Which workbench is right for you?

[@dsdragoon]

Ron, I'm hoping your health and voice return to full vigor. Your Smart Wood Shop is smart! Thank you for all you do.

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

No health issues. My voice was the result of making videos 8 hrs a day for a few weeks straight. This video was from two months ago and my voice box is back to full strength. Thanks, Ron P.S. This 7 minute video was cut from two hours of filming. I spent about 10 hours editing to get it down to the bare minimum. Every frame of the video has a purpose. 😎🤙

[@murphyrp01]

Great video Ron. You need a hot lemon drink And then a lie down.

[@GeertSamuel]

This video couldn’t have come at a better time. I’m planning on building one, but not sure which one yet.

[@Lugnut64052]

The door jack idea is great. Glad I watched this.

[@richthomas5013]

Been watching you for many years now Ron. You’ve done a huge service to the woodworking community and been an equally huge inspiration. I’ve decided to start a channel this fall with a focus on my Paulk inspired trailer and I’ll be creating a 8’x20’ shop in a container giving tribute to your many years of dedication with my own tweaks on your design. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I hope your health returns and you live a very long and joyful life.

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

Hey Rich, I look forward to seeing what you come up with. Make sure to let us here at the Smart Woodshop know when you start your channel. P.S. My health is as good as anytime in my life.😎🤙

[@richthomas5013]

@@TheSmartWoodshop I’ve read your reply to the other viewer who commented on your voice. Glad to hear you’re back to your old self. Once I’m ready to start I will contact you in advance. I prefer to have your specific input before I post any mention of you. I have respect for your branding and all your hard work. I’m not looking for clicks by using your name but rather earning them myself. That said, I want to give credit where credit has been earned. I’ll be in touch soon.

[@scottregister3682]

Ron, Just recently started watching your video's. (love them) I have been a contractor for more years then I care to mention. Have a vast knowledge of all in the trades and have worked myself into a handyman keeping busy with all my customer's. My question to you is how do you find the time to do all the things you do? I would love to have what you have but can't find the time working for everyone else. How do you do it and also keep everything so neat and clean?

[@lewisworkshop]

That voice... Great system. Finally building my dream shop and your tables and storage are at the top of my list.

[@rdsattube]

I recently bought a track saw, a Kreg for my deck Reno project. It wasn’t necessary but I thought useful. I now have the straightest, sharpest edges of any deck in the neighborhood :) Got me thinking about Kreg’s ACS table rather than upgrading table saw. Then I thought about your system. Using bench dogs for alignment in a grid system makes sense. The track mount and built-in aids of the ACS (and track mount) & the MFT looked very appealing but after watching a few of your videos I’m thinking that building a smart table might make more sense. I like the idea of incorporating a small table saw for times when a table saw is useful and using router for dados. For someone that grew up watching New Yankee Workshop, it’s new, but I like it. There’s no try and buy when building your own, so I’m still convincing myself it’s the way to go. Thanks for the thoughtfulness of your designs.

[@MrTresto]

The Festool MFT is a system, which is dead simple but super efficient when used with a track saw, it's a folding table with a perfect grid of holes, 96mm apart and 20mm dog/clamping holes. (and clamping slots on the side). And that's exactly what the Paulk bench is.. With extra features: tool storage, built-in self storage for its own saw horses / shelf, extra attachments for accessories, stock holding on the horses, and more. All that for 4 sheets of plywood and two days of labor (it can be done faster but if it's your first time making it, don't expect a single day). Depending on how much you price your time, it's within the price range of a MFT, except that you get A LOT on top of the MFT basic functionality. So while it's a lot more than a MFT, it also IS a MFT base. Such an excellent design. I'm building a smart bench top right now for some shop cabinets

[@sidrow11]

I very much appreciate this post. Thank you.

[@vagrant1943]

Hello Ron! Just wondering how you make the vacuum turn on automatically with tools from different brands.

[@markhedquist9597]

The cradle has me sold. I bought a couple power clamp dogs(?) just to have them in my hand and admire them. Very cool! Solid and no-nonsense. It is my plan to build to your plan. Ha! Will be ordering!

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

Right on

[@philosiphydept]

You're nuts in the best way Keep up such awesome work Sir 👍🏻

[@JLLG2]

Great summary video. Looking forward to seeing plans for the side hanging clamps, looks very handy.

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

Coming soon!

[@markfredericks9892]

Thanks Ron! This was a great review of your clever system. Have you considered a cradle option to accept a mitersaw and stand? I like the versatility of the smaller bench, and having a cradle for a mitre saw could eliminate the 'Station' bench. If all the tools could be hung off the top of a standard bench using cradles, the system could be even simpler. Looking forward to a closer look at the wood vise and edge banding/door jig!

[@Agueybana55]

What a great idea 💡 Let's see if Paul can shime on this suggestion.

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

A miter saw cradle has a few issues. It would stick out too far to use the material stacking feature of the saw horses. Also a hold down would be necessary to keep the bench from tipping. There are other issue as well, but after a lot of prototyping, the option to set it within the bench is the simplest and cleanest. It is in reality an internal cradle for the miter saw. The Station can be used just like the Bench by simply not mounting the miter saw. I can see the need for a video explaining how the Station has a Bench within it.😎🤙

[@markfredericks9892]

@@TheSmartWoodshop Thanks Ron, I was thinking that the mitre saw could use something like the platform base that you have on your new metal vise. If the mitre saw just sat on top of the bench (held down with power-locs) it wouldn't overhang the material stacking feature and shouldn't tip anything over - but this would require higher extension wings.

[@richthomas5013]

@@markfredericks9892Most of Ron’s designs have been with the miter saw dropped down into the bench however if you go back roughly three years ago you will see he put a Kapex on top of the bench with wings on blocks just as you described. I’m writing you this from my phone so it’s challenging to view everything and come back to your comment but I’m sure you can find it. I believe he even did a video explaining how he adapted the Festool wing attachment hardware to his plywood design. I’ve done both with his inspirations to my own benches. I bought the plans for his original benches. The two 2’x8’ benches that can be bolted together are still in my trailer as they have been the work horse benches of my business in countless jobs. Good luck with your own versions.

[@BermudaLamb]

Do sell phenolic templates for routing the parts of the station or bench?

[@tladoux]

I love your bench designs. I purchased your older plans and will be building one of these new ones. Your voice is not normal so I hope you are well.

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

Awesome, thank you!

[@lrr1952]

Thanks!

[@_Andrew._]

Can you please help me? I need to know. Which Workbench Is Right For Me? Made you look ;)

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/l4jclqJ3jNqcrJo 😎

[@_Andrew._]

@@TheSmartWoodshop Thanks 🙂

[@garyrussell5373]

Hi Ron, I think I have watched every video for the past year. But I seem to have missed the wood vice, which video was that in.

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

July 28th 2021 6am pst. 😎🤙

[@KarlCaillouet]

Same problem. This Shop Dummy can't find it with the date? Name?

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

@@KarlCaillouet It will be published July 28th 2021 6am pst.

[@robertkendalltan5435]

@@TheSmartWoodshop Could you tell us what hardware you used (vice model) so I can get it ordered ready to build when it drops ;)

[@rs2343-o4e]

Would you ever consider selling the templates on their own? Or a cnc file? I would love to utilize this, I know it will help my process. There’s a lot of time in making templates that I’m hoping to get around. Thanks!

[@IntroVent]

Hey Ron, I bought your plans a couple of weeks ago, with my target being PSBB because I am currently using and umbrella chair style support on a full sheet and want to upgrade to something more easily portable and put my current support back into the temporary role it is designed for. My workshop is in a similar environment as yours, only... it's in a carport. I'm in Houston. I'm looking at the beautiful wood you're using in your shop and I have become compelled to ask you what type plywood I should use in this humid environment? The bench I am making now is going to be made from 3/4 (Odd, but it's actually 3/4) sheathing because I was aiming for exterior grade material, but if I go to the orange or blue hardware stores, I do find much nicer-looking exterior grade 18mm plywood. Is there much difference in the outcome? IF so, I want to note it for upgrade in the future.

[@ricardocervantes8436]

Ron - great video... keep going on -- the best workbenches for woodworking -- Thanks Ron

[@badmofo350]

I've always thought about building a miter saw table with the saw recessed like the station. The only reason I haven't is because I often need to cut box newel posts that aren't flat on the sides. I'm sure you've had to cut similar things as well. What's your solution?

[@66meikou]

I bought your original series. I lost everything with a hdd failure so I'll have to buy them again. I have to ask though, do you get sunburned easily or do you have some medical issue? I'm English, and I'm always red but I don't know your heritage.

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

Hey Patrick, contact us at thesmartwoodshop.com and we will provide you with copies of the plans you purchased at no cost. I would recommend going with the new PS series of plans and though you will have the additional cost to purchase them, they are a revolution to the past designs. Ron

[@bdm1000]

I have a question. The Ridgid Oscillating Edge/Belt Spindle Sander is a "benchtop" sander. Doesn't that mean it was designed to sit on a standard height bench? With the cradle, it appears the sander is used lower than ideal. Wouldn't it be advantageous just to sit it on a bench? Or, to build a cradle that gives it a bit more height?

[@burkk4166]

probably easier and simpler to use this way then sitting on the top of the bench

[@heimerscott]

I'm sure you've posted this in the past, but where did you find those coiled extension cords?

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/oXuWqahsm96Yh9E

[@bradmeacham6982]

A question... As a truly tall person at 6' 7", would it be possible to customize your workbench stands to get the workbench height up at around 40"? Any "standard height" bench forces me to stoop over to use the bench, which really aggravates the lower lumbar region of my back.

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

Brad, you can easily make the saw horses taller. The total bench height is 36" so just add the additional amount needed to the bottom of the horses. You will need more plywood than the plans call for. Ron😎🤙

[@hnnlong]

Any CNC files to help make the templates or smaller portions of the bench?

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

We only offer the plans in PDF. I don't use CNC at this time so I can't test the files. The video shows exactly how to make the templates which is very easy and fast.

[@chorehunter4125]

Thanks Ron!

[@jimorourke5390]

Hey Ron, great video, as always! I’m a purchaser or the smart station for multi tool use and wonder if a the like sized bench can be used like the Big bench with the same saw horse set up and rolling cart? The size is ideal for me transportation-wise but I’d only like to load one cart and one set of saw horses…I’m quite sure it can be done, just like to hear/see your input. Keep the videos coming!

[@jimorourke5390]

Good morning Ron, do you have any thoughts on my previous question.

[@armoredscout63]

MR. Paulk. do you still sell the benches already assembled? It has been a very long time science I've been to your channel.

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

We only offer plans at this time😎🤙

[@anthonygianacopoulos9918]

@@TheSmartWoodshop do the plans for your station build include the smart kart as well? And if so, are the plans I would download your latest version?

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

@@anthonygianacopoulos9918 Hi Anthony, the Paulk Smart Kart is an independent plan. We do have packages that save a few dollars. You will have look at the packages to see if one will fit your needs. All current plans start with PS (Paulk Smart). So the Kart is Paulk Smart Kart (PSK). The Station is Paulk Smart Station (PSS). Hope the helps, Ron😎🤙

[@pilotmike797]

Can you buy these at Fast Cap

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

The Smart Workbenches are only available as build yourself plans currently. R😎🤙

[@pilotmike797]

@@TheSmartWoodshop thanks for the reply Ron 🙏🏼

[@coreywells9498]

Great overview!

[@karlackermann2239]

Great overview

[@johnlowry5311]

Hope you are feeling well. Sounds like you have a sore throat

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

Actually, I had been recording multiple videos a day for a couple weeks straight and just wore out my vocal cords. That was a couple of months back so all recovered now 😎🤙

[@johnlowry5311]

@@TheSmartWoodshop glad to hear

[@createlovehappy]

I need to create a set up to work out in the dessert on sand, rocks, dirt. In areas with high winds, and maybe rain. I was thinking of using a carport type tent for wind, rain, and sun protection. Inside I want to set up for building custom cabinets and built in furniture for inside a school bus I’m converting to an RV. I love the idea on one bench so the station seams like the right choice but I will also be using a track saw to break down plywood so a second bench could be cool for that so plywood is on one and chopsaw and router with tablesaw out feed is on the station. What do you think about bigger casters for the rough terrain. I think it would be hard to keep stable. Maybe an adjustable leg on sawhorses would let me level everything on the uneven landscape. Thoughts?

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

I can't help much with your issue as I always work indoors or at least on a driveway. The only time I am setting up tools on uneven ground is when siding and I use a different set of tools for rough carpentry. You bench doesn't need to be level, but you don't want it rocking. Tundra wheels maybe 6" would be great. Take a look at this video for a starting point: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJSUi2d3qpqAq5o R😎🤙

[@BigmoRivera]

Great Job😉👍🏽🔨🪚📐

[@thepaintprofessor]

The correct answer: All of them.