Split Top Roubo Workbench: The Woodworker’s ULTIMATE Project

Let's build a split-top roubo workbench (part 1 of 2). In part 1, I go over how I built the top for my roubo workbench, including milling the top, mortise and tenon end cap, condor dovetail front laminate, and installing the Benchcrafted tail vise. Plus, stay tuned for part 2, where I build the base and assemble this once in a lifetime woodworking project.
▸ SUBSCRIBE! bit.ly/3msp0Su
▸ Patreon: / timberbiscuit
// FOLLOW
▸ Follow me on Instagram: / timberbiscuitwoodwork
▸ Follow me on Facebook: / timberbiscuit
▸ Website: timberbiscuitwoodworks.com
▸ Etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/TimberBiscuit
0:00 Intro
0:26 Milling the Bench Top
2:46 Assembling the Slabs
4:11 Flattening the Slabs
6:00 Trimming the Slabs
7:43 Cutting the Tail Vise Tenon
9:56 Cutting the Tail Vise & End Cap Mortise
12:04 Attaching the End Cap
14:50 Building the Dog Hole Strip
16:50 Cutting the Condor Dovetails
20:50 Cutting the Pins
22:56 Attaching Bench Crafted Tail Vise
23:37 Attaching the Dog Block & Wrap Up
Fisch 3/4" Brad Point Bit: amzn.to/3WHXkYN
Music by Epidemic Sound
#woodworking #workbench

[@TimberBiscuitWoodworks]

What's the most lumber you've used on a single furniture project? ▸ SUBSCRIBE! bit.ly/3msp0Su ▸ Patreon: www.patreon.com/timberbiscuit

[@kaishobbies9825]

You're obviously a talented woodworker and that's awesome. But to me your real shining talent is the way you put a video together. Truly and underappreciated art that you do so masterfully. This is the kind of content that makes you wonder, how can it be free? This is why KZbin is so amazing.

[@TimberBiscuitWoodworks]

Thank you so much! It’s a ton of work so I really appreciate the comment.

[@YouTuber-mc2el]

For those of you who are contemplating building one of these benches...do it. I completed mine three years ago and have enjoyed it immensely. The workholding features are endless. Always seems to offer up a more than suitable solution to any workholding situation. I picked up two grammercy holdfasts and have been enjoying the bench ever since. It is a big project. Don't let that discourage you. Take it step by step and work out a plan for each step as you go if not beforehand. Don't rush it. Make the decision to enjoy every aspect of the build. It will be a companion in the shop for years to come and generations to follow. Thanks for sharing your build.

[@TimberBiscuitWoodworks]

Well said! This is such a useful tool in the shop and way more than just a bench. I’m glad you share in that sentiment.

[@SawyerDesign]

Looking good dude!

[@TimberBiscuitWoodworks]

Hey, I appreciate it buddy! Thank you!

[@moneymakingmikeg.9555]

Shane responds back "Nice" to our last convo. in the comment section regarding this video. That was FOUR hrs. ago!!! Yes... 4 hrs. ago!! This is how long I've had this keyed up & been watching a bit at a time at work. So much time goes into making these video that we should always make an effort to watch them in their entirety... With all that being said, this is the coolest looking industrial fireplace mantel I've ever seen!! Ohhh I kill myself. Where do I come up wit dem?? Excited to see this done Shane. Hoping all is well Bud, Dirty Jersey out!!!

[@TimberBiscuitWoodworks]

Haha! Thanks for always taking the time to watch the whole video it really means a lot man. And I appreciate the comments too

[@SawForgeGarage]

Great watch my friend. Looking forward to part two.

[@TimberBiscuitWoodworks]

Coming soon!

[@jimrosson6702]

Looks amazing so far

[@TimberBiscuitWoodworks]

Thanks, I hope you enjoy part two as well!

[@TheRedbeardster]

Great work!

[@TimberBiscuitWoodworks]

Thanks!

[@MixingGBP]

Well done!

[@TimberBiscuitWoodworks]

Thank you!

[@TheJmp1987]

Nice! Awesome vid and great info!

[@TimberBiscuitWoodworks]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed it!

[@StileandRailWoodworking]

Its funny to see comments complaining about the amount of talking. The commentary is one of the main reasons i watch your videos. I guess thats why God invented the mute button.

[@TimberBiscuitWoodworks]

Haha, exactly!

[@andyboxish4436]

I really love this project, a lot! Watched this video a couple times now, really well done - you did a fantastic job man. Great content!

[@TimberBiscuitWoodworks]

Thank you! And thanks for the support!

[@lourivalsantos7213]

What wonderful work. I liked it very much friend..

[@TimberBiscuitWoodworks]

Thank you! I’m happy you enjoyed it

[@hermenegildorodriguez6876]

Excelente trabajo

[@TimberBiscuitWoodworks]

Gracias!

[@carlson.douglas.w]

Very nice video! I'm gearing up for my STR build, so I've watched a lot of similar videos and this one is right up there with the best of em. The one thing i really appreciate is the speed that this video moves along at. It's refreshing. Many others try to capture every single detail and while there's value in that, sometimes going the other way like in here, where it moves quickly through the build, is great too. Well done!

[@TimberBiscuitWoodworks]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it. Yeah, there is a ton that goes into this project and I think it can get overwhelming if you focus on each detail. If you back it down to sections it is much more manageable. Good luck on your bench! You’re gonna love it.

[@carlson.douglas.w]

@@TimberBiscuitWoodworks thanks! I've got the benchcrafted bench builders package sitting in my shop and about 50 percent of lumber. I'm going with 12/4 soft maple for the tops, 8/4 hard maple for the base and walnut for the end cap, chop and accents The one thing that's killing me is that winter is fast approaching here in Minnesota and my shop is a barely heated detached garage. So the wise move would be to wait until spring but waiting that long to start this build might literally kill me! lol

[@robohippy]

Good work. I think for the dado that you did in the walnut, I would have rough cut it with the circular saw first, then use the router. Might have saved a bit of work. I do plan to build a bench similar to this some time in the future.

[@TimberBiscuitWoodworks]

Thanks! Yeah clearing out that material does take some time.

[@crashkg]

Great idea for the dovetails. beautiful job on the bench top. Thanks for your videos.

[@TimberBiscuitWoodworks]

Thank you! Yeah, those dovetails can be a little intimidating. Hopefully this helps make them more approachable.

[@keithbrock6410]

Great job, looking forward to part 2. This is something I’m going to try soon!

[@TimberBiscuitWoodworks]

Awesome! Thank you, I hope you have a blast!

[@dobystrock9404]

Wow! This is awesome, thanks for all the details. Bookmarking this one

[@TimberBiscuitWoodworks]

Glad it was helpful!

[@russellcoburn6920]

Love the cherry and walnut contrast! Looking forward to part 2

[@TimberBiscuitWoodworks]

Me too!

[@AndreaArzensek]

It is the BIG ONE! I'm planning to build mine soon with my brother. I surely picked up some tips along the way

[@TimberBiscuitWoodworks]

Glad to hear it! It is certainly a hefty undertaking.

[@jaredmartin6164]

Great video and content man. Keep up the awesome work.

[@TimberBiscuitWoodworks]

Thanks, will do!

[@coolabahwoodworking]

Massive build, looks amazing! Really good video! Great tip with the wax on top of the screws 😁

[@TimberBiscuitWoodworks]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you!

[@jakedevillier5863]

Can’t wait to see the second part! Good work man

[@TimberBiscuitWoodworks]

Thanks! I’m glad to o hear it

[@howieblack8958]

Dude, both the video and the bench top are incredible! Great stuff man.

[@TimberBiscuitWoodworks]

Glad you like them! Thanks!

[@ratsalad346]

What a great video. I am mentally preparing myself for a similar - albeit far less advanced - workbench. Thanks!

[@TimberBiscuitWoodworks]

Thank you and have fun! I had a blast with this one.

[@JhoniJolesMebel]

Luarbiasa bagus

[@TimberBiscuitWoodworks]

Thank you!

[@bradleytuckwell4881]

It’s looking good maté nice editing and voice over too. Looking forward to seeing part two

[@TimberBiscuitWoodworks]

Thank you very much! Part two is already up, enjoy! 😀

[@rudymejia5042]

Great video man. Makes me want to build one. I definitely subscribed. Also how much did you spend on hardware like the vise. Not the wood.

[@TimberBiscuitWoodworks]

Thank you and welcome to the channel! The cost for both vises was $1000

[@bill40bates]

Very nice. I wish this video was available when I made mine!

[@TimberBiscuitWoodworks]

Thank you! That’s awesome to hear! I’m glad you found it useful.

[@johnzx14rk94]

Thanks for the video.

[@TimberBiscuitWoodworks]

No worries!

[@michaeldoto4673]

The roubo turned out amazing! I’m currently building mine out of southern yellow pine. Will you please provide the details of the router bit your using to cut the mortises? You stated it’s a spiral upcut, but what diameter and cutting length? Will it cut a two inch deep mortise? Thank you!

[@TimberBiscuitWoodworks]

Thank you very much! SYP is a great choice for a bench. Here's the link to the bit I had the best results with: amzn.to/3Dq4t8c It is the three flute with spiral bit and it worked like a charm.

[@robertmedina8049]

Badass video bro

[@TimberBiscuitWoodworks]

Thanks man!

[@kjh_woodworking]

This split top Roubo workbench build is truly impressive! I love how you paid attention to every detail, from milling the lumber to creating the dovetail joints. The process seems challenging but rewarding. Have you found that having such a sturdy workbench has significantly improved your woodworking projects?

[@TimberBiscuitWoodworks]

Thank you, it was a really rewarding project. I would say the bench has been an absolute pleasure to work on. Mainly it has improved my efficiency and my ability to secure work pieces without the wobbling and vibration that I used to have.

[@kjh_woodworking]

@@TimberBiscuitWoodworks I think it's on my list of things to build in the near future!

[@TimberBiscuitWoodworks]

Nice! You won’t regret it

[@CraftzMan14]

Nice build! It's inspiring to make just like yours too but i wonder where did you buy the bench crafted vise?Right now i'm having a hard time where to look. Your help would be much appreciated.I'm from Philippines. Thanks.

[@TimberBiscuitWoodworks]

Thank you! I purchased mine from Bench Crafted, you would need to contact them and see if they ship internationally though. I hope your bench turns out great!

[@user-bz7mq2kn9o]

What did you scribble on your jointer before jointing? Thanks.

[@TimberBiscuitWoodworks]

A bit of paraffin wax to keep things slick

[@BenchThirteen]

@TimberBiscuitWoodworks - I'm currently working through building my Split Top Roubo, and my Tail Vise plans from Benchcrafted do not seem to come with a printable template for the endcap drilling. Did you make yours? Or was it provided by Benchrafted?

[@TimberBiscuitWoodworks]

Awesome! If you go to the bench crafted website, you should be able to download the PDF for the tail vice that includes the template. Good luck with your bench!

[@joshuaingram34]

"I feel vindicated about saving this piece of scrap" If you're throwing away 12/4 walnut can we be friends so i can jack your scrap lol

[@TimberBiscuitWoodworks]

Haha, unfortunately space is limited so consideration has to be taken with each off cut. In this case it was worth holding onto, like friendship.

[@sama8670]

Could you make the shoulder for the tails before they were cut?

[@TimberBiscuitWoodworks]

Yeah, for sure

[@matthysloedolff]

Building a workbench is on my wishlist. I don't know if I'll do a split-top though, but that is a future me problem. So far your bench looks really good. I like the contrast between cherry and walnut. 👌 Can't wait for the next video. There's something really satisfying with well-fitting joinery.

[@TimberBiscuitWoodworks]

Thank you! There is a TON of piston fit joints in the next one...

[@matthysloedolff]

@@TimberBiscuitWoodworks that sounds exciting! Looking forward to it.

[@tuppydragon]

Anyone know the reason for the white marker in the jointer at around 0:50? Haven’t seen that done before.

[@TimberBiscuitWoodworks]

That was wax, it helps the boards slide

[@-11BRAVO-]

I’ve been wanting this since the Podfather of KZbin woodworking TWW (Marc Spagnuolo) made one. I like how you shouted him out for his credit also. I’m glad I’m not the only one that is a big fan.

[@TimberBiscuitWoodworks]

Marc has been a big influence on me. You should make one!

[@-11BRAVO-]

@@TimberBiscuitWoodworks I want too. I’ve been woodworking for about 7 years now very consistently. I just recently got the courage to change the name of my KZbin channel and attempt to make and edit some videos. I’m in the middle of a new miter station build then I will attempt my first video once that’s done. I want to a combo of Marc workbench with Jay Bates big one he did with hickory.

[@-11BRAVO-]

@@TimberBiscuitWoodworksbut yes Marc has taught me so much. Im so thankful for his channel. I wish I would have started woodworking 15 years ago instead of 7. I’m a full time police officer but woodworking is a my real passion. If I could choose I’d want to go out when I’m old waiting on a glue up to dry. Haha. I just can’t get enough of it.

[@TimberBiscuitWoodworks]

That sounds like a solid plan!

[@-11BRAVO-]

@@TimberBiscuitWoodworks I thought so also. Keep up the good work. Looking forward to your future uploads.

[@attainableapex]

What plans did you use, you have some I can see?

[@TimberBiscuitWoodworks]

I didn’t follow one plan, it was a mix of three. But sorry, I don’t have one I can share.

[@TheSMEAC]

I look forward to seeing this at 30, 60, 90 days to see how beautifully it oxidizes ❤

[@TimberBiscuitWoodworks]

Yeah! Me too!

[@salvadorbarea4678]

Hola desde España, en estos días me encuentro realizando mi segundo banco de trabajo, que será del tipo “Roubo”, el primero era del del tipo clásico y acabo de venderlo, ya que se me quedaba pequeño. Este nuevo banco dispondrá de prensa principal en pata frontal y delantera izquierda, prensa de cola en la derecha y prensa horizontal al fondo de esta. Contará con una isleta central y móvil para alojar herramientas en uso o utilizar como tope de apoyo en futuros trabajos. Tenía grandes dudas de como afrontar el tema de los perros de apoyo. Si redondos o cuadrados o un sistema mixto, bien, pues gracias a su video, el elegido definitivamente será redondo de 19 mm. Disfrute con su video como si de una película se tratara, a buen seguro que será mejorable, pero yo le puedo decir que es muy ameno e interesante y le doy mi enhorabuena por ello. Muchas gracias por compartir sus conocimientos. Un cordial saludo.

[@TimberBiscuitWoodworks]

Glad you enjoyed it! Yeah, I think round dogs was a good call. I find that it is much easier to find accessories like clamps and hold downs that work with the round dog holes. Good luck on the second bench!

[@stevebrooker6206]

Thanks for your video. I found it extremely helpful as I built mine. My Split Top Ruobo bench is almost complete and in use and I am about to make the shelf. In fact mine will have two shelves. I was wondering why you cut rabbets on the shelf pieces, as opposed to leaving them square edged?

[@TimberBiscuitWoodworks]

Glad it helped! I did shiplap to help with expansion. It is a pretty wide area for a single panel.

[@stevebrooker6206]

@@TimberBiscuitWoodworks But I looked to me on the video that you did not glue any of the shelf pieces together so it would not strictly be a 'panel'? I am still wondering which way to go. I see that you glued the crubber provided by Benchcrafted onto the leg and the chop. Have you found any issues with the leg now not being exactly flush with the front of the bench. So far I have only glued the crubber onto the chop as I read somewhere that someone else had glued it onto the leg, regretted it and spent ages removing it to get it flush again.

[@TimberBiscuitWoodworks]

Right, with shiplap you don’t want to glue the boards down. You could pin them but you don’t want to restrict the movement completely. If you don’t rabbet the boards you will either have small gaps between them or a tight fitting panel which is what shiplap helps to avoid. As for the rubber cork, I have had zero issues and it sits completely flush on both the chop and bench.

[@stevebrooker6206]

@@TimberBiscuitWoodworks Thanks for your answer.

[@TimberBiscuitWoodworks]

No worries

[@sama8670]

I’ve not been able to find larger barrel nuts. Do you have a source?

[@TimberBiscuitWoodworks]

Unfortunately I do not, I got mine with the vise from Bench Crafted.

[@sama8670]

@@TimberBiscuitWoodworks thank you 🙏🏻

[@derekpeterson5123]

Amazing build, the bench is beautiful! The thumbs-up? VERY old-hat

[@TimberBiscuitWoodworks]

Thank you! I guess I’m an old soul

[@kevinemery1177]

I comment on videos I really like for support

[@TimberBiscuitWoodworks]

I appreciate it!

[@funnyguy55able]

Awesome build!! I know costs are regional but it would be interesting to see what the material cost is on this project.

[@TimberBiscuitWoodworks]

Thank you! It’s a little bit of a mix because I had some of the lumber on hand already, but it was about $1,200

[@paulhopkins1905]

I'm really surprised to not see a table saw in this shop, as well as that little 12v drill. Otherwise you have some really great tools

[@TimberBiscuitWoodworks]

It’s dead center

[@paulhopkins1905]

@@TimberBiscuitWoodworks lol, I guess I jumped the gun, since you used your planer to get your width instead of a rip cut on your saw

[@TimberBiscuitWoodworks]

Yeah the planer works better for those larger beams.

[@paulhopkins1905]

@@TimberBiscuitWoodworks I never tried running through the planer on edge. I kinda figured you just didn't have the room to rip an 8 foot board. Amazing work by the way. I've always just used a 2x4 frame with a melamine top. Sometimes I feel like I'm not a wood worker since I never built a nice bench lol

[@TimberBiscuitWoodworks]

Thanks! You should build do it!

[@johnzx14rk94]

What did that top wood cost? I just made a work bench 30"×96". Had to use a manual plane for everything. It was a great experience. I hadn't done any woodworking for 22 years.

[@TimberBiscuitWoodworks]

Awesome, that’s a work out! It was about 400 for the top lumber.

[@johnzx14rk94]

@@TimberBiscuitWoodworks It’s beautiful, great job. Thank You Good Sir.

[@TimberBiscuitWoodworks]

@@johnzx14rk94 Thanks!

[@paullalekna5478]

Now if only we could have it all done with Metric spec measurements...

[@TimberBiscuitWoodworks]

Haha, yeah unfortunately I’m on the dark side of the force on that one, ya know, imperial.

[@198bikeracer]

Will you be making plans for this bench?

[@TimberBiscuitWoodworks]

If there is enough interest I might.

[@198bikeracer]

@@TimberBiscuitWoodworks I’d buy it

[@TimberBiscuitWoodworks]

Thanks man! I’ll consider it for sure

[@nkuete]

CHRISTOPHER Schwarz. Christopher Schwarz was a huge inspiration. Great build though, seriously. Just a little slip up

[@TimberBiscuitWoodworks]

*Haha!* I have been waiting for 5 days for someone to catch that! Thank you for giving me closure, haha and I appreciate it!

[@nkuete]

@@TimberBiscuitWoodworks lol amazing. Any time! He's my favorite woodworking writer, so I had to rep him in the comments section!

[@TimberBiscuitWoodworks]

Yeah he is awesome, I have a few of his books now. The Workbench Design Book is a great resource for this project.

[@HdtvTh]

I would just leave the boards completely rough and just edge joint them, probably leave it completely rough on the bottom, just sort of flatten it with a big foreplane, just across the slab probably, and just plane the top flat at the end. This seems to be the way commercial benches were made in the past and seems the fastest way.

[@TimberBiscuitWoodworks]

The problem there is that the face needs to be 90 degrees to the top for a roubo to work properly with the base. So squaring everything up as you go ensures that everything will line up when you bring the top and base together. I think this was us just more accurate.

[@MrMetalpunx]

As soon as I see a domino im out. no thanks

[@TimberBiscuitWoodworks]

Yeah, updates in tool technology are really difficult for some folks. Let me go grab my rocks hammers and stone chisels.

[@MrMetalpunx]

@@TimberBiscuitWoodworks lol a fool and his money are soon parted.

[@TimberBiscuitWoodworks]

Sometimes it's the wise who invest in their passions and reap the real rewards.

[@MrMetalpunx]

@@TimberBiscuitWoodworks for 400$ bucks more you can get cnc jointer table, that can do a lot more than cut dominos, although it can do that too. Literally made for production.

[@TimberBiscuitWoodworks]

I don’t know what a CNC jointer table is. However, I have a CNC but wouldn’t recommend using to align boards, a biscuit jointer would be a better substitute.

[@esrwesenthorst7157]

Hi, i enjoyed your precision work, and think i’m also going to bild onze. But most of the time when I’m watching video’s on youtupe I zap away when there is too much talking. In your video, you talk, i think, too much, but i enjoyed the building. Isn’t possible to ad Some test to it. Its easyer for me too watch. Anyway a Nice peace of work. And for you and your family, good chrismas, and a vers happy new jear. Frank, the Greene Nail

[@TimberBiscuitWoodworks]

Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@gk1841]

if you are not going to give us the DIMINSIONS, why we ARE WATCHING?!?!?!?!?!

[@TimberBiscuitWoodworks]

Well, for starters, I like to be paid for doing work, so plans and dimEnsions are never really free. But to answer the question, most folks watch to learn the process and then apply those strategies to their own projects while others just enjoy watching the project come together. Hope that clarifies things.

[@gabrielecovottaformatore7877]

the video is nice but.... oh my god how much does he talk??? 🤦

[@TimberBiscuitWoodworks]

Got a lot to say in a short amount of time.

[@fredcooksey191]

Not a problem for me-there's a lot to explain, and I appreciate the clarity.

[@mmanut]

NEW SUBSCRIBER, BEAUTIFUL BENCH, Need One Myself,Maybe TruthSocial Is It‼️ Vinny 🇺🇸

[@TimberBiscuitWoodworks]

Welcome!