

thank you so much what a great explanation .

[@DustyKorpse]

Very informative video, makes a lot of sense too. But i couldn't help but notice the wood burning stove in the background, and one question instantly popped into my head: Have you ever mistakingly burnt piece of a project you were working on? Sorry its just the way my mind works. :)

[@silenthill5794]

Love that shop and love that bench, not sure what was going on with you at the time of this production, but you look like the last place you wanted to be was in that shop...just my observation.