Workbenches in the M&T Woodshop

Joshua shares several bench options for a hand-tool woodworking shop.

[@PeriodWoodworker]

I have been woodworking for almost 60 years (turning 70 in a few weeks). In all that time I have never used your test for the correct bench height! So, out to the shop I went and tested my own benches. As soon as I get out of the emergency room I will begin cutting down the legs of mine to an approximate height of 4”. HA HA!!! All kidding aside this was a nice video and I appreciate your sharing it. Thanks, Steve

[@mortisetenonmagazine]

I guess I should have added a liability disclaimer! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@tube4waldek]

This is so funny., I’m telling you! So funny!

[@benconstruct]

Have you ever tried riding your partner on it, now that should also be taken in to consideration …aswell. She’s gonna want to know the usual questions like why are we here!!!

[@Olaf-el2cz]

I’ve just stumbled on your Chanel, fantastic. I’m just about to build a new slightly larger bench to the one I currently have, so had a quick look on KZbin to be greeted by some hugely pointless and extremely expensive material and time wasting projects. So refreshing to see someone explain it how it is and should be done . I started my training as a furniture maker aged 16 in the UK in the early 1990’s at Rycotewood college. When I set up my own business, making furniture and windows and doors for listed buildings I only used hand tools because that was all I had. And I loved it until I’d earned enough to expand . The first thing I made for that first workshop was a bench a bit smaller than this one, only shorter because I could only afford to rent a tiny workshop. Now I own a massive workshop with massive machines, and operate in a different country , and it all started out with a bench like that. Most of the work I’ve done has been on a 4m long English Joiners bench similar to the one on this video still, only it has a 1960s record 53e vice on it and the shelf is the floor! My current one is getting a bit tired kw so I’m going to make another only a little larger this time. In my opinion, for 99 % of traditional and contemporary woodwork any more features just become a hindrance, and less the same also. Never underestimate the power of the old school!

[@tonycosta3302]

I think your approach and philosophy is aligned with historic wood workers. Modern woodworkers romanticize about wood working. Workbenches were tools to get work done fast. They didn’t have time to be precious about them. And materials were very expensive back then, so they used the minimal amount of material to get the job done.

[@jamespalmer4727]

I have been watching bench building videos for a spell. It is intimidating thinking about how much work and material goes into a proper woodworking fixture as shown in many of them. You guys have made me think more about what is really needed to get started than any other woodworker i have watched. Good job.

[@TheSMEAC]

I always enjoy seeing folks sing the praises of free work holding. It’s also useful for those ~93% handtool (only use a powered jointer and thickness planer to process timber) or even those who are is an asymmetrically power heavy shop. I have and probably will continue to use a lunchbox planer and table top jointer on occasion, but the table saw, router, and so many other tools are long gone. The more and more I’ve moved to the handwork only side; the happier and more free my shop time is. I know it either a luxury or a commitment to many, but it’s been both in my experience.

[@JamesWilliams-en3os]

Great bench! This style of bench (Nicholson, English Joiner’s, or other names) is a better option for many woodworkers than the currently fashionable Roubo or slab-top bench. I worked off a series of terrible makeshift benches for a long time, all the while fantasizing about the great Roubo is was going to build “someday.” A couple years ago I finally wised up. My woodworking was severely limited by the lack of a good bench in my shop. I built an English Joiner’s bench (I watched Rex Krueger’s video on this bench and used his plans) and built my bench in a weekend with $120 worth of softwood lumber (pine), added a $60 face vise, and I’ve never looked back. It’s heavy enough to withstand the stresses of vigorous hand tool use but not so heavy that I can’t move it when I need to. It resists racking even when planing heavy, long boards. My only regret was that I didn’t build it longer… I don’t need your 12’ bench, but an 8-9’ bench would be ideal!

[@haroldschultz5864]

Alas , a practical workbench that features the " Work " and not the bench . I chuckle every time I see what you call a bowling alley bench and the owner is terrified he may scratch it . Well done .

[@tonyalways7174]

Lovely shop and bench. On mine I find the easiest work holding device is a nail or two tapped into the top and pulled out afterwards

[@Gotmovezlikejagga]

Yet another bench video, was I wrong. I appreciated the "daily working at it" approach to this bench. There is an intelligence to working quick and simple, on display here! The work holding.....brilliant! Plane stop....very fast! The explanation of why a 4 inch thick lam hardwood top is not needed when the notched front apron is used. Great job is this video, thank you.

[@stevensrspcplusmc]

I love aircraft carrier bench’s .. I see a lot of people building smaller bench’s when they have the room for a bigger bench.. mine is 32inch by 8 foot.. love working on it👍😊 love your channel and your work space 👍😊

[@mjschaeffer2112]

Great video and insight.

[@Lalagartitita]

Well that's one cute ass workshop :)

[@JaspisB]

Great and no nonsense as always! Keep it up!

[@michaelrogers4157]

So my bench should only be about 24" high? Because i can't jump atop anything higher than that lol. Great vid, so glad Rex mentioned you guys as i was unaware of this channel!

[@niek4265]

Great explanation and nice shop. I will start practicing my measuring skills as well ;) 💪

[@hankmerkle5928]

LOL! I thought "He is going to jump up on that bench..." I would fall on my... OH He almost did! LOL

[@mortisetenonmagazine]

I do my own stunts!

[@fabiofaria4243]

Great presentation!

[@ureasmith3049]

Good info, thanks for sharing!

[@unfriekn]

Thank you, I am still experimenting with benches but right now I am leaning to the thick top bench. This is the kind of information I need thou to make an educated disition.

[@DH-ry2ho]

Good advice. Thx

[@ballsdeep9648]

That knock down bench would be cool for kids too. That way, when they get taller, you could just make taller legs instead of rebuilding the whole bench.

[@BobBlarneystone]

I'm just into workbenches for some reason that I can't explain. In fact I'm refurbishing a lowly Workmate that I've had 40 years. I trashpickef some pine lumber the other day (have you seen the price of lumber lately?), and I think I'm going build a bench for the summer that will be either a low Roman bench, or a Moravian bench. By the way, have a look at Peter Coates' version of a Roman bench. He's stone sculptor and needs a strong steady bench.

[@jasonstick]

Any suggestions for work holding when scrub planing? I don’t have a planing stop so I use a bench dog paired with a clamped batten (like a fence) or two doe’s foot battens held w holdfasts. Both setups work but not ideally. Thanks!

[@michaelpatrickmilligan]

Great video series! Do you have plans available for how to build your main bench, as well as your low bench?

[@tonycosta3302]

Did you ever think about adding a recessed tool tray for the back half of your bench? Like a blend between a Nicholson and Moravian bench top.

[@ottogobey3462]

I love the hight test, I'll have to try it, I know I have made benches too tall in the past but the one I use now seems a nice height.

[@mortisetenonmagazine]

It's good for your heart health too!

[@mark-uweotto8811]

That would be greatly appreciated.

[@arthurrsaker8893]

May I offer a suggestion for another way of cutting mortices which you might like if you give it a try. It saves valuable time and is kinder to your ears and those of anyone working nearby. Use a brace and auger to hogg out most of the waste and then bring the mortise to dimension with a bench chisel under hand pressure only. No noisy mallet strikes to disturb the peace or make conversational exchange a burdensome effort.

[@yannisvaroufakis9395]

Great video. I'm now about to embark upon building an English workbench. But I just have one question: Where did you come by pine 2 X 12s that are actually 2" thick instead of the nominal 1 1/2" thick?

[@vincentdecarpigny7574]

Hello, many thanks for the video at first. I have a question : do you use any protection thing on the benches after your occasional cleaning/planing procedures, like linseed oil or something to prevent from staining it, or you just leave the nude surface ?

[@B.A.Bassangler]

lol, Ive been doing it all wrong...gonna sell my benches and start working on the floor.

[@wilsonlongega]

Missed your shavehorse!

[@andrewbrimmer1797]

I also will soon be 70 if I used this method I would build below the floor surface. With bad back and knees I need a higher saw bench so I can clamp and saw

[@mojohn825]

I can only dream of a workshop like that

[@notesfromtheforest]

We truly enjoy this space.

[@makenchips]

Everything stated in this video is well stated with purpose and reasoning. I would enjoy working with you you guys! Great bench and reasoning for it! I want one. Do you have plan details?

[@notesfromtheforest]

We based these loosely on the Anthony Hay shop benches, which were adapted from Peter Nicholson. anthonyhaycabinetmaker.wordpress.com/2011/01/10/hello-world/ Richard Maguire (The English Woodworker) also has some great stuff on English-style benches.

[@memilanuk]

12 foot long bench... wow! No need for an intermediate set of legs? I realize the vertical apron(s) in this design lend some stiffness in that regard, but it still seems like a long span. Just curious, not criticizing!

[@mikejustice1196]

Where is video 1 to this please

[@mark-uweotto8811]

Hey, I have been watching a few of you videos and so far you used a different bench in your demonstrations. Could you show/explain what taskes you actually do on this one. I have to clamp or some how hold down pices on the top of my bench frequently so I wonder how you do this without any holes for holdfats or the possibility to clamp on the front edge. Thank you

[@notesfromtheforest]

We will have to do a video on using the bench, as well as the different work holding options possible.

[@patrook7673]

Great info! What are your thoughts on boiled linseed oil on benches?

[@mortisetenonmagazine]

Hi Pat, None of my benches have any finish on them - that's a modern idea. I wouldn't want oil leaching into my workpieces. The oil isn't protective at all and the bench top doesn't need protection anyway. Leave it raw and let it get used.

[@attawood]

this is how i measure the height of the furniture around in my home.😁

[@timberdoodles4647]

Bill Coperthwaite, always had a nice simple bench or two or four at his yurt projects and in his shop. I use then for similar task. That is the same for a shaving horse, quick clamp for various task quick and simple, Nice details on the bench I like the face board and it job of bracing and stiffening. My first choice of material would be wide pine as its what is available, its reassuring to hear your presentation, I am often take aback in thinking I need a hardwood bench. but no, pine is fine. Question, any sources for the vice screw and nut? thanks. And my kids, now in their 20's would have a much higher bench than I would. There are other bodily orifices that indicate a proper bench height butt I won't go there. well I almost did.

[@mortisetenonmagazine]

Acer-Ferrous Toolworks and Lake Erie Toolworks sell new screws and nuts like this.

[@timberdoodles4647]

@@mortisetenonmagazine Thanks, Ill look them up.

[@Graemedargo]

I enjoyed and learned from your video. Did you make your own bench hook or was this a purchase from somewhere?

[@notesfromtheforest]

Joshua made one of them, and a blacksmith friend made 2 others.

[@rebuiltbyusn]

As you describe what you call a bench hook I know as a bench dog. I can do the same thing as far as working free on my European bench using bench dogs as your bench hook. I know a bench hook as a piece of metal in the shape of a hook that goes into an over sized hole and is used to clamp a piece of wood or material into postion so that it can be planed or marked but for me it gets into the way. I guess I am asking about the different vernacular and if that is all it is???

[@notesfromtheforest]

Historically (for example, see Peter Nicholson, "Mechanic's Companion," 1831), what many today call a "planing stop" was called a bench hook. It was used to brace or "stop" one end of a board for planing or other operations - not for clamping. It sounds like you might be referring to a holdfast for clamping boards down.

[@pikayell]

I love your workbench and want to build one. Do you plans?

[@g.pblack507]

The English woodworker has plans on his website for an English workbench for sale. I bet if you adjust the length you could make one fairly similar. And I don't know if their are English workbench plans in Chris Shwarz workbench book but id check that out too

[@mimikay3224]

Is there any structural element to prevent the benchtop Boards from cupping?

[@Olaf-el2cz]

Yes , on my benches i build in rails that run underneath the top between the two front and back apron sides. An English bench like that is a perfect balance between form and function, there are literally no components that are not necessary.

[@douglashopkins8070]

I am amused by your jump onto the bench demo.... I am 6 1/2 feet and the ceiling height in my basement is almost exactly an inch less... If I don't count the bottom of the floor joists (10 inches less.) I don't think my head is that hard.

[@notesfromtheforest]

Don't try it!

[@mrbubba213]

Now I’m torn between the English workbench and the anarchist workbench

[@notesfromtheforest]

Why not both?😃

[@josephgf9451]

Advise n°2: don't swipe the floor ;-)

[@RobertoFischer]

It's a bug ecosystem down there

[@notesfromtheforest]

We planed all those shavings that morning - they were cleaned up by the end of the day!

[@patroy5671]

Great info, thanks! I love those long nicholson benches. I think you guys might appreciate the dominy era workbench I've been using. Recorded a tour of it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o4O5dWtmf8mLbMU