The Paulk Smart Bench is here! (PSB)

[@jmvillalobosify]

Good to see another American contractor sees the light and recognizes the simplicity and efficiency of the metric system !

[@MsKaylakay19]

I've had the chance to use this table a couple of times now. It's fun to whip out in front of people:) I can see what people are talking about when they say the legs are delicate, but they're design to support a "mostly" vertical load, not be torqued from the side or pushed back into place. If you just let the table open or close on it's own and don't force anything, it works great kzbin.infoUgkxyFZUPFEey-PuqsPMxqaykBhgA1LWxFHh Once it's set up, it's pretty solid. My only gripe would probably be related to the clamps provided. They're not the highest quality. They do the job, so no big deal, but they could be better. All in all, pretty cool gadget.

[@itwizpro]

Thanks Ron for all that you have contributed to the wood working community, not just with your bench designs but the emphasis on workflow and efficiency. Thank You!

[@dylanemeraldgrey]

I always thought you and tiny house building would be a great fit. It would be interesting to see what kind of tiny house designs you could come up with. It seems like a natural creative progression from what you've designed so far.

[@danphilpott6302]

So helpful! I just purchased the bench, cradle and kart. Can’t wait to start the build. I also have the Parf hole system ordered and otw. Very interested in hole pattern plan to allow accessory and jig planning and compatibility. You are very knowledgeable, enthusiastic and generous. Much appreciated.

[@JRBardown]

The fact that you include the patterns is amazing. I’m okay with the math, but it’s sure a lot easier when it’s provided. Can’t wait to grab the plans.

[@dans4900]

I built this awhile ago but added slots so a 2x4 can be slide through it on borh sides than add a sacrificial strip on the end . It extends the table to 12' - 16' if you want. Cutting sheathing is awsome. No need to put foam on top to cut a sheet good

[@bldrmtnman]

Though I had purchased the previous plans, went ahead, and bought the plans for the PSB. I support your efforts at evolution/innovation.

[@joshsatterlee2078]

Thanks Ron! I was worried when you announced that the compact bench was history. But it was just one prototype towards a better final product

[@markpalmer5311]

Excellent! Thanks for keeping everything on the website. Really like the efficiency and the spreader shelf. Looking forward to the companion video.

[@alexanderannunziata9479]

You are an amazing wood worker. Thank you for all your designs!

[@Elevator2TheTop]

Love the continuous improvement mindset. I also applaud the modularity of the bench extensions, giving the advantages of a larger bench, but with the space/weight savings of the smaller bench. Makes it a best of both worlds solution. It will be fun watching how you build upon this design. Looking forward to getting started on this bench!

[@kirkmccubbin4605]

Michael Grandinetti has an amazingly organized and efficient woodworking shop, simply the BEST I have ever seen - Period.

[@chriscodon3984]

Hi Ron, I studied industrial design and for me the hardest part (with so many ideas in mind) is always keeping everything simple and let go off ideas that are unnecessarily complicated. So I think the way your workbench design is going is really great! Also love the idea of the extensions, I was thinking of something very similar, some days ago. One thing I'd love to see would be an option to have benchdogs on the side of the bench. Keep it up, greetings from Berlin

[@DaileyWoodworks]

Ron, seeing the evolution of your designs over the years has been awesome. I love this new system and can’t wait to see what else you come up with.

[@bpmunroe]

I built a modified bench a year and so ago - 3’x6’, folding gate support instead of horses - and used 1/2” top and bottom with 3/4” sides. Getting ready to build a 2’5”x5” to be an indeed support for my table saw. Will definitely check out these plans.

[@chadsullivan8013]

your building style and meticulous nature is infectious.....thanks for keeping the bar high and sharing it with all of us..

[@theintelligentcarpenter9407]

I have been watching you for a bit over a year now, and these are the plans I'll be buying. I'll have to modify for a bench of 4' x 6' for what I need, but nothing else will change. Love your work Ron. Never stop.

[@michaelc.fischer2439]

I just found you! Wow! I’m really impressed! Thank you 🇺🇸

[@geographyinaction7814]

Why is Robert Redford doing carpentry?

[@RobyWanKenobi]

Awesome

[@furnman68]

Robert Redford? Maybe he’s the offspring of Robert Redford & John Denver?

[@lkj974]

😂

[@davemizzell7997]

Writers strike lol

[@julienpcntt2401]

I love the plans, but for my use i needed a small footprint bench that can be carried in staircases so I made a 600 by 1200 and I have added wings to extend its uses, the top can be built with one sheet of plywood. I called it the mini Paulk bench. Still working on extensions and extra bits to make it versatile.

[@nutsmcflurry3737]

The extensions need the slots for fitting on top of the saw horses. Instant light weight bench for those smaller jobs.

[@a29miller]

Love the videos and the well thought out designs Ron! Can’t wait until my shop is finished to get rolling on one of these 😀

[@mykolashatkovskyi8817]

HOW?! HOW?! How could I miss this channel?! It's almost Alien 👽 level!

[@ltwoodproducts3265]

Great to see practical changes to an already practical bench.

[@murphyrp01]

Have just come across your channel. Love the fact you am embracing metric which we use here in Australia. Will be sure sure to check out your other videos

[@mrclean146]

I've been watching for a long time and have seen your bench's in many other guys video's . They always mentioned your design. I finally purchased this plan. I can NOT work anymore without your system. I'm going to take a break and get this done. Thank you for sharing. The plans look great.

[@mrclean146]

@@cmmartti I don't have time for math. It was worth the few bucks. It didn't bother me to give back to a person who shares a lot of knowledge.

[@jeffkling7589]

OF COURSE, I bought my plans last week.

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

Of course, but your support motivates me and keeps me innovating. On my end, many hundreds of hours and hundreds of dollars in material to develop each plan that I provide for $10 is a pretty good deal and the sole support for everything I do on this channel. 😎🤙

[@adriancarpenter4493]

Hi Ron, congrats on the new bench. Must admit to getting lost with the acronyms and working out which is which in the line up. I built your two piece 8x4 way back in January 2015 - it’s been great but too big for my shop. The smaller bench with extensions is a terrific idea. I think I’m going to do that. Keep up the good work on the channel - Adrian ...ps I use the bench as a fixed bench.

[@Bigrigjeff]

Great video! Keep your design ideas coming !

[@rogerbarr2365]

I now have my PSB top completely drilled with all 96 mm spaced holes. I also drilled all but the very corners for the 32 mm rows. I just cant figure out how to use the parf guide jig for the 32 mm corners. It's that 64 mm space I can't seem to conquer. I have followed you since the first bench and have never been disappointed in your precision and work ethic. I still have to measure 4 and cut twice to get it right but hope to get better. Thanks, Roger

[@stevegaymer9764]

I have a flat bench are use on a regular basis about the same size I like this much better I might even try to build it thanks for your work

[@bdm1000]

Ron/Chris, I'm considering making the PSS exactly as planned; however, for my assembly table (PSB), I'm thinking of laminating a 1/4" sheet of plywood to the standard 3/4 (18mm) ply to create a 1" thick sheet (with the 1/4" sheet and layer of glue on the bottom). Then I'll laminate the laminated sheet on both sides with formica before using the Parf Guide Mark 2 and ROUTING the grooves so that I have a PSB which works like the new Woodpeckers Track Clamp Bench Top. In addition to being able to accomodate track clamps and dog holes, this design will eliminate the need for sacrificial strips while ensuring you never cut into the benchtop. I will just need to line up my guide rail with the grooves to avoid cutting into the bench top. The PSB would be a little heavier being laminated on both sides with formica sandwiching a full inch sheet of plywood in the middle (instead of merely 18mm), but it won't be that much heavier and it will never leave my garage/house. I just need to lift it to store it against my garage wall. What do you think? Here's the Woodpeckers bench top if you haven't seen it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/lYu0pHqgibl6hdUsi=iydiHO-e17ygV1qL

[@wrightwells]

Plans ordered 👍, brilliant work and great they are in metric now.

[@twjull]

Understanding both metric and imperial/ standard measurement is really beneficial. One system is not better than the other. Each system has it pluses and minuses.

[@akbychoice]

Terry Jull except that 10mm socket.

[@twjull]

akbychoice and that is where ‘worlds are colliding’!

[@GlennBrockett]

Metric is easier. But dimensional lumber in the states is imperial.

[@twjull]

Glenn Brockett metric in framing or rough carpentry is difficult.

[@GlennBrockett]

@@twjull Which is why imperial is what I stick to.

[@flyinpolack6633]

Like a welding fixture table for carpentry, very nice. It's about time somebody made that! You should have 2 sides with the fixturing holes on them too.

[@CMRWoodworks]

I’m only 3 minutes in and I already want one.

[@terryleblanc1996]

Hey Ron, After watching a number of your videos, it is clear that you welcome ideas and strive for portability/lightness in your designs. So here it goes... This is only an idea. I am not sure how feasible it is. Would strategically cutting away some of the bottom of the bench material work without degrading the bench structural integrity, saw horse nesting holes and carrying hole? Your comment about how the dog holes remove material and make the top lighter are the inspiration for this idea. Hope this is helpful. Best wishes.

[@user-ts7zz6lq4x]

A few questions: 1- 18mm plywood: what is the name of it? What does a sheet of it weigh? And what size does it come in? 2- is the 61lbs the total weight of the bench, horses, and spreader? 3- what are the dimensions of the bench (l x w)?

[@zerimaryar]

Love these designs!! thank you!

[@georgedrever]

Hello from Scotland, Ron. Just wanted to say I love your enthusiasm, drive and generosity with info. And I also love my PWB2. Had it a couple of years now and it's the heart of my workshop. Gets lots of compliments fron visitors too. Keep on pushing that plywood envelope!

[@karenstewart1735]

George, I'm in Edinburgh. Have you been able to source the lightweight plywood Ron uses in Scotland? (I'm Nial, logged in with my wife's account).

[@georgedrever]

Hi Nial, no I just used standard 12mm ply. The bench is still moveable if required, although that's quite rare.

[@daverobinson6384]

Off to buy the plans!! In millimetres! 😃

[@kurtfattig9370]

A pattern pattern. Now that's some Paulk Smart Thinking right there. Very good idea.

[@jeffsmith7347]

Hi Ron, I like your designs and have ordered your plans in the past. One addition that I would throw out there for your consideration would be a set of wheels incorporated into one corner/side of the bench for moving the bench from trailer to site. Perhaps inspiration from The Little Giant Ladders might be helpful.

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

Hi Jeff, I use a hand truck if I need to cart things around. I alway have a hand truck in the trailer to move other heavy things so adding wheels solves a problem I don't have. I am sure that is would be easy to do, but I would have to figure out how to have them retract when not in use as having nothing protrude from any side or edge of the bench has been one of my top design criteria since the very first bench.😎

[@GlennBrockett]

That is an adaptation I have been considering for my own build. The hand truck looks to work in most cases, but wheels could have their uses.

[@BrianBeck]

Looking forward to building and using!

[@brianrosen6732]

I have a feeling that it’s going to be too heavy for those who can’t find lighter weight ply now that it’s all 3/4. So I’m going to play around with using 1/2 for the bottom and sides.

[@dirkosterhof4444]

Dear Ron Thanks for Inspiration! I ' m watching all your Videos. I want to build my Shop in the basement . Now I habe an idea to get the full size sheets in! No chance , l am figuring out your Ripping, crosscutting flipping on a cut off cart as Paneel trak saw .never lifting heavy sheets !!! And a dream come thru finaly. Thank you thank You thank You 👍👍👍

[@erikarchambault5338]

Any ETA on when we will the miter saw component come in? Really truly moving in the direction that I want/need. Just watching each week to see when you hit that mark... hopefully soon.

[@rjmills126]

Loved you in the show scrubs.

[@SteveinJersey1234]

Ron - Just purchased and downloaded your Smart Bench plans as I think they're the most practical, easiest, and most efficient application of torsion box workbench design that I have found. In particular, what really makes your design so attractive is the way in which you have allowed for so much open space in the web core such that it can be used as a big under-table storage area. However, I face a challenge that I could really use your advice on: is it possible to reduce the depth of your standard torsion box design (now about 10") to roughly half that thickness without undermining its stability? The reason I ask: the bench that I build is intended for double duty: woodworking for me, and general crafting for my wife. While my preferred work style is standing, she really needs to sit with legs under the table for what she does. We've discussed simply raising the height of the saw horses sufficient to give her legs adequate clearance, but that raises the work surface too high to be comfortable or practical. So the only solution we can think of would be to 'flatten' the height of the spreaders to about 5" I realize that this greatly diminishes the practical value of storage space under the table, but I was hoping that doing this would solve the clearance issue while still providing adequate stability to the bench. Would that be OK to do? Any other changes that you advise I'd have to incorporate if I were to flatten the core like this?

[@BigmoRivera]

Very Nice And Simple Great Job 👍

[@Metal-Mail]

If you grid out or cut a simple pattern from the bottom sheet, would that reduce weight?

[@akbychoice]

Mike Galik then your tools may fall through or get hung up in the holes. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@lscottiv1]

Where would the sawdust collect if you do that?

[@cooperised]

I reckon you could go down to 12mm or even less for the bottom sheet without losing any rigidity because the bottom sheet is primarily loaded in tension in a torsion box. That would be better than cutting holes in it from a rigidity perspective.

[@SlabGuy]

Would you ever consider a cnc ready file to purchase?

[@brianrosen6732]

Yyyyessssss! Thanks Ron’

[@jrizing1613]

Just bought one !

[@cerberus2881]

Did you buy the pre-cut kit?

[@chanceyandell6145]

Hey Ron I had a couple of thoughts that came to mind while watching your video. 1. I thought if the extension pieces end up working out well you may be able to make them double duty. On the previous bench you have a recess for the miter saw. Would it be possible to add risers using the bench dog holes to bring the extension pieces up and use them as “wings” for miter saw out feed? 2. When you mentioned using a hand truck to move them due to the weight I had another thought. Could you create a removable wheel that slips through dog holes in one of the corners to use the bench as dolly itself to cut down on the weight? I emailed this info over to you as well before commenting here. Sorry for the redundancy. Thanks for the great content!

[@InfiniteCraftsman]

For the spreader, what if you chop off the ends half way into the notch hole? So the inner notch hole remains but then there is a U for the second notch. Easier to to put in, still keeps them spreads, and doesn’t reduce the strength of the bridge. Love it!

[@brucebalfour8042]

Just bought the plans and currently studying them. Why did you not use a full 72" x 36" for top and bottom? Also what is the depth of cut of the chamfer inside the dog holes?

[@MrTruthandlove]

I love you Ron 🤗 thank you

[@dornworks]

Using Rons design concept, I built a Paul compact" mini "- 1200 x 600 x 200 which fits perfectly in the back seat of my sedan - so I can take it anywhere - I also made the Paulk workbench - 2 - 600 x 2400 with sawhorses - this is used permanently on a building site - and has been fantastic for cutting ply ceiling sheets, fabricating form boxes, windows frames and the like . I also made a complimentary compact " mini me" 900x 600 x 200 - this is because the compact mini needed another box to support large pieces of material - I also use these without sawhorses - that is on the ground - giving me unlimited size and location. These have all been built with 12mm CD plywood Im looking forward to making the Paulk Smart Bench with extensions panels and clip on tool supports from 18mm ply - I can see the extra thickness and heaviness will have advantages for some jobs. I hope the bench dog connectors aren't too expensive by the time they arrive in Australia - eg the Parf guide is AU$400 once it lands here.

[@BarrySumpter]

Can anyone who has purchased the plans answer this question? In the past the Imperial and metric measurements have been mixed on the same page. Which makes my progress slower. I would prefer a metric only plan. Are the plans completely separated into a metric plan and an imperial plan or are the measurements mixed on the same page?

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

Metric and Imperial are on separate pages.

[@AndrewHelgeCox]

Would be good to see a tight video explaining the requirements that drove this design, the features it have, and what someone might do with it, assuming the viewer is new here. That vid should mention why it’s covered in holes.

[@jimh472]

I can tell quarantine didn't keep Mr. Paulk down.

[@buddtwin2]

Just an idea I’m sure you have thought about something like this but just n case what about attaching some fold up casters on one end of the bench and a handle on the bottom of the other side. When your packing up, caster can be flipped out or just mounted to the bottom side of the bench and roll it all back into the trailer. Just an idea to be able to not have to bring out a hand truck.

[@jaredvincent1067]

how did you address clearance for the table saw outfeed on the total station or this bench when to additional bench extensions are added to the top? maybe I missed this in a different video?

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

Hey Jared, I have covered the height issue in a few other videos. I have lowered the working height of my benches by 18mm. When I add the bench extension or router table the height is back to the industry standard of 36".

[@daviddawkins2829]

What if you used two spreaders (?)on the out sides on top of the out riggers, about 4 inches higher? About 3 inches wider than the out riggers with slots for the legs to fit into. Easier to mount, easier to use as a shelf, less bending, less reachin in.

[@garypopov9158]

How flat are your workbenchs typically? I bought your plans and making a bench out of 1/2" ply and it looks like it's flat maybe to.. 0.030?

[@thepeginator2556]

Just downloaded the plans. I might be being daft but I couldn’t see what router guide bushing and cutter size the templates are designed for? Thanks.

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

I use ½" bit with matching bushing, but it doesn't matter if you use ½", ⅜", ¼" etc... the end result is the same. Watch this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hWXYdGxtirWCfKM

[@thepeginator2556]

@@TheSmartWoodshop Thanks! Will give that a watch. 👍🏻

[@thepeginator2556]

s@@TheSmartWoodshop just watched, I’d understood it was the relationship between the bush and the cutter that defines the offset and therefore how you make your patterns - but you clearly stated you use an offset of 1/8” which is the missing bit of info, now I know! Interesting that you’re working in metric but the offset is imperial! Although I guess it’s so close to 3mm as to make virtually no difference.

[@mattbookout-varner4585]

I don’t often ring that bell, but by golly consider it rung.

[@wehtjns]

Looks amazing. I’ll be buying your plans and building a few soon

[@jeffreymoore3749]

^^what he said^^

[@rossevans1035]

A very versatile and flexible workbench setup and I have purchased the PSBBP bundle plus the PSPR, PSBJJ and PSCC plans. I have printed all the PDF files but have an error when printing page 9 of the PSBB plans. Page 9 shows on the screen and I have also tried printing it as an individual page but still without success. Every other page on every other plan prints fine, just not page 9 of PSBB. I am printing on A4 paper. Can you offer any assistance advice here.

[@edwinatwood4427]

Ron, can you do a video on your favorite hand trucks? Thanks.

[@danthechippie4439]

Great bench. Is both the top and bottom made from 18mm material? If so could it be done in 12mm to save on weight?

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

Yes and Yes. I currently make the bench with 18mm, but in the past it was all 12mm except for the horses.

[@danthechippie4439]

​@@TheSmartWoodshophi, thank you for getting back to me so quickly. Iv considered the MFT bench as I have a far bit of festool tools but it looked so unstable. It was portable and that's the only plus for me. I like the design of your smart (smaller) bench as I need something strong, stable, accurate and of course portable. I'd probably just build the bench itself as I use sturdy saw horses anyway. Il have to order your plans only I don't have an option to print them. Can you send hard copies to Europe?

[@WhiteTigerHouston]

Is there a way to add the job site saw with the sliding metal rails to the end like your TPS2?

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

The Jobsite saw is too large for the bench. I went away from the support rails a few years ago as I wanted the larger job site saw and haven't regretted it for 1 second.

[@davegrever5689]

Ron, Love your videos and designs. I've already purchased a couple of plans that I haven't built yet, but think I will move forward with your new PSB. Are you planning to modify the Smart Router Table design to be compatible with the PSB?

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

The PSRT works excellently with the PSB.

[@willemleroux8428]

Hi Paul, I bought your plans for the Paulk Smart Bench. Maybe I missed something but am I correct to assume that the assembly must be done on a super flat surface?

[@cerberus2881]

Not Ron but remember that we are cutting And assembling square. The track saw track and TSO track square make this easier than it would have been without them. Don't work from factory edge, cut new reference edges and work from those. Hope this is clear and helps you!

[@willemleroux8428]

@@cerberus2881 Thanks, I have my ply cut by the dealer which did cut off the factory edge. I received it square as well. I will cut my next one myself on the new table.

[@cerberus2881]

@@willemleroux8428 I have a table saw but my track saw is just much easier due to small garage and an inability to haul full sheets.

[@numberkruncherr]

I'm sure you've covered this somewhere, but I haven't found it yet. Why did you choose to have the outer row of holes at 64mm rather than 96mm (thus breaking the pattern) rather than just making the table 64mm bigger in both directions?

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

The holes are set at 96mm in from the bench edge and ends. An additional set of holes is added 32mm in from the edge to provide more clamping options, and most accessories such as cradles, panel rigs, vises, cross cuts, etc., utilize the edge row of holes.

[@TEJANOAMERICANO]

For the comfort height of this product, how tall are you ?

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

I am 5'10, but my bench height is an industry standard to match up with machine heights.

[@chrisanthony579]

I really like to portable bench design idea for field use but watching many videos of the parf/Paulk system, I realized I just don't see a practical use in my shop since I have a very good cabinet saw and a very good panel saw. Since we do so little field fabrication, I'm not sure of the advantages. Regardless, still great design ideas that many others could benefit

[@jbourgeois5092]

Ron, you recommend 18mm for the extension wings, but what are your thoughts on building them out of 1/2" AC ply with support runners made from the same? Planning on making a hybrid version of the PWB2 / PCB with a little bit of the PSB mixed in.

[@IsaKocoglu]

Good on ya Ron! I bought the plans for your Paulk Workbench II with router table, but am yet to build it 😭😭😭 And now I see this, and I am wondering will you incorporate the table saw attachment and/or the router table attachment as well? Looking forward to your next video. Keep keeping it real 😎🤙

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

In my bench design evolution, the PSB is the direction I have found works best for me. The PWBII is many years in the past and I chose to go with a larger Jobsite saw that is too big for the smaller format bench. I have separated out the router table to create more working space on the smaller bench. At this point at least, I have no need for the larger bench and like the modular workflow, the PSB affords.😎

[@johnkelly4941]

In the video you mentioned it was cut from 3 sheets of plywood. Do those 3 just count toward the bench or also the templates?

[@austinburgess8569]

John - I just downloaded the plans and the templates would need to come from a 4th sheet, but you can use ½ inch/12mm for the templates versus ¾ inch/18mm.

[@johnkelly4941]

@@austinburgess8569 Thanks!

[@mikecarter6758]

Hi Ron! I have purchased plans for your compact bench and plan to build it soon. I notice your latest doesn’t include dados for miter slot clearance from your table saw. Is the bench set lower? Would appreciate your comments.

[@miatafunrun3078]

How many sheets of plywood do you need if you don't make the saw horses?

[@johnkoshinski4540]

Ron, have you had time to update the PSB plans to fix the offset of the spreaders location which on my recent download shows them still offset closer to 1 row of bench dog holes than the other instead of maybe being centered between the rows to minimize any interference from the spreader. I was originally going to build the full size bench but I think this smaller size is brilliant in a smaller work space.

[@georgecoffin4453]

Can someone please help me understand why the two rows of holes surrounding all of the boarders seem to have tighter spacing than the rest of the 96mmx96mm grid? All of Ron's work surfaces seem to have this tighter spacing on the edges and I can't seem to figure out a reason why. I'm guessing it's something very simple that I'm overlooking haha.

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

I added a row of holes around the perimeter at 32mm in from edge for increased clamping and bench dog placement near the edge. I did not have them for years, but found them very helpful and even necessary. 😎

[@georgecoffin4453]

@@TheSmartWoodshop Awesome! That's very helpful. Glad to know my eyes aren't just playing tricks on me! Thanks for the response Ron.

[@Kay8B]

I would imagine it would help clamping some items with a smaller clamp etc. Just noticed the man himself replied.

[@danielgregory9564]

Do you use any finish on your benches???

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

No finish on any of my benches so far. I have thought about painting them, but only for aesthetics.

[@masonlucas]

Of course I bought the plans for the PCB last week and haven’t even started it and this comes out. Story of my life! The improvements look great. Now do I buy these plans too and set aside the ones I just bought? Not sure I want to pay double.

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

Hey George, that is one view. Another thought is that I spend hundreds of hours designing, developing, improving, making videos on how to build them, $100s of dollars on each plan in materials prototyping, and then provide the plans for $10. Your $10 or in this case $20 helps a lot and encourages me to keep innovating. That being said the PCB is a great plan and will serve you well. I put the PSB up yesterday and noticed someone purchased both the PCB and the PSB😎🤙

[@drstampfli]

$10? That’s a steal for your plans!

[@whoDatBeDare]

@@drstampfli 100%

[@samoanSAIYAN]

Apart from this bench which is the design before this one? Thanks Edit: looking buff and awesome there Ron👌keep up the good work mate!

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

The bench design before this one was the STS about two years ago and then before that was the PCB.

[@danthechippie4439]

Hi Ron, can i ask, in regards to the saw horse design, are the upper legs that stick out designed to hold objects such as a long track perhaps? And for the top itself, do you screw it down to the upright portions and if so are you not worried the saw will hit those screws in use?

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

The sawhorse tabs are for indexing the location of the horse to the bench, aiding in mobility. The screws are in the top, which is never cut, so there is no chance of the track saw hitting a screw. Also, Dan spent some time watching videos on the channel. The whole smart system has been developed over many years and time tested in real work productions in new construction, remodeling, and general carpentry. Trust the system-it works.

[@danthechippie4439]

Hi Ron, ya il have to start watching your videos, sorry I'm not much of a KZbinr. I regards to the saw horses I think you think I was referring to the tabs that stick out on the top which locate into the bottom of the bench. I was referring to the tabs that stick out level with the floor much like the feet do.

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

@@danthechippie4439 kzbin.info/www/bejne/fZupi6R_hqeegLssi=Do3cet2sIH9lTeGr&t=519

[@redlinefactory9054]

I bought the Paulk Smart Bench plans and the 18mm Canusa Premcore Plus Baltic Birch sheets. I am about to cut everything out. I noticed you don’t finish the wood on your benches and it ages beautifully. At the end, when you sand everything, what grit of sandpaper do you use? A video showing the small stuff, like sandpaper, which glue you use, the exact screws, chamfering the holes and beveling the edges would really help us novices to get our benches built quicker. Thank you! Tim

[@PatriotPaulUSA]

I've seen other guys use paste wax, mineral oil, tung oil, shellac, and other finishes on these birch MFT benches, its really up to you and what you like. Bare wood is fine too. (It is a workbench) Paulk's earlier benches were just construction plywood (pine). Titebond II glue is waterproof and what I have used for decades with Baltic birch ply we used to build extremely heavy PA speakers and work trunks for heavy cables and equipment with these same materials for concert sound systems. Its incredibly strong, usually stronger than the wood. I believe the Australian U Tube guy, (Dave something) uses 180 grit to finish his before he waxes them with a orbital sander. He uses friction strips from Festool on his benches though. His benchtops are prolly very slick after sanding and waxing. So he has to have friction strips.

[@bgymr9722]

are cad files included so we can cut them on a cnc machine?

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

We only offer PDF files. Many, many, many have used the PDF files to create the CNC code.

[@DaveGme]

If I built one of these without all those holes, would I be kicked out of the group?

[@eddamas5439]

I'm guessing probably not, but without those holes the possibility of your back being kicked out would increase...

[@bernievandermerwe9475]

Hi Ron, what is the name of the Light Weight Ply called. Thanks Bernie.

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/eXvOZ5Wsq96BhJI

[@zerblatt3365]

Seems you done a perforation were the shelf meets the supports I wouldnt do so as an mech engineer

[@yanlockson3172]

Hi. Since you are a Mech Engineer may I ask whether the middle horizontal arms of 'E' shaped legs add to their mechanical strength? (I initially thought that it was for the sake of cosmetics or to ease the storing of the legs inside the bench but now I get it. It can be used as a shelf on which to stash a guide rail for example. Good thinking Ron).

[@camgreer]

I hate to say it Ron, but I'm thinking you'll have a lot more "quarantine time" to dream up other great stuff. This isn't going away anytime soon, bet your bottom dollar.

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

I plan on taking advantage of every second of every day. 😎🤙

[@RustyCas999]

Stiffness. Have you done any numerical analysis on what makes your bench stiff? Stiffness is more a function of height of a section than it is thickness. Do your side openings need to be as wide as they are? (Four would be stiffer - extra stile). A slightly taller top/bottom rails would add stiffness. I assume you have interior stiffeners - 3 will be considerably stiffer. Slightly taller, thinner vertical components would be stiffer and weigh less. (1/4” interior dividers, captured in dados, and glued, for example). You maybe overthinking the need for speed, ease, and simplicity in *building* the bench if someone is only going to build one or two - *using* yes, building not so much.

[@Litehamer]

Newbie and utterly useless woodworker here . Only discovered your Chanel today and love the ideas . I’m off to buy some plans . Thank you for all your work . Are the saw horses part of the plans ?

[@PeterWoolstonMusic]

I’ve got your plans am building the PSB. My router and router templates are different from yours though Ron and I’m trying to figure out your template offset so I can adjust from that with my router bit and template. I have a 1/2” spiral upcut diameter bit with a router template outside diameter measurement of 51/64” making a diameter difference of 19/64”. That makes for an offset radius of ~9/32”. How different is that from your’s Ron so I can adjust the plans accordingly? Thanks in advance for your help.

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

Mine bushings are ⅛" larger OD so 1/16." I designed and built mine metric so I used 3mm as the difference.

[@PeterWoolstonMusic]

@@TheSmartWoodshop awesome! That makes your offset in plans 1.5mm which when I check finished drawings compared to Patterns compared to Pattern Pattern it all syncs up 👍. I’ll adjust my plans by an extra 11mm for Pattern Pattern and 5.5mm for Patterns as my radius offset is 7.14mm for my setup. As a customer I appreciate the speedy help Ron 🙏🏻

[@mikeirwin4687]

What’s the difference between the newest edition just the spreader shelf ?

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

mike irwin The similarities would be a shorter list. Differences: length, width, height, structure, material, saw horses, and more. The PSB is a new design from every aspect that pays respect to lessons learned from all of my previous benched.

[@mikeirwin4687]

I speaking of the other small bench you have just the compact I have all the smart plans and I am looking forward to building the cabinets for use in my one car garage I picked the smart compact bench for many reason I was just wonder what the difference later we’re between that one and the newest the only difference I see is the square hole underneath for storage and the lower shelves between the legs of the saw horse / supports