Cheap, small, and sturdy mini roman workbench. Inspired by Chris Schwarz from @popularwoodworking

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This is a small overview of my mini workbench. The base construction is cheap, construction graded lumber (4pieces of 5x5x300cm) for the frame. A board of glued oak (20x3x120cm) and some small softwood boards for the side and the vice. The wood, screws and the vice were approx 80€(90$) All the other hardware(like the surface clamp) is for convenience, not necessary but nice to have.
The joinery and overall the build of the workbench is savage because... I didn't have a workbench :)
Even with the shortcomings, this solution works great for me in my limited space.

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[fire]

We who watched this video all agree we are in dire need of a more detailed tour and build guide to this amazing piece of art

[alemholas]

This is simply stunning. I wanted a first workbench, but a little more polished than the simple roman one. This is stunning.

[zdlanedenny]

Thank you for making these plans free. I've used my floor with hard foam for years making home furniture. Now I can build this, which will certainly help in my journey.

[xperma]

The Best Workbench I've seen, You must upload a vídeo of how to build it, You have win a mexican suscriptor

[norm]

This is a very wonderful small area workbench. So many features. Thank you for sharing. Everyone stay safe, warm, happy 😊 and healthy. From Henrico County Virginia

[aradenatorixveckhomaveclus]

I had seen your video some time ago, now that I am starting with woodworking and have the same problem that you had, I am tempted to build something similar to your workbench as a final project in my course.

I have just been introduced to Christopher Schwarz through your reference and am fascinated by his work.

I thank you very much for this video and for sharing the details and plans of the project.

[SkyeWalkerJediDog]

I love this bench (and your other vids). I used to live in a large house with my own workshop but had to move away so I sold all my tools and gave away my accumulated stock of hardwood! 3 years later you have inspired me. I spend too much time on my PC everyday, for work and leisure and over covid lockdown I've realised there is so much more to life, right! I'm now building my own OctavianDan inspired low workbench that I can slide under my large computer desk and use in my home office. I've bought a Japanese saw and my plan is to start woodworking again, but this time with a focus on the purity of process through patience and precision only using handtools and no sandpaper:) My own Woodwork therapy. Keep the vids coming.

[dreamerful]

This is super nice! It would be cool if you could show the whole fabrication process!!!
Very nice mini workbench.

[Visigoth_]

😁 That's awesome! This is exactly the kind of thing I was thinking about (and looking for inspiration). I was also thinking about making a sturdy companion "bench" to go with it (so both of them could be used as something like "saw horses").
Very cool, thanks for sharing!

[polarbear]

I like this bench . Older people with arthritis cannot stand for long periods and this bench helps them perfectly .

[bryanstellfox]

I'm finishing mine up right now!! I went with a cheaper Irwin vice though...the veritas was a bit out of my price range haha. Wish I could post a picture!

[kevinsorensen]

This is amazing! I was looking at Roman low workbenches. But this is a million times better! Each part in the video kept blowing be away, especially the module for small pieces. Amazing work!

[danielskaska]

I like this bank model too well, it is very well achieved! Very idea for manual works, carved .... and also excellent for small spaces

[joerice]

Octavian, your video of the workbench and link to your plans has really inspired me, plus your use of boxes for elegant tool storage has really impressed my wife!. You have a convert! I'm going to build your workbench but make it a little higher ( I'm tall) plus I might fit lockable wheels for easier manoeuvrability ( I'm getting old and frailer). I've also found similar stackable boxes in the UK on eBay so I will be adding the cost of a box + some hand tools to each future project. The most important lesson I've learnt from your videos is to treat each project as a work of art. Thank You.

[makenchips]

Most excellent design and build! You nailed it without a nail!👍👍👍👍👍
You got me hooked!
Steven Columbus Michigan

[dorkavenger]

Bench is amazing. Also wanted to say, I like how your videos is presented. Minimum talking but very clear.

[Rigus]

What a amazing talent, love of creating, desire to wood working. Hoping to see you share some projects with us .👍😇🇺🇸

[Srrrokka]

This is ingenious! I've been looking through ideas for small workbenches for my cupboard-sized workshop for a while now and this might be the best one yet. Most require heavy wood that I can't afford but no need for that, I have a heavy butt! :'D

[jarlsoars]

I made something similar but not near as complex and fine as this bench. That was in 2004. The top board extended on the ends to accept a clamp on vice. The top board also functioned as a lid as the whole design was built initially as a sitting work bench/toolbox. There was an open compartment in the bottom for storage as well. I dismantled it quite a few years ago but now I think I might have to build another one. You do fine work, Octavian.

[Tboyhoot]

I would frame it and hang it on the wall to look at!