We'll have to keep the final design of this Roubo-style bench under wraps for now. That said, I've included a few sneak peek photos in this blog post.
If you’re in the market for a workbench soon, you’ll want to wait until you check out my upcoming video workshop featuring a modern take on the classic French workbench by Roubo. We finished shooting the video about two weeks ago, and although I can’t go into too much detail regarding the design or construction (you’ll have to wait for the video), I thought I’d give you a sneak peek.
 The bench’s sliding deadman. |
The base is an exercise in traditional joinery on a larger scale. It incorporates pegged tenons, wedged double tenons, and an 18th century timber frame joint you may not have seen yet: a dovetailed through tenon, with an angled haunch and wedge.
The top is of 4″ thick solid rock maple with a twin-screw front vise and tail vise on the far end. The entire bench weighs in at about 475 pounds, but knocks down to be moved by two people with strong backs. A big thanks to all my co-workers who helped me move the large timbers around during construction. The top was so heavy in fact, that one colleague wound up with a prescription for muscle relaxants after moving it!
And if you do decide to build this bench, I hope your children—and grandchildren—enjoy woodworking, because this workhorse will be around for generations.
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We’ve covered a variety of workbench projects over the years, here at Fine Woodworking. Below, you’ll find a collection of some of our most popular projects. Enjoy!
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 A Workbench 30-Years in the MakingHand-tool expert Garrett Hack designs his second bench, based on everything he’s learned over the course of the past three decades. |
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Making a Roubo Workbench Contributor Mike Flaim’s five-part blog series on constructing an economical Roubo-style bench. |
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New-Fangled Workbench With six pipe clamps and some dressed framing lumber, you can make an inexpensive bench that’s as versatile as a Swiss Army Knife. Plus, don’t miss the additional video coverage! |
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A Dedicated Sharpening Bench |
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VIDEO: Matt’s Monster Workbench This solid, versatile bench works well for hand or power tool use. The seven-episode video series takes you through the building process, step-by-step. |
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A Bench Built to Last This workbench has a wide top and a sturdy base that provides solid footing and plenty of storage space. |
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We'll have to keep the final design of this Roubo-style bench under wraps for now. That said, I've included a few sneak peek photos in this blog post.
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Wood with a history gives this bench its character.
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You'll also learn how to make your own wooden bench dogs. Mine even include leather pads that keep work pieces from slipping or getting marred.
Comments
Wow! This bench looks like one The Incredible Hulk would like to have in his workshop. Can't wait to see the videos.
Any idea when this video will be available. I was planning a new workbench soon and would love to see this first.
Gary
Hi Gary,
Right now we're in the editing process. To give you an idea how in depth the whole process is - we've got about 11 or 12 one hour tapes to go through! The workshop will be up in the coming months and I'll probably chime in again via the blogs as the premiere date approaches. Hope that helps!
I can tell you that this project - the sheer scale, etc, was a doozey! In fact, that "colleague that wound up with a prescription for muscle relaxants?" Yeah, that was me. Ha ha ha.
Cheers,
Ed
No offense but hasn't this bench been so playing in another magazine?!?
CreatingSawdust writes: No offense but hasn't this bench been so playing in another magazine?!?
ditto guys?
I agree with the other comments that workbench design, and Roubo-style workbenches in particular, have been thoroughly explored in my "other favorite" woodworking magazine. It would be nice to see FWW cover other, less well plowed territory.
LOL. Trust me, you haven't seen a bench with these details;)
Unfortunately, I can't spill the beans - yet.
Cheers,
Ed
Just curious if you used metal or wood vise screws for the vises?
I went with metal vise screws, but the with the design of this bench, you can choose to install any hardware you like.
John
Just curious. Where are we with this? Any date picked for when the first video will be available?
don't quote me on this... but we're shooting for a September publish date. More to come... -Gina, FineWoodworking.com
What brand vise hardware did you use?
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