My Box Maker's Workbench

A workbench for life.

My new workbench is complete. In a previous post, I discussed the design and three day course with David Stephenson in Hampshire, which I went on late last month.

Let me begin by saying I highly recommend taking a course with David. He is incredibly knowledgeable and patient, both qualities of an excellent teacher. David was very open to customising his base workbench design, which I took full advantage of. The result was three long days of woodworking, but I enjoyed each and every minute. As further testament, I’m already planning to take another course.

Over the past couple weeks, I have been busy finessing the final details, sanding, and applying finish. To say I am pleased with the end result is an understatement.

The Workbench

The details of the workbench can be found in an earlier post, but in short it is a split top Roubo, with knock down construction. It sits at 1000 mm (39 inches) in length by 500 mm (19 inches) in width, and at a height of 850 mm (33.5 inches). The solid top is 80 mm (3.15 inches) thick. It is made entirely of Beech and weighs in excess of 100 kg (220 lbs).

Leg Vice and Tail Vice

The beautifully made Benchcrafted Classic Leg Vice with Crisscross 14 and HNT Gordon Tail Vice both work exceptionally.

Benchcrafted Classic Leg Vice.

Benchcrafted Crisscross 14.

HNT Gordon Tail Vice (100 mm).

Dog Holes and Gap Stop

I obsessed over the dog hole layout. In the end, the only deviation from the plan was the exclusion of a seventh dog hole for the tail vice; there wasn’t quite the clearance with the leg below.

The gap stop sits ever so slightly below the tops and 12 mm above when shifted up to act as a planing stop. It also features two mortices to conveniently store tools (and prevent them inventively rolling off).

Bench dog layout with gap stop down.

And with gap stop up.

Holdfasts and Bench Dogs

Both the Simon James Holdfasts and Veritas Bench Dogs are robust and weighty, and carry out their sole acts as work holding perfectly. The only addition I will be making here is to buy another two pairs of the bench dogs. Veritas’ design means they sit very snuggly in position, which also makes it somewhat of a pain to remove entirely. A bench dog for each of the six holes used in conjunction with the tail vice - while entirely excessive - will make use more pleasant.

Simon James Holdfasts.

Veritas Bench Dog in its dog hole.

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For me, my previous workbench was the weakest tool I owned and it diminished the experience of woodworking. That is no longer the case. I’m looking forward to seeing my new workbench age and patina as projects are built on it for many years to come.

For good measure, shortly after taking these photos, I managed to accidentally put a small dent in the top. At least now I’ll be a little less precious when using it.

If you have any questions about the workbench itself or David’s course, please do leave a comment.