Should I buy a Sjobergs deluxe workbench
Hi folks — not sure whether this should go in this forum or not (I posted this in the General forum but on second thought am posting it here), but I am going to purchase a workbench and, after examining budget and space, am considering the Sjobergs deluxe cabinetmakers bench from Woodcraft. I like this bench for a number of reasons — size wise, it’s about right, the top is about 3 1/2 inches all the way through, it’s about 200 lbs., and it looks like it will last. Other reasons include that they have a 10% sale (tomorrow) and I don’t pay any shipping if my local woodworkers club orders it for me. All in all, it’ll cost roughly $1000.
So, my question is, does anyone have anything good or not so good to say about this bench — or do you have an alternative that you think is a better deal? I have read relatively poor reviews of their cheaper benches and I am a little concerned with their quality overall. I wish I could actually look at this bench in-person – I’ve talked with Woodcraft and a few others about it and they all say good things. I appreciate all replies but I’ll have to tell you upfront that I am slowly recovering from a badly botched carpal tunnel operation and I’m not up to handling the construction of a bench at this point. But, I want that bench now!
Thank you in advance for any replies, John
Replies
Hi jpw,
First off, I should say i don't have a proper workbench. But i have seen the Sjobergs at the Woodcraft store. They looked quite nice.
the only thing I was surprised at, was the size. They were smaller than I was thinking they would be. I know there are several different sizes. From the price that you gave, I'm guessing you are looking at the larger one.
So, from what I saw at the store, they were well built, flat tops, ready to work on. clamps were sturdy, and were flush with the rest of the desk top.
I'm envious. I have a 3/4in plywood workbench. =)
Edited 2/23/2005 4:49 pm ET by cidion
Based on what you've stated, go for it and enjoy it. I don't think you can go wrong with the bench you're looking at.
I bought the smaller workbench top and leg set from woodcraft a while back. The leg kit was pretty much junk and I returned the leg set, but the bench has been fine. I am making a base out of 2x6's and 2x4 pine to go with the bench to give it some heft. I have had it just sitting on saw horses and it has worked fine. The vices are not quite up to par with other heavy duty ones, but they hold fine. I like the bench dog's they snap in and hold well. The model you are looking at is a step up from mine and is nicer. I did not want to fool with making one from scratch and these come mostly assembled and I was using mine very quickly and I have used it a lot. If you don't have time or can't wait then I think it will serve you well. I will probably build one in the future, but for now it's fine.
Hello John,
I have the bench you are looking at (I think, please see the following link to my website and look at the bench in the picture to verify http://rpwoodworks.com/shop.htm ) and i love it. One of the best tool purchases i have made. i have put the bench through its paces (abuse) and it has held up well for the last year. You will be happy with it i can assure you. I wish i had the time to make a bench maybe someday but this turnkey one is really nice.
hope this helps,
Robby Phelps RP Custom Woodworks
Thank you very much for your reply and all the other replies I received on this thread. I know that a number of you do woodworking for a living, so I especially appreciate your finding the time to help me out with this purchase. I am continually heartened by how readily people are willing to share their information and experiences.As to what I've decided to do -- for better or for worse, I'm sticking with my original leaning to go for the Sjobergs deluxe. Despite getting very good feedback on the Veritas workbench as well as the Ulmia and some relatively poor opinions of the Sjobergs. Part of my decision is based on its size, weight, and price, but also that I received several good opinions of the bench from professional woodworkers and I've always had very good experiences with Woodcraft -- I've never had a problem with them. So, I will heed the warnings about the laminated top, and buy the Sjobergs knowing that Woodcraft will take it back if I'm not satisfied.Again, thank you very much for your help and, since there seems to be some interest in this topic based on my search of the archives, I'll post something once I get the bench and get a chance to use it.--John
John,
A couple years ago I did exactly what you are thinking, buying a bench from woodcraft on a 10% sale. I purchased the ultimate 93" bench, took me a couple months to get, kept being backordered. When they did come in the U.S., woodcraft would send these to the most "recent" ordered and therefore I kept being put at the end of the list, so beware......
Also, while being a heavy structure, the top is not 3-1/2" thick, it is only the perimeter. Not only that, the top of made of 3/4 x 3" beech edge glued OVER 1-1/2" x 3" pine edged glued. So if you shop has high swings of humidity, the top cups or bows depending on the shop environment.
Needless to say I was dissappointed and I chose not to return it. But if you are looking for a "stable" bench top, the sjoberg is not it. Make sure you can return it if you choose to go for it.
Good luck
Bill
This forum post is now archived. Commenting has been disabled