Watch This Before Building a Workbench for Woodworking

[@jnewmy14]

This was a great video. I've been watching a ton of stuff trying to help figure out what to build for my new bench and this was by far the best and most informative, plus we share the same name so it's no wonder it was good, lol. What is the style of bench you mentioned at the end of the video that was made with 16' dimensional lumber? I'm going to replace a rickety old second hand bench and this looks like a good option to hone my skills.

[@gilmchaul]

⁰⁰

[@saustin231]

I could listen to you talk about stuff for hours because you offer both opinions and facts plus you answer the questions most others don’t.

[@BlackSwan912]

A fantastic video. Great workbench primer. Thank you. I REALLY like that it is quiet, straightforward, no music to "rev us up" and all the other video "tricks."

[@makenchips]

Probably one of the best workbench reviews I've seen and KZbin overview of workbenches voices in general understanding these workbenches in their purposes. The one premise that he talks about a lot is the style of work you going to do one bench won't cover everything for everyone's preference! The one point you don't pick up the first time listening to this is the workbench and yellow pine is it a Furniture bench or is it a real workbench. There's a lot of personal preferences here nothing's perfect and nothing's absolutely they must it's all personal preferences from your style of working.😊

[@matthewkeeley4479]

Well, I came here by hitting the enter key off somewhere else. I was a woodworker from age twenty to age thirty and looking to get back in as a small hobby. So refreshing style of teaching, I'm sure his students do very well. The workbench that can be broken down and yet comes from a traditional design is great. Glad I found this site.

[@maple5793]

Thanks! Joshua By necessity, my workbench started out as a 34" x 9-foot Solid core Mahogany slab door. It was notched to fit between two brick posts in my basement. I saved the offcuts, and years later they rejoined their brother, sandwiched between 3/4" or 20 mm baltic fir plywood and a top of leftover 1" Maple flooring. It now has pair of 10" vintage Record QR vices buried in 3" maple jaws. The base has continuously been laminated 6 x 6 Doug fir. The bench has stayed flat through its iterations! That's a long story but it covers 35 years and 6 moves!

[@mohdalisyed]

Great video. I have now watched it 500 times. Living in a rental house, I figured the best workbench for me would be a short Moravian. I am so glad I made it. Learnt alot along the way. Thanks for your videos.

[@fredrikabacka9845]

Brilliant! THANKS -a lot! I'm shifting from teaching crafts in public schools, into starting a small mobile and flexible bisnes for "Pimping Workshops & Homes" and "Outdoor ABC" (Adventures, Boatings & Crafts)... Your knowledge & know-how, experience & wisdom, personality & style, tips & tricks will be a great recourse to me! F-ready the Finn, Go Forth Services

[@krabenaldt7605]

I am going to have to watch again. Found myself dreaming about a new bench and then missed so much of video.

[@jlw35cudvm]

K Rabenaldt : I do the same thing with a lot of videos

[@WoodAndShop]

LOL...keep on watching!

[@kjohnson3505]

you are not alone mate

[@glen3257]

@@jlw35cudvm me too. I truly have a passion and have my lathe, table saw, jig saw and more I bought as I do have a true passion (but lack any skill) and would love to be able to do things I see in so many videos!

[@saramulry]

Yup

[@isaach1447]

This is PERFECT timing... after a 12+ yr hiatus I am returning to woodworking. My old bench was a harbor freight. Since I left it with my old house, and have finally rebuilt a tiny shop at my current house, I'm going to be building my own suitable for woodworking, leatherworking, flyting, and any other hobby that may come along! I felt ashamed that I was looking at pine...the last few minutes of the video made me feel better about it! Plus I never realized about the 16' 12X lumber being from the best part of the tree, though it makes sense.

[@Wateringman]

I found this channel by accident a while back, and this primer on wooden workbenches is absolutely wonderful, and highly informative. When I was a UBC journeyman carpenter many years ago, I used to make my own on-site workbenches. It made life so much easier during the time the work lasted. I would use 5/4 boards tongue and grooved (by me), and I would stagger the edges, and hold 2 layers of the boards together with wooden dowels, that had each matching dowel hole slightly staggered, to lock the two layers together. On thing I always did; which I have seen that no one else does, until I show them, is to make 1 or 2 openings on the surface of the bench; all the way through the bench top. On some if I had the time, ( I always had time) I made a flush cover for the opening. With a hole in the center to just pull the cover off, and expose the opening when needed. My usual size was 5 x 8 inches. This made boring wood so much easier, because any boring of holes, was a cinch, since the piece to be worked on was fully supported, and secured with holdfast clamps. I just centered the hole I had to bore just over the benchtop opening.

[@mathquir190]

I'm designing mine and I didn't though of putting the legs in angle. THANK YOU lol. That will surely prevent rocking it everywhere or damaging the bench in question over time.

[@gordonvanlieshout8134]

Glad to see some keeping the art of wood working alive. I chased saw dust for 59 of my 70 years. Started with building a soapbox derby car at age 11. Before that, forts, tree houses, bush camps. I had a Huck fun life, for this day and age.

[@gordonvanlieshout8134]

If one wants to learn wood working. Find a old pattern maker, woodwright. It's a good start.

[@uriel-heavensguardian8949]

I love this workbench. Bought the DVD when it first came out. Haven’t built it yet but I can’t wait to. This will be my bench life. I originally wanted to I the Rubo. To heavy and to big for my needs. Not transportable at all. This Moravian bench is the best for my needs!

[@lilianaprina5991]

A learning experience that is the reason I watch this videos...Knowledge is important.

[@dagoelius]

This was amazing. I've just discovered the love of working with wood after my grandfather died and your website is a goldmine of useful information for newbies to the craft.

[@a.omoose8946]

you might want to drop that word 'newbies' from your vocabulary to start

[@dagoelius]

@@a.omoose8946oh look a brown shirt who feels the need to police a comment section. Must be going stircrazy stuck inside with no Antifa rallies to go to.

[@WoodAndShop]

Nothing wrong with "newbies"

[@hellomate639]

I'm calling my WIP first time workbench the "homebrew hardware store half-english" Lol. So far it's been a lot of fun. I'm glad that what I heard in this video hasn't contradicted any of the theory I'm putting into building my workbench. Trying to get shear and torsion at each joint under control from many angles.

[@triumphovereve]

Just watched your video and immediately purchased the plan. I know what I'll be making this month.

[@r.g.carter3908]

This is a great and informative video for someone looking to build their first work bench after years of moving makeshift tables across the room while planning.

[@mickhurley7305]

Great video, thanks for directing me to Franck Klaus - 300 feet of moulding by hand, you can skip the gym on the way home... my new woodworking hero .

[@alexlongfield2113]

Great video. A true workbench aficionado with an awesome down to earth, practical, reasonable mindset. Thank you.

[@EricCustodioGospelkid]

Wow this is exactly what I need as I start planning to build my very first work bench… SUBSCRIBED! Thanks

[@tomarthur676]

Ok, I'm starting to watch this multiple times. Great.

[@curtiegremlin]

If ever there was a perfect place to start planning a work bench of any type this video is it. I watched looking for ideas for a sliding miter saw bench because I didn't want a high dollar flimsy portable contractor stand. I learned more in a few minutes than the previous hours of online research on manufactured tables, stands and benches. Thank you for such an informative video.

[@KubaAirs]

Amazing video, you convinced me on making one. Thank you! Just one thing to point out. Moravian's weren't a cult. We Moravians (Ethnic group in Czech Republic) have had difficult times with the Catholic Church since they executed Jan Hus. His teaching was to protest corruption among Catholic Church and their priests, that you shouldn't need to pay to church to be closer to God. Catholic church obviously didn't like that idea so they burned him alive and it started a Hussite Wars here in Europe. The ones who followed those teachings were labeled by the Catholic church Protestants, Heretics, Cult members and what not and many fled. Still Christians. It's one of the reasons we're among the most atheistic countries in the world.

[@robbosls]

As a newbie, I've spent the last couple of freezing cold months watching videos to learn about, well, everything! I stumbled across your video, it's been very useful to help me build on my as yet scant knowledge. Thank you.

[@kir2847]

Excellent, this really is a guide we all needed. Well structured, covers most designs and is really short considering all the info provided.

[@steveperry948]

While I don’t need a textbook workbench, this video is quite valuable to me in determining some of the key features that I want to incorporate on my personal workbench that I will be creating.

[@johnjude2685]

Love to build your bench and try to find the time, After I build it shure the time will be return from speeding up any project in my future. Thanks for showing me, Sir

[@davestinyworkshopotherprojects]

Brilliant video. Thanks so much, I'm building a compact workshop, 2.5 by 1.5 meters with double front doors to open up the space. I've been trying to work out what kind of workbench to build, whether fixed cabinet style, or traditional. I'd seen the Moravian style before but your review of it has convinced me that it is ideal for my needs.

[@davidsimmons2655]

I built one for myself and despite a few errors it turned out really well. Based on that experience, I built a different version (minus most errors) for my brother for his birthday. Best gift ever, and I was able to transport it in a suv to his place and teach him how to assemble it in a minute.

[@scottcates]

Thank you. This video was very helpful in deciding which type of bench to build!

[@cadiscase]

Thanks.. I used Alder for my bench. Was relatively inexpensive. It is a hardwood. I Iike the color. Fairly east to work with. Best to you.

[@danielhanawalt4998]

Planning to build a work bench. This video was helpful. Thanks. I want to build one that's portable but with wheels so I can roll it up onto my trailer.

[@TheMonkdad]

Very informative. I’ve been wanting to build a really nice one with a hardwood top for years to replace my beat up but very sturdy pine dimensional lumber one I built 25 years ago. You’d be amazed how loading dead car batteries on the bottom shelf will add mass.

[@mirekkuzminski3956]

Thank You for valuable information and for your simple explanation of the process ❤🌞

[@RajbirSingh-wg9pf]

So much of information crammed into those twenty minutes. Will have to watch again. Liked the normal everyday kind of 'speak' without dramatics. Thanks

[@WoodAndShop]

So glad it was helpful Rajbir!

[@alanmumford8806]

As a bit of encouragement to those who don't have much space... I built my bench for working in a small apartment, so it's only around 5 feet long and 2 feet wide. For the legs, I used draw-bored mortise and tenoned pine 4x4s for three H-frames (actually with 2 crossbars) and double-layer 3/4 plywood for the top. Because the supporting legs are so close together, that's proven to be plenty thick enough to not sag. 5 inch wide, ankle height stringers of the same plywood are tightly rebated flush with the legs front and back and secured with screws. The top is held by gravity and double 10mm dowels at all six leg tops. It's easily dismantled for moving and not too heavy. I have not experienced any racking when planing and I used a cheap trick to stop it moving - it sits on a piece of industrial or office type carpet laid upside down. This extends about 2 feet in front of the bench, so I'm standing on the same surface as the bench. Because of the rubbery carpet backing, the bench NEVER moves relative to me while working. The carpet also deadens some noise, which is a bonus. It was my first woodworking project and I'm still happily using it after more than 10 years. Oh, and I made it using only hand tools and a Black & Decker workmate! If I can do it, ANYONE can! :-)

[@Buddy-po4hv]

I'm watching from Saudi Arabia, woodworking is not a thing that's known here, but you have inspired me, great video and excellent explanation. Thank you.

[@GeorgeMiller-h9o]

Do you even have wood there?

[@deldridg]

What a lovely way to enjoy 20 minutes of woodworking wisdom. I'm currently setting up shop at our newly renovated home in a much bigger space than before. We have a ton of Merbau (very stable hardwood) from some decks we took down and I'm planning to build a few workbenches with it. As always, you have added some great wisdom to my ruminations and hopefully I'll be able to build something special on which to create more special things! Warm regards and thanks from Sydney - Dave

[@jaystock9202]

Love the vid. What I like about this one is how easily it collapses and transports. I recently built an english style workbench from rex Kruger, but may have done this one instead had I not come across it as late as I did. I haven't done any major products on it but I have to say that if you want to get into hand tools, a bench of this fashion is an absolute MUST. A couple of hold fasts go a long way. Mine is probably around 7ft long and 30in wide. Definitely didnt "need"to be that big. With the width and the fact that my top isn't laminated, I'm considering putting in a tool well in the center... tbd. That is the nice thing about the english bench, I can replace a board pretty easily to change the layout. I think once I have my configuration optimized, my next bench will have the solid laminated maple top. I wouldn't like that huge tool well at the end of the bench, only because as wide as mine is allows me to access both sides.

[@BeasleyStreet]

Yes,the width for a wood workers bench a lot narrower than you would believe necessary ,however a setting out bench is something else entirely, a large flat area where you can get all four sides at a pinch three is for a different purpose, but if you want it multi purpose then that is your prerogative 🤝👍

[@heman5737]

What an incredible guide, hello from Queretaro, Mexico.

[@loydalexander154]

Thank you good info I as well am ready to build a new bench in my shop and found your video very informative thanks again.

[@juancateigueluribe]

Una, maravilla de la ingeniería humana,cuando quieres explotar la creatividad.Gracias por compartir.Saludos desde "Chile"...

[@jordanhernandez8590]

The Moravian portable workbench was super neat

[@hermanvanmal7066]

Very well explained and understandable for me as an unexperienced wood worker, who want to make his own workbench. And especially the removable Moravian bench is cool to me!

[@BeasleyStreet]

So refreshing that you talk about the homemade bench tools,it's nostalgic, woodwork class at school,starting with the basics is the right way,unlike those who believe power first,if it's not got a 110 volt box, they don't what it is,traditional woodwork tools are things of great beauty, look forward to your future videos🤝👍😊

[@ericrickert3045]

These are great points! Also, I remind myself if the bench does not work out, then I can always make another one.

[@V21IC]

Wow! That is as traditional as it can get! I remember benches like those some several decades ago when I took Woodwork & Technical Drawing for 5/6 years in secondary school!😯😄

[@andrewsheehan5972]

In reference to your comment on the height of a workbench being at the height of your knuckles when standing straight-backed....I think this is a throwback to how most Blacksmith's determined the proper height to mount their anvils. This is still recommended, as it maximizes the inertia of a hammer swing, and lessens the strain on the blacksmith's joints. So, I'm pretty sure that's where the "golden rule" came from. But, as you said, this doesn't take into account the type of work your doing on the bench. Great video, thanks!

[@mm9773]

Good shout. That’s probably where the rule originated, although I don’t think woodworkers build a bench for hammering and dogmatically stick to that rule, when hammering is such a small part of what they do. This rule is a total mystery to me - I’m working at a bench at knuckle height at the moment, and it’s absolutely killing my back. Nothing I do is comfortable at that height, and neither does it seem efficient.

[@wandererstraining]

That was a great video! My own workbench was my first project, last year (we all need something to work on, right?). It measures 26"x46", with a 3" thick top. That's because I live in a small apartment. The bench has to fit in a room that's a bit larger than a closet, with room on each side of it, and it needs to fit through door frames. I'm pretty happy with it overall. I haven't made a vise for it yet, but I have a bunch of dog holes, which are only 1/2 in diameter, instead of 3/4, but I made all the bench dogs and vises that I use, and in the end, it's cheaper to do it that way. One side of the bench has an apron with two thick legs, English style, and the other side is more French style, with no apron and thinner legs. The whole thing is made of laminated 2x4s bought from the store, and it probably cost less than $100 CAD total, including the glue. The legs are mortised in the laminated top, and the whole thing is heavy, but I don't know how heavy. Definitely more than 100 lbs. Works for my usage. Some day I'll probably make an other one, when I move somewhere else, especially if I have more space. But for now, it works for my usage. Only thing is, I can push it around when I plane things, so I jammed more 2x4s between the bench's legs and the bottom of the walls, and it's not moving anymore. Rubber pads would probably fix it tho.

[@ElminsterPTC]

I am thinking of trying to get a small apartment wood shop going myself, would you be willing to share some pictures or a video of your space?

[@sk13ppy]

Thank you very much for this informative, demonstration video.

[@jerrystark3587]

I have built a number of workbenches over the years. I have three in my basement shop that I use daily for different purposes. Whether you have built workbenches or are planning to do so, this is a very useful and informative video. Thank you. BTW: I have watched the Will Myers video on building the Moravian workbench several times. I cannot recommend it highly enough. Excellent video and work bench! (Frankly, I would enjoy listening to Will Myers read the daily newspaper.👍)

[@WoodAndShop]

That is awesome Jerry! And thanks for the kind words. Yes, Will has a very Sexy Southern accent :)

[@jesseterpstra5472]

I'm currently in the process of building a Moravian workbench from your plans, I have built the undercarriage and am working on the top. I decided to make it with a split top rather than with the tool tray, just to have the extra mass in the top. I plan on fashioning a shelf for tools that is held in some way by the long stretchers, but that will be after everything else is done.

[@medinadesignstudio5362]

Incredible useful video. Simple and direct to the point. Thank you very much

[@donbedo6798]

Thanks for sharing this really good ideas. I have seen a easy and cheap design of a leg vice in this video first time. Before I just knew the complex French style of this vice with a scissors cross as counter bearing. Your easy design with just a sliding rail at the bottom end of the leg is great.

[@JP-rr5zg]

Wow, i feel like I'm in a proper woodworking course in school, for free. Thank you!

[@johndennis3181]

I can't wait to build a work bench. I don't have a proper workshop so I am a bit tight on space. Thank you for the tips and the Moravian Workbench could be the winner for me.

[@WoodAndShop]

You're welcome John!

[@fishindude72]

I am pretty convinced I would like the leg vise but as for the end vise I'm still trying to figure out which choice to make. Probably starting the build of my bench this fall. As for dog holes advise on size hole and distance would be appreciated. Great video, Thanks for sharing!

[@craftsmen22]

Nice video, good thoughts, and a good inspiration to start working at my own bank.

[@1961gfb]

Hi Josh, thank you for your clear video! God bless you!

[@jerrykirshner68]

Thank you for making this video. You covered far more valuable information than I expected! Now I have to rethink what I've designed to include the gems I've gleaned from this to improve my bench even more!

[@harveychuckles3780]

5 most important features: 4 legs & a top.

[@lexandersig]

hahahahahhahahahahahahhahahahahahah

[@dennisg.8618]

I knew I was forgetting something. 2 legs mine seemed wobbly

[@dennisg.8618]

Not only that everytime I put something on top I'd walk away and find it under the bench so I guess I could use a top too

[@benjaminnoordam7707]

I think the legs count as one lol

[@jeremiahthomas9833]

True. But there are other things to consider. Lol

[@hugociarrocchi59]

Complete!!! Congratulations!!!

[@nealeberly4325]

Great informative video. I will be looking at more and maybe even building my own. Would love to have the time to even take a class or two at the school

[@Tritamer]

@WoodandShop Really enjoyed your video on woodworking benches! I’m 53 now and when I was 18 & 19 I fell in love with the Roy Underhill TV series and books. I even met someone who moved out to my neck of the woods in Oregon from one of those colonial towns on the east coast where she did early American woodcraft. I enjoyed that time immensely. I’m just starting to plan a new shop and get into woodworking again on our 24 acres overlooking Hagg Lake. I love the old hand tools and am drawn to that, but appreciate the efficiency of power tools. I’ll have to see if I lean more strongly one way or another as I plan the space needed in a new building and then layout and infrastructure. It’s exciting and can’t wait to see where this leads. Any suggestions about what to read at this stage is welcome!

[@smithent701]

Great content and insights...thank you. (from just a beginner looking to build a basic workbench)

[@lexboegen]

I like longer benches (I made mine eight feet long), and I've never particularly liked tool trays, although I see the value of having tools nearby. What I did was take some scrap plywood and lumber that I and and I made a rolling tool tray whose height is just a few inches lower than the top of the bench (so any tall tools like hand planes will still be lower than the bench top). This follows me around the bench as I work, but is far enough from the bench that it doesn't collect shavings and not much sawdust. I like your quick removal tool tray and I might adapt that for me next rolling tool tray design. I'm about to embark on building my next bench (every design has some shortcomings that don't become apparent until I've used it for some time). My next one will probably combine the features that I like from Roubo, Nicholson, and your Morovian workbenches. Thumbs up and subscribed.

[@mm9773]

Great idea, I really like it.

[@jeremys.8607]

I'm currently building my own workbench (first time doing it). Thank you for your advices!

[@javieralfaro3741]

Hi. Thankyou for the ilustrative video. I make four workbenches, Two in recycled pine wood, and two in cedro wood. But i never see some mechanism before. Just wanted work with wood, i love tools.

[@jimmurphy5739]

Much appreciated. Thanks for this vid. And especially the tip on buying the 16 foot lengths! That's a nugget I wouldn't have guessed, but it makes so much sense.

[@ronmack1767]

Enjoyed the information video Joshua. Thanks for sharing your valuable information. Y'all stay well and God bless.

[@WoodAndShop]

Glad you enjoyed it Ron...God bless you too!

[@andyevans8585]

Really instructive video. Thank you

[@maplobats]

Best workbench video on youtube!

[@WoodAndShop]

Wow, thanks!

[@lewkohl]

Excellent overview. Thank you!

[@stefanfilipov7254]

I'm not gonna watch this but i will save it in my favs .In case some day i need it.Thank you guys

[@jakelilevjen9766]

Just built myself a Roubo workbench from construction lumber. A couple of tips and comments: 1) Everyone who can get southern yellow pine at the big box store should feel lucky. I live in Denver, and Douglas fir is the best I could do. This stuff warps and tears out like crazy! I doubt I will ever try with construction lumber again, as nothing came out straight, flat, or square. 2) When using soft woods, be sure to leave yourself enough time to do the glue-up on the same day as you cut your wood. Otherwise, it will warp, cup, and bow, making for a very frustrating glue-up.

[@mm9773]

Very, very, very sensible take on bench heights. It’s extremely important for everybody to figure out the right height before building an expensive bench, and to really test it instead of relying on a rule of thumb. Some people even recommend to build the bench “too high” and cut off the legs later if necessary - probably not a bad idea. I bought a cheap used bench to get started - it’s too light, not solid enough and has other flaws, but the biggest problem by far is the height: it’s at knuckle height, and that’s a total disaster: far too low, I can’t do anything comfortably and it’s killing my back. I can’t understand how people can recommend that rule, so it’s lovely to hear such a sensible take instead. I wonder if people - some real woodworking gurus amongst them - have dug up antique workbench plans and failed to consider that people were a good four inches shorter 150 years ago - surely not? One argument I often hear is that a low bench is better for planing, and that doesn’t jibe with my limited experience at all: I’ve planed softwood, hardwood, some difficult grain, and I’ve never felt that the low bench is helping me. On the contrary, it often feels like a higher bench top would help me get a little bit more force behind the plane, because that’s where I need it - not on top of the plane, acting downwards. I’m not writing this to be contrarian, I genuinely would like to find out why people recommend low benches for planing. The only reason I’ve come up with so far is that it might be better for tearing into huge slabs of wood with a ton of force, in order to quickly flatten them - because that’s what used to happen in a carpenter’s shop, presumably. But that’s not what most people are building a bench for nowadays. Thoughts, anyone?

[@WoodAndShop]

It's just something you've got to try to understand

[@mm9773]

@@WoodAndShop I’m getting there, and this helps too. I’ve asked a few woodworkers, and nobody has been able to explain what they need all that downforce for - your answer is just more arrogant than the others. Thank you, I appreciate the reply.

[@WoodAndShop]

@@mm9773 I think you misunderstood my comment. I meant that you need to actually try out workbenches of different design and size to understand. If you try to handplane with just your arms (on a higher bench) then you don't have as much power as if you have your whole upper body weight behind the handplane. Does that make sense?

[@mm9773]

@@WoodAndShop Yes, thanks for clarifying. However, at my current “knuckle height” bench the angle at which I can use my bodyweight is such that it forces the plane down too much, it’s not conducive to leaning into a forward stroke. The sweet spot is a few inches higher, and I’m wondering how that can be different for others. I wouldn’t be so confident about my own findings if they weren’t backed up by a professional: Paul Sellers advocates for higher benches, and I was glad to find his video on the topic when I was having trouble reconciling my idea of the ideal height with the knuckle height recommendations out there. Conversations about this issue always seem to get stuck at this point: I ask “why the low bench?” - the answer is usually about using your body weight, and even though everybody agrees that the weight should be behind the plane, people simultaneously argue that it should be above the plane to a large extent. I doesn’t really follow. I don’t have a ton of experience under my belt, but planing on a bench at knuckle height is killing my back, whereas working on the 4 inch thick bench top for my new workbench (on top of the current bench) is a breeze. I don’t know, everything seems to confirm the idea that the sweet spot is a couple of inches higher than conventional wisdom suggests. That’s why I like asking people about it.

[@WoodAndShop]

@@mm9773 What I tell people is this: never let anyone tell you how you MUST do something in woodworking. You've got to figure that out for yourself. I tell my students to do what feels best for them, because there are usually multiple ways to do something. Some people like taller workbenches and some like lower. But it doesn't mean that one way is better than another for everyone. That's the problem with some "conventional wisdom". I like a shorter workbench for handplaning, and then I like to add on a moxon vise if I find that I need to spend a lot of time doing joinery work. And my friend even props his moxon vise up even higher with blocks. This solves any problem with back soreness. But the most important thing to remember is to make beautiful furniture!

[@michaelchristenson3441]

Thank you. your perspective has helped me organize my approach to putting a new workbench in my shop.

[@WoodAndShop]

Great to hear Michael!

[@allistarcenter3]

You are such a good person, also the video is very informative!

[@invictusbp1prop143]

Great video with tons of info. I’ve always believed that a workbench is a very personalized tool that’s best customized to suit your individual needs. Everyone’s different and I’m sure that someone who’s strictly a traditional craftsman will be well served with a packaged design of one of these established styles. But I’ve found that with the variety of work that I use my benches for, ranging from shoddy carpenter work to leatherwork, metal work, classic car restoration and repair and light fab work and occasional electronics with a bit of everything else thrown in for good measure, a bench intended for a specific purpose does me no big favors. I found that going from trying to use tables and carts and those stupid little vice table top things with the plastic crank handles in them sucks and going from that seventh stage of hell to building your first custom bench is like being reborn a new man with fresh new possibilities everywhere. But even more dramatic if a change is to go from having a custom bench which is swept away along with your ridiculous oversized garage in a wicked witch if the west side style tornado called divorce that trying to go back to random tables and saw horses and various gadgets is like a giant kick in the man parts and can be extremely frustrating. Unfortunately I’m not in a place yet where I am able to set up a shop and build new benches, but it’s good to have goals and a light at the end of the tunnel to avoid getting caught up and lost in the darkness. But I’m already designing a better workbench in my head that will incorporate a near sternum high while seated on a barstool section for leatherwork, soldering, etc, with a flip out 18” wide lower work surface that flops over to provide a knuckle high work surface for wood working with bench dogs and full width end vice similar to what I had on the old bench that the ex probably has covered in pink tools and laundry baskets by now. I’m thinking this time I’m only going to make this into half of the 8’ long bench. May make it stationary as well and just incorporate tool storage above and back against the wall. Not sure what it’s going to end up looking like yet, but chances are it’s going to be a monster.

[@fishhuntadventure]

Been woodworking since like 1985. A purpose-built woodworking bench is a tool for woodworking. I disagree that it suites automotive or metalworking while being an excellent woodworking bench. Woodworking requires clean surfaces that won’t mar the wood with grease; potentially dull cutting edges with metal or other debris embedded in the surface; while silicones, greases and solvent residues can mess with your finishes. Instead, I’d recommend a foldable bench suitable for your other pursuits since - other than perhaps welding table surfaces- the woodworking bench is actually a tool that impacts craftsmanship to a great degree.

[@WilliamMichael1]

Very Good Video! Thanks! I have some more ideas to consider! Now if I can get my workshop built!

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Good job on this instructional video.

[@markwilson9935]

Thanks....excellent info and format👍🏻👍🏻

[@KanOfWhoopass]

A wonderful video - thank you! I'm intrigued by the numerous workbench designs by craftsman throughout the centuries. I like the portability of this workbench and think this is a good design for me as I am needing something portable. I've been fine woodworking for over 40 years, growing up as an apprentice under my dad - a master craftsman, and have enjoyed every minute of it.Thanks again!

[@gregoxenham2842]

Brilliant summary of everything workbench

[@WoodAndShop]

Glad to hear Greg!

[@1pcfred]

I made my workbench long ago just out of some scrap wood I found and winged the design as I went along. This was before I was on the Internet with so many good designs to choose from. The way I built my bench has some serious flaws in it. Yet it is still good enough that I don't replace it. Someday I'd like to. But that's a day that never seems to come.

[@RichardKean_o7]

same :)

[@1pcfred]

@@RichardKean_o7 yeah it is a chunk of change to buy the wood to make a workbench. If it wasn't I'd be on it already.

[@WoodAndShop]

Nothing wrong with that Paul! As long as you're making furniture, that's what really matters.

[@1pcfred]

@@WoodAndShop I am more the small box maker than furniture maker. Although I've made the odd cabinet or garden bench too.

[@erictomerlin161]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge . Very helpful .

[@WinstonArthur]

Firstly, I pay my reverence to your extremely wide and varied knowledge of so much that has to do with woodcraft. I thank you for this specific video since I´m preparing to build my own (first) workbench. I also admire and appreciate the manner in which you present the content of your video(s). This is probably an attribute of your vocation as a teacher of the craft. I wish you all the best and much more success.

[@WoodAndShop]

Thanks for the kind words Winston!

[@wrongfullyaccused7139]

Good information, thank you.

[@aquachinese4410]

Very helpful! Many thanks

[@plakor6133]

That tail vise that Will makes is excellent. I installed one on my Moravian bench this winter, what a nice upgrade. Plus I discovered you can clamp a smaller piece of wood in the gap vertically, kind of like the first tail vise you mention in the video.

[@WoodAndShop]

Right on!

[@josephramos7231]

Very much interesting, I want learn more about woodworking techniques.

[@WoodAndShop]

Thanks Joseph!

[@nmoran2046]

I’m sorry sir but you were wrong I’m already on our three on workbenches and it’s not bedtime yet And out of the three hours this is top 5 And now back to construction Thank you

[@duncanmcleish7294]

This is the video and channel ive been looking for! Great and informative video!!!

[@Bootes1]

Wow, very informative. You have given me a lot to think about. I don't have a large workshop, well just a garden shed really so it will have to be a small bench else I'll have no room for my planer/thicknesser, bandsaw or table saw. Maybe a take apart bench. ummm have to think about it. Subscribed.

[@CoffeeStained]

Great video, gives me a lot to ponder.

[@jawwad4020]

This channel is golden 😍

[@ryanallthewiser]

Joshua - great lesson today. Love your videos and find them incredibly helpful.

[@SquirrelsForAll]

Great video, thank you for sharing.