This May Change How Woodworkers Build Workbenches (3.5 things)

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Workbench design - varied from tradition and I don't regret it!

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[bobcade]

Hi Frank. I like this video! Workbenches are very personal and they should be tailored to the preferences of the user, as you have demonstrated. I built my bench 44 years ago, and like you I made the top 30” wide. I’ve never regretted that choice. It’s perfect for me, as it should be. My front vise is also inside the leg. It’s never been a issue. Mine is decked in hard maple, as it is made from reclaimed bowling ally lumber. It was nearly 4” thick when I built it. I’ve reflattened the surface several times over the years and the bench is still nearly as thick as new. It doesn’t matter what other people think about your bench design. The only person it should matter to is the user, and you obviously have put a great deal of thought into yours. Thanks for sharing!

[nickmastro]

Good point regarding the placement of the vise. I’m just starting my bench and I think I am going to consider placing my vise in the center. It makes sense. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us and keep up the good work.

[darrenmacmartin]

Thanks for taking the time to share this Frank! I like your logic on placement of the vise, looking forward to seeing that video.

[heidimckee]

I had amazing woodworking teachers between my father and school… And I love learning new things! You make it easy, so thank you man!

[hyphend]

you break things down fairly simply for me as a fresh beginner! Keep up the good work!

[michaelmastin]

Another great video about an essential part of any workshop! Super tutorial with well thought out reasoning about design/execution. 👍

[cujero]

I really like you approach to woodworking. It’s very practical and informative. Can’t get enough of your videos 👍

[williamdanaher]

Haters're gonna hate, Frank. You just keep being awesome and making cool things.

[alexjames]

That was really good.
There is no one right way and this is a very elegant and functional way.

[From.a.land.downunder]

Great demo and some awesome customisation. Your videos always give us plenty to think of.

When you showed the shelves at the end of the bench I immediately thought of putting those shelves on runners. Could even fit a large shallow drawer. That would make it easier to access more items, cut down the dust and make even better use of that space.

[rexseven]

2x6s are generally straighter than 2x4s also. I built my bench from 2x6s. Take the time to joint and plane also. Looks so much better and everything has stayed pretty straight

[bucknboard]

Came across your channel and just had to subscribe. Your vise placement actually makes more sense based on your bench design - I.e leg placement. Having the vise all the way to the left introduces less overall support since you are outside the leg. Now, I’m off to check out your other vids!

[roofermarc]

Nice bench you have Frank. You bring up a good point. I spent two months building a Scandinavian style quarter sawn red oak, Frank Klauz style (red oak used only because that's what wood I have for free). I have to use another bench for assembly because the Scandinavian is too small to use for putting anything large together on. The stretchers on mine are on the bottom so I can one day build a nice cabinet to fit underneath. I believe that all benches should have a cab underneath instead of a shelve. That's just me though. Thanks for posting.

[atimney]

Just found your channel, really enjoying it!

[jldwoodworking]

Hi Frank, I have the same build Idea in the works now. Basically a 8 inch shelf near the top of the bench specifically for my sharpening equipment which I keep on a plastic boot tray. Just slide it out and put on the bench to sharpen.... Mine will be 22 inches wide so narrower than your current one as well. I am thinking a mixture of hard maple and southern yellow pine... Thanks for the video.

[johnjudispicer]

I made a work bench last year with the cross rail raised just to the right height to push my saw bench under and I have saved a lot of room in my small shop.

[MCsCreations]

Fantastic work and design, Frank! 😃
Something to think about are pull out trays. They could help to organize the most used tools, but you need to think very well where to put them, where they aren't going to be in the way.
Anyway, stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[derekiwi]

Thanks Frank., great video. I am working on ideas fr my first big bench build, and have seen the haters. We call it the “tall poppy syndrome”. Some people, when they see someone being innovative and potentially going to stand out in the crowd, have to do their best to cut them down.

In my research, I concluded that the best place for my vises is where I want them, no one else. And I like the idea of the higher rail.

[awlthatwoodcrafts]

Your shelf idea reminds me of the Paulk workbench, i.e. having a horizontal surface, that is not your work surface, within easy reach. I think it makes a lot of sense.

[malcolmsmith]

Good stuff Frank.
My bench has aprons and a railed shelf at 12". Do a shelf for planes if you think it'd work for you. I think I'd find it a bit congested/too tight.
Vise placement? 100% agree - inside the leg.
Softwood? Agree with everything + it dampens things when chopping on top.
I've also got an end sharpening shelf but I added a curtain to stop my strops etc getting dusty. I'm thinking about narrow drawers somewhere for paper, stencils etc.