How to Make a Workbench Episode 1 | Paul Sellers

Having gathered together the necessary materials, tools and equipment, you can get started on the workbench. The first step is laminating and planing up the benchtop.

Cutting list, drawings and tool and hardware lists can be downloaded here:

Music credit:

[t_nordlicht]

The most amazing thing about this video is that Paul is actually building a workbench without a workbench! Great

[LorentzInvariance]

Paul. At 35, I’m only now getting into wood working and your videos are an absolute treat. After each sweat laden project I feel such a sense of accomplishment. I now know, the key to a long life, plane, sweat, admire, repeat.

[Philaster]

Paul, I've been following you for a few years now, I've sharpened my chisels, made myself a scrub plane from a cheap $24 plane, made winding sticks, mortise guides and so on and so on ... And I just keep coming back. There is a beautifully elegant simplicity to your videos and to this project particularly. I love how you are building a bench without already having one, how you've designed it with the most basic of tools. I already have a workbench but I need a new one and this is definitely my next project after I finish my outdoor table based on your other table making video. Thank you so much for your time, effort and patience. You are an international treasure.

[Ballistic_Turtle]

Another workbench series, thank goodness. If there is any series of yours that I plan on *actually* following along with, it's this one. Every man needs a workbench, and I couldn't ask for a better one than one designed by you, Paul. I may not be making it today or anytime soon even, but I really do plan on following along with this series when I can afford to. Thank you for producing these videos, they have changed my life and will continue to do so for many years to come.

[TermiteUSA]

Paul, your previous 11 part series building a bench outdoors with the plants and birds and sounds of the school children at recess in the background was a pure relaxing delight to watch. It's remarkable to me that you are doing this again. I think Im most proud of the fact that my few tools are in much better condition than they were before I started watching your vids. It means a great deal to me that my No.4 Stanley now works as it's supposed to and to hear you say it's such a good all around has kept me from buying other, more expensive planes. Thanks again.

[rafavidal]

I like the way of working and teaching of Paul Sellers, he is the best!!..

[newinspiration]

unlike any and the majority of other Youtubers, Paul actually built an ultimate workbench without a workbench. His method is also clear and straightforward - no flimflam nor expensive equipment.

[AdrianLopez-sbeo]

So glad to see a workbench video that shows you how to make a workbench using hand tools rather than power tools. Other woodworkers will show you how to make a workbench using a jointer, planer, band saw, table saw, drill press, and so on, with everything put together on top of an existing workbench (of course). Your approach is much more accessible to those of us who don't already have a workshop with lots of expensive power tools at the ready. You may buy reclaimed lumber of roughly the right dimensions as in your video or have the lumber yard / home center cut them down to size for you, but after that you can do all the work yourself by hand. Thank you for this excellent series!

[scottmarwood]

Paul sellers is the man!
Only channel one needs to watch.

[Korve]

Paul, your videos are the only ones I don't stop watching because an ad pops up, so worth it.

[rs-utwr]

Sellers at it again! Just a joy to watch and learn from. The woodworking world is better for having you and your free youtube lessons!

[ancjr]

I built the previous design to this one and couldn't be happier with it. That being said, I still enjoy watching Paul build something - and there's always something new to learn.

[Cameronlikestools]

This the first bench video that actually tells you what to do, just found this channel and i am amazed .

[UBO]

I sadly built my workbench already. And you gave me the ability to do so with your first workbench-series and all the other videos and articles about tools and techniques. It's still a pleasure to follow the new series, but watching it, I would really like to build a new bench. It is such a satisfying work and so great to work on solid, sturdy bench (after many years working on an old, wobbly kitchen table).

I can't thank you enough, Paul!

[slomo]

LMBO! At 18:41 Paul proves the old saying: "Any flat surface in a workshop is where you put stuff."
Love it!
Thanks for the series!

[timdahl]

He makes this look so easy. I put together a small laminated bench top recently. Took forever to plane one side. That’s the difference between a newb like me and a master like Mr. Sellers. So cool…

[thomasgates]

Ive always loved watching paul work and share his knowledge but the new production quality of this video just takes it to the absolute next level

[brianm.]

I love that little of checking for twist in the trestle. That reduces the amount of work taking a bench top out of twist. Since I’m making a new bench, I’m going to keep that tip in mind! :)

[luckyhiker]

Paul, you are incredible with phenomenal skills. The legacy you are creating for yourself will live on for years to come. Thanks for providing this at no cost to your followers.

[MrJimmySmash]

I appreciate the time lapse showing ALL of the work, including sharpening. New woodworkers need to know what they're getting into.