Watch This Before Building a Workbench for Woodworking 

This was a great video. I've been watching a ton of stuff trying to help figure out what to build for my new bench and this was by far the best and most informative, plus we share the same name so it's no wonder it was good, lol. What is the style of bench you mentioned at the end of the video that was made with 16' dimensional lumber? I'm going to replace a rickety old second hand bench and this looks like a good option to hone my skills.

I could listen to you talk about stuff for hours because you offer both opinions and facts plus you answer the questions most others don’t.

A fantastic video. Great workbench primer. Thank you. I REALLY like that it is quiet, straightforward, no music to "rev us up" and all the other video "tricks."

I found this channel by accident a while back, and this primer on wooden workbenches is absolutely wonderful, and highly informative. When I was a UBC journeyman carpenter many years ago, I used to make my own on-site workbenches. It made life so much easier during the time the work lasted. I would use 5/4 boards tongue and grooved (by me), and I would stagger the edges, and hold 2 layers of the boards together with wooden dowels, that had each matching dowel hole slightly staggered, to lock the two layers together. On thing I always did; which I have seen that no one else does, until I show them, is to make 1 or 2 openings on the surface of the bench; all the way through the bench top. On some if I had the time, ( I always had time) I made a flush cover for the opening. With a hole in the center to just pull the cover off, and expose the opening when needed. My usual size was 5 x 8 inches. This made boring wood so much easier, because any boring of holes, was a cinch, since the piece to be worked on was fully supported, and secured with holdfast clamps. I just centered the hole I had to bore just over the benchtop opening.

This is a great and informative video for someone looking to build their first work bench after years of moving makeshift tables across the room while planning.

Amazing video, you convinced me on making one. Thank you! Just one thing to point out. Moravian's weren't a cult. We Moravians (Ethnic group in Czech Republic) have had difficult times with the Catholic Church since they executed Jan Hus. His teaching was to protest corruption among Catholic Church and their priests, that you shouldn't need to pay to church to be closer to God. Catholic church obviously didn't like that idea so they burned him alive and it started a Hussite Wars here in Europe. The ones who followed those teachings were labeled by the Catholic church Protestants, Heretics, Cult members and what not and many fled. Still Christians. It's one of the reasons we're among the most atheistic countries in the world.

So refreshing that you talk about the homemade bench tools,it's nostalgic, woodwork class at school,starting with the basics is the right way,unlike those who believe power first,if it's not got a 110 volt box, they don't what it is,traditional woodwork tools are things of great beauty, look forward to your future videos🤝👍😊

Great video. I have now watched it 500 times. Living in a rental house, I figured the best workbench for me would be a short Moravian. I am so glad I made it. Learnt alot along the way. Thanks for your videos.

I am going to have to watch again. Found myself dreaming about a new bench and then missed so much of video.

Love the vid. What I like about this one is how easily it collapses and transports. I recently built an english style workbench from rex Kruger, but may have done this one instead had I not come across it as late as I did. I haven't done any major products on it but I have to say that if you want to get into hand tools, a bench of this fashion is an absolute MUST. A couple of hold fasts go a long way. Mine is probably around 7ft long and 30in wide. Definitely didnt "need"to be that big. With the width and the fact that my top isn't laminated, I'm considering putting in a tool well in the center... tbd. That is the nice thing about the english bench, I can replace a board pretty easily to change the layout. I think once I have my configuration optimized, my next bench will have the solid laminated maple top. I wouldn't like that huge tool well at the end of the bench, only because as wide as mine is allows me to access both sides.

This is PERFECT timing... after a 12+ yr hiatus I am returning to woodworking. My old bench was a harbor freight. Since I left it with my old house, and have finally rebuilt a tiny shop at my current house, I'm going to be building my own suitable for woodworking, leatherworking, flyting, and any other hobby that may come along! I felt ashamed that I was looking at pine...the last few minutes of the video made me feel better about it! Plus I never realized about the 16' 12X lumber being from the best part of the tree, though it makes sense.

Wow! That is as traditional as it can get! I remember benches like those some several decades ago when I took Woodwork & Technical Drawing for 5/6 years in secondary school!😯😄

Well, I came here by hitting the enter key off somewhere else. I was a woodworker from age twenty to age thirty and looking to get back in as a small hobby. So refreshing style of teaching, I'm sure his students do very well. The workbench that can be broken down and yet comes from a traditional design is great. Glad I found this site.

As a newbie, I've spent the last couple of freezing cold months watching videos to learn about, well, everything! I stumbled across your video, it's been very useful to help me build on my as yet scant knowledge. Thank you.

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

Brilliant video. Thanks so much, I'm building a compact workshop, 2.5 by 1.5 meters with double front doors to open up the space. I've been trying to work out what kind of workbench to build, whether fixed cabinet style, or traditional. I'd seen the Moravian style before but your review of it has convinced me that it is ideal for my needs.

Thank you for making this video. You covered far more valuable information than I expected! Now I have to rethink what I've designed to include the gems I've gleaned from this to improve my bench even more!

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

A wonderful video - thank you! I'm intrigued by the numerous workbench designs by craftsman throughout the centuries. I like the portability of this workbench and think this is a good design for me as I am needing something portable. I've been fine woodworking for over 40 years, growing up as an apprentice under my dad - a master craftsman, and have enjoyed every minute of it.Thanks again!

Much appreciated. Thanks for this vid. And especially the tip on buying the 16 foot lengths! That's a nugget I wouldn't have guessed, but it makes so much sense.

What a lovely way to enjoy 20 minutes of woodworking wisdom. I'm currently setting up shop at our newly renovated home in a much bigger space than before. We have a ton of Merbau (very stable hardwood) from some decks we took down and I'm planning to build a few workbenches with it. As always, you have added some great wisdom to my ruminations and hopefully I'll be able to build something special on which to create more special things! Warm regards and thanks from Sydney - Dave

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

This was amazing. I've just discovered the love of working with wood after my grandfather died and your website is a goldmine of useful information for newbies to the craft.

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

If ever there was a perfect place to start planning a work bench of any type this video is it. I watched looking for ideas for a sliding miter saw bench because I didn't want a high dollar flimsy portable contractor stand. I learned more in a few minutes than the previous hours of online research on manufactured tables, stands and benches. Thank you for such an informative video.

Very well explained and understandable for me as an unexperienced wood worker, who want to make his own workbench. And especially the removable Moravian bench is cool to me!

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

Brilliant! THANKS -a lot! I'm shifting from teaching crafts in public schools, into starting a small mobile and flexible bisnes for "Pimping Workshops & Homes" and "Outdoor ABC" (Adventures, Boatings & Crafts)... Your knowledge & know-how, experience & wisdom, personality & style, tips & tricks will be a great recourse to me! F-ready the Finn, Go Forth Services

I built one for myself and despite a few errors it turned out really well. Based on that experience, I built a different version (minus most errors) for my brother for his birthday. Best gift ever, and I was able to transport it in a suv to his place and teach him how to assemble it in a minute.

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

Thanks! Joshua By necessity, my workbench started out as a 34" x 9-foot Solid core Mahogany slab door. It was notched to fit between two brick posts in my basement. I saved the offcuts, and years later they rejoined their brother, sandwiched between 3/4" or 20 mm baltic fir plywood and a top of leftover 1" Maple flooring. It now has pair of 10" vintage Record QR vices buried in 3" maple jaws. The base has continuously been laminated 6 x 6 Doug fir. The bench has stayed flat through its iterations! That's a long story but it covers 35 years and 6 moves!

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

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

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

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

Probably one of the best workbench reviews I've seen and RU-vid overview of workbenches voices in general understanding these workbenches in their purposes. The one premise that he talks about a lot is the style of work you going to do one bench won't cover everything for everyone's preference! The one point you don't pick up the first time listening to this is the workbench and yellow pine is it a Furniture bench or is it a real workbench. There's a lot of personal preferences here nothing's perfect and nothing's absolutely they must it's all personal preferences from your style of working.😊

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

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

I'm currently in the process of building a Moravian workbench from your plans, I have built the undercarriage and am working on the top. I decided to make it with a split top rather than with the tool tray, just to have the extra mass in the top. I plan on fashioning a shelf for tools that is held in some way by the long stretchers, but that will be after everything else is done.

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

Firstly, I pay my reverence to your extremely wide and varied knowledge of so much that has to do with woodcraft. I thank you for this specific video since I´m preparing to build my own (first) workbench. I also admire and appreciate the manner in which you present the content of your video(s). This is probably an attribute of your vocation as a teacher of the craft. I wish you all the best and much more success.

While I don’t need a textbook workbench, this video is quite valuable to me in determining some of the key features that I want to incorporate on my personal workbench that I will be creating.

Lots of good info here, thank you.

Very informative. I’ve been wanting to build a really nice one with a hardwood top for years to replace my beat up but very sturdy pine dimensional lumber one I built 25 years ago. You’d be amazed how loading dead car batteries on the bottom shelf will add mass.

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

So much of information crammed into those twenty minutes. Will have to watch again. Liked the normal everyday kind of 'speak' without dramatics. Thanks

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

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

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

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

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

Excellent overview. Thank you!

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

Glad to see some keeping the art of wood working alive. I chased saw dust for 59 of my 70 years. Started with building a soapbox derby car at age 11. Before that, forts, tree houses, bush camps. I had a Huck fun life, for this day and age.

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

That tail vise that Will makes is excellent. I installed one on my Moravian bench this winter, what a nice upgrade. Plus I discovered you can clamp a smaller piece of wood in the gap vertically, kind of like the first tail vise you mention in the video.

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

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

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

I love this workbench. Bought the DVD when it first came out. Haven’t built it yet but I can’t wait to. This will be my bench life. I originally wanted to I the Rubo. To heavy and to big for my needs. Not transportable at all. This Moravian bench is the best for my needs!

The Moravian portable workbench was super neat

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

Thanks for sharing this really good ideas. I have seen a easy and cheap design of a leg vice in this video first time. Before I just knew the complex French style of this vice with a scissors cross as counter bearing. Your easy design with just a sliding rail at the bottom end of the leg is great.

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

I'm not gonna watch this but i will save it in my favs .In case some day i need it.Thank you guys

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

I'm calling my WIP first time workbench the "homebrew hardware store half-english" Lol. So far it's been a lot of fun. I'm glad that what I heard in this video hasn't contradicted any of the theory I'm putting into building my workbench. Trying to get shear and torsion at each joint under control from many angles.

I appreciate your wisdom and experience!

Una, maravilla de la ingeniería humana,cuando quieres explotar la creatividad.Gracias por compartir.Saludos desde "Chile"...

Amazing explanation, thanks for sharing!

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

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

Enjoyable to watch and very informative.

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

Brilliant summary of everything workbench

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

Thank you very much for this informative, demonstration video.

5 most important features: 4 legs & a top.

That was a great video! My own workbench was my first project, last year (we all need something to work on, right?). It measures 26"x46", with a 3" thick top. That's because I live in a small apartment. The bench has to fit in a room that's a bit larger than a closet, with room on each side of it, and it needs to fit through door frames. I'm pretty happy with it overall. I haven't made a vise for it yet, but I have a bunch of dog holes, which are only 1/2 in diameter, instead of 3/4, but I made all the bench dogs and vises that I use, and in the end, it's cheaper to do it that way. One side of the bench has an apron with two thick legs, English style, and the other side is more French style, with no apron and thinner legs. The whole thing is made of laminated 2x4s bought from the store, and it probably cost less than $100 CAD total, including the glue. The legs are mortised in the laminated top, and the whole thing is heavy, but I don't know how heavy. Definitely more than 100 lbs. Works for my usage. Some day I'll probably make an other one, when I move somewhere else, especially if I have more space. But for now, it works for my usage. Only thing is, I can push it around when I plane things, so I jammed more 2x4s between the bench's legs and the bottom of the walls, and it's not moving anymore. Rubber pads would probably fix it tho.

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

Best workbench video on youtube!

Great video with tons of info. I’ve always believed that a workbench is a very personalized tool that’s best customized to suit your individual needs. Everyone’s different and I’m sure that someone who’s strictly a traditional craftsman will be well served with a packaged design of one of these established styles. But I’ve found that with the variety of work that I use my benches for, ranging from shoddy carpenter work to leatherwork, metal work, classic car restoration and repair and light fab work and occasional electronics with a bit of everything else thrown in for good measure, a bench intended for a specific purpose does me no big favors. I found that going from trying to use tables and carts and those stupid little vice table top things with the plastic crank handles in them sucks and going from that seventh stage of hell to building your first custom bench is like being reborn a new man with fresh new possibilities everywhere. But even more dramatic if a change is to go from having a custom bench which is swept away along with your ridiculous oversized garage in a wicked witch if the west side style tornado called divorce that trying to go back to random tables and saw horses and various gadgets is like a giant kick in the man parts and can be extremely frustrating. Unfortunately I’m not in a place yet where I am able to set up a shop and build new benches, but it’s good to have goals and a light at the end of the tunnel to avoid getting caught up and lost in the darkness. But I’m already designing a better workbench in my head that will incorporate a near sternum high while seated on a barstool section for leatherwork, soldering, etc, with a flip out 18” wide lower work surface that flops over to provide a knuckle high work surface for wood working with bench dogs and full width end vice similar to what I had on the old bench that the ex probably has covered in pink tools and laundry baskets by now. I’m thinking this time I’m only going to make this into half of the 8’ long bench. May make it stationary as well and just incorporate tool storage above and back against the wall. Not sure what it’s going to end up looking like yet, but chances are it’s going to be a monster.

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

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

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

Thank you for the great explanation! It was very useful!

What an incredible guide, hello from Queretaro, Mexico.

Thank you for sharing your knowledge . Very helpful .

Great video, thanks for directing me to Franck Klaus - 300 feet of moulding by hand, you can skip the gym on the way home... my new woodworking hero .

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

I like longer benches (I made mine eight feet long), and I've never particularly liked tool trays, although I see the value of having tools nearby. What I did was take some scrap plywood and lumber that I and and I made a rolling tool tray whose height is just a few inches lower than the top of the bench (so any tall tools like hand planes will still be lower than the bench top). This follows me around the bench as I work, but is far enough from the bench that it doesn't collect shavings and not much sawdust. I like your quick removal tool tray and I might adapt that for me next rolling tool tray design. I'm about to embark on building my next bench (every design has some shortcomings that don't become apparent until I've used it for some time). My next one will probably combine the features that I like from Roubo, Nicholson, and your Morovian workbenches. Thumbs up and subscribed.

Hi. Thankyou for the ilustrative video. I make four workbenches, Two in recycled pine wood, and two in cedro wood. But i never see some mechanism before. Just wanted work with wood, i love tools.

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

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

Very nice, Joshua! Thanks!

Love to build your bench and try to find the time, After I build it shure the time will be return from speeding up any project in my future. Thanks for showing me, Sir

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

Enjoyed the information video Joshua. Thanks for sharing your valuable information. Y'all stay well and God bless.

Excellent video Sir, appreciated.

Thanks.. I used Alder for my bench. Was relatively inexpensive. It is a hardwood. I Iike the color. Fairly east to work with. Best to you.