Will a cheap 2X6 pine workbench last? 

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Finally someone said it. "It's a work surface not a dinner table". Holy moly. You get to a point where you think some of these work bench videos are made for a high class restaurants.

My great grandfather built a workbench out of pine. It was about the same size as yours. When he died, my uncle claimed it. For years it sat under a tarp in his back yard and was used from time to time as a potting bench. About 12 years ago I asked if I could have it. After getting it, I cleaned it up and it is working as well as it did when my great granddad made it back in about 1910. So pine will be fine if you don't bash it around.

Made this bench for myself. Got lucky and a 100 year old house was undergoing renovation and I salvaged enough framing lumber to build this. Works great!

Man I really love your detailed explanations and reasoning for the features in almost every video you upload. Im not very active on comments but I want to thank you for all your time and efford.

Always interesting to see how old projects hold up.

I owe a great deal to Mr. Stumpy for the skills, tips and tricks I have obtained over the years from watching this channel. Absolutely brilliant teacher and craftsman.

I can vouch for this bench design. I bought the plans several years ago. I made mind from 2x10 douglas fir construction lumber since I didn't have any old stuff around. I let it sit a month or more as suggested. The bench still looks great, though its not quite as old as Stumpy's I don't think (close though). I used a vise screw from grizzly to make a leg vise, and originally had a pipe clamp end vise but have recently replaced it with the Twin Turbo vise. I skipped the square dog holes and the threaded rods going through horizontally. No issues with either of those. I am considering adding some dog holes to the other vise leg to use a hold fast to help keep long boards held to the bench for end planing in the leg vise. I matched the height of the bench to my table saw, so it can also be use as an outfeed table (I leave a gap between the saw and bench so any sleds with runners can still be used and I didn't have to cut runner slots in the bench). Finish is just danish oil - helps with any glue drops that are cleaned up relatively quickly. I didn't do a wooden cabinet, but I did put some plastic drawer sets and some other tools and cases underneath. It adds weight, but it was stable enough on its own in my opinion. I also have the heavy duty work bench casters on this so it can be moved when needed. In a normal lumber price environment, this is very inexpensive bench with all the features of the fancy ones. The money saved over hard wood can literally buy a floor standing power tool. I am considering adding some dog holes to the other vise leg to use a hold fast to help keep long boards held to the bench for end planing in the leg vise, and maybe even a tool well on the back side. For a working bench, I don't think anyone would be disappointed. Just know it will get some dings on account of being made from softer wood.

Oh hey, I haven't seen the Disc golf basket in your videos before. Love to see hobbies overlap!

I was so excited when you built that bench! I had been woodworking less than a year, I was broke, and I was just trying to keep myself busy during a really horrible transition period. Back then, your "Old Timey Woodworking" videos were bread and butter for me. Thanks for the update!

So you are saying I wasn't procrastinating, I was letting the wood dry🤔

Thanks for the update. I bought a farm house seven years ago and there is a work bench here in my tractor shed built similar. Assembled some time in the 1980's it was used to rebuild tractors and thrashing machines. The wood has long been preserved with years of oils from the rebuild projects. I need to get rid of it now as it is just too heavy to move around but you could pull a V-8 engine and set it on this workbench and it would not budge!

Hey Stumpy... That be a grand old pine built workbench you built to your standards & will probably outlive you & whoever ends up with it in all eventualities! I like how you gave yourself ( 2 ) options for your dog holes or in this case squares too & placing your end vise where it would work for you, very well done... I too have a softwood workbench that I built to my needs as well in 32" X 7' with a floor shelf shimmed 1/8" off the floor. I built a new bench top on top of an old one with 3/4" oak veneer plywood, completely rebuilt sub frame & legs. Facing the bench I mounted a very old 9" woodworkers vise 50's era made in PA on it's LH face. I gave it 14" hardwood jaws, i.e. beech & maple from scraps I had...Installing the vise was the game changer! Last year I built a 2nd bench from scratch, 24" x 8' along with a miter saw table attached between both benches. I now have a fully functional miter station with a dedicated shopvac sitting beneath it...This bench is also made form softwoods, i.e. 2 x 4 legs in a " L " pattern, glued & screwed together on the inside with pocket holes. I used ( 2 ) sheets of 1/2" poplar veneer plywood for it's top on this build with a ( 1 ) coat of Gunstock stain with ( 10 ) coats of Miniwax oil based semi-gloss clear poly, 320'd by hand between each coat. I did this my way & all of it exceeds my expectations... Bill on the Hill... :~)

The episodes on building this bench is how I found Stumpy Nubbs. It was great to see this follow up!

Enjoy your channel. Dad built one for me years ago. It goes up and down on the wall to save space when not being used. Made from pine and is still there. They will last

I built a workbench once and used cut off ends of glue lam beams. Being unusable cut offs the pieces cost next to nothing. Left it in Az when I moved 30 years ago and its still working to the best of my knowledge

I sailed on a ninety foot ketch built it 1907 whose hull was rebuilt in the eighties with long leaf yellow pine planks salvaged from a church in North Carolina that was older than the boat. The pine was exceptionally tough and when varnished was beautiful.

Thanks, Stumpy. A great example of building a bench your way to do what you want. Mine is made from 6 inch thick southern yellow pine with the fittings and features that I wanted - my way. It is only 21 years old and is just as flat as the day I made it. You and I prove that imported perfect hardwood is not necessary for a good bench.

Digging the disc golf basket in the background and always appreciate the great content. I find well used workbenches are a living,, changing thing and I never shy away from modifying mine sometimes dramatically) or denting it, or putting new holes in it. It is perhaps the most flexible tool in the workshop though I have friends that seem to be afraid of even scratching theirs!

I have been thinking about using similar material for a work bench. I really appreciate how practical your advise and presentations are. Hard woods are astronomically expensive right now and as you said, this isn’t fine furniture. Some of the bloggers build works of art that I would never use.

Just completed a very similar bench from recycled timber. I incorporated a tool well and very glad I did so. I don't have to go looking for the little things that I use all the time and there's no real loss of bench space. Encouraging to learn of the durability.

Dude, I've been subbed for so long and just noticed the disc golf basket! I'm obsessed and glad to see my worlds colliding!

Great video. I remember when you built that. I bought your plans, but never did build. Now I might make it. Loved seeing how it held up. Thanks for sharing.

I built my workbench with a motorcycle lift as the base. It is so incredibly handy to be able to lift the bench to what ever height I need. Plus, it's on rollers that I can engage to move it away from the wall if I need. The only down side is there is no room underneath for tool storage. It just has a small drawer directly under the top.

Christopher Schwartz in the Anarchist Workbench actually recommends using no1 pine for a bench. Says the benches he's found, if taken care of, are studier and harder over time then a lot of hardwood. I'm glad you don't forget the guys with the small shops

I bought your plans, but took a lot of liberties with them when I built my bench. I made mine from standing dead eastern white pines that I cut down on my property with an axe and bowsaw. I cut kerfs in the logs and chopped the joggles off with a machete, and then hand planed them (using a #7 to get a glueable joint). I ended up with 4x5's, and I milled the mortises & dog holes on their sides before the glue up (I left the bottoms round). Once I had the top, I put it on some sawhorses and used it to build the frame, but I used all mortise & tenon joinery on that. The reason for using hand tools was because I enjoy that more, and it was my exercise program last summer/fall. If I had run on the treadmill, I wouldn't have a bench. The only money I spent was on the glue. Thanks for the plans - they were very helpful!

Thanks a million for the update!!! I’d love to see updates on the machines in your book as well as anything else you’ve built over the years.

Love the bench and the Disc Golf Basket..

I'll admit, this just popped up in my feed and I haven't watched it yet, but based on my crappy outdoor 2x4 bench that lasted more than 20 years in the weather of Montana, I'm guessing your workbench will last forever.

I've watched your stuff for awhile but this is the first time I've seen the DG Basket. If you're in our neck of the woods let me know and we'll play a round.

Man, this is the first time I see you and I like you instantly! Very useful information. Congrats!

I made a joiners bench out 4x4s. I made it like a traditional Frank Klaus style with a tool tray. I never did get around to making one out of beech because I never needed it. It lasted 25 years.

Disc golf huh? My favorite game!

I have been in the market for a new bench and considered making one from recycled lumber. That definitely answered my questions. Thanks for the explanations, I love long term reviews as they allow you to see the positive and negative of projects. Thanks for the great videos 👍

Nice disc golf basket!

I'm with you, I like wooden square dogs myself. The round metal dogs just seem out of place on a wood working bench.

I built a 4x8 work table using 4x4 legs, 2x4 bracing and a 3/4" plywood top almost 20 years ago and it's still just as strong as it ever was.

Very impressive, gotta love pine. It definitely has its place!! Thanks for the video!

James, so nice to feature your son in the video at 3:40😂😂😂 PS: Is that a Dutch Tool Chest lurking in the background there? Have you done a video on it yet? Want to tell us more about it? PPS: Really enjoy your videos. Thanks a million from Cape Town☺

Finally, someone who gives the real basics - "what height do you need the bench"

I did mine out of 2x4x8s and it's about 7 and some change long, and 18 inches wide. And I glued up the top using clamps and ratchet straps. Which is what I had to do since I had no assembly surface other than my garage floor. And for small things, I have put together a little bench top mini bench, that also doubles as a moxon vise

I just build my first workbench the other day, but I couldn't work with it since. (Health issues, but nothing serious and I'm already much better). Either way, I built it with hardwood. I don't know why, but it's pretty difficult to get good pine around here, if any. Go figure. Anyway, thanks for all the tips, James! 😊 Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

Awesome Craftsmanship!!!! Thank You!!! 👍😎

You have a disc golf course through your shop??!!!! Can I come work for you? 🤓

I have the same disc basket in my garage!

I didn't use these plans, but my 2x4 bench is about 25 years old and going strong. (although, the top does need to be flattened) I could chop firewood on it and it wouldn't budge. You definitely don't *need* hardwood for a bench. Pine/fir will do just fine.

I built one very much like this in 1980. Multiple houses and shops later it is still my main work surface. 2x6 frame, 4x4 legs, and 2x10’s laid flat for the top. Every few years I tighten the bolts that hold it together, smooth out the top a bit with a long plane, and give it another dressing of linseed oil. Height matches my table saw. Quick mounting system for my miter saw. She’s been a good partner! Love your channel.

I have nothing to say really, but I appreciate your content, and wish to help with the yt-algorithms.

I'm a 40 yr old. Never got into wood working. Your videos make me feel like I could. Very accessible info. Thank you

I see wood working and disc golfs in the same room and smile.

Disc golf! Dude, I like you even more now.

Mine is 35 years old, made from 2x4s, glued and reinforced with threaded rods (five of them I think), with 4x4 legs. It is very heavy and no work of art. The boards cost $54 in 1986.

Great update James. Thanks for letting us know how it held up. I'm thinking about building a new bench for my shop since the one I'm using is one I built "on the fly" with no real knowledge of what I needed and no real idea of what I was doing.

I used two 3/4" plywood for the top and it's served me well. I did put poly on it just so good glue can be wiped off. And 100% agree on "it's a work surface, not a dinner table" As always, very informative video

Given todays lumber prices, that bench would cost at least 500USD just in 2x6ers🥴

I have square dogs on my bench. Mine grip the bench because they are made of ash and have a small housing in the face Within the housing is a small lath of ash at an angle to the vertical. This is screwed at the bottom and acts as a spring. It bears on the face of the mortice and retains the dog at the height at which one puts it.

Good afternoon, James. I hope you and your friends and family are well. Now that you've had this bench for a while and have been exposed to a lot of different jigs and such, what are your thoughts on incorporating T-Track and hold-down clamps into a bench?

8 years? Where does the time go? Keep them good videos coming.

Great video

I like the square dogs too for several reasons. They can be wider than the round ones, which tend to disappear over time, probably due to there being no out of the way storage for them. The square dogs, having more width, is more stable & the wood is more forgiving than round dogs made of metal or plastic in my experience. These metal or plastic dogs can actually leave marks on softwoods that don't appear with square wood dogs.

lets see them disc golf skills

This is neat!

I really need a disc golf cage in my workshop

Anyone else ever wonder about the disc golf basket in the background? Like, what does he throw? What does he putt with? We need to know!

I live more in a fantasy world where I do more dreaming about fabulous things like this, rather than building and using them but just as someone with an avid interest might I ask if the bench is symmetrical and drawer access is from both sides then would it not be possible just to transfer the face vice to the opposite side and turn the table around? That would save moving the end vice.

For what it’s worth…. I used two 20” scraps of Advantek and their glue for a bench top, and it’s worked really well for the last two years.

I love that there's a black hole basket in your shop! But I don't see any MVP or Axiom putters...thanks for the video!

thanks

You only have to move the face vice to the opposite side and turn the table around.

Thank you, James! My Son is thinking through a bench for his new garage. I sent him your original bench videos. We’ll see what he does.

Hey thanks man! You're awesome! I always appreciate your vids! Thanks for being so generous with the stuff you've worked hard to learn - saves the rest of us a world of trouble!

I'm new to your channel, been watching your videos for a couple months now. I enjoy your straight talk about the processes, tips and builds. It's nice to see a wood working channel that goes straight into being informative expertise without much filler. Your videos are so well planned out and explained, and I'm amazed at how sometimes you can talk straight into the camer with slow and steady uninterrupted wisdom! So you're a very awesome teacher, and I appreciate that alot. Some channels treat youtube videos with gimmicks, but you treat it like you're on a show that's meant for beginners and pro's, which I like way more. Thank you!

Love the disc golf basket, even have the same one

Whoa now. Let's talk about that black hole and innova plastic

Thanks for revisiting this project. It's interesting and valuable to get the perspective of someone who has lived with something for a few years and know what they would do differently.

Woodworking and disc golf?! Are we long lost brothers? Are you newly into disc golf, or have I missed this basket in the background of your videos this whole time?

Your enduise board in the video is much bigger. How is the placement of the vice different from plan

Yeah I'm gonna build a 2x4 workbench. I have a $10,000 budget. I hope that's enough.

That bench is like an old friend! I'm sure there are great memories of what that bench help build...

Huh, I wonder if 'dog' comes from the same old meaning as the 'dog' catch that held a percussion pistol's hammer at half-cock. As a labourer who's jumped in on work with many different trades I love watching your videos for an eye in to a joiner's world.

wait because you the draws go both ways you should be able to spin it around then just change the side vise to the other side?

Disc Golf!!!

I made a 20' bench from scrap construction 2x4's about 10 years ago. (Biscuit joined/glued and run through the jointer and planer).. No issues and top is still super solid. I cut the 2x4's into easy to manage 5' boards and glued them up like a butcher block.. Didn't seal it or anything, just sand it when it get's a ding from something hitting it..

stumpy nubs has the disc golf fever. 😃

That's what she said!

“8 years ago” Yet he stills looks fresh.

I have a buddy who built a version of this table out of reclaimed old growth Douglas fir. That is one hard, heavy table. He burnt through quite a few drill bits making his round hole for the hold fasts. There can be quite a difference between new and old growth Douglas fir! Great video as always!

I built my old construction lumber workbench around the same time you built this one. I took the time to joint and plane the boards, and it’s still square, flat, solid & heavy as when I built it. The shelves underneath store my heavier bench top tools (5” jointer, DeWalt planer, etc.) so it doesn’t move either. I’ve built my share of furniture and shop hardware in the past, and this is still my favorite piece. I’ll probably hand it down to.my kids some day, and it will be just as heavy and solid then.

A good video James. And the bench still looks good. I noticed to your left you have what appears to be a tablesaw with a Incra fence system. Do you have any videos about that system? I’m thinking of converting my Powermatic to that system.... Any pros or cons?

My 2x4 pine workbench I built from scratch has lasted 30 years so far.

LOVE IT!

I’ve been wanting to build a bench since I found your videos this year. Just needed space in the garage and seeing if lumber prices get reasonable again. I did figure out where to put it. I really appreciate the update and the further explanation of why you did the threaded rod.

“…been draggin’ my feet for 8 years.” You got me on that one. 😂 Love the video!

I'd be tempted to use offset wooden dowels instead of threaded rods.

Great review of an awesome bench James, much appreciated! Regards, Mark (South Africa)

People often reference the sturdiness of the leg join providing rigidity when using a chisel. Did you find any downsides to using pine when chiselling?

This video has 2 of my favorite things, pine workbench and disc golf.

Ok, but where's the link to the original build video? I need iiiiit!

That was a nice look back at your older bench build. I considered your threaded rod idea when I built my bench. I decided against it only because it required me to go get them and I was building with "only what I had" ( pandemic build, didn't want to leave the house for nothing). I thought of the threaded rod as a clamp while it glued up kind of like nails and glue. The glue does the work the nails just keep it clamped together sort of thing. I saw a lot of other builds on youtube that gave me confidence in only glue (mine was not a year old). I made it with a Paul Sellers inspired top but the legs are I little bit like yours. Again, built it with what I had and designed it based on materials I had. I am short, so I am so delighted to have a bench specifically made for ME.

I know I'm two years behind on this but, I'm thinking of building a workbench using 4x4 fir from trees felled and milled on my property. Thinking 30"x96". Any thoughts?