Watch This Before Building a Workbench for Woodworking

5 features that are important when building or buying your first workbench for hand tool woodworking. Links mentioned in the video:
✪ My Workbench Guide: woodandshop.com/woodworking-h...
✪ Buy a New Custom-made Portable Moravian Workbench here: store.woodandshop.com/product...
✪ This is the best source I've found for workbench vise hardware: bit.ly/2Ksky1Z
✪ My Hand Tool Buyer's Guides: woodandshop.com/which-hand-to...
✪ My Power Tool Buyer's Guides: woodandshop.com/woodworking-p...
✪ 58 Second Moravian Workbench Assembly: • Incredible 58 Second P...
✪ Desk build videos that show how to make mortise & tenon legs: woodandshop.com/how-to-build-...
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[@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

[@cerberus2881]

I'm going to build this Moravian Portable bench. I have an Ash butcher block top for it and I'll buy 2x12x16 foot pieces for it, just as they suggest here. It'll be my first furniture build since high school. Did you build yours yet Josh?

[@oduckett]

Thanks for bringing a view of sense and clarity to what is normally such a... passionate topic!

[@iancasey1486]

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!😯😄

[@nicholasrodriguez635]

I found this halfway through building my first workbench, ugh! Great information, thanks.

[@donlim772]

By chance you answered my questions when I was considering making my own work bench. Thanks!

[@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!

[@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.

[@jeremys.8607]

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

[@ernstmarais3297]

Thanks for the info will definite use your recommendations when making my own.

[@pastorslant]

Hey, I read those articles like 5 months ago, and then I just stumbled upon this video. Those were some great and informative articles.

[@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🤝👍😊

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@alexreid4131]

Don't know why you've never shown up in my feed before but subscribed immediately just now. Thanks for the info and advice.

[@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.

[@yoshitoshi3327]

Thanks for the great vid Josh! Good information, right length and easy to watch your friendly attitude.

[@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

[@UBRLND-X]

Fantastic, really well planned out and delivered video. Perfect for me, as I decide how to proceed with my work bench project. Thanks!

[@frankochoa1811]

Thanks for the informative info. I think you answered all of my questions I was going to ask, lol. I left my "architectural sheet metal layout" job of 20+ years to pursue a completely different career. I was always good with tools and measuring so I decided to work with wood as a hobby. I really need a workbench that's solid. I can figure out how to join them just by looking at your video. I just don't have all the tools yet. I subscribed just now so I'll be looking out for new vids, and thanks again!

[@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.

[@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."

[@amundsen575]

Great video, I work with metal but it is great to see quality woodworking tools and ideas.

[@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.

[@Luke-ms9rh]

This is the first video of yours that I've watched and my dude, I'm a fan. Great information and I'll definitely be indulging further. Let the workbench planning commence!

[@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.

[@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!

[@tomarthur676]

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

[@WilliamAlanPhoto]

Lots of good info here, thank you.

[@1961gfb]

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

[@TheWibba1]

Great video and the openness about choices and preference motivate med to follow Joshua and his woodworking tips closer. Have to go get me a workbench.

[@alexlongfield2113]

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

[@scottcates]

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

[@triumphovereve]

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

[@lewkohl]

Excellent overview. Thank you!

[@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.

[@EricCustodioGospelkid]

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

[@ryanallthewiser]

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

[@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.

[@visumexcipio]

Enjoyable to watch and very informative.

[@WeGoWalk]

I appreciate your wisdom and experience!

[@just-dl]

I really appreciate your "un-dogmatic" approach. I'm working on a variant of a Roubo styled bench, 27" depth, 42" width and (borrowing from someone's idea that I don't remember), the height is the easy-to-remember 4/7ths of my height! :-) Nice presentation, and beautiful shop you have there!

[@erictomerlin161]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge . Very helpful .

[@medinadesignstudio5362]

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

[@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 🤝👍

[@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.

[@xris785]

Really like this video, the Moravian table has me intrigued.

[@maryjocookson7156]

really clear, great views of the different benches, loved the video, soo covet those beautifully crafted ones in the school!

[@timziegler9358]

Very good job in your presentation on this work bench design. I do like a cabinet underneath my benches for tools, however I can see possibilities for a removable/portable cabinet for this design. Thank you

[@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.

[@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

[@ozielvillarreal9653]

Very informative. Appreciate the detail of your video. Thanks!

[@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.

[@lilianaprina5991]

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

[@smithent701]

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

[@Bogie3855]

I am about to build my workbench finally and this was very helpful. Thanks for making the effort.

[@WoodAndShop]

Glad I could help Paul!

[@jordanhernandez8590]

The Moravian portable workbench was super neat

[@duncanmcleish7294]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@toriofalltrade8763]

Wow! you just answer all my question about work bench! now I know what to do to improve on my work bench. thank you!

[@WoodAndShop]

Happy to help Toriil!

[@ScottSpeedPro]

Thank you, thank you, thank you...times 10. Just a really great overview with a few very cool options I hadn't even considered for my first bench.

[@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

[@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.😊

[@leehaelters6182]

Josh, you got my sub before the video finished! A great collation, thanks, and I appreciate your proposals for referring to vise types in a standard way. You bring a lot together in one place.

[@WoodAndShop]

Awesome, thank you Lee!

[@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.

[@mirekkuzminski3956]

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

[@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.

[@j.r7872]

EXCELLENT!!! THANK YOU FOR INFO! EXCELLENT DELIVERY AND PACE.

[@citicolina]

Excellent video Sir, appreciated.

[@hugociarrocchi59]

Complete!!! Congratulations!!!

[@aquachinese4410]

Very helpful! Many thanks

[@norenemoreno6463]

Great presentation and thank you its been helpful.

[@SquirrelsForAll]

Great video, thank you for sharing.

[@heman5737]

What an incredible guide, hello from Queretaro, Mexico.

[@ericrickert3045]

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

[@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!

[@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!

[@markwilson9935]

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

[@doa2758]

A great deal of information, use cases, options and wow what great work you've shared!

[@WoodAndShop]

Glad it helped Don!

[@WilliamMichael1]

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

[@andyevans8585]

Really instructive video. Thank you

[@allistarcenter3]

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

[@L8NiteCoffeeSips]

Beautiful work!!!

[@joshuaweiss7644]

Thank you, good stuff !

[@FAMAWoodworking]

Amazing explanation, thanks for sharing!

[@WoodAndShop]

Glad it was helpful!

[@TheQuarterbackX]

Nice. This video gave lots of aspects to think about before building a bench. I was wondering with the height aspect, and now also thinking of length and with as well. I would imagion there should be simple ways to raise and lower a work bench as needed. Simple and quick would most likely be favorable. Other wise a person may only use the adjustable sice to try different heights so see which one they like best, then leave it that way for the rest of its life. I was thinking with length and widths, there should also be many different ways to add and take away as needed. One such way is to have other work benches designed for the one of the two you may need. This way, quickly add and take away as needed. Sliding or rolling the 2 or 3 together. It may also allow a person to use the two as a vice as well. Though I would also imagin there should be simple ways to just add or extend table lengths as needed as well. I would imagin lots of people would love all these fun problem solving though experaments to find better ways to do things. And, to not have to keep rebuilding the wheel, but, even better to think what all ans how to add to it, or take away as needed.

[@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!

[@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!

[@wrongfullyaccused7139]

Good information, thank you.

[@aaronrubin7168]

Great video! It's so informative.

[@SeanDonnellyFromSpace]

Great information. Thank you !

[@gregoxenham2842]

Brilliant summary of everything workbench

[@WoodAndShop]

Glad to hear Greg!

[@mikeebee]

Great video, I'm starting out woodworking and have been following along with The Minimalist Woodworker book by Vic Tesolin and was going to build the Nicolson inspired workbench in that book, but I think I want something more compatible with a wagon vice. This video is really helpful in my research.

[@sharonrad3317]

Very nice, Joshua! Thanks!

[@Maytrovato14]

I loved this video so much!

[@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!

[@chucksierraflpd]

Very informative!

[@jamieeclark1222]

I loved your work bench video I could watch them all day I will be visiting your website absolutely thanks for the knowledge

[@WoodAndShop]

Awesome, thank you Jamiee!