The Workbench || Traditional Joinery Bench

This is my workbench build, a hugely significant part of my workshop! The design belongs to the excellent Third Coast Craftsman...his build is linked below:
• The PERFECT Woodworkin...
Chris also has plans for this bench on his website:
www.thirdcoast...
The design is based on two traditional workbench styles, the British Nicholson Bench & the French Roubo.
The bench is made of Hard Maple, and uses a Veritas Front Vice & Axminster Trade Quick Release Vice - for links to these vices & the majority of the tools I used on this build, please refer to the My Tools section of my website, where you can find links where to buy as well:
deerrivercraft...
I'm a custom furniture maker based in North Wales, if you have a furnitiure idea for your home, garden, office then please get in touch via my website, or check out my Instagram & send me a direct message!
/ deer_river_craftsman
I also have my own plans for key pieces of workshop - please check out my store!
deerrivercraft...
Thanks for watching!

[@gabrielbrown1034]

Love the excitement after the legs are fitted

[@DeerRiverCraftsman]

Big moment, big relief! cheers

[@TimothyRourke]

haha came here to say the same, fuck yeah

[@crustyoldfart]

For those who appreciate craftsmanship at a high level, this video is surely a joy to behold. That said there is a strange blend of the ancient and the modern at work. The workshop is equipped with no expense spared apparently with its high quality professional grade machines. The design of the work bench is IMHO an example of medieval design, as used by builders of church rooves, trebuchets, and the heavy engineering projects of that period. The ergonomics of the design are based on the exclusive use of hand tools. There was reliance in those days on the use of the carpenters vice. Nowadays when clamps of various sizes and types are available at relatively low cost, a variety of holding the work is available,, which in turn should influence the design of an efficient work bench. A case in point : why build a bench at crotch height - great it you're hand planing - but back-breaking the rest of the time, when a surface at elbow height is more appropriate and comfortable. In conclusion the final product would look good in a period piece re-creation of a medieval workshop, but is inefficient given modern power tools.

[@_ClericalError_]

I imagine it depends somewhat on how he wants to use it. If he plans to start using hand tools for example it's definitely appropriate. When my low bench puts the work too far away, I just sit down at it or on it. Since my sawbenches are knee-height, they are perfect for sitting at the bench for marking out, cleaning up, what have you.

[@DeerRiverCraftsman]

Thank you Harold, much obliged! I work with both hand tools & power tools/machines - the trade level machines are for majority of my client work, but I do alot of refinement for solid wood furniture on the bench...I have my outfeed/assembly table + paulk style benches higher, as you say much better working height for power tool usuage...thanks again!

[@wedo4fun251]

Beautiful. Would last for generations.

[@DeerRiverCraftsman]

Thanks so much!

[@arkansas1336]

I'm offering a suggestion here. Don't make multiple passes when making a cut with your miter saw. Put the power to it and do it in one pass. You don't make multiple passes when pushing a board through your table saw! The same thing applies here. (I'm speaking from 55+ years experience as a professional cabinet/home builder.) Nice bench. Thanks for the video.

[@DeerRiverCraftsman]

Thank you mate, much obliged all round

[@displaychicken]

Great build. The bench is lovely, as is the videography. Your shop is cleaner than my kitchen

[@DeerRiverCraftsman]

Thanks very much, the cleaniness unfortunately never stays that way! ;-)

[@brianmatthews8569]

Your grandkids’ grandkids will enjoy using that... awesome build and love your shop!

[@DeerRiverCraftsman]

Thanks very much Brian, much obliged!

[@chriscunicelli7070]

Wow! That thing is a massive beast. Great build

[@DeerRiverCraftsman]

Thanks v much Chris! It's got some weight for sure!

[@navarroedwards8031]

That is the type of woodworking bench I would love to have. Perfect !!

[@DeerRiverCraftsman]

Thanks so much!

[@blahdiblah2169]

This workbench is nothing short of magnificent. Such perfection.

[@DeerRiverCraftsman]

Thanks so much :-)

[@chriskeeble]

Watched a lot of workbench videos. This is the one I'm going to make. Thank you 👍😎

[@DeerRiverCraftsman]

Awesome, thank you!

[@steveferguson1232]

A true work of art, and a beautiful workbench always. This will be here longer than we will.

[@DeerRiverCraftsman]

Thanks very much!

[@Rsm2008]

You do beautiful work. You could replace Norm Abram hands down. Keep up the great work and keep sending us the videos.

[@DeerRiverCraftsman]

Thanks so much, although I'm a Brit, thankfully I know who Norm is, and thats very kind of you!! :-)

[@needfulthings2701]

In the eyes of a woodworker, it's a beauty!👍

[@DeerRiverCraftsman]

Thank you, even a few metal workers have said they like it ;-)

[@lukeemery4589]

Thoroughly enjoyed watching this, the craftsmanship is truly excellent

[@DeerRiverCraftsman]

Thank you very much Luke!

[@Bill-hw1iq]

One side Nicholson, the other side Roubo! I really like your design!

[@gregblake2764]

Yup, best of both worlds. Really nice solid bench.

[@DeerRiverCraftsman]

The credit for the design must go to Chris, Third Coast Craftsman!

[@gilberthattier3249]

Lovely work! That is an elegant workbench.

[@DeerRiverCraftsman]

Thank you very much!

[@johndelepine4856]

I heard you built that Fine Table for me. When can I pick that up, I mean when can the crane stop by to load my new table onto the flat-bed truck. What a beautiful table and Great work you did. I don't have all that equipment but I do have a hand planer and saw. It just going to take me a little longer. Fantastic Job!

[@DeerRiverCraftsman]

Haha, many thanks for the kind comments, and we'd certainly need some heavy duty lifting gear! All projects can be made with hand tools, as you say, just takes longer, but how rewarding to it all with hand tools! The strange thing here, is that I was building this bench primarily for hand tool work! have fun, and good luck with your build!

[@T_B]

Wow!! I've done framing work but never anything like wood working. You have inspired me to take the next step. Your shop set up is a dream, too!! Thanks for posting this. Truly amazing workbench!

[@DeerRiverCraftsman]

Thanks so much, good luck with your next step!

[@pemtax557]

A pleasure to watch ... enjoy the fruits of your hard work. Cheers!!

[@DeerRiverCraftsman]

Thank you! Will do!

[@genem2768]

That is just beautiful! Good thing the saw horses were taller than the tops of the leg tenons.

[@DeerRiverCraftsman]

Thank you, I'd like to say that was planned...;-)

[@ThoGuddi]

I am deeply impressed. Wow what a bench 😍😍😍

[@DeerRiverCraftsman]

Thank you very much! :-)

[@jlmfoy365]

Built a bench myself a few mths ago ( more Jay Bates than traditional ) but mine is a lot smaller, no room. Love all the work holding potential on yours and the celebration when the top fit was epic. Good job. Regards Jim.

[@DeerRiverCraftsman]

Big release of nervous energy! Spoke about that with Geoff Feder on Full Blast Podcast! :-) Thanks mate, much appreciated!

[@miguelrodriguez8932]

Great attention to detail, patience, and work. Discipline to your craft equals great craftsmanship!

[@DeerRiverCraftsman]

Thanks very much! :-)

[@duncanstreet4955]

That is an awesome workbench - such a pleasure to watch the build. Keep up the great work!

[@DeerRiverCraftsman]

Thanks so much Duncan!

[@michellaplante1790]

this is one of the best i seen so far its very nice you bare a pro

[@DeerRiverCraftsman]

Thank you Michel!

[@geofferyrobertson6608]

now that's a work bench , top job mate

[@DeerRiverCraftsman]

Thanks v much!

[@rosshollinger8097]

Very nice job! I have the same plans and will be building mine shortly. Can't wait.

[@DeerRiverCraftsman]

Cheers! Have a great project!

[@MrHerbalchef]

very goof project ...so well executed... great work...

[@DeerRiverCraftsman]

Thanks very much :-)

[@karlthompson1961]

You’ve got great skills, and I love that work bench!👍🏻👍🏻🇬🇧

[@DeerRiverCraftsman]

thanks so much Karl

[@cronaon317]

I am in AWWWWWEEEEE what a great shop you have

[@DeerRiverCraftsman]

Thanks so much!

[@coolhand6656]

I'm building my first bench. Many thanks for the inspiration! Beautiful work my man! I'll have to improvise for a few steps since I have a more modest tool inventory haha.

[@DeerRiverCraftsman]

Cheers, always a way, just may take longer...been there!

[@MrChewy63]

Wonderful craftsmanship my friend!

[@DeerRiverCraftsman]

Thanks so much!

[@harrymeijer393]

Work of art, must be a dream to work on it. Cheers from the Netherlands.

[@DeerRiverCraftsman]

Thanks Harry, it's lovely to work on! :-)

[@derekpeterson8005]

Amazing craftsmanship! Thank you for sharing your time and talent!

[@DeerRiverCraftsman]

Thanks so much Derek! :-)

[@TexChopper]

Beautiful bench. I plan to build one soon, and the only thing I would do different is add bench dogs on the end vice. Magnificent job.

[@DeerRiverCraftsman]

Cheers mate, and yeah, bench dogs definitely planned for the end vice, but we cant seem to get the pop-up versions from veritas in the UK anymore so I can just leave them in place! I may just get normal ones & keep them on hand!

[@coryjohn4057]

Nice work. Look forward to seeing more

[@DeerRiverCraftsman]

Thank you!

[@KamleshSuthar-zo3xh]

Perfect work bench my friend

[@DeerRiverCraftsman]

Thanks so much!

[@robertcornelius3514]

You'll get a lot of use out of it. I did with mine. However, I got lucky with the lumber and repurposed an old water bed frame. It had extra thick grade A pine.

[@DeerRiverCraftsman]

Nice recycle, love old pitch pine, so durable!

[@thebobloblawshow8832]

Beautiful job. 👍👍

[@DeerRiverCraftsman]

Thank you very much!

[@Buckyball3026]

Great build. Great video. Keep up the great work!

[@alexmaker2635]

Bellissimo tavolo per il Lab. Wonderful

[@DeerRiverCraftsman]

grazie mille, felice che ti piaccia!

[@dylansmith9852]

I like your planner set up!👏

[@DeerRiverCraftsman]

It's nice kit! :-)

[@terryholdredge6393]

Beautiful job, well presented. Thank you.

[@DeerRiverCraftsman]

Thanks so much Terry!

[@genewhitesides2722]

Gorgeous bit of woodwork. Thank you for sharing. Subscribed.

[@DeerRiverCraftsman]

Thanks very much!

[@ianwalters3485]

Great build video.... I'll look forward to more in the future. A fellow Welshman (from South Wales), but returning to Singapore. First job after quarantine... build my portable Morovian workbench....that's all I'll space for, for a while.

[@DeerRiverCraftsman]

Diolch yn fawr, have fun in Singapore!

[@emadabulaban6013]

الله يحميك ويوفقك ... أنت رائع وجميل وفنان بمعنى الكلمة .. موفق حبيبي ... 💯✔💯👏👌👍 .. اخوك عماد من السعوديه 💜

[@DeerRiverCraftsman]

Thanks :-)

[@charlesthomas9294]

That is one beefy monster. I'm going to need to build something similar soon, so I was glad to have watched this. Thanks for posting!

[@DeerRiverCraftsman]

Thanks vry much, check out @ThirdCoastCraftsman plans, really affordable & come with video instructions! Link in the desc!

[@Terrythemaker]

Great bench, I really enjoyed that video 👍🏼

[@DeerRiverCraftsman]

Thanks so much!

[@fordboss9275]

Beautiful work!

[@DeerRiverCraftsman]

Thanks so much!

[@Nigel_Evans]

Fantastic build, I was mesmerised all the way through 👌

[@DeerRiverCraftsman]

thank you! :-)

[@dannmarks]

Beautiful

[@DeerRiverCraftsman]

Thank you!

[@ctcollinthib]

That is outstanding work!

[@DeerRiverCraftsman]

Thanks so much!

[@CMRWoodworks]

Great video and awesome bench. Well done man!

[@DeerRiverCraftsman]

Thanks so much Chris :-)

[@alexalexisalexy]

Man, what a superb video. Watched it beginning to end. Also very happy to see you celebrate when the top fit first time - that's when I knew you were a mere human like the rest of us! Beautiful bench.

[@DeerRiverCraftsman]

Thanks so much Alex! I've been making furniture for over 20 years, big glue-ups remain stressful, and this one was top level stress!

[@andrewtelford243]

That’s a work of art, really enjoyed that video. Glad I’ve stumbled across your Chanel. Also I’m from north wales to💪👍

[@DeerRiverCraftsman]

Diolch yn fawr!! :-)

[@ricardosuarez137]

Now THAT is a work bench

[@DeerRiverCraftsman]

thank you!

[@bradleytuckwell4854]

Beautiful job

[@DeerRiverCraftsman]

Thanks v much Bradley!

[@petemaddock]

A very nice job! well done.

[@DeerRiverCraftsman]

Thanks very much :-)

[@Devilwood]

Buen trabajo, ya tienes un banco de trabajo para toda la vida. Enhorabuena. 😈😈

[@DeerRiverCraftsman]

¡Muchas gracias, eso espero!

[@thecreativetake]

Great build, i learned some good tips watching your workflow!

[@DeerRiverCraftsman]

Glad to help! Thanks mate

[@ralphiewigs2208]

Fitting the top to the tenoned legs is a good thing to get done right the first time.

[@DeerRiverCraftsman]

It certainly is! Sleepless night beforehand :-)

[@wagsman9999]

VERY NICE. Made one of these a few years ago (not nearly this nice, lol) - they are very functional. I just wish I had made it twice as large.

[@DeerRiverCraftsman]

Thanks very much, there will always be that 1 job where we think, why didn't I build this bigger! :-)

[@williamtowery3586]

Beautiful work! Thank you for inspiring

[@DeerRiverCraftsman]

Thanks Williams! My pleasure!

[@heatoncustomwoodworkingflo1769]

Absolutely stunning!

[@DeerRiverCraftsman]

thanks so much!

[@changosanju]

Great Job, awesome!!

[@DeerRiverCraftsman]

Thanks so much!

[@yveswart369]

Very beautiful job. I like 👍

[@DeerRiverCraftsman]

Cheers Yves!

[@johnpayne6196]

Ha ha ha ha... I think that the majority of the time, but it takes ‘something’ to get there? In the UK, the timber is usually too expensive (rock maple, birds eye maple etc) to do this work. I used CLS 62 x 38 mm from Wickes (10% off too) to make a bench. I laminated the top 20 x 38 = 760. I trebled up the legs 3 x 38. Then I cut the the front 62 x 38 as a reverse dovetail as per Roubo. Finally, I used a deadman from under the top to the stretchers - the stretchers did some of the bracing to minimise racking. I made up a Nicholson vice with two guide timbers and one centre screw. I cut up an old (seasoned well) Brazilian mahogany 2XG door and joined the stiles to make up 44 mm x 175 mm a vice chop. The inner vice chop was the bench top. Up the Villa!

[@layrtonsilvasoaressoares2687]

Trabalho fenomenal, você é um vencedor, Parabéns e Gratidão por compartilhar irmão!!!

[@DeerRiverCraftsman]

Muito obrigado, ótimo ter você nos acompanhando!

[@AB-C1]

Fantastic craftsmanship! I'd love to build a bench like this some day given the opportunity! I need to build a workshop first! Lol.. Great job! 👍💪🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿😎

[@DeerRiverCraftsman]

Thanks so much, go build that workshop! :-)

[@gerardgreenan907]

Stunning mate!

[@DeerRiverCraftsman]

Thanks very much mate!

[@spencerbarnett2974]

Pretty sure around 12:15 is what making things is all about. Nice work man.

[@DeerRiverCraftsman]

Thanks Spencer, and I agree totally! :-)

[@thecattherapychannel2861]

Brilliant video mate 👏

[@DeerRiverCraftsman]

Thanks so much! :-)

[@rizaadon]

Amazing work!

[@DeerRiverCraftsman]

Much appreciated, cheers !

[@user-tl4pv5xf3s]

Колоссальные нервы у тебя мужик! Жирный лайк за усилия и приятного творчества!

[@DeerRiverCraftsman]

Спасибо

[@nigelwarner1497]

bloody marvellous !!!

[@DeerRiverCraftsman]

thanks very much Nigel!

[@anastasiymikhaylov5683]

Super !!! Great work!

[@DeerRiverCraftsman]

Thanks so much!

[@oscardacrus]

Excelente trabajo.

[@DeerRiverCraftsman]

Muito obrigado!

[@frankswoodandminiatures9389]

Complimenti...fantastic!! form Monfalcone in Italy

[@DeerRiverCraftsman]

Grazie mille Franco!

[@cerberus2881]

You did an amazing Job with it.. probably outlast your grandchildren!

[@DeerRiverCraftsman]

As long as it outlasts me & I hope to keep going for a while yet! :-)

[@cerberus2881]

@@DeerRiverCraftsman I'm much closer to the end than you are, I totally get it! 🤣

[@waynebooker498]

Your table saw is hating it. Nice bench. I really liked the music at minute 11 and at 18.

[@DeerRiverCraftsman]

Table saw was struggling with the maple for sure after a few boards! tough timber to work with, but that makes a great bench! cheers!

[@erikstombaugh1688]

Love this..

[@DeerRiverCraftsman]

Thanks!

[@jerrynix5206]

Outstanding job sir! That is one of the most beautiful workbenches I have ever seen. Also love your shop set up, it is awesome.

[@DeerRiverCraftsman]

Thanks so much :-)

[@DsHardWoodCreations]

Very nice solid bench brother.

[@DeerRiverCraftsman]

Thank you! :-)

[@maxmustermann853]

Really cool project and great work! Well done mate.

[@DeerRiverCraftsman]

Thanks very much!

[@choverechannel8641]

Impecable trabajo Saludos desde Argentina

[@DeerRiverCraftsman]

muchas gracias! Diolch yn fawr (in Welsh ;-) )

[@dougdays8095]

incredible!! beautiful beautifullll work

[@DeerRiverCraftsman]

Cheers Doug! :-)

[@brunofonseca9686]

Amazing build. Kudos from Brazil. By the way, nice trick using tape to form an arc with the ruler.

[@DeerRiverCraftsman]

Thank you! It's a cool trick! :-)

[@tonystone3397]

Epic build pal.

[@DeerRiverCraftsman]

thanks so much!

[@gwyndafwilliams5269]

Great video and amazing bench. Really enjoying all your videos. Diolch 👍🏻

[@DeerRiverCraftsman]

Diolch yn fawr! :-)

[@andremata7905]

Grettings from Costa Rica great project!

[@DeerRiverCraftsman]

Hello from North Wales, many thanks!

[@janekgraf717]

very nice build !

[@DeerRiverCraftsman]

Thanks v much!

[@Und3adNation4L]

Awesome bench, solid build my dude!

[@DeerRiverCraftsman]

Much appreciated sir! :-)

[@dylanburke5739]

Man, great job on this!

[@DeerRiverCraftsman]

Thanks Dylan, much appreciated!

[@martingagne3136]

nice workbench good video thx

[@DeerRiverCraftsman]

Thanks Martin!

[@Juicextractor1]

Great skill and fantastic end product, loved the video. The only criticism I have is you kept putting your hand planes down on their cutting edges, I was taught always to place a plane down on it's side, so as not to dull the cutting edge, it can also mark what ever surface you lay it on. Storage for planes raised at one end, always kept the blade free from any contact too.

[@DeerRiverCraftsman]

It's a vice I know, but I sharpen before every use anyway! Meditation! ;-)

[@anthonyarmstrong3255]

When I was an apprentice, if the shop foreman saw your plane cutter down, he'd clip your ear! (that was allowed in those days, probably not now though)

[@olegmania4]

What an amazing build!! Also a great video showing all the steps.

[@DeerRiverCraftsman]

Thanks very much, much appreciated!

[@emburaman]

This workbench turned out beautiful!! Great job!

[@DeerRiverCraftsman]

Thanks so much :-)

[@biebersydney1999]

Man, that bench is amazing. Bet it weighs a ton..

[@DeerRiverCraftsman]

Thanks so much George, it certainly takes a decent shove to move it! ;-)

[@wooddiy4k740]

Amazing carpenter.

[@DeerRiverCraftsman]

Thank you!

[@jalechavez6042]

Excelente...!...te quedó Genial...!!...Saludosss

[@DeerRiverCraftsman]

Gracias! :-)

[@harrymason1053]

Well, it seems funny to put such a fantastic investment in terms of modern machinery just to make a bench with a woodworker's crochet for a holding device.

[@DeerRiverCraftsman]

haha, well thankfully all my machinery is valuable for the furniture work I do as well as making this bench ;-) but do I love the crotchet for door work & live edge bark removal with a draw knife, among many things which modern benches don't really have a great alternative for! :-) thanks for checking in!