Build a $10 Split-Top Saw Bench for Woodworking (Short Version) 

I learnt today: 1. Using a chisel to start a cutting. 2. Off centered dowel holes for strong joints.

I bought the plans. Another good one from James. My first time trying dovetails. What I learned: I tried to get away without really milling the pieces up very square. Didn't work; put the time in. If your marked 1.5" lines don't join up all the way around YOU'RE GOING TO HAVE A BAD TIME. My early attempts sucked, so I bit the bullet and did quite a few practice runs on a sacrificial squared-up 2x6. I just kept lopping the dovetail ends off, and tried again. Practice really helped my touch and eye. Even after repeatedly sharpening my chisel to a keen edge, I still had a horrible time removing the waste (in the middle of tails/pins) in construction lumber with its combination of spongy bits and knots. I finally decided to head off to Lee Valley to buy bought a pair of 1/2" Narex skew chisels. These cost under $40 (Canadian) for the pair. They made a HUGE difference, slicing/paring even the worst stuff instead of crushing it. I would not do without these again ever. FInally: coping saws are supposed to cut on the pull stroke (duh).

Unfortunately for ALL the other woodworkers on You Tube ,Stumpy has designed by far THE VERY BEST SAWBENCHES. Bravo James.

I've NEVER seen anybody explain dove tail angles so good. Now I understand how to do it.

I built this. almost exactly as you did, Stumpy. on one end I bolted a giant bench vise. essentially bolting together the legs on one end, making it even more stable. now, whenever I want to do long cuts, or grind something in the vise, I can easily pull it outside so I don't cloud the garage with shavings and dust. I used 2x6 for the tops and legs, a 2x4 for the stretchers, and 4x4 I salvaged from a giant pallet for the feet.

I am working on my second Stumpy Nubs saw bench. I made plenty of mistakes on the first one. I discovered that it was easier (for me anyway) to do the half mortises if I put a depth stop on the saw I used to cut the kerfs. This was a narrow piece of hardboard stuck to the saw at 1/2" with double sided tape. It also helped to space the kerfs almost exactly a chisel width apart, i.e. the width of the chisel I used to hog out most of the material. These "tips" are probably unnecessary for anyone who doesn't suck as much as me; I need all the help I can get!

Great video, great project. Thanks, Stubby. I made this bench over a year ago, and it is truly one of the most consistently satisfying fixtures in my shop. Just today I was using it to scrape glue lines on the legs of my massive Roubo bench build. And I do use it sometimes to just sit and take in all the goodness of being in my shop smelling the smells and admiring the shavings and sawdust covering the floor. I also love projects like this that allow me to practice joinery techniques without wetting my pants over the risk of ruining an $80 piece of hardwood.

Bend the tip of the saw the opposite way from the way the thumb is striking so that it goes in an s shape, and this results in the whole think being under tension, not flaccid for it to sound.

You have to put a small curve at the top of the saw to get a nice sound.

I measured from the floor to my kneecap to see if I possessed the magical 19 inch measurement that would qualify my as a hand tool master. However since there is only one country in the world that uses inches, I have no idea what 19 of them looks like so I will have to keep using to power tools. I was overjoyed, what a relief.

This is a great video! This little bench is exactly what I need to get started. My black & decker workmate just does not cut it when trying to chop out a mortise. This looks like it will fit the bill perfectly.

So I was ripping a long board with my handy old rip saw, and it was a struggle. I says to myself, “Self, we needs a old-timey sawbench.” Then I thinks, “who would have a good video for making an old-timey woodworker’s sawbench?” Then I thinks to myself, “Why Stumpy Nubs, surely?” Sure enough, there it was. Perfect. Thanks, James!!

Love the part at 5:30 when he says he's going for a cold one. Next scene he's back with a big smile.😁

One of my favorite episodes... gonna make one of these... I hope sooner rather than later.

Stumpy, great job. The important basics using inexpensive wood for a great saw bench.

Yours is the best split top bench design! I really like the addition of the holdfast holes.

Neat project. Now here is a challenge. Can you make an attachment to turn your saw bench into a shaving horse? I have not been able to think of a successful design.

Ive seen a few of your videos over the years, but only I recently Ive noticed just how extensive the collection you made. Your videos are very well done with super great info and rather entertaining too. thanks!

I would like to suggest that when you are doing a beginner type project, you explain the terms you are using.....tenon...mortise...etc. as some of us have never been in a wood shop before but want to learn. This was a good video for me, it gave me some ideas to use on another project. thanks.

Wow! Have you changed in the last five years! This is going to take me a while to digest. I'm no old timey woodworker, but, it looks like just what I need.

I love the videos . I watch them all the time. Keep doing them. Nice job.

Thank you Stumpy Nubs this is very helpful & informative.

I like the boxing gloves for recalcitrant dovetails.

I should also add that I used the router plane I made using the Stumpy Nubs plans to do final cleanup on the tenons and half mortises. I found that the Lee Valley spear-point blade worked best on the unruly construction lumber. If I come across as a bit of a Stumpy fanboy, that's ok. I have had considerable success with various plans purchased from James.

Well thought out designing Stumpy...thanks for sharing!

beats sitting on a drywall bucket

Great tip at 3.27 to set dovetail angle on a bevel gauge.

That exactly what I was looking for cheers stumpy

Mine is done! Great idea and great video!

I measured from the floor to my kneecap to see if I possessed the magical 19 inch measurement that would qualify my as a handtool master,alas ,mine it different. So I must confine my woodworking to power tools. I was overjoyed,what a relief.

Had to rewatch it. Good video good content thank you

Great video, great channel. Fairly certain I watch as many of your videos as all other RU-vid videos combined.

Handmade it looks, the process is fascinating. Interesting video. Like!

Great little project, thanks. I guess it will depend on the type of wood you use as to the cost of this project. Thanks for all the great info :-)

Good looking saw bench sir, i love it thanks for sharing, I will make one of these soon. Thanks again and have a blessed week. dale

Many thanks for the inspiration! What I miss however is to see that bench in action. How do you rip cut with it? Isn't the whole point of a split top to cut in between the two boards? But there you glued the short piece? Why? And what would you need bench dogs for? For holding wood for crosscutting? But I thought for crosscutting your knees hold the wood? Do not get me wrong. That is not meant to be criticism. I want to understand the different designs of saw benches that are around. Cheers Christian

I remember the good o'l days when you could spend $10 on some construction lumber now its $10 for a piece of construction lumber

Nice project to do, thanks for sharing!

blue collar at it's best

Also, I think that you misspoke about the direction of the offset for the pegs. You might want to check that.

The price of this bench is now around $50.

Another Michigander makes good in the world. Now if only Stroh's or Frankenmuth beer were still around

cool project. thanks for showing

For those who are unclear the tails on the tops the pins on the legs.

What about a hand router for levelling up the channel?

Canpar wood? You jump the border?

How come I never thought to put dog holes in a bench? Great idea.

I like your intro video...

Real nice love those details especially offsetting pin holes to self tighten. Question do you use power tools at any point. Just subscribed and looking forward to seeing more.

Awesome!

I'm not getting the plans as I don't believe that I can find any 2x6's that are 3 inches thick. 1 - 1/2 inch dimension lumber will not work very well with bench hook, hold downs. Three inch thick lumber isn't $10 cheap lumber. I don't need the plans to see that this is untenable for me. I liked the video, but my circumstances are not suitable for this build. Thanks.

I wonder why you haven’t posted more “making” videos lately? Everything seems to be cool tools and shop safety. Have I missed something?

I tried to buy the plan but the checkout process with a credit card was a pain in the postierior.

This is a great bench, do you measure and cut the lateral support dovetails before or after you assemble and glue the top, legs and feet? Thanks

Should you put a finish on this or just leave it?

what is the link for your descriptions of the dove tail saws.

Nice video, but I would really like to know why experienced woodworkers scare off newbies so much with dovetails? Dovetails are too easy! I saw this everywhere when I started out and I was mortified(maybe too strong word) to cut dovetails. I ran from it as fast as I could when I first started out, which prevented me from doing a lot of joinery in my first few months. One day I buckled down and found it's one of the easiest things you could start on and it was almost a perfect dovetail! Please don't do that. Glueing up is a more daunting task for a newbie and people talk as if it's so easy.

does this bench also works with japanese style saws? I think it could be more difficult because they work at a pull stroke.

love it! What sort of drill bits do you use for the hand drill?

$10?? Where you buy you're 2x4s & 2x6s?? More like $30 for rubbish lumber at HD..

Is there any way to buy the plans for this saw bench? Thanks.

Your bench is very wobbly, why is that? Too little weight? Racking? Loose joints?

I came for 11:37

Ok so where is the "long version"?

I would lube those hand saws.

When you say "ol' timey" I hear undercurrents of "okay boomer". Puh-leeeeze consider, instead of ol' timey, saying traditional , misunderstood and under appreciated, or better than this new fangled electric crap. you know, omething less offensive. And speaking of offensive. It hurts me to see your shop and the tools, Oh, my.... That leads me to temptation, that of jealousy, theft, (now where did you say you lived?), extortion. If I think on a plate of ham and eggs and imagine eating it I have committed breakfast in my heart. You're just trying to get me in some kind of trouble. First time on your channel. I found it encouraging. Liked and subbed. Thanks!

You must be short. I just measured up to my knee cap and its 19 inches and i am a sawed off runt. lol

Noticed the old gloves.Are you a pugilist?

Stumpy Nubs... Isn't that Cricket annoying to you?

I didn't know that people are still using hand tolls for woodworking. Power tool are pretty common, cheap, acurate and much FASTER now days then why to use hand tools..... 🙄🙄🙄

What the hell is the purpose of a "split top" bench that has a piece of wood glued between the split top? Kind of defeats the purpose there buddy... Could have just routed a groove down a 2x10 And saved yourself a lot of time and it would be sturdier anyway...

This is a superb wood working book I`ve ever read, “pepe amazing plan” (Google it). Both novice and some experienced woodworker could gain a lot of general info using this reading material. Surprisingly, this book has been my partner when I want to look up woods at areas and other topics like restoring as well as salvaging spots.