The Mighty Nicholson - How to build / woodworking workbench

[@clashfive]

This Sir is the bench I was born to build. I've got a ten-foot stretch under a huge window that's perfect for a monster like this. I'm building for hand tool use only and I wanted to go viceless. I live in Maryland, but I was born and I am and will always be an Englishman goddamn it, so a roubo (ptooey) is out of the question. This bench was truly meant to be. Thanks for a great build video 👍👍👊👊

[@John-i6m8k]

Dude i started crying when you said "its perfect". Been there a few times myself.

[@Schmino]

I think about this every time a make a mistake and this is all the time 😅😂😅

[@prgnify]

Damn, I hate youtube - why did they keep this gem of a channel hidden from me for all these years!

[@zachmatzen9225]

Finally a carpenter with a good sense of humor. Nice job Cullen Crisp

[@BANNAN96]

😂

[@BANNAN96]

Its not a tumor

[@FartSmucker]

DOMINIC!?

[@superwavess]

man this scandinavian metal take on woodworking is so good, pls make more videos

[@CodyBrandt580]

I've got to say this. You are BY FAR the most interesting and entertaining small woodworking channel that I've come across in years. I really look forward to seeing more of your content and watching your channel grow.

[@mujinmakes]

Thank you, very much appreciated.

[@anthonykiefer1797]

Every time I build a bench I find a design that is better by every metric. This thing is genius.

[@TheChoirDirector]

The sound effects and humor just kill me. Love it.

[@JohnLaudun]

Very grateful for this detailed build video. Also, "the cut doesn't need to be perfect; it just needs to look good on camera." More!

[@astonishing-a]

This stuff is my jam!! Decent videos of work being done by someone who doest take things too seriously, humour, relevant and helpful info/tips plus, a good helping of metal!! Stumbled across your recent basement carnival ride video and blasting through your older stuff now.. Obviously, subscribed and trying to patiently wait for more.

[@coreysheets4862]

This is by far one of the best videos I watched in a long time. Your presentation style and on camera persona are awesome. I'm working on my own apartment workbench as I speak and this was inspiring. Plus I love the Craftsman RAS. Great work Sir.

[@mujinmakes]

Thank you!

[@sethwarner2540]

I hve been looking at this bench for awhile, and this just may be the tipping point...

[@benjaminadair9548]

Well sir this is Benjamin I'm back I'm not smart enough to take a picture of my bench and send it to you I've been using mine about 3-4 months something like that I found out that it is one of the biggest shooting boards I have ever ever used building some cabinets for my daughter I used it as a shooting board put a piece of half inch Baltic Birch under my my piece and man I just use it as a shooting board out of all the benches I've had heavy duty plywood wooden whatever this is probably the best I've got about 60 holes in it already a lot of those are in the legs make it your video and the instructions I got are just fantastic I use some rough sawn Oak and cleaned it down glued it together my bench is six little over 6 ft by 31 inches I do not have a vise on the bench and so far I have not missed it which is a good thing I have enough of the 2-inch Oak to make me another bench which is going to be 90° to this one along the other wall I just have to keep it separated for my crochet and yes it does look more like a crotch well sir I'll give you another update in another 6 months or so I did go with the Gramercy a whole fast and they are much better than the two little cheap ones I got from Amazon or whatever I just use those to hold things straight and when I use my crochet I just slide them into hold the hold the piece level across the face of the the face of the bench anyway happy Friday enjoy your weekend sir and stay away from those other vices if you know what I mean

[@imDivineDer]

Now this is good wood working content and entertainment!

[@jasonzvokel6317]

The workbench is a tool that gets used on EVERY project

[@johncocktosensen]

I’ve never seen a woodworking video that was more like a Sam Rami film. 10/10 Please carry on

[@mujinmakes]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@B.A.Bassangler]

Love the chisel montage! My bench build started out as a Rex Eng Joiner's, but now has your beefy legs. Pretty awesome with 4 crow's feet to lock everything in; only 60" long and no need for diagonals. Time to work on my Jimmy Crochet.

[@mujinmakes]

Sounds like a scrappy little bench! Crochet is super handy and very quick to make - you won't regret it

[@bradlarsen44]

I've finally had a few days off and was bored because of an ice storm. This is probably the 30th video on building a workbench I've watched, learned something new on each one. I believe this is the one I want to build. I know nothing about wood working but I'm retiring soon and need a hobby. I look forward to having the time off and learning a new trade. Thank you for your video!

[@MarkSWilliams27]

A timeless classic computer too! Haven't seen one of those in a while. Nice bench, and I enjoyed watching you make it.

[@josephmorris8620]

The entire mood of this video is perfect. Plus I wholeheartedly agree with your take on bench size and utility; I built my Nicholson 3 years ago and love it.

[@mujinmakes]

Thank you! They're great benches, can't go wrong with them.

[@TreeOfLifeWoodworking]

dropping all the tools through the center gap was hilarious... love it

[@chopsjazz1]

"...you can always just add-on one on when you're ready." The grammar is strong with this one.

[@SA-bx9cp]

Nothing short of genius

[@autecology]

the diy/woodworking component of youtube has yet to see videos like this and I'm a big fan. Also, oiling both sides of a wide board helps with seasonal warping (so they say).

[@mujinmakes]

I'll give it a shot

[@johngriswold2213]

Nice bench! A couple of power tool tips from an old carpenter...NEVER push a piece of stock though a table saw with the hand that is inline with the blade. All it takes is one slip or kickback for that hand to run into the blade. I tend to push with the right hand, maybe using a push stick if the piece is narrow. I use the left hand to hold the work against the fence, kinda like a feather board, with my thumb hooked on the table so that my hand can't travel forward towards the blade. And on the circular saw rip, if you grip the saw base (table?) at the front with your left hand you can use that hand as a rip guide, assuming the stock isn't too splintery. You can do very accurate rips this way. One final table saw tip, stand close to the table when ever possible...you don't want to be leaning forward towards the blade if/when something goes wrong, too easy to fall towards the spinning blade;)

[@mujinmakes]

Much appreciated, thank you - and thanks for watching!

[@tonyrobinson9046]

I admit I skimmed through this, but I like the researched background and the deadpan delivery.

[@colinpain4892]

Laughter and good information! If school was like this I might have been a better student. My new favorite channel

[@mujinmakes]

Appreciate that!

[@robohippy]

Interesting variation. Kind of like tools, workbenches, you can never have too many.......

[@Carpentry344]

I have to say. The bench is beautiful woodwork. But the acting is the best part.

[@TubeScavenger]

I like those old book titles. I was checking some out on internet archive just yesterday.

[@mujinmakes]

They don't make 'em like they used to.

[@A.Mere.Creator]

That's some fine southern yellow pine

[@christophereverett8385]

I hope you won't regret bolting the legs to the the aprons. I promise the bench will rack eventually. I guess you'll get to make another video about fixing it. The old timers mortised out a dado for the legs to spread out the forces. If they were running short of time, they did without a rear apron. I sucked at making a tight mortise for the legs on mine, so I used construction adhesive, a ton of clamps, and right angle gluing cauls. After the glue set, I buried 5 4" long cut nails 1/4" below the apron surfaces. I also added a triangular brace on mine.

[@timchampion722]

Just built one! Instructions were very easy to follow

[@mujinmakes]

Show me!

[@timchampion722]

@@mujinmakes I sent pics via email😁

[@sierradelta07]

Your craftsmanship is easy to see from this build. I'm very much a novice but i plan to build this bench. Maybe with aa few fewer fancy cuts and joints.

[@mpjotor]

Man those panel clamps are freaking smart. Are you planning to make a video on them, or maybe sell plans for it?

[@mujinmakes]

Thank you - yes, there will be a video on them in the future.

[@benjaminadair9548]

Well sir I have started putting the legs for my workbench together my Nicholson workbench after watching your video quite a few times during the knee surgery recovery and I think I'm going to like it it's the first time I've ever built my real workbench I mean I've had plywood on saw horses and I've had stuff that I've had picked up out of garage sales and everything else but this is the first time I've actually built my own and I will let you know how it goes as time goes on

[@nguyendinhnguyen6047]

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!

[@robertberger8642]

Good build video, thanks for making and posting it.

[@mattweddle3107]

Ancient Mac computer with two speakers as big as the computer next to it. Priorities! You can't work unless you FEEL the music!

[@genewhitesides2722]

Took a night off from finish work on the shed. Wife said you need to relax and unwind. What do you want to do. I asked for coffee and sugar cookies. Well and time to re-watch your your bench build. Thank you for the entertainment and gift of your time Sir. I still laugh my ass off at the cat screech. Happy New Year.

[@mujinmakes]

Thank you, so much - to you as well!

[@rossminty9639]

love it the ease of use is so logical, great build , love your honesty,.

[@aaronvining2336]

I’ve gotten the legs glued together and my recurring thoughts so far have been: “dang I’m out of glue,” “wish I had more clamps,” and “having a workbench would make building this workbench so much easier.”

[@EvanDunville]

Awesome build! I like the grammarcy hold fasts and have a set I roughed the shaft with some 60 grit sandpaper to get more holding power. I also glued some leather to the contact area to be more gentile on my work. Also love the edit!

[@tonyennis1787]

I like your workbench. You did a great job.

[@SomeJustice19k]

Dude, this video is killer. Those panel clamps are also killer.

[@cannonwoodworking5917]

I like the video. Thought it was entertaining and funny. I might just have to build myself that type of bench

[@hundredpoundowlz]

HOLY SHIT EVERYBODY GET IN HERE RIGHT NOW HE'S BACK!!!

[@zaphodbeeblebrox8751]

Awesome video mate!! Aside from the actual bench bit of the video, my favourite parts were the lack of annoying acoustic guitar music (because every woodworker for some reason loves slow acoustic fucking guitars) and the old mac computer.

[@mujinmakes]

Thank you!

[@Win52D]

Nice design. I plan on combining elements of your design with Paul Sellers design to come up with a version that will work perfectly for my needs and space. Thank you!

[@j.d.daniels3715]

This is a great video. I enjoyed it thoroughly.

[@mujinmakes]

Thanks for watching!

[@bencepaul3497]

Now that's entertainment!

[@jamielodberg]

Boss video man! Useful too - I'll soon be building my first workbench, and will now hopefully not fall into the same pits thanks to you 👍🏻

[@AndrewA-s1m]

One rather obvious improvement: Make the legs adjustable in height. This allows the height of the bench to be adjusted relative to the work being performed. This can be accomplished using a set up similar to, for instance, a massage table's adjustable legs.

[@christophereverett8385]

Better to put something on the surface.

[@yankapoodle]

First original build video I’ve seen in a while. Good luck mate.

[@dkbuilds]

Hell yeah!

[@mujinmakes]

You're quick!

[@opalpersonal]

i love that despite being called a bench, this is, by all metrics, a table 😝this thing is so so beautiful though. it's iconic in your videos by now. i know this video is ages old in internet terms, and you've probably got better things to do than respond to comments, but what would you recommend for someone in a _very very small_ "shop space", like an anteroom in an apartment?

[@mujinmakes]

Sure, you have lots of options; you can do a stout (4-5’) version of a classic workbench like mine, a Roman workbench or even a tabletop solution like a moxon vice or milkman’s workbench.

[@opalpersonal]

@@mujinmakes thank you so much! i'll research these! love your vids a lot, keep doin what you're doin 👍❤

[@matthewharper9615]

When you going to show how those panel clamps were put together?

[@williammoore4101]

Great build. You're the most metal woodworker I'm subscribed to. Good to have the ebony-hearted craftsman back. Hopefully we don't need to wait another millennia for more of your marvelous makings through maleficent means, Mujin.

[@rollingstone3017]

Somehow I felt subliminally motivated to subscribe when I saw you using your 4ft level. 😵‍💫😵‍💫😵‍💫

[@VeganRashad]

Great Video!

[@fredio54]

I have over 100 vices but will 100% have plenty of holes and knock down hold downs when I build one, one day.

[@RestoreSanityFear]

I enjoyed the production quality

[@cswaine8]

This video rules, thanks dude

[@KevinOMalleyisonlysmallreally]

This earned a sub.

[@jasonpaul7174]

GREAT VIDEO ! THANKS

[@chrisbresh8817]

Nice job, thank you.

[@douglashopkins8070]

A good Nicholson build video

[@mujinmakes]

Thanks for watching!

[@lars1013]

This looks fantastic - I’m inspired. Quick question: how do you feel about a second layer of 2x planks on the top, to give the dogs more to bite into and make it more resistant to seasonal changes? What about laminated 4x4s?

[@mujinmakes]

A thicker top would only be an improvement for the reasons you laid out - I've seen it done with thick single boards as well (2" - 3", sourced from a lumber yard). Laminated would be more stable than adding a second layer on top. It's just a lot more work and more material to buy.

[@bobby1959]

Great Work Bench ! Enjoyed the video !

[@mujinmakes]

Thanks for watching!

[@sinisalo8710]

v. entertaining, thanks

[@RickyVonPooper]

Dude! Entertaining and informative.

[@carloszenteno]

Very nice !

[@dnthasslehoff]

Where did you get the plans for those sweet panel clamps, I’ve been looking for a reason to buy some more junk from the hardware store to make a set myself.

[@mujinmakes]

The clamps I made are essentially these: famousartisan.com/ultimate-diy-panel-clamp-plans/

[@dnthasslehoff]

@@mujinmakes Thanks, these should help a ton with the walnut dining tabletop glueup I’ve got coming up.

[@patrickgroves4047]

Excellent video!!

[@mujinmakes]

Thank you!

[@ericsachs2157]

Unfortunately a 75 mile bench would have to contend with the curvature of the earth. If the top was flat, then the legs at each end would have to be ~937 ft longer than the legs in the middle (I’m assuming we would need more than two sets of legs for a bench this long). If all the legs were the same height, then the top would be a banana with a middle ~937 ft higher than the ends. Of course a certain amount of leg-length discrepancy or benchtop banana-ing is acceptable. If we say that 1” is close enough, then our maximum bench length is 1848 ft. Of course that’s a terrible degree of accuracy, so let’s for for 1/16” deviation. That gives us a maximum bench length of 422 ft.

[@ericsachs2157]

Now, if we want the top panel to be made of single boards (no end-to-end jointing) then we are sadly limited to a length of ~150 ft. That is apparently the record for the longest continuous piece of wood.

[@mujinmakes]

Serve the curve!

[@mikestewart505]

I like that you did the math. But, with equal-length legs, the bench would be parallel to the surface of the Earth, or very nearly flat. If the pieces you're working on are only 50 feet long, you'd never notice the bench was curved. Not being able to see most of your bench could be disconcerting, though.

[@Victoria-jo3wr]

"It's perfect" you say through gritted teeth XD haha! That was me banging my lumber cart together last night. I love your sense of humor! I'm glad I stumbled upon this video!

[@mujinmakes]

Thanks for watching!

[@TheMonkdad]

Like the production and the bench. Hated the music but I hate most music in videos unless it’s a music video.

[@chickenman7252]

I built one like this as my first project ever a few months ago with only some warped reclaimed lumber, a Japanese saw and a hand drill. It still holds up decently well despite my atrocious joinery, but I think I shouldve gone the hold fast route like you. Mine is way too light for a vise and having an apron makes clamps annoying. Also mirin guitar tone.

[@markhopkins7204]

Subscribed! Thanks for sharing, enlightening and entertaining...one stop shopping rules!

[@kristopherjones126]

Friggin awesome dude!

[@travdad76]

“ITS PERFECT”. 😂😂😂 I’m dying 🎉

[@axemastersinc3269]

3:37 How old are those duckbill clamps?

[@User0resU-1]

Best thing about the music is it stops at 1.56 then at 9.39

[@bubbajimemmons8388]

Your video reminth me of Mike Siemsen's old video exthept yourth bench more thexyier. See "Workholding on Viseless Bench" too.

[@rollingstone3017]

Ok. So it’s been a while. How do you like going viseless on the mighty one?

[@mujinmakes]

It's been great! Second nature at this point. I'm sure i'll add a vice eventually but i'm not in a hurry. Might do a different planing stop. The Lee Valleys are alright but they get jammed up with debris. Really glad I made the bench as long as I did.

[@turtlebuddy1]

I rarely post but I had to here. Your video quality and content is great, keep it up! If you can pump out more content I really think you could have hundreds of thousands of subscribers in no time. Thanks for the video, this bench is on my short list now.

[@willisplummer]

this is sick. did you have to take out the plane stops when you re--planed the bench?

[@mujinmakes]

Yes, they were removed beforehand.

[@TheElPescador]

Awesome

[@shauldvosis4693]

Where did you come from?!?!…I want more!! Awesome!

[@Olm9]

19:00 Could you add a bottom on 1 or 2 of you holes to fit smaller tools?

[@mujinmakes]

I'm sure you could but it's probably not worth the trouble. At that point, why not just lay them on your bench?

[@kierondesmond7791]

Instant sub. I'm hoping to build my first bench soon. I had discounted the Nicholson style. I might have to rethink now! :o)

[@mujinmakes]

Thank you! The bench has done very well for me, no regrets.

[@fredio54]

Do you have a video on the modified mac classic? I have a color classic, se, and lc2 :-)

[@mujinmakes]

Not yet!

[@fredio54]

@@mujinmakes I look forward to it :-) Linux inside, I assume?

[@sighheinrich]

This was really good! Thank you for the video. At first I was like "wtf is Müjin?" and then I remembered haha. Bench looks great and practical

[@mujinmakes]

I ask myself that very question at least once a week. Thanks for watching.

[@dennisstilger4655]

This video is bad ass!!!!

[@FaceFaceMan]

I saw the notification and I thought, huh, a new song from some Swedish death metal band I forgot I subbed to. Then I realized this is the guy who made the secret room in his foundation! (Are we getting an update on that?) Absolutely beautiful table! I hope your back is doing alright flipping that beast over like that. As well, I must give you praise for what I imagine are hours and hours of editing. The subtle Easter eggs did not go unnoticed. At least in this plane of existence.

[@mujinmakes]

Glad to hear it! I'm hoping to have *some* projects related to the basement completed this year. Whether or not they'll make it to KZbin this year is less certain. Time will tell.

[@FaceFaceMan]

@@mujinmakes I just realized I left the lights on in my shop. After watching your video, just going out there and blasting some music while putting my tools away will make me feel better compared to the amount of labor and love you put into that table. Maybe we'll see an update next year. Godspeed Brother!

[@themountainraven]

Keep it up... subscribed

[@gregzoller9003]

After two or three years do you think the top will stabilize and stay more or less flat?

[@mujinmakes]

That has been my experience in the time I've had it.

[@Jack-es9xq]

Did you ever live on Cicotte?

[@Johnny-ww9ks]

Is that crochet made out of pine?

[@mujinmakes]

Yes, scrap from the other parts.

[@lucauggeri8974]

Good video thanks. I have just built a Nicholson for my shop and I like the way yours is put together. I cannot imagine using any other type of bench. Editing on a Macintosh Color classic... priceless