How to build a workbench - (Part 1) Laminating the top | Paul Sellers

Want to know how to build a workbench without a workbench? This is a somewhat difficult part of getting into woodworking that Paul Sellers addresses in this video. In part 1, Paul Sellers shows how to laminate (glue up) several smaller boards to make up the top of the bench. All done in his garden to show how you can make it without a workshop.

[JhunM]

Sir Paul Sellers, I just want to express my admiration to your real down to earth wood working ability... I've seen guys half your age all using power tools but not you, you really get down and dirty doing things the old fashion but very effective and proven way... you've earned my respect and I thanked you for sharing your knowledge with us...

[chasmcgrath]

I started learning about hand tool woodworking coming up on two years ago. When I saw Paul’s videos I took him at his word when he said that making this workbench would get me started. He was absolutely right. I’m an old guy, currently 72, so it took me a while to get it done but I learned a great deal about wood, about how it behaves in my high arid plateau here in Santa Fe, and about every technique needed to make it. A great series of videos and thanks to Paul for doing them.

[Paul.Sellers]

That shouldn't stop anyone. Leaf rakes took two of us two minutes for clean up and now hundreds of people have workbenches, so it was worth a little clean up in my garden.

[qupias]

Love all your videos you're always a good teacher on every method you show which is so helpful for people like me who are trying to learn.
Side note for viewers...
I like how people who are looking at videos on how to make a work bench are telling a professional of 40+ years he's doing it wrong. Seriously /eyeroll!

[jordonatmovingyou]

Mr Sellers, I've just completed my first glue up to make a wider board. Watching the ease in which you use a simple had plane to true up 2x4 stock gave me the courage to make a go of using reclaimed 2x4s to use in my project. The 2 main ideas from this video that made the glue up go super smoothly were drawing the V on the boards to retain positioning and doing the rehearsal. Thanks again for all of the inspiring videos that you provide.

[darbycrash]

Wranglerstar sent me here, awesome channel! Please keep passing along this ancient trade to today's youth.

[awesometylerable]

you're an awesome person for making these videos and not asking me for money.

[StLaparole]

Coming back 11years later to where I started out Woodworking.

[crazypj]

I'm impressed as Paul is using basic tools that anyone who wants to start woodworking should have. .I just watched the full set of video's, he says multiple times it's basically 2x4 planed and glued to make wider boards, pine, spruce, whatever softwoods work just as well as buying a crazy priced walnut bench top. In the USA, Lowe's or Home Depot are probably the easiest places to get material, 2x4 (actually closer to 1-1/2" x 3-1/2" are currently less than $3.00 each) It looks like you need quite a few of them though probably around 30? (to allow for cutting legs and 'mistakes') Still way cheaper than a bought bench, even from Harbor Freight Tools.The comments he makes about it being just as solid as a hardwood bench are very helpful.

[Stevelemontrudy]

It's so cold and dreary outside, its so nice to see you working outside!  It gets me excited for better weather to come.  

[jbourque]

I've been meaning to thank you for introducing me to "rehearsing" before gluing wood pieces together. Prior to implementing this, if I discovered issues, I would have to fix things in a hurry and I would always end up with glue all over the place. Thanks for taking the time to share your experience and skills.

[Immolate]

Paul - another new subscriber who happened by your channel by way of Wranglerstar. I'm in the midst of building a poor man's bench along with some of the modification that Cody added, namely the use of 2x6's for the laminate. On paper, it seems like it would be a small matter to go from 2x4 to 2x6, but in practice it is quite beastly to surface-plane both sides of a 2x6 and also knock the bullnose off the sides.

For the first few nights, I would finish three 2x6's and then call it a day, having tuckered myself out from planing. Part of that was the nature of the material I was working with, rough and knotty, and part was poor technique. One of the positive aspects of using the larger dimensional lumber is that you will have self-educated on the character of pine and the use of your tools by the time you finish. I have a WWII-era Stanley #4 and a new "contractor-grade" Stanley #5. Both perform quite well now that I've learned to tune them properly. I despise the plastic knob and tote on the #5, but my hands have become sufficiently calloused that I can push either one for an hour or so without creating blisters. I had to use gloves for a while there, no small trick with a #4.

I am currently at a point where I have one 7-foot slab completed and cut to length, along with two struts made from three 2x6's laminated together and cut to 33 3/8ths (my bench will be 40" when complete: I am 6'2"). The slab was made from eight 2x6's, which will make the finished slab almost 13.5" with the skirt. This is intentional, as I want the front slab to be slightly larger and the rear to be smaller. It will be made from six 2x6's which will be 10.5" with the skirt. I plan to also fasten 2x3's to the inside of the well, flush with the bench top, to give myself some clamping surface in the center of the bench. Finally, I've decided to span some long rails across the bottom of the legs, although I haven't decided how to attach them to the legs. I'm assuming I should use a through-tenon on the long rails and then butt the short rails against the through-tenons at a 90 degree angle at the same height to provide a good surface for a platform under the bench. 

I want to thank you for this series, and all of the work you've put into your YouTube channel. Your instruction is excellent, and your down-to-earth and unpretentious style is a joy to observe. You've taught me and inspired me and I want you to know that I greatly appreciate it.

[pmckinlay]

Going to try to build one of these at the in-laws place this Christmas. My father in law is a builder of similar vintage to you Paul, so the sight and sound of hand planes in use will be a nice nostalgia trip for him!

[boozoochavis]

I know there are newer series but I come back to this original series time and again, it's chock full of good stuff! I like that he did do this outside as many of us have had to do ourselves - that does make a difference.

[mikedempsey]

I built my workbench based on these
Videos, thanks they were inspirational in
Getting me back into wood working.
One thing I did do which may be helpful
Is to build the leg frames and apron first
Assemble these together then you have a good level
base to laminate the worktops onto
Helps avoid any racking or twist

Keep up good work!!
In place and nice and level

[haroldschultz]

There's nothing more refreshing than woodworking under God's proper light in the wonderful out of doors . Bless up Sir .

[timknoerle]

Paul... I want to let you know that Wranglerstar sent me to you... as he was so thoroughy inspired by your video on making a workbench... and so he is now inspiring me by his project... and I'm glad to see your videos now too. 

[cubanopct]

Wonderful series. I am watching it again. Wranglerstar said, how great this bench is. I can't wait to make this, but first I need to make room in my garage.

[JoelFinkel]

For those of you just coming upon these videos, I can assure you that you will not be disappointed with this bench.  The one I made out of 2x4s, using exactly these plans, is rock solid. The most expensive item was the quick release vise, which I got from Lee Valley.  I had a couple of chisels, a cheap handsaw, and a $4 Stanley plane that I got on eBay for very little money.  Oh yea, and a bunch of sash clamps I got at Harbor Freight.  Enjoy building it!

[husilamea]

Stared building my workbench yesterday following this series. Thank very much for these videos.