this looks like some 80's TV show.. with musical transition from one scene to another.. . other than that.. this is very well explained.. actually gave me even more solutions and ideas. Thanks Smiths!
I feel ROCK SOLID after watching this. Jokes aside, it's actually a great video. I really like how each member shows us the cut-aways of each piece that they're talking about. Very clear and precise instructions. Thank you.
Excellent vid, being a cabinetmaker of 35 years I was taught in cabinet making school that the most important tool is your bench, good shout for the record 52 vice, this is a great bench.
I am a retired manufacturing engineer, and have an interest in wood work. One of the best work benches and ideas i have seen. If you were in Australia i would love to visit your workshop. Your videos are great and very well presented. Cheers.
If this is a first bench then most people will not have a jointer or planer. I know I don't have either and I don't have room for them. So making anything that needs planning or joining is not an option for me. My tools will need to move in my shop so everything(table saw, chop saw, drill press, router table, assembly table) will be on wheels. I have a workbench that I bought at a home center it's ok but not tight enough. my shop is not done yet due to health problems. I will finish it soon. the storage shelves are on the sides of my shop so my shop is only about 8ft wide and 20ft deep. My driveway is ok for cutting sheet goods or long boards. It's sloped about 8 degrees not ideal. All that being said I have learned a lot from your show. It would be nice if you could do something without the some of the power tools that would great. Thanks for a great show I look forward to a project I can do in my tiny shop.
I built my bench this spring and used it as an opportunity to use joinery I normally don’t mess with. Draw boring tenons and watching them come together was ridiculously satisfying!
If I built ... (and am able to)... the bench you show, the problem is I won't be able to use it. Because lest it get even scratched, I'd keep it as a showpiece .. it looks so nice. I'd have to build another dirty one to work on. Thanks for the innovative ideas guys and a video worth every second of it.
Personally, I’m the same way. That is why I have the mdf top workbench in my garage. It’s just mdf so who cares if it gets beat up. One of the guys uses the shaker-style bench in the shop and it has taken a beating over the years. 😢
Great presentation, I like the way you cater for us weekend warriors. First the the bench most of would love to make and own. Then give us a lifeline by showing us the more realistic version, without belittling it.
Much appreciated! I have had the "weekend" workbench in my home garage workshop for more than 10 years now. It has served me well. It's expensive to make, so I don't feel bad beating it up. I just do a little sanding on the top and refresh the finish from time to time, and it still looks immaculate!
I built the weekend style bench 6 years ago. It has performed well. The only issue I had is that the stretchers shrank in width as they dried, leaving a slight gap between the filler blocks. Due to the stretchers being bolted to the leg assemblies this has not been a problem. I have not had to retighten the bolts ever. For a top I used a discarded solid core door, sheet of 3/4" plywood, 3/4" mdf, and 1/4" hardboard. I figured the plywood layer would better resist bench dog stress. I buried a metal vise rear jaw like they showed so that I can face clamp a board along the bench. I use the bench as a fixed outfeed table. It is 30x72. The 30 inch plus the 12" behind the table saw blade gives 42" of support for most cutting operations. I have a clamp on extender that is another 18" long for 60" of support when I need to cut long material. I use bench dogs in the vice chop for most top holding but also bought a benchpup for holding along the 6' axis. The bench is stout and does not move during hand planing, allows clamping of all the materials I work with, and has a sacrificial top - staining leaves stains, glue I just pop off with my beater chisel. I have thought about building a traditional laminated bench, but would I then beat on it like I do this one?
Keith Brann - I have this bench in my home shop too and love it. It’s inexpensive but heavy and sturdy. Plus I agree with you that I don’t mind beating it up like I would if I had a fancy, heirloom workbench.
All those guys are great teachers and these Woodsmith videos helped me so much in my woodworking journey. Unfortunately I haven’t seen any of them on the newer Woodsmith videos, where did they go?
I made my work bench with a removable slat in the middle, with a drop down to do cross cuts with my circular saw.. Also implemented hinges so that I can lift the top of my work bench to store scrap wood and other stuff underneath in a 4' x 2' x 4" (H x W x D) compartment. Nothing but 2x4's, OSB, and MDF.
Sincerely Appreciate your video and ALL your super helpful tips. I am on a very limited budget and now I have an idea of how to proceed with my bench project. I am going to take your advise with the types of wood I can use now. Great Job guys Thanks for sharing and making this video.
I'm almost finish my first workbench...Let me back up a little. I retired from the Army Reserve and Fire department, both with over 37 years. So I move to a country setting and pick up a hobby....woodworking. The small folding work bench and or the horses was okay for the small things, but didn't work for anything large size. Working off the floor wasn't it either. So i looked at a lot of plans and then I build a wooden one. I used 13 4"x4"x8', two 2x4 x12' and 2'x6'x3/4 plywood . I took some of them and glued together for the top (finish size 7'x3'). Anyway I need to put something on it to protect the top. I need some options. Thanking you in advance Will
You could do a film finish like polyurethane, lacquer, or epoxy and that will protect the top but I find with these products the finish often chips and cracks with all the wear and tear. For workbench tops, I actually prefer an oil (like General Finishes Seal-A-Cell) or varnish finish. It soaks into the wood and it's enough to protect the surface and prevent glue from sticking, but as your workbench gets beat up and worn down you can just add more oil without a lot of work.
Last year, I built a "weekend" style bench. 4"x4" doug fir legs with 4 layers of 3/4" mdf for the top. All my joinery is half lap (glued and screwed). It has performed flawlessly. It's flat and heavy. There's not a task I can't perform, easily. And, for under $300, it's a good low-budget build that will last plenty of years.
Has numerous details in this woodwork book *TopFineWoodworking. Com* . The book also displays several designs and descriptions on the materials used for various woodworking processes and also the guidelines on completing various procedures appropriately. In other words, I`m happy using this book, especially in the process of learning about wood working.?
Appreciate sharing perspectives of different styles of benches instead taking a position that there is one best bench for everyone. Only thing missing is the wheels that allow moving the bench and then setting it back down solid again.
I agree. We have those casters on our workbench in our video studio and love them: th-cam.com/video/WGlmlMjqQUc/w-d-xo.html I like having mobile bases on all of our "stationary" tools too. It just makes everything easier and more convenient.
Check Rockler. They have a set, and with additional brackets they can be moved to other tools or benches in your shop. Try this: www.rockler.com/rockler-workbench-caster-kit-4-pack?sid=V9146?PL&gclid=CjwKCAjwqfDlBRBDEiwAigXUaHtDHqRc7OcTrHqJ_h69FH5Zoh3j0wG2CnBJFq9802E-VMnYQ6mPGxoC4l4QAvD_BwE
Loving the sawhorses @ 6:50. Probably the nicest simple, no-fuss, stackable sawhorses I've seen so far. Just add a scrappable/replacable 1x6 on top of this and you have the perfect sawhorse!
I know the bolted stretchers is actually also an old method, but. I would strongly advise against this. If you can, please learn how to do a tusked tenon and mortice system with a wedge, its traditional, it works, it a tried and true method - look up "knockdown workbench". This is the most solid design that I know of. In my opinion the L shaped corner and half lapped stretchers that you show second looks much better. All in all thanks for a nice video. I was impressed with the way you did those square dog holes with the router, great method!
When i started woodworking the first thing was indeed making a workbench. Now, many months later i see things i would do different. I will make a new one in e few weeks or month. Maybey i will use some tips you give in this video in combination with my own experiences
@@WoodsmithShowandmagazine I have a few other things on my list but i will make a new one and i will let you know( you will also see it when you follow my channel, but that is not an obligation of course
Solid wood is much better than mdf. I ripped several 8 ft 2x12's into thirds. After squaring to edges were run through my jointer and glued up. My top is clear SYP and is plenty solid. My base is also laminated legs and all is mortise and tenon.
It was made in 2019 but i feel like i was watching a 'Tim the tool-man taylor' presentation! Great presentation by the way i like the style it just took me back 20 years when watching it haha...
Actually, this is an excerpt from the Woodsmith Shop TV show that originally aired in 2012, and I just uploaded it recently.... But I agree it does feel like it was shot 20 years ago ;)
@@WoodsmithShowandmagazine well done either way, covered everything I really had a query on for building my new workbench. I really did like the detail in explaining the main front face vice and why to go a beefy one. I would have just gone a more standard one but I agree with your reasoning 100%
Éstas personas son una maravilla, son tan preparados y todo lo que hacen resulta bién hecho, no se guardan secretos y muestran sus trabajos para facilitar la vida y la forma de trabajar de otras personas o maestros, a éstas personas yo les llamo gente hermosa, gracias.
I am building the heirloom bench and have some questions regarding the leg vice and the mortise templates for the legs. There is no dimension for the bottom width of the vice; From the proportions in the plans it appears to be 3"?? How are the side view curvatures made? Did you use french curves? Finally, what is the width of the flat area surrounding the upper screw hole? I again surmised 3" on either side. This TH-cam video demonstrated the jig for the bench dog holes, which was quite helpful. How did you make the jigs for the deep mortises at the top of the legs and the middle stretcher mortises in the bottom rails of the ends?
i just purchased the "Heavy-Duty Workbench" plan and I am very satisfied. the plans and video were made perfectly however, the bench is going to be a little too big Length and Width wise so i'm adjusting it from 88" x 36" to 59" x 29.5" . the end vice i'm going to add is smaller than the one featured, will making the base smaller for the over hang weaken the structure too much or is it possible to install the vice within the base thanks again for the great plans
That is an awesome way to build a permanent work bench. I have a question...... Because I have a small space for a workshop, I, like so many other people, need to build a fold up / down workbench along an outside wall. I am unsure as to how to make the legs and supports for this. I am thinking about 2-sheets of 3/4 plywood for the top with a work surface of replaceable 1/4” Masonite. Can you offer help and ideas for the legs and support? It would be great to see a video for a fold up bench, especially from you guys. You are pros.
What your describing sounds like this Fold-Down Workstation: www.woodsmithplans.com/plan/fold-down-workstation/ We built it with a glued up wood top but you could make it with a multi-layer plywood top instead.
Hey Dwight! Having a good day I hope. Perhaps you could use 4x4 legs attached to the table with hinges so they would fold up along with your table. I built a desk like that in college; I had to work with the hinges so they wouldn't fold beyond the degree of angle I needed for the legs to seat right,but it was doable,and on a shoestring budget that I had back then. I hope this help. Have a great day!
FYI... If you plan to do serious wood cutting, sanding, planning, and other activities that will require strong/solid bench do not waste your time on any folding benches.. They are awesome, but not for heavy use. I tried three different designs/types and they all came out great & functional, but I couldn't get any of them to stop shaking for the type of work that I normally do . I kept the last design (Similar to what this video is showing) for light duty work since it was built and didn't take much space and decided to build me a real solid bench for my regular work, I love it, should have done this long time ago. My 2 cents..Make sure you get a good cup of coffee and put some serious thoughts HOW do you plan to use your bench, that is probably the most important decisions to make. Once you got final decision, it's just of matter to find some time and budget to crate bench that you will love and WANT to use all the time.. I wish I did that... Good luck my friend..
Sorry you didn't find it helpful. We also offer the step-by-step plans so that a beginner or intermediate woodworker can build either of these workbenches. You have to start somewhere.
Built this traditional bench about 5 years ago. Great bench but I really dislike the leg vise. You have to open, or close, the screw about two turns then reach down and adjust the bottom screw about 3 or 4 turns, then repeat until you get your desired opening. I will replace the leg vise with a "quick release" vise one day. To answer a question in the comments, hardware sources are printed on the plans.
Un gran video. Excelentes explicaciones. Desde chile .aunque es en Inglés.se entiende muy bien las explicaciones... muchas gracias.maestros..un abrazo desde Chile.
That carriage bolt is a more convenient and/or stronger connector compared to glue? Those joints seem to have plenty of surface area for glued mechanical bonding.
I’ve just purchased the multipurpose shop cart Plans cause I think it would suit my workshop better Instead of using the solid wood top could I use the layered MDF top with the wood edges
@@juliantaylor7663 - Maybe do 2 full layers of 3/4" MDF and then a 3rd layer about 6" inches around the edges or where (if) you are going to have dog holes so it would come out to about 2 1/4".
@@WoodsmithShowandmagazine I’m pretty much going to use the same amount of dog holes in the plans so I may as well just do 3 solid layers Thanks for the quick responses and advice
Most of the time we'll just use a 1 1/2" x 1 1/2" cleat screwed and glued to the base and then screw the base down through that. You will have to consider wood movement horizontally across the base on a solid wood top though. Mortise and tenon wood probably be a more traditional construction. Dillon is building a salvaged doug fir workbench right now using a cool mortise and tenon construction technique. You can see a little of that in our Live videos every Thursday afternoon.
I just purchased your plans for this, and am new to woodworking. Can you tell me how many boards of MDF and Douglas Fir I need to purchase to put all this together? Also, what can I do if I don't have a plainer and a jointer?
Based on the cutting diagrams on pages 8-9 of the Heavy-Duty Workbench Plans, it looks like it calls for 3 sheets of 3/4" MDF and 8 Douglas Fir 2x8's. I built this workbench for my garage workshop without a planer or jointer either. It shouldn't be a problem... the actual thickness of the lumber isn't too critical as long as the pieces are pretty straight and of uniform thickness to start with. I found it best for assembly to cut off the rounded edges of the construction lumber when cutting the parts to size too. Let me know if you have any problems or questions during your build. We're always happy to help.
I named my bench '' dove full of holes'' which in my language sound better actually,, Dziurawa Jaskółka". The name comes from the nature of the bench itself, holes because it has a lot of holes in the aprons and many more in the top. The dove comes from its construction, most of its joinery is Dovetail, sliding tenons, half laps, mortises and tenons. I think it turned out pretty nice. Also it doesn't have a single bit of metal in it, except the vise related stuff.
I’m planning to build the shaker bench and purchased the plans. Question, is the back of the bench flush with the legs and top? The front is flush but I couldn’t tell about the back. I’m making minor modifications to fit my space. Thanks!
I'm a retired cabinet maker and all of the years I work I have in they never had a table or work bench like this. But in diffident type wood working this table maybe great but in cabinet work it would out of place it would use as storage more they anything.
Very true... like most tools in the shop, workbenches can be very specialized to the type of work you are doing. That is why I recommend to most beginning woodworkers to start with a workbench that is simple, easy to build, and inexpensive. That way you can get some experience and decide what types of projects you want to build and then you can add the features that you want later.
hi, this is Dana from China, I like your video so much, so that we can use the space more effectively, and I think that if we add our plastic storage box, like your shelf,we can make our space more efficient, can store more tool parts, if necessary, feel free to contact me，thank you for your time
I built the Heavy-duty Workbench this past winter. It's great. Only question I have is where did you guys get your lumber? I haven't seen tight, straight grained, fir in years! Of course I live in Florida now and about all you can find down here is Southern Yellow Pine at the box stores. Sometimes I miss the Pacific Northwest........sigh.
I really like that bench too. I've built another one for my garage at home and one for my dad too. Inexpensive and easy to build. Yeah, the nice looking tight-grained fir is hard to come by. It's probably a little more easy to come by here in the midwest versus the southeast, but to be honest to get it to look like that I had to buy 2x12's and rip it down to width. The outside edges of 2x12's usually have tighter and straighter grain.
@@WoodsmithShowandmagazine A few years ago I came across a blog post by a college instructor. His recommendation to his students was to use standard construction grade lumber for most anything. Best of all, he said to forego 2x4s and look for 2x6, 2x8, 2x10, and 2x12, for exactly the same reason you cited. the price is close to the same and additionally you get all that scrap for blocks, brackets, etc. In his words "Find the best looking boards you can and then 'rip the pith out of it'". Seemed like good advice to me as it works if you're patient.
Honu, having moved from California to NC, I, too, miss the wonderful straight grained DougFir which I could find even in the local Big Orange. In the NC Big Oranges, if you find SYP, consider yourself lucky. Here I find mostly crapola white (very soft) pine -- and so wet you could almost squeeze water out of it. Worse, If that white pine isn't only already bowed, cupped, warped, or twisted, it will soon turn into what could pass for airplane propellers. Thankfully, I've discovered some good local lumber suppliers, but as they say, "the good stuff ain't cheap." Alas DougFir isn't one of the species commonly sold around these (NC) parts.
One additional comment/question. I m somewhat new to the woodworking world and trying hard to educate myself. I just subscribed to like Woodsmith's unlimited Yearly Membership to help in this educational effort. In fact, I subscribe to many different sources. In my research appears to be lots of opinions on all things woodworking. Appears there is a group of elitist in the world, that a cynical person may refer to as "Woodworking Snobs" - while there is another group that appear more focused on "Functionality." Although I find the Woodworking Snobs insights interesting, I have not developed my talents nor and attitude that allows me to follow all that they share. I tend to rely more on the Functionality Group for ideas to implement in my woodworking shop today. Based on the two builds presented in this video "Weekend" vs. "Traditional" style does the Traditional style bench offer any significant functional advantages to that provided by the Weekend solid workbench? Any insights would be appreciated.
Personally, I find myself in the "Functionality" group, as you say. I have an mdf and fir workbench like the one in this video in my garage at home and I've used it for years and love it. If you are new to the hobby, I would lean toward making the "weekend" type workbench. You invest a lot less time and money into that type of worksurface. This way you can start building the types of projects you want to faster and it doesn't really have any less functionality compared to the "traditional" type. After you've been in to woodworking for a while you may find that you want to have a more specialized workbench and you can change things up from there, but something simpler is good to get you started.
Awesome video I have a smaller version of the first vice that’s only got 2 small bolt mounts I’m planning on making an MDF top as well What bolts are needed or can strong screws do the job
@@WoodsmithShowandmagazine thanks just another Question with the L shaped leg workbench frame you explain 3:30 what sized timber did you use cause I live in Australia so we're all in metric so ill have to find similar equivalent and how did you attach the MDF bench top to the frame just screws
I am a beginner at healthy 74 just moved to US from Australia and looking forward to grow in woodworking skills and tools. Thank you for teaching I am on a budget so any idea on a low budget wood working shed would be appreciated Stay Safe
MDF is flat and smooth so you only need to apply a coat of wax to it and its ready. Plywood has rough edges and therefore will need some finishing to be ready for use as a top. Its all preference. MDF is pretty heavy also.
Very informative, but these guys, and the show in general, are so heavily produced they put one to sleep. So polite, so slow, nice cute outfits that always coordinate. Give me Norm in a plaid shirt covered in sawdust every time.
Great ideas for building workbenches thanks guys.👍 Although in my opinion🤔 MDF for a workbench top; not a good idea,but that's just me. Thanks for the video;well done as always.😎
Davo gifman - It seems like MDF gets a bad name but as long as you protect the edges it actually works really well. We have 2 workbenches in our magazine shop with MDF tops that are 20 years old and are still in constant service. Plus if you ever needed to replace them it’s pretty inexpensive.
@@WoodsmithShowandmagazine Hi. Thanks for the video. Very informative. I have a question about the MDF version. What did you treat/seal the top with? I can see that it's a different colour than the bare MDF. Is that some sort of oil or did you add a sheet of hardboard? Thanks
@@PUREATMOS - Yes, we applied an oil finish. It is General Finishes Seal-A-Cell to be exact. Personally, I don't like to add a film finish to my workbenches because they can chip over time with heavy use and it makes them harder to refinish. The oil finish keeps glue from sticking and it is really easy to just add another coat of oil as the bench needs it down the road.
@@WoodsmithShowandmagazine The other thing to mention about MDF is that you should always wear a mask when you're cutting it. Never play around with MDF dust because it contains formaldehyde and will end your life early.
I just finished watching new/old workbench in season 14 and I cant find the free plans. Love woodsmith!! A couple of years ago I bought seasons 1 thru 11. Cant find an email address for them.
I'm looking to get into woodworking on a college budget. Would I be able to build the weekend workbench with just a drill, circular saw, router, orbital sander, and hand plane? If not, what other tools are needed?
A sheet of tampered hardboard will greatly increase the durability or even high pressure laminate (Formica) extremely durable, glue doesn't stick. Sealing the mdf and partical board with polyurethane, ... will increase its durability.
I am gathering ideas to help me build my next workbench and as a result, I have watched several videos. This one had a lot of ideas that interest me. Concerning the rectangular dogs and their layout, wouldn't you need to orient at least one, or several, in an opposing direction? Seems to me it would be impossible to clamp anything if all the dogs faced the same direction.
I really like the douglas fir that we have in the midwest. I like the color and it seems to be a little harder and more durable than the construction grade pine.
Do you still recommend this tail Vise and hardware? Did it hold up well over the years? Do you recommend the Lie Nielsen tail Vise, Lee Valley Tail Vise or the original Lee Valley Tail screw shown in the plans? Just trying to find the best option.
Both of the workbenches seen in this video are still in use in our production shop and we've never had a problem with any of the vises, so yeah we'd still recommend what was sourced in the original plans, but any of the vises you suggested would be fine too. I am kind of a Lie Nielsen fanboy, so I'll give them a slight edge though. ;)
Woodsmith thanks! So no sagging with the tail vise? Ok I’m going to start off with the Lee Valley Tail vise screw as recommended. I may upgrade to the Lie-Nielsen version in the future if there’s a need and extra money. I’ve completed the base and cabinet which I extended up to just 4 inches below the bench top so I can use my shorter hold fasts. Moving on to the top then vises. Would love to see how this heirloom bench has aged since the making of the video!
@@JD196865 - Sounds good. Dillon, one of our project designers, uses this workbench now. I think we are planning on shooting Live videos in the shop on Fridays, so I'll have them talk about that bench and show it off a little.
Killer Vid. Well done. Very clear. My only recommendation... loosen it up a tad. Feels a bit too sterile and scripted. Maybe some laughs, jabs and improve. Although, it's better than I coulda done on camera ;) Cheers y'all!
What is the advantage of square dogs? Adding them seems to be quite a bit more hassle than round dog holes, and they are less versatile (can only face four directions)
No chance for this kind of benches. I love the idea of the new bench from "paoson". this is brilliant. even "paul sellers" build one from plywood. or this minibench from japanese chanel "self-build": And if you need somethin sturdy to pound on, i just startet to build a short version of "rex krueger" 30$ bench. I think this traditional benches had there time ,when everthing is made with handtools. If you have a big shop an lots of space ok, but if not, you waste space because have a big heavy table, that you mostly cant move and use it for the coffeemug. I am rebuilding my minishop and removed the vice. i will build a minibench with a vice to sit on top of my bench, if needed! Of course MY solution!
Yep - To each their own. You just need to come up with a "workbench" that works for the space you have and the projects you like to build. I watched Rex Krueger's $30 Bench video the other day. It was pretty cool and interesting, but something like that wouldn't really work for me. It is definitely a great way to work if you have limited space though.
I wouldn't be so quick to write off heavy workbenches as a throwback to when people used mainly hand tools. To this day I'm still not aware of a way to make dove tails or mortise and tenon joints without hand tools. Chiseling a mortise takes a very sturdy table. I agree the heavy benches can be cumbersome. I'm finishing up my mini Nicholson style bench now. Its only 22 x 48 and still weighs a couple hundred pounds. It doubles as my out feed table in my small shop and to maneuver it I'm going to put on the pop-up...or maybe its pop-down... casters from Rockler. They fold up out of the way when not in use and can be deployed to easily roll the bench around when needed. If you never use hand tools for any project then i would say what you're really after is an assembly table and there are a lot better designs out there for that purpose. They tend to always be on wheels, lighter, and have a lot more places for quickly stashing tools and clamps.
I have an irrelevant question and not sure to who to ask. I'm trying to build a workbench that is level with my contractor saw on a rolling stand. It shows it's level on my garage floor but I'm getting different height measurements from 34 3/8" on one end and 34 7/8" on the other end. I'm not sure if the rolling stand is not a consistent height or if it has something to do with the ground. Do you know how I could find the height that would be level with the workbench?
Yeah, this is always a difficult task when trying to construct something that is level with a tools worksurface. I've always found that my workshop floor is usually pretty uneven, so I would try to get it as close as possible and then integrate some way to adjust the height of either the tool or workbench. This will especially come in handy if you move these items around to different parts of the shop.
@@WoodsmithShowandmagazine luckily my garage is fairly new so no cracked rugged concrete but it definitely has a slope for water drainage so I'm guessing that's part of the issue. I originally bought some caster wheels for it then found some leveling casters for a little more so I'm just going to use those and cut the workbench leg height to lowest point of the saw.
You guys need a series. I've got no interest in the topic and not sure how I got here but felt like I was watching an episode of home improvement... You need to have a chat with a neighbour over the fence
Was that blue vise an Eclipse? I’m building my first wood working work bench in my basement with the MDF and shopping for the best bench. Looking hard at the 9” Eclipse and 9” Yost. What is better? Haven’t done wood working in many years
Yes, that is the 9" Quick Release Eclipse Vise: amzn.to/2S1Y5Nf The eclipse has been really good for us, but I've never heard any complaints about the Yost either.
My wife ordered that 9” Eclipse for me today. I really liked that MDF bench y’all were showing in your video. Are there any building plans available for it? I’ve already bought 3 8x4 sheets of 3/4” MDF and one 8x4 sheet of 3/4” particle board to go under the MDF for lift and 4x4’s for the legs. My bench is gonna be 8x4 foot and the height of my table saw and yes I have locking caster wheels. Can’t wait.
Daniel Heyboer - you can find the plans here: www.woodsmithplans.com/plan/heavy-duty-workbench/ That is the workbench I have in my garage too. I’ve built several of these in the last 10 years and they’ve held up really well. Just be sure to put some sort of finish on the top to protect the mdf from moisture.
Woodsmith my 9” Eclipse finally came in. Can you please answer a question for me? I’m building my top with 2 sheets of 3/4” MDF and 1 3/4” sheet of particle board under that. Will that hold the weight of the vise without having to run the bolts all the way thru? I’m new to this.
Daniel Heyboer - that should hold. My top is 3” of MDF plus I have a 1/2” MDF blocking to lower the vise down so I could bury the rear jaw in the front edging. I used long lag bolts to attach the vise from underneath and it has held up just fine over the past 10 years or so.
Wordsmith the plans show Veritas bench dogs (square) should be installed at a 5 degree angle but Veritas bench dog instructions say 2 degrees. Can you confirm which I should use? Btw thank you for showing the bench on the live stream. Huge help.
Ours are at 5 degrees... not sure why there would be a difference, but I don't think there would be a problem if you went with the 2 degrees veritas prescribes either. Let us know if you want a closer look at our bench. You probably couldn't see much with all of Dillon's "junk"on there. :)
Woodsmith thanks for the follow-up! I made the jig at 5 degrees and I’m planning to route the dog holes soon. I’m doing most of the work by hand such as the dimensioning of stock by hand. So it’s taking me a bit longer. All in all I’m really liking the bench and the progress. Question, is there a reason not to add dog hole(s) after the leg vise? My bench is just over 5 feet long and since it’s shorter I’d like to add a dog to the left of the leg vise to get the extra clamp length. Thoughts? I’d certainly appreciate another look at the bench if you’re able. Once the dog holes are complete I’ll start on the vise.
Jason Dyas - I can’t think of any reasons to not add dog holes but it just depends on your preferred clamping and hold-down methods. I can have Dillon get it cleaned off, so we can take a closer look. Is there any specific details that you would like see highlighted.
Woodsmith ok. I’ll add one more dog hole to the left of the leg vise to give me a bit more clamping length since the bench is only 5 1/2 feet long. I can then still foot a six foot board with the dog on the farthest end and vise open. An overview and close ups of the leg vise and tail vise would be great since I’m working on those. Next. Thanks again for the replies. Rarely are wood project built exactly to specs written so the additional details help. For anyone looking to build this bench it is worth the time and effort for the end result. I recommend purchasing the plans. I do wish there was a video tutorial like some of the other projects.
The way they talk to each other is hypnotic. It is art.
It's a script lol
this looks like some 80's TV show.. with musical transition from one scene to another.. . other than that.. this is very well explained.. actually gave me even more solutions and ideas. Thanks Smiths!
It was actually filmed about 10 years ago, but it definitely has that 80's vibe. :)
I feel ROCK SOLID after watching this. Jokes aside, it's actually a great video. I really like how each member shows us the cut-aways of each piece that they're talking about. Very clear and precise instructions. Thank you.
LOL... thanks. 😀
Excellent vid, being a cabinetmaker of 35 years I was taught in cabinet making school that the most important tool is your bench, good shout for the record 52 vice, this is a great bench.
I am a retired manufacturing engineer, and have an interest in wood work. One of the best work benches and ideas i have seen. If you were in Australia i would love to visit your workshop. Your videos are great and very well presented. Cheers.
How could anyone not like FREE workbench building tips and ideas?
Haters gonna hate!
first time on TH-cam?? lol
Communists. That's who.
They hate everything.
*pssst*
it's free real estate ;)
These guys have all the personality of the wood they work with. Thanks PBS.
No, thank you, Gerald! And thanks for watching! :)
If this is a first bench then most people will not have a jointer or planer. I know I don't have either and I don't have room for them. So making anything that needs planning or joining is not an option for me. My tools will need to move in my shop so everything(table saw, chop saw, drill press, router table, assembly table) will be on wheels. I have a workbench that I bought at a home center it's ok but not tight enough. my shop is not done yet due to health problems. I will finish it soon. the storage shelves are on the sides of my shop so my shop is only about 8ft wide and 20ft deep. My driveway is ok for cutting sheet goods or long boards. It's sloped about 8 degrees not ideal. All that being said I have learned a lot from your show. It would be nice if you could do something without the some of the power tools that would great. Thanks for a great show I look forward to a project I can do in my tiny shop.
I built my bench this spring and used it as an opportunity to use joinery I normally don’t mess with. Draw boring tenons and watching them come together was ridiculously satisfying!
Yeah, I am making a timber framed trestle table right now. "Satisfying" is a perfect word to describe it.
If I built ... (and am able to)... the bench you show, the problem is I won't be able to use it. Because lest it get even scratched, I'd keep it as a showpiece .. it looks so nice. I'd have to build another dirty one to work on. Thanks for the innovative ideas guys and a video worth every second of it.
Personally, I’m the same way. That is why I have the mdf top workbench in my garage. It’s just mdf so who cares if it gets beat up. One of the guys uses the shaker-style bench in the shop and it has taken a beating over the years. 😢
Great presentation, I like the way you cater for us weekend warriors. First the the bench most of would love to make and own. Then give us a lifeline by showing us the more realistic version, without belittling it.
Much appreciated! I have had the "weekend" workbench in my home garage workshop for more than 10 years now. It has served me well. It's expensive to make, so I don't feel bad beating it up. I just do a little sanding on the top and refresh the finish from time to time, and it still looks immaculate!
Yes, sawhorses and bench are sometimes the first thing you build
so a good but simple style is appreciated!
I built the weekend style bench 6 years ago. It has performed well. The only issue I had is that the stretchers shrank in width as they dried, leaving a slight gap between the filler blocks. Due to the stretchers being bolted to the leg assemblies this has not been a problem. I have not had to retighten the bolts ever. For a top I used a discarded solid core door, sheet of 3/4" plywood, 3/4" mdf, and 1/4" hardboard. I figured the plywood layer would better resist bench dog stress. I buried a metal vise rear jaw like they showed so that I can face clamp a board along the bench. I use the bench as a fixed outfeed table. It is 30x72. The 30 inch plus the 12" behind the table saw blade gives 42" of support for most cutting operations. I have a clamp on extender that is another 18" long for 60" of support when I need to cut long material. I use bench dogs in the vice chop for most top holding but also bought a benchpup for holding along the 6' axis. The bench is stout and does not move during hand planing, allows clamping of all the materials I work with, and has a sacrificial top - staining leaves stains, glue I just pop off with my beater chisel. I have thought about building a traditional laminated bench, but would I then beat on it like I do this one?
Keith Brann - I have this bench in my home shop too and love it. It’s inexpensive but heavy and sturdy. Plus I agree with you that I don’t mind beating it up like I would if I had a fancy, heirloom workbench.
All those guys are great teachers and these Woodsmith videos helped me so much in my woodworking journey. Unfortunately I haven’t seen any of them on the newer Woodsmith videos, where did they go?
I made my work bench with a removable slat in the middle, with a drop down to do cross cuts with my circular saw.. Also implemented hinges so that I can lift the top of my work bench to store scrap wood and other stuff underneath in a 4' x 2' x 4" (H x W x D) compartment. Nothing but 2x4's, OSB, and MDF.
Great ideas! Thanks!
Can you post a video or photos to show us how you incorporated these great ideas?
Sincerely Appreciate your video and ALL your super helpful tips. I am on a very limited budget and now I have an idea of how to proceed with my bench project. I am going to take your advise with the types of wood I can use now. Great Job guys Thanks for sharing and making this video.
I'm almost finish my first workbench...Let me back up a little. I retired from the Army Reserve and Fire department, both with over 37 years. So I move to a country setting and pick up a hobby....woodworking. The small folding work bench and or the horses was okay for the small things, but didn't work for anything large size. Working off the floor wasn't it either. So i looked at a lot of plans and then I build a wooden one. I used 13 4"x4"x8', two 2x4 x12' and 2'x6'x3/4 plywood . I took some of them and glued together for the top (finish size 7'x3'). Anyway I need to put something on it to protect the top. I need some options. Thanking you in advance Will
You could do a film finish like polyurethane, lacquer, or epoxy and that will protect the top but I find with these products the finish often chips and cracks with all the wear and tear. For workbench tops, I actually prefer an oil (like General Finishes Seal-A-Cell) or varnish finish. It soaks into the wood and it's enough to protect the surface and prevent glue from sticking, but as your workbench gets beat up and worn down you can just add more oil without a lot of work.
What a great video! The style of the presentation is perfect. Comprehensive, well explained. Please keep doing more of these.
Thank you! :)
I agree.
Excellent video. Very comprehensive, with very useful information for those who want to build a bench. Thank you for sharing knowledge.
Last year, I built a "weekend" style bench. 4"x4" doug fir legs with 4 layers of 3/4" mdf for the top. All my joinery is half lap (glued and screwed). It has performed flawlessly. It's flat and heavy. There's not a task I can't perform, easily. And, for under $300, it's a good low-budget build that will last plenty of years.
That's awesome! Flat and heavy - that's how I like my workbenches.
Has numerous details in this woodwork book *TopFineWoodworking. Com* . The book also displays several designs and descriptions on the materials used for various woodworking processes and also the guidelines on completing various procedures appropriately. In other words, I`m happy using this book, especially in the process of learning about wood working.?
Appreciate sharing perspectives of different styles of benches instead taking a position that there is one best bench for everyone. Only thing missing is the wheels that allow moving the bench and then setting it back down solid again.
I agree. We have those casters on our workbench in our video studio and love them: th-cam.com/video/WGlmlMjqQUc/w-d-xo.html
I like having mobile bases on all of our "stationary" tools too. It just makes everything easier and more convenient.
Check Rockler. They have a set, and with additional brackets they can be moved to other tools or benches in your shop. Try this: www.rockler.com/rockler-workbench-caster-kit-4-pack?sid=V9146?PL&gclid=CjwKCAjwqfDlBRBDEiwAigXUaHtDHqRc7OcTrHqJ_h69FH5Zoh3j0wG2CnBJFq9802E-VMnYQ6mPGxoC4l4QAvD_BwE
Loving the sawhorses @ 6:50. Probably the nicest simple, no-fuss, stackable sawhorses I've seen so far. Just add a scrappable/replacable 1x6 on top of this and you have the perfect sawhorse!
Thanks for noticing! Those are my favorite sawhorses too.
Do you have a video, link or plan for the sawhorses?
Do you have a video, link or plan for the sawhorses?
This was filmed in classic 80s DIY style. I loved it lol
LOL... It does seem that way. It was filmed in classic 2012 Woodsmith Shop public television style. :)
I know the bolted stretchers is actually also an old method, but. I would strongly advise against this. If you can, please learn how to do a tusked tenon and mortice system with a wedge, its traditional, it works, it a tried and true method - look up "knockdown workbench". This is the most solid design that I know of.
In my opinion the L shaped corner and half lapped stretchers that you show second looks much better.
All in all thanks for a nice video. I was impressed with the way you did those square dog holes with the router, great method!
Woodglut is nice for that.
When i started woodworking the first thing was indeed making a workbench. Now, many months later i see things i would do different. I will make a new one in e few weeks or month. Maybey i will use some tips you give in this video in combination with my own experiences
Great! Let us know how your workbench build goes.
@@WoodsmithShowandmagazine I have a few other things on my list but i will make a new one and i will let you know( you will also see it when you follow my channel, but that is not an obligation of course
Subscribed! I like your video on making star knobs... good stuff. I'll check more videos on your channel - they're very well made.
is it me or do woodworkers seem like some of the most humble people
Solid wood is much better than mdf. I ripped several 8 ft
2x12's into thirds. After squaring to edges were run through my jointer and glued up. My top is clear SYP and is plenty solid. My base is also laminated legs and all is mortise and tenon.
I care for mdf for anything...pure and simple..use the real thing.
I meant to say I do not care for mdf
Very tim taylor and al borland type feel here, great format, very informative .
It was made in 2019 but i feel like i was watching a 'Tim the tool-man taylor' presentation!
Great presentation by the way i like the style it just took me back 20 years when watching it haha...
Actually, this is an excerpt from the Woodsmith Shop TV show that originally aired in 2012, and I just uploaded it recently.... But I agree it does feel like it was shot 20 years ago ;)
@@WoodsmithShowandmagazine well done either way, covered everything I really had a query on for building my new workbench. I really did like the detail in explaining the main front face vice and why to go a beefy one. I would have just gone a more standard one but I agree with your reasoning 100%
Needs more power
Sam Burgett - Argh, Argh, Arghhhh! 😀
nice leg vise
Éstas personas son una maravilla, son tan preparados y todo lo que hacen resulta bién hecho, no se guardan secretos y muestran sus trabajos para facilitar la vida y la forma de trabajar de otras personas o maestros, a éstas personas yo les llamo gente hermosa, gracias.
when you glue something spinkle a little salt on it and that way your glue ups wont slide around :) hope that helps someone like it did me
also your glue tastes way better with a bit of salt.
wow! Great video guys! Thanks. I'm now a little less intimidated about building my first work bench. Great ideas too!
Great! Thanks for watching and let us know if you have any questions.
So many great ideas in here. Thank you!
Glad you like them!
I am building the heirloom bench and have some questions regarding the leg vice and the mortise templates for the legs. There is no dimension for the bottom width of the vice; From the proportions in the plans it appears to be 3"?? How are the side view curvatures made? Did you use french curves? Finally, what is the width of the flat area surrounding the upper screw hole? I again surmised 3" on either side. This TH-cam video demonstrated the jig for the bench dog holes, which was quite helpful. How did you make the jigs for the deep mortises at the top of the legs and the middle stretcher mortises in the bottom rails of the ends?
I love the first one but the second one would probably be the best for most hobby woodworkers, Thanks
Scott louis - Yeah, I’ve built a couple of those workbenches, and I love them! They are inexpensive and go together quickly, but they are rock sold.
We all like a bit of space for a reach-around 🤣
Some good tips, despite the awkward script
You know Terry, this script sure is corny.
Thats right Bill, it sure is.
i just purchased the "Heavy-Duty Workbench" plan and I am very satisfied.
the plans and video were made perfectly however,
the bench is going to be a little too big Length and Width wise so i'm adjusting it from 88" x 36" to 59" x 29.5" .
the end vice i'm going to add is smaller than the one featured, will making the base smaller for the over hang weaken the structure too much or is it possible to install the vice within the base
thanks again for the great plans
That is an awesome way to build a permanent work bench. I have a question......
Because I have a small space for a workshop, I, like so many other people, need to build a fold up / down workbench along an outside wall. I am unsure as to how to make the legs and supports for this. I am thinking about 2-sheets of 3/4 plywood for the top with a work surface of replaceable 1/4” Masonite.
Can you offer help and ideas for the legs and support? It would be great to see a video for a fold up bench, especially from you guys. You are pros.
They have fold up workbench and fold up sawhorse videos that are ingenious!
What your describing sounds like this Fold-Down Workstation: www.woodsmithplans.com/plan/fold-down-workstation/
We built it with a glued up wood top but you could make it with a multi-layer plywood top instead.
Hey Dwight! Having a good day I hope. Perhaps you could use 4x4 legs attached to the table with
hinges so they would fold up along with your table. I built a desk like that in college; I had to work with the hinges
so they wouldn't fold beyond the degree of angle I needed for the legs to seat right,but it was doable,and on
a shoestring budget that I had back then. I hope this help. Have a great day!
Woodsmith that is absolutely perfect. Thanks so much.
FYI... If you plan to do serious wood cutting, sanding, planning, and other activities that will require strong/solid bench do not waste your time on any folding benches.. They are awesome, but not for heavy use. I tried three different designs/types and they all came out great & functional, but I couldn't get any of them to stop shaking for the type of work that I normally do . I kept the last design (Similar to what this video is showing) for light duty work since it was built and didn't take much space and decided to build me a real solid bench for my regular work, I love it, should have done this long time ago.
My 2 cents..Make sure you get a good cup of coffee and put some serious thoughts HOW do you plan to use your bench, that is probably the most important decisions to make. Once you got final decision, it's just of matter to find some time and budget to crate bench that you will love and WANT to use all the time.. I wish I did that... Good luck my friend..
Hi, great video. Could you tell me the brand of the leg vice you're talking about at the 12-minute mark?
Anybody who is building a bench this sophisticated doesn’t need a goddamn TH-cam video. This is not helpful for beginners.
My thoughts too. Anyone capable of these techniques doesn't need a training video.
Sorry you didn't find it helpful. We also offer the step-by-step plans so that a beginner or intermediate woodworker can build either of these workbenches. You have to start somewhere.
But yet you still watched the video?
Built this traditional bench about 5 years ago. Great bench but I really dislike the leg vise. You have to open, or close, the screw about two turns then reach down and adjust the bottom screw about 3 or 4 turns, then repeat until you get your desired opening.
I will replace the leg vise with a "quick release" vise one day.
To answer a question in the comments, hardware sources are printed on the plans.
Un gran video. Excelentes explicaciones. Desde chile .aunque es en Inglés.se entiende muy bien las explicaciones... muchas gracias.maestros..un abrazo desde Chile.
That carriage bolt is a more convenient and/or stronger connector compared to glue? Those joints seem to have plenty of surface area for glued mechanical bonding.
If I were building it I would go ahead and glue the joints, as well.
This is how my brain and me talks to each other whenever we plan a project.
I’ve just purchased the multipurpose shop cart
Plans cause I think it would suit my workshop better
Instead of using the solid wood top could I use the layered MDF top with the wood edges
I've always really like that project. I think an MDF top would be very suitable for that shop cart too.
@@WoodsmithShowandmagazine would I still use the 2” thickness or do I need to go thicker?
@@juliantaylor7663 - Maybe do 2 full layers of 3/4" MDF and then a 3rd layer about 6" inches around the edges or where (if) you are going to have dog holes so it would come out to about 2 1/4".
@@WoodsmithShowandmagazine I’m pretty much going to use the same amount of dog holes in the plans so I may as well just do 3 solid layers
Thanks for the quick responses and advice
@@WoodsmithShowandmagazine one last thing
Could I instal a small woodworking vice to it
9:47 is the start of securing workpieces to your work-bench. Great chapter.
First time watching these guys. I feel like Tim the Toolman Taylor is gonna burst through the wall grunting...
What are your opinions on the best way(s) to attach the top to the legs? Seems like mortise and tenon is the most popular.
Most of the time we'll just use a 1 1/2" x 1 1/2" cleat screwed and glued to the base and then screw the base down through that. You will have to consider wood movement horizontally across the base on a solid wood top though. Mortise and tenon wood probably be a more traditional construction. Dillon is building a salvaged doug fir workbench right now using a cool mortise and tenon construction technique. You can see a little of that in our Live videos every Thursday afternoon.
I just purchased your plans for this, and am new to woodworking. Can you tell me how many boards of MDF and Douglas Fir I need to purchase to put all this together? Also, what can I do if I don't have a plainer and a jointer?
Based on the cutting diagrams on pages 8-9 of the Heavy-Duty Workbench Plans, it looks like it calls for 3 sheets of 3/4" MDF and 8 Douglas Fir 2x8's. I built this workbench for my garage workshop without a planer or jointer either. It shouldn't be a problem... the actual thickness of the lumber isn't too critical as long as the pieces are pretty straight and of uniform thickness to start with. I found it best for assembly to cut off the rounded edges of the construction lumber when cutting the parts to size too. Let me know if you have any problems or questions during your build. We're always happy to help.
Great video. Can you add a show speaking to the pros and cons of which species of wood that are ideal to use in the construction
i loved this old school lesson so much,
I named my bench '' dove full of holes'' which in my language sound better actually,, Dziurawa Jaskółka". The name comes from the nature of the bench itself, holes because it has a lot of holes in the aprons and many more in the top. The dove comes from its construction, most of its joinery is Dovetail, sliding tenons, half laps, mortises and tenons. I think it turned out pretty nice. Also it doesn't have a single bit of metal in it, except the vise related stuff.
That's a really story behind your workbench. It sounds like it is really well built.
@@WoodsmithShowandmagazine I tried to make it as nice as I could, I even carved the 'Dziurawa Jaskółka' in one of the aprons.
I’m planning to build the shaker bench and purchased the plans. Question, is the back of the bench flush with the legs and top? The front is flush but I couldn’t tell about the back. I’m making minor modifications to fit my space. Thanks!
@ thanks! I'll do that. I'm in the process of creating the leg assembly now.
I'm liking this video presentation! Semper Fi, A Combat Marine
Thank you and Thanks for your service!
@@WoodsmithShowandmagazine I am humbled. Semper Fi
It seems so simple and obvious now i've watched this, but the square holes seemed like witchcraft up until now!! What a great video!
Been watching for years. Could never figure what mustached homeboy is chuckling about every other sentence.
LOL.... that is Don's patented chuckle-talk. Don't try to recreate it - he owns the rights. :)
Thanks for the video, I purchased your plans recently. Do think bald cypress would be a good choice for this bench? If not what would you recommend?
Good video thanks... Would have been nice to add links for the vise and bench dog hardware.
I'm a retired cabinet maker and all of the years I work I have in they never had a table or work bench like this. But in diffident type wood working this table maybe great but in cabinet work it would out of place it would use as storage more they anything.
Very true... like most tools in the shop, workbenches can be very specialized to the type of work you are doing. That is why I recommend to most beginning woodworkers to start with a workbench that is simple, easy to build, and inexpensive. That way you can get some experience and decide what types of projects you want to build and then you can add the features that you want later.
What was your bench like Jimmie?
hi, this is Dana from China, I like your video so much, so that we can use the space more effectively, and I think that if we add our plastic storage box, like your shelf,we can make our space more efficient, can store more tool parts, if necessary, feel free to contact me，thank you for your time
very professional video
I built the Heavy-duty Workbench this past winter. It's great. Only question I have is where did you guys get your lumber? I haven't seen tight, straight grained, fir in years! Of course I live in Florida now and about all you can find down here is Southern Yellow Pine at the box stores. Sometimes I miss the Pacific Northwest........sigh.
I really like that bench too. I've built another one for my garage at home and one for my dad too. Inexpensive and easy to build.
Yeah, the nice looking tight-grained fir is hard to come by. It's probably a little more easy to come by here in the midwest versus the southeast, but to be honest to get it to look like that I had to buy 2x12's and rip it down to width. The outside edges of 2x12's usually have tighter and straighter grain.
@@WoodsmithShowandmagazine A few years ago I came across a blog post by a college instructor. His recommendation to his students was to use standard construction grade lumber for most anything. Best of all, he said to forego 2x4s and look for 2x6, 2x8, 2x10, and 2x12, for exactly the same reason you cited. the price is close to the same and additionally you get all that scrap for blocks, brackets, etc. In his words "Find the best looking boards you can and then 'rip the pith out of it'". Seemed like good advice to me as it works if you're patient.
Honu, having moved from California to NC, I, too, miss the wonderful straight grained DougFir which I could find even in the local Big Orange. In the NC Big Oranges, if you find SYP, consider yourself lucky. Here I find mostly crapola white (very soft) pine -- and so wet you could almost squeeze water out of it. Worse, If that white pine isn't only already bowed, cupped, warped, or twisted, it will soon turn into what could pass for airplane propellers. Thankfully, I've discovered some good local lumber suppliers, but as they say, "the good stuff ain't cheap." Alas DougFir isn't one of the species commonly sold around these (NC) parts.
@@WelshRabbit As I've discovered. I'm looking and...................
One additional comment/question. I m somewhat new to the woodworking world and trying hard to educate myself. I just subscribed to like Woodsmith's unlimited Yearly Membership to help in this educational effort. In fact, I subscribe to many different sources. In my research appears to be lots of opinions on all things woodworking. Appears there is a group of elitist in the world, that a cynical person may refer to as "Woodworking Snobs" - while there is another group that appear more focused on "Functionality."
Although I find the Woodworking Snobs insights interesting, I have not developed my talents nor and attitude that allows me to follow all that they share. I tend to rely more on the Functionality Group for ideas to implement in my woodworking shop today. Based on the two builds presented in this video "Weekend" vs. "Traditional" style does the Traditional style bench offer any significant functional advantages to that provided by the Weekend solid workbench? Any insights would be appreciated.
Personally, I find myself in the "Functionality" group, as you say. I have an mdf and fir workbench like the one in this video in my garage at home and I've used it for years and love it. If you are new to the hobby, I would lean toward making the "weekend" type workbench. You invest a lot less time and money into that type of worksurface. This way you can start building the types of projects you want to faster and it doesn't really have any less functionality compared to the "traditional" type. After you've been in to woodworking for a while you may find that you want to have a more specialized workbench and you can change things up from there, but something simpler is good to get you started.
Woodsmith thank you...good insight.
Awesome video
I have a smaller version of the first vice that’s only got 2 small bolt mounts I’m planning on making an MDF top as well
What bolts are needed or can strong screws do the job
We used lag bolts and those have seemed to hold up in the MDF just fine.
@@WoodsmithShowandmagazine thanks
just another Question
with the L shaped leg workbench frame you explain 3:30
what sized timber did you use cause I live in Australia so we're all in metric so ill have to find similar equivalent
and how did you attach the MDF bench top to the frame just screws
I am a beginner at healthy 74 just moved to US from Australia and looking forward to grow in woodworking skills and tools. Thank you for teaching I am on a budget so any idea on a low budget wood working shed would be appreciated
Stay Safe
Check out Rex Krueger's channel, it should give you some ideas!
Is there a benefit to using MDF vs a couple sheets of plywood for the top?
MDF is flat and smooth so you only need to apply a coat of wax to it and its ready. Plywood has rough edges and therefore will need some finishing to be ready for use as a top. Its all preference. MDF is pretty heavy also.
Very informative, but these guys, and the show in general, are so heavily produced they put one to sleep. So polite, so slow, nice cute outfits that always coordinate. Give me Norm in a plaid shirt covered in sawdust every time.
Great ideas for building workbenches thanks guys.👍
Although in my opinion🤔 MDF for a workbench top; not a good idea,but that's just me.
Thanks for the video;well done as always.😎
Davo gifman - It seems like MDF gets a bad name but as long as you protect the edges it actually works really well. We have 2 workbenches in our magazine shop with MDF tops that are 20 years old and are still in constant service. Plus if you ever needed to replace them it’s pretty inexpensive.
@@WoodsmithShowandmagazine Hi. Thanks for the video. Very informative. I have a question about the MDF version. What did you treat/seal the top with? I can see that it's a different colour than the bare MDF. Is that some sort of oil or did you add a sheet of hardboard? Thanks
@@PUREATMOS - Yes, we applied an oil finish. It is General Finishes Seal-A-Cell to be exact. Personally, I don't like to add a film finish to my workbenches because they can chip over time with heavy use and it makes them harder to refinish. The oil finish keeps glue from sticking and it is really easy to just add another coat of oil as the bench needs it down the road.
@@WoodsmithShowandmagazine The other thing to mention about MDF is that you should always wear a mask when you're cutting it. Never play around with MDF dust because it contains formaldehyde and will end your life early.
tuckernance - Absolutely, the fine particulates that go in to the air when you’re machining it are really bad for your lungs.
The sneakers, 501s and tucked in shirt duo 😆
It’s standard issued uniform. 😀
Great build! Fellow crafters unite! 🤩🔨🔧🔧
I just finished watching new/old workbench in season 14 and I cant find the free plans. Love woodsmith!! A couple of years ago I bought seasons 1 thru 11. Cant find an email address for them.
You can find the a link to the workbench plans under the description here: www.woodsmithshop.com/episodes/season14/1406/
What is your e-mail address? I’ll have customer service send you your password for the other seasons.
@@WoodsmithShowandmagazine still cant access the plans -- It seems there is a problem with this particular plan on your site. Just tried it again.
M Geez - Yep, the plan for that episode isn’t working but the other ones seem ok. I’ll have someone take a look at it.
I'm looking to get into woodworking on a college budget. Would I be able to build the weekend workbench with just a drill, circular saw, router, orbital sander, and hand plane? If not, what other tools are needed?
Also a chisel set
A sheet of tampered hardboard will greatly increase the durability or even high pressure laminate (Formica) extremely durable, glue doesn't stick.
Sealing the mdf and partical board with polyurethane, ... will increase its durability.
Monte Glover - Great tip. Thanks
MDF drawback of "can't plane it" would have been a nice thing to mention.
Very informative video. Well done.
I am gathering ideas to help me build my next workbench and as a result, I have watched several videos. This one had a lot of ideas that interest me. Concerning the rectangular dogs and their layout, wouldn't you need to orient at least one, or several, in an opposing direction? Seems to me it would be impossible to clamp anything if all the dogs faced the same direction.
The dog holes in the tail vise are oriented so that they are facing the holes in the workbench, so you are able to clamp down on your workpieces.
As long as its solid it dosnt matter how you do it. Great thick bench so you and the masses and sit on it for a culpa 😃
Great channel a lot, I mean a lot of really great information. I am overwhelmed.
Thank you very much! We’ll keep the videos coming.
What is the best timber to use for the edging timber for the MDF style bench top?
I really like the douglas fir that we have in the midwest. I like the color and it seems to be a little harder and more durable than the construction grade pine.
Woodsmith oh really? I would not have expected that as an answer, I assumed it would of been a harder wood than that. That’s tops, thank you.
¡Impresionante banco de trabajo explicado en un impresionante vídeo, gracias por vuestro trabajo!
¡Internet es una hermosa herramienta!
Stand firm! Heaven sounds like heaven.
Do you still recommend this tail Vise and hardware? Did it hold up well over the years? Do you recommend the Lie Nielsen tail Vise, Lee Valley Tail Vise or the original Lee Valley Tail screw shown in the plans? Just trying to find the best option.
Both of the workbenches seen in this video are still in use in our production shop and we've never had a problem with any of the vises, so yeah we'd still recommend what was sourced in the original plans, but any of the vises you suggested would be fine too. I am kind of a Lie Nielsen fanboy, so I'll give them a slight edge though. ;)
Woodsmith thanks! So no sagging with the tail vise? Ok I’m going to start off with the Lee Valley Tail vise screw as recommended. I may upgrade to the Lie-Nielsen version in the future if there’s a need and extra money. I’ve completed the base and cabinet which I extended up to just 4 inches below the bench top so I can use my shorter hold fasts. Moving on to the top then vises. Would love to see how this heirloom bench has aged since the making of the video!
@@JD196865 - Sounds good.
Dillon, one of our project designers, uses this workbench now. I think we are planning on shooting Live videos in the shop on Fridays, so I'll have them talk about that bench and show it off a little.
Woodsmith that would be great and I’ll look out for the videos!
6:27 That... Was... soooo goooood....
the sound could be a notification tone
Hi, where would I find plans for the bench shown at 3:44?
www.woodsmithplans.com/plan/heavy-duty-workbench/ - That’s the workbench I’ve had in my home shop for the last 10 years. I love it!
Very nice and just pErfect presentation. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks for watching.
Killer Vid. Well done. Very clear. My only recommendation... loosen it up a tad. Feels a bit too sterile and scripted. Maybe some laughs, jabs and improve. Although, it's better than I coulda done on camera ;) Cheers y'all!
What is the advantage of square dogs? Adding them seems to be quite a bit more hassle than round dog holes, and they are less versatile (can only face four directions)
Man this was helpful. Thank you guys so much
Our pleasure!
Just curious... Are you the Burt Macklin from the Pawnee, IN Parks and Rec Dept? ;)
@@WoodsmithShowandmagazine Why, did Janet Snakehole ask about me?
Burt Macklin - LOL, Yeah she blew your cover. 😂😂😂
Such a fine channel... i just subscribed!
Thanks for watching!
No chance for this kind of benches. I love the idea of the new bench from "paoson". this is brilliant. even "paul sellers" build one from plywood. or this minibench from japanese chanel "self-build": And if you need somethin sturdy to pound on, i just startet to build a short version of "rex krueger" 30$ bench. I think this traditional benches had there time ,when everthing is made with handtools. If you have a big shop an lots of space ok, but if not, you waste space because have a big heavy table, that you mostly cant move and use it for the coffeemug. I am rebuilding my minishop and removed the vice. i will build a minibench with a vice to sit on top of my bench, if needed! Of course MY solution!
Yep - To each their own. You just need to come up with a "workbench" that works for the space you have and the projects you like to build. I watched Rex Krueger's $30 Bench video the other day. It was pretty cool and interesting, but something like that wouldn't really work for me. It is definitely a great way to work if you have limited space though.
I wouldn't be so quick to write off heavy workbenches as a throwback to when people used mainly hand tools. To this day I'm still not aware of a way to make dove tails or mortise and tenon joints without hand tools. Chiseling a mortise takes a very sturdy table. I agree the heavy benches can be cumbersome. I'm finishing up my mini Nicholson style bench now. Its only 22 x 48 and still weighs a couple hundred pounds. It doubles as my out feed table in my small shop and to maneuver it I'm going to put on the pop-up...or maybe its pop-down... casters from Rockler. They fold up out of the way when not in use and can be deployed to easily roll the bench around when needed. If you never use hand tools for any project then i would say what you're really after is an assembly table and there are a lot better designs out there for that purpose. They tend to always be on wheels, lighter, and have a lot more places for quickly stashing tools and clamps.
I have an irrelevant question and not sure to who to ask. I'm trying to build a workbench that is level with my contractor saw on a rolling stand. It shows it's level on my garage floor but I'm getting different height measurements from 34 3/8" on one end and 34 7/8" on the other end. I'm not sure if the rolling stand is not a consistent height or if it has something to do with the ground. Do you know how I could find the height that would be level with the workbench?
Yeah, this is always a difficult task when trying to construct something that is level with a tools worksurface. I've always found that my workshop floor is usually pretty uneven, so I would try to get it as close as possible and then integrate some way to adjust the height of either the tool or workbench. This will especially come in handy if you move these items around to different parts of the shop.
@@WoodsmithShowandmagazine luckily my garage is fairly new so no cracked rugged concrete but it definitely has a slope for water drainage so I'm guessing that's part of the issue. I originally bought some caster wheels for it then found some leveling casters for a little more so I'm just going to use those and cut the workbench leg height to lowest point of the saw.
@@WoodsmithShowandmagazine I'm converting a bus to a tiny house and I imagine I'm going to have this kind of issue building that out as well
very informative and gave me some new ideas. Thanks
You guys need a series. I've got no interest in the topic and not sure how I got here but felt like I was watching an episode of home improvement... You need to have a chat with a neighbour over the fence
I think if we just add a laugh track to the video we should be good to syndicate it. :)
Was that blue vise an Eclipse? I’m building my first wood working work bench in my basement with the MDF and shopping for the best bench. Looking hard at the 9” Eclipse and 9” Yost. What is better? Haven’t done wood working in many years
Yes, that is the 9" Quick Release Eclipse Vise: amzn.to/2S1Y5Nf The eclipse has been really good for us, but I've never heard any complaints about the Yost either.
My wife ordered that 9” Eclipse for me today. I really liked that MDF bench y’all were showing in your video. Are there any building plans available for it? I’ve already bought 3 8x4 sheets of 3/4” MDF and one 8x4 sheet of 3/4” particle board to go under the MDF for lift and 4x4’s for the legs. My bench is gonna be 8x4 foot and the height of my table saw and yes I have locking caster wheels. Can’t wait.
Daniel Heyboer - you can find the plans here: www.woodsmithplans.com/plan/heavy-duty-workbench/ That is the workbench I have in my garage too. I’ve built several of these in the last 10 years and they’ve held up really well. Just be sure to put some sort of finish on the top to protect the mdf from moisture.
Woodsmith my 9” Eclipse finally came in. Can you please answer a question for me? I’m building my top with 2 sheets of 3/4” MDF and 1 3/4” sheet of particle board under that. Will that hold the weight of the vise without having to run the bolts all the way thru? I’m new to this.
Daniel Heyboer - that should hold. My top is 3” of MDF plus I have a 1/2” MDF blocking to lower the vise down so I could bury the rear jaw in the front edging. I used long lag bolts to attach the vise from underneath and it has held up just fine over the past 10 years or so.
On the traditional workbench is there any reason why round dogholes couldn't be used?
Round dog holes will work just fine too.
Wordsmith the plans show Veritas bench dogs (square) should be installed at a 5 degree angle but Veritas bench dog instructions say 2 degrees. Can you confirm which I should use?
Btw thank you for showing the bench on the live stream. Huge help.
Ours are at 5 degrees... not sure why there would be a difference, but I don't think there would be a problem if you went with the 2 degrees veritas prescribes either. Let us know if you want a closer look at our bench. You probably couldn't see much with all of Dillon's "junk"on there. :)
Woodsmith thanks for the follow-up! I made the jig at 5 degrees and I’m planning to route the dog holes soon. I’m doing most of the work by hand such as the dimensioning of stock by hand. So it’s taking me a bit longer. All in all I’m really liking the bench and the progress.
Question, is there a reason not to add dog hole(s) after the leg vise? My bench is just over 5 feet long and since it’s shorter I’d like to add a dog to the left of the leg vise to get the extra clamp length. Thoughts?
I’d certainly appreciate another look at the bench if you’re able. Once the dog holes are complete I’ll start on the vise.
Jason Dyas - I can’t think of any reasons to not add dog holes but it just depends on your preferred clamping and hold-down methods.
I can have Dillon get it cleaned off, so we can take a closer look. Is there any specific details that you would like see highlighted.
Woodsmith ok. I’ll add one more dog hole to the left of the leg vise to give me a bit more clamping length since the bench is only 5 1/2 feet long. I can then still foot a six foot board with the dog on the farthest end and vise open.
An overview and close ups of the leg vise and tail vise would be great since I’m working on those. Next. Thanks again for the replies. Rarely are wood project built exactly to specs written so the additional details help.
For anyone looking to build this bench it is worth the time and effort for the end result. I recommend purchasing the plans. I do wish there was a video tutorial like some of the other projects.
Very good presentation, I like it.
Thank you.
Great video !!
I love this! I appreciate it sirs!
So helpful
Thanks