WHEN I STARTED WOODWORKING, I wasn’t ready for the challenge of building my own bench. So I bought one much like this model from Ramia, and it jump-started my journey.

I wasn’t surprised to learn that this is Woodcraft’s best-selling bench, as it would be tough to buy the raw materials and vise hardware alone for the same price. I really like that there are two vises included, which can be mounted in four places on the 20-in. by 54-in. top, with dog holes to support those vise positions (four steel benchdogs are also included).

The parts are made of nicely milled and laminated European beech, with precise holes ready for the dowels, screws, and bolts provided. After I assembled the parts, softened the sharp edges with a sanding block, and applied a few coats of Danish oil, it was ready for a test drive. The bench was stable and solid for a variety of tasks, and the vises and dogs are well-suited for work-holding. At 33 in., the top is at a good height for hand-planing but may be a bit low for general use if you are tall. But it would be easy to bolt on wood blocks to raise the height.

If you’re a beginner looking for your first real workbench, or an experienced maker looking for a second one, this very solid but affordable bench might be just the ticket.

—Doug Drake is a professional woodworker in Portland, Ore.

Finish-It-Yourself DIY 1500 Workbench

Price: $510.00 at the time of writing

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