Such a gorgeous book - each shed is unique and inspiring, and I love all the tiny details Kotite features to help readers imagine how to create their own She Sheds ruclips.net/user/postUgkxe9yi0sulKgsp0VJJCIrLWWkvVqcU7LFR . The feature on Dinah's Rustic Retreat is like something from a fairy tale. It's really inspiring to see how creative all these ordinary people are in making beautiful and useful spaces on a modest scale.
MUY buena calidad, el texto imagenes. ruclips.net/user/postUgkxbnOKZBE4evMO5V2vroHeCjq6d_MV6wJO Un manuel muy completo y trabajado. Resulta muy práctico. Para principiantes y profesionales. Lo recomiendo
Here is a tip for the 45° cut. Set your angle on saw to the mark between 45 and 46.......works like a charm. My knees hurt after watching this. Thanks for sharing great video.
Not bad for a beginner. If you do this again, here are a couple of small changes to make that will create a much stronger table, first use glue. Lots of glue. Use the screws to hold it together while the glue dries. Wood tends to shrink after a while, loosening the hold of the screws. For the legs, two pieces of 2X4's in an "L" configuration. Mount them a couple of inches in from the edges. This adds a great deal of stability to the table. On your edges, use 2X4's turned on edge. Glued and screwed, this will prevent any future warping the table may experience. For the lower leg stabilizers, move them up 6"-8" off the floor. Easier to clean, and you can add a shelf for more storage.
He said he doesn't like using glue or "any kind of goop"..... I remember the table I made before I learned that glue is stronger than screws or most boards. I cut it into pieces a few months ago.
very professionally done. So many people have a 20 minute video with a LOT of extra talk, kids, dogs, etc. I liked what you did and got right to the point! Jim
Nice video. Simply as a suggestion: Run and screw cross members under the table top to secure the table boards to eliminate the many screws, Also the bottom leg supports should always be higher than the bottom of the actual legs. That way the bench won't "rock" if there is a curve in the floor. Making the table top overhang the frame will give a larger work surface and at the same time, allow for clamping projects to the bench. But again good video and nice project.
Built a basic 2x4 six foot workbench with a lower shelf about 30 years ago with a handsaw, hammer, measuring tape, and some nails. It still gets daily use. This was a nice table but if all you want is something to bang around on you can do it with half the tools and 80 percent less work.
Some of you people are brutal with your comments. I think this table looks great. He did say it was for his lab/office, in case anyone that suggested bigger, heavier, boards upright, blah blah... actually read the description. End result looks great! I'm going to be making this bench in the next few days. Cheers for the how to video!
Ignore the negativity of the keyboard commandos. This was a solid build and the good thing about using screws is you can modify this bench over time and add onto it as need be in the future. if you start getting sag in the middle of the bench top you can put either joist blocking in on the underside or use a diagonal brace on the underside to act as a strong back. I use angle iron on the bottom of the edges of either end of mine to serve as a good spot to use magnetic hangers for the tools I'll be using on certain projects. Excellent start and keep building.
Good build, good video. Obviously you were trying to keep the parts list simple, but one big advantage of adding 1 item (plywood) is that you can simply replace the top layer once it gets beat up, which is inevitable with a workbench. Of course you can simply add a plywood top here also, although you then lose the great look of the framed 2x4's!
put another sheet of plywood on when the first layer gets bad, Use glue and not screws. When it gets to a point you can't move it get another and start over. I have gone through 5 doors as my base and horses as my support.
I love this. Thank you! I happen to love the Kreg jig pocket holes : ) I’m even less than a beginner than you are but this is going to be my first workbench!! I also appreciated some of the comments and will use some of those tips. For beginners, first projects are necessary for the learning curve and experience. Thank you very much for posting.
I haven't read the comments but I'm sure you're getting hammered by the key board experts. I like your originality and creative way of building. You live outside the box, I like that. You're old school and don't know it nd that's a compliment. Keep posting, would love to see what you come up with. ya I subscribed
Thanks for the comments (some of them anyway) and feedback. I wanted to make a video of me building something so this was my first shot and I'm certainly no wood worker. The bench is holding strong even without the glue and it's serving its purpose. I'll definitely be using more glue in the future and I hope to make more videos and figure out my own style. I put a link to the pocket hole tool in the comment section since a lot of you were asking about it. At the end of day, just build something cool that will work for you no matter what others say. Doing is the way I learn best.
+What Did I Make Much credit my friend, especially on your comments above "doing is the only way to learn". Well, maybe not the only way, but probably the best way. I like to make 2-by furniture as well (I enjoy making but not paying for expensive lumber). I recently made a 2-by desk but used 2-2x6 and 2-2x8 alternating so there weren't so many joints. Only 4 boards to make 28" or so. And yes, I used pocket screws with glue. Also ripped the edges so there was a square edge. I have a planer but didn't use it because I find pine needs be to heavily sanded regardless (may change that next time). So I just used a belt sander across the grain to level it and orbital sander to smooth it out. Shellac and lacquer to finish. Keep learning. Me too.
lol! I think this is great! those that are complaining here should come take a look at my thrown together pallet bench! Haha! Yours is a Cadillac compared to mine! Great video format and idea... ignore the firey darts my friend! If you do get a chance, and are reading this, I would encourage you, seriously, to come take a look at my bench!
+What Did I Make Structurally, looks fine. Is easy to make and not the normal construction. You kept it to one material type for the whole construction and did it your way. Fuck the haters, they always come. That looks as sturdy as fuck and I'm sure it will outlast most of the haters on here. The fact here is that YOU made it, YOUR way. And you took the time to post a video on it. Man, that takes some time and effort and nothing but kudos for you on this. There are a hundred ways to build a bench. And now, there are a hundred and one. Great job :)
Hey Craig... I built several picnic tables with 2x4's and 2x6's. I found the tops almost impossible to get nice and level and keep them that way even with end and middle bracing. That in mind, I wouldn't waster my time on the 2x4 top, I'd simply get a sheet of 1 in plywood. Much faster and probably not much more, if any, expensive to use. I will say one thing, you certainly do love those pocket holes ! :)
Minimalist, functional bench made with very few tools, which is something most people could attempt. Nice to see someone showing projects with only a few basic tools. as per other comments, the top way warp, but you can flatten it if it does. Keep up the good work, really enjoyed the video.
The comments are hysterical. I'm surprised someone did not complain that it was not made out of 1/2" sheet steel! Or maybe someone wants it to be painted pink! LOL ;-) For my part, I watched this video, as well as others, and got a number of ideas that I'll select from. I'm not sure I want to spend a bunch of time building a bench, so I'm looking for ideas that will give me something that is "just good enough" for my needs. I love the concept of pocket holes but I never thought of using them in a shop bench. I think of them having more application in furniture, where the loads are not so great and the emphasis is on hidden connectors. I also understand the strength of glue and would go that route, even though it is more fussy and messy. I saw another video where the maker used threaded rod to make the top stronger -- a great idea if using a glued top. I'm torn between making a bench that looks like furniture, vs. covering the top with fiber board to give me a renewable surface that is always smooth. The bottom line here is that this is a really good video and makers always want to make it another way. I notice that most who criticize this video have not posted their own video for us to criticize. LOL.
The 45 degree angles aren't actually your problem. The problem is that the actual bench top you're using isn't perfectly rectangular. If you use a jointer and get all of those 2X4s perfectly edged and lined-up before you clamp them all together, then those corners will fit together like melted butter. Your bench top will look sharper too!
loved your table top, so I bought me a pocket hole set. I made the table top, but added Glue to the Project. I used your design for the top and another design for the legs it turned out Perfect. wish I could post a picture of it
good stuff :) if you don't mind a couple of pointers.. no point in using a level to level the legs unless the other surface is level too..measure the fixed end of the legs .. use that at the other end and that will parallel your legs your corners/45's ... one at a time will help and use the next piece to mark the corner this will take into account any variations in the wood. keep up the great videos !!!
+Reinhout Platteau the 2x4 need to be glued together face to face not edge to ege this doesnt guarantee it will stay flat but has a far greater chance than the method in the video check out paul sellers making a work bench on you tube I have made one of these and 5 years on its solid
If your going to use this configuration, seal all the 2x4 s with shellac, particularly the end grain. It will prevent the wood from absorbing moisture, and make warping much less likely.
I have been toying with the idea of obtaining a new work bench for the garage. Thought about both buying flat out and building one. My first bench I built was about 10 years or so ago...nothing special. I like the idea of having such a sturdy top--I suppose it all depends on what your goals are. While this might be overkill for my application, it just looks like a lot of fun...and heck, better to be overkill than breaking apart with heavy use. Thank you for sharing.
Nice but the 2 x 4 need to be side by side but standing up. The 2 inches needs to be up. When you put them flat the table top has to much spring when pounding, for example; however it will use some more 2 x 4's but the benefit is worth it. It is cool to use pocket screws, however, a little wood glue will prevent problems in the future (my preference). One more thing with the 2 X 4 screwed flat and screwed to the ends yo may experience problems with changes in humidity with the wood swelling and contracting. Overall good job! P/S you do not need to own a power planer. You ca use a hand plane. :)
+mtabernig also the lower support skirting should not be on flush with the bottom of the legs, cause any inconsistencies in the floor will cause the entire bench to wobble. Glue is your friend, it turns 2 pieces of wood into 1, does not rely on the screw holding it forever. The Legs are going to rip right out of this table with any amount of side force on the table top. It is structurally bad construction. One ill placed step and your foot can kick out a front leg. Should have waited till you had all the 2x4's attached before cutting the 2x2's that surrounding the main body of the top, then you would not have the gaps at the corners. If your looking for cheap and solid top material, find some place local that has pallets they are getting ride of, take the time to tear then down, clean them up and laminate them together for a really nice hardwood top. Just takes time and effort.
He could place 2 2x4 on edge under the surface and screw from his words skirts would be cheaper and keep his simplicity :) but your idea is better more $$ throw
+mtabernig He could have also attached 2x4s 90 degrees from the direction of the top 2x4s to give it more strength. But yeah, 2x4s on their sides are not as strong.
+mtabernig He could of also went to lowes or some website and bought one that was designed by and engineer. There are a lot of things he could have done but chose not to for the purpose he needed it for. Don't bash the guy. I like what he did. Awesome job!
This is great. Im not a woodworker but im great with my hands. This is a straightforward easy project that I'm excited about trying out. I just finished building 24 feet of storage shelves along my garage wall and it came out great. Thanks for sharing, for people like me.
This is great man. My first ever workbench I build I only used screws, didn't know about pocket holes then and I didn't use any glue either, and it was even close to how great yours is. Great job man!
Hi, nice job but just a couple of points to making it even better. Firstly, you really do need to glue as over time those screws and any nails will work loose and the glue will hold everything nice and tight. Secondly i would have glued 2 2x4s together for the legs, 4x4s would work much better and you can mortise then in to the corners, much stronger. I suggest reading some books on basic woodworking to give you some ideas, keep up the good work.
Christ on a bike I just read some of the comments on this video. He's having a go you arseholes, he states he isn't an expert, trail and error and all that.
Asshole keyboard warriors. I doubt most of them have ever used a workbench let alone have the knowledge to do anything that would require one. I'm about to build a jewellery workbench for my new workshop and I appreciate the pointers this guy has given me.
Great job and very realistic for the average guy that's not a pro or even the 'home pro' type. I just built a bench for general use and like yours it didn't need to be perfect, it just needed to be sturdy and the right height. Nice use of the pocket holes and hiding the screws.
Can you provide an update on how the bench is holding up after a year? Many people commented below on how pocketholes are NOT the way to go... Just wondering if anyone has really tested the longevity of pocketholes without any glue, your workbench could provide insight. I was going to build a very similar bench to yours. Actually just built a king sized platform bed with only pocket holes and lag bolts for the corners. It's solid as a rock. No glue.
it seems (judging from it being behind him in that last shot) that its being used as a table to hold small cnc machines, rather than a work bench. In that use, it's probably over-built, but for work bench duty this isn't far off from a card table. Pocket holes are good for fast builds that don't need longevity, or aren't going to see abuse, they always seem rock solid at first, but are intrinsically weak to the loads that joinery is often required for.
I’m not sure if you tried to be funny in this video but I find you really quite funny and entertaining which is hard to find on these “build” tutorials. Well done, Sir.
Great job! But as might have been mentioned already glue isn't something to be avoided :). Wood glue is water soluble and the bond is often stronger than the wood itself. Over time the 2x4 will warp and your work surface might not be flat and glue between the joints may alleviate that.
This is one end of the spectrum. Nothing wrong although I would absolutely use some Titebond III on those joints. I've been checking out other videos, and some of these other guys are spending a week and using planers and jointers and making a workbench that would hold up a Hummer. To anyone else out there, I'd say figure out what you want to do with your workbench and use a design that meets your needs and is build-able with the tools you have.
Oh please shush. He used what, 60 screws. I can go into home depot right now and get those expensive as hell 100 pack GRKs, or even a Kreg kit of 500 pocket screws for under 10 dollars. Stop with the exaggeration.
This is the best "how to" video I've seen on RUclips - not one wasted second of chit-chat or dead time while the camera was recording. Thanks for a fantastic learning experience!
Hi mate, I've made several benches over my years as a carpenter/joiner/cabinet/furniture maker/woodworker/guitar luthier from 2 x 4's (or 4 x 2's as we call them here in OZ) using similar joining methods. My method of preference is pocket holes (Kreg system) and glue (either PVA Titebond 3 or Gorilla Glue - the original polyurethane one) for the frame/legs etc. and biscuits with glue (same as above) for joining the lengths for the top. Like you I pick the straightest knot free lengths for the top and then once glued up, dried and any excess glue removed with a chisel I plane the top dead flat with my #7 jointing plane. A tip for you for getting perfect mitre joints. Start at one corner of the piece (bench top or whatever it is) and work your way round cutting each length mitre to mitre about 1.5 mm longer than it looks like it needs to be. That way you'll get nice tight mitre joints and if one is a fraction to long you can plane it back a little with a block plane. Use a small sharp block plane as they are smaller and lighter to handle than a bench or smoothing plane and designed to plane end grain of timber. in fact they are called block planes because they were designed originally to flatten butchers blocks which you may have noticed are made from blocks of timber set end grain up to create a surface able to stand up to the butchers chopping and cutting meat and bone. As an after thought, some may ask why do I make benches from cheap pine 2 x 4's? My answer is a bench needs a dead flat top to do fine woodwork like furniture and guitars. But why make a bench that is like a piece of fine furniture (you've seen the ones I mean on RUclips and elsewhere) when you are just going to chop, cut, dint, beat and bash the shit out of it with your hammers, chisels, mallets, etc, not to mention dribble glue on it or molten lead or solder etc. when you use it every day to create your beautiful timber masterpieces! If I owned one of those beautifully finished fine furniture work benches I'd be too scared to use it! Just my humble opinion.
That looks awesome, very basic and simple: the way I like things. It's always fun to watch videos of these crazy professionals making wicked work benches that i could never build. Yours looks very simple and inspiring. Thanks for the video :)
I don't see why people think you should have used glue. If it's just a simple work bench to work at this is PLENTY sturdy! Super cost efficient too. Great job!
The biggest issue is if something heavy hits the side or corner you could rip the screws out pretty easy on a 2x4. I probably would've used glue but hey he's happy and that's what matters right. It looks like a solid table though.
So many keyboard critics, yet if you click their name and watch their how to videos... oh wait. What did I make. Keep crafting, dude. There is a difference between listening to good advice and hearing from d bags online. You made a simple bench. Most of these nerds forget where they started. Thanks for taking the time to show someone who might want to get into wood working that they can do it.
What’s wrong with pocket holes... Yea like you don’t using a table saw and miter saw to do your cuts. Unless you’re just using traditional hand drills and hand saws then shut the fuck up. You measure all your cuts using string? Better not be using a tape measure and square either.
I hate to criticize when people work hard building something and editing the video but I think this table has good looks but is not built strong enough.
If, as you said, you hate to criticize......... but then go ahead and criticize anyway...........I am confused and in a way I think you are confused also ! ! THINK ABOUT IT.😊😊😊
As soon as you said: "My goal is to only use pocket holes" I laughed just thinking about how many triggered comments are coming! Table turned out nice though!
1. Also ways glue your surfaces together. Pocket holes in pine is like stapling a marshmallow. They just don't work well in soft woods. Glue should be your mechanical bonding agent in this case with the pock holes acting as alignment and pressure for the glue. 2. Your work surface is entirely inadequate. It has no support under it and you are relying solely on the pocket holes to keep it together but here's the things, pocket holes are only strong in one direction, pulling away from the face. In the table top, if you put something heavy on it, you'll be stressing the pocket holes sideways and they are going to experience a large torsion force. This means that whole table top is going to want to roll up like a burrito. 3. You incorrectly stated at 4:30 that your 1/8 gaps could have been solved by a jointer. A jointer is used to crate a flat face on a longitudinal axis of a board. Are you implying that you would stand up this thing on its end to run through a jointer? You dont run a gigantic panel through a jointer on its end grain. Not only would it uncontrollable and unsafe, the jointer would just tear apart the end-grain of the wood, especially with a soft wood like a 2x4. What you should have is used a circular saw to trim off the end of the work surface making all the pieces precisely the same length. 4. Regarding your table top, for the love of god why didnt you orient the boards upright? Decision making like that can make the difference between a work surface that can support 200 lbs vs a work surface that support 1000 lbs.
Good video: nice filming, editing, voice-over and music. The bench has pro's and con's and those have been touched on by others. I love pocket holes too, but I am not sure this is the appropriate "best-use" for them. Depending on the use of the bench it may not last. However, it was a good build for what it was designed to be. The mitered corners can be done more perfectly by cutting one corner at a time. First, do your very best to set you saw to a perfect 45 (you won't get it perfect) and mark (or remember) big and short sides of the angled cut. Against the straight line of the back-rest one of the angles is 135 degrees and the other is 45 degrees. To match the cuts more perfectly, you can flip the board over and cut along the other side. Second, start on a long side and cut one corner on the big side of the angle. Put the board in place and clamp or screw it in (I have used small screws on trim pieces I was going to nail into place). Third, mark your second cut on the other end of the board. It will be important to "sneak-up" on the cut; leave about a blade width from the mark. Cut your second cut on the same side of the angle as the first (presumably you have a mark on the board and will need to have the board facing up to see the line. Cut this line a blade length long and check the fit. It should need just a little trimming. Flip the board over and cut the small excess off on the small angled side. Each board will have a short and long angled cut. When flipped, each side will be the correct 45 you need. Do each board this way; by cutting it long and flipping it over (after checking for fit) you can get the exact opposite side of the angle no matter what your blade is set to. I always do the first cut of a board on the large angle and the second cut on the short angle, so I don't have to mark each board - easiest for me.
a bit late to the comments section but never the less, nice to see a video using 4x2's, not everyone has access to 6x2's (which i would have preferred for mine) where i get my timber from in Wales thats the biggest 2x i can get so good to see its worked for you.
You mentioned having a hard time getting the mitered corners to fit well- it could be how you marked the line. I would line up the edge board to the other and then mark the inside corner of the miter. Cut a little proud of that mark, test fit it, & cut it again if needed. You can always nibble a little at a time to get up to the line. but it's not so easy to put back wood you've cut off. :-)
I enjoyed seeing you build this with all p-screws. After building a few benches myself, a couple things I would do different. For clamping use, have an overhang lip. This you could do by screwing your "skirts" on the inner side of those legs rather than outer side. Another is to make the table top with the 2x4's 1.5" sides up for stability when pounding on it, or add two more 2x4 crossbeams underneath, thus supporting the top in quarters. The crossbeam approach won't be as macho as the sides up approach, but uses less studs and you can still add it without starting over. Legs could be double studs. Sturdier. But nice job! You can actually break this down for transport which I think is pretty cool.
Hey MacCraiger! Great video and very functional table. I think i am convinced that I will get one of those Pocket Hole makers. I see so many of the glue-n-screw designs, and while they are okay, I would rather use less glue for a lot of reason. The “minimalist” idea was echoed by your narration, and I appreciated the monologue.
nur kholis if you watch his videos he is not a big fan of pocket holes. And even did a video proving how unreliable they can be compare to traditional joinery
I built a bench like this years ago (Like 30 years ago) out of 2 x 4's from a wall I tore down. It held up great. I still have it. The only thing I did was put a piece of linoleum on the top to smooth it out. Every once in a while that needs to be replaced.
You can hours waiting for glue to dry on your project if you want and change it every 15 years, or you can be lazy and have it down in 50 minutes, and when it goes BOOM and breaks, just throw in a few more pocket screws at a different location in less than 2 minutes and it should last another year. Shit, I guess over time, he might invest an hour fixing it, but it still works out less work and time investment. Lazy or not, it's actually quite smart. I have shit I've put together with pocket holes and no glue, that takes on constant weight and moving, last 3 years plus. One project broke and all literally split the wood. What did I do? Unscrew the pocket holes, get a 2x4, cut it down to size with my miter (took 10 mins), pocket hole it back up, and it was good to go. 5 years later... Some projects you want to last, like, building a shed, or house and need to use quality construction, other shit you can get by on just repairing it and patching it up.
Great plans, just finished the project. my only advice, is adjust your kreg jig to the 1.5inches if you chose to use pocket holes, otherwise you ruin the pocket holes. thank you
Don't know how long it took him, but I made a glueless workbench using pocket holes and some 2 1/4 fasteners. Took me 60 mins. With glue it would have taken hours. Too much work my ass. Less work more like it.
Dont make a workbench like this! Appreciate the video/editing which was done nice; yet pretty much the opposite way to make a workbench of any value or strength.
I'm mindful of the bench I've made in my workshop back in 2007. It's made of dressed 6x1s (interpreted, that's about 19mm, I think) laid on their flat, and has a covering of half inch (12mm) plywood with glue, lots of glue. (31.22mm total bench top thickness, I just measured it with Mitutoyo Absolute vernier calipers). The superstructure consists of dressed 4x2s and the legs are made from dressed 2x2s. My mate's late brother worked in a lumber store and he had access to all timber imaginable. My mate and brother built my mate's bench out of 8x2s with hulking 4x2 legs (undressed). Visiting my mate once and watching him do some hack sawing in his vice, and seeing his bench wobble from side to side, he commented, "you know, I'm perpetually amazed at how we built this bench like a brick shit house, and it freakin near falls to pieces every time I use it, and you come along with your space age minimalist approach and build something with no movement in it whatsoever!" I've been known to bend things in the vice by hitting them with a 12lb hammer, and still doing virtually no damage to the bench or it's top!
quick tip on applying a finish. before you apply a finish use a rag damp with water. it opens the pores of the wood to allow the finish to soak further into the wood.
Such a gorgeous book - each shed is unique and inspiring, and I love all the tiny details Kotite features to help readers imagine how to create their own She Sheds ruclips.net/user/postUgkxe9yi0sulKgsp0VJJCIrLWWkvVqcU7LFR . The feature on Dinah's Rustic Retreat is like something from a fairy tale. It's really inspiring to see how creative all these ordinary people are in making beautiful and useful spaces on a modest scale.
MUY buena calidad, el texto imagenes. ruclips.net/user/postUgkxbnOKZBE4evMO5V2vroHeCjq6d_MV6wJO Un manuel muy completo y trabajado. Resulta muy práctico. Para principiantes y profesionales. Lo recomiendo
Here is a tip for the 45° cut. Set your angle on saw to the mark between 45 and 46.......works like a charm. My knees hurt after watching this. Thanks for sharing great video.
Like both the simplicity of this build and your technique
Thanks
Not bad for a beginner. If you do this again, here are a couple of small changes to make that will create a much stronger table, first use glue. Lots of glue. Use the screws to hold it together while the glue dries. Wood tends to shrink after a while, loosening the hold of the screws. For the legs, two pieces of 2X4's in an "L" configuration. Mount them a couple of inches in from the edges. This adds a great deal of stability to the table. On your edges, use 2X4's turned on edge. Glued and screwed, this will prevent any future warping the table may experience. For the lower leg stabilizers, move them up 6"-8" off the floor. Easier to clean, and you can add a shelf for more storage.
He said he doesn't like using glue or "any kind of goop"..... I remember the table I made before I learned that glue is stronger than screws or most boards. I cut it into pieces a few months ago.
Carl Bruschnig, Jr s
If you want some great woodworking plans then I recommend you go here: HootWood. com
Very helpful comments, Carl!
Carl Bruschnig, Jr ..5& nñ
very professionally done. So many people have a 20 minute video with a LOT of extra talk, kids, dogs, etc. I liked what you did and got right to the point! Jim
The video is very well done. The workbench is crap.
Nice video. Simply as a suggestion: Run and screw cross members under the table top to secure the table boards to eliminate the many screws, Also the bottom leg supports should always be higher than the bottom of the actual legs. That way the bench won't "rock" if there is a curve in the floor. Making the table top overhang the frame will give a larger work surface and at the same time, allow for clamping projects to the bench. But again good video and nice project.
Great points duly noted for my project!!
Built a basic 2x4 six foot workbench with a lower shelf about 30 years ago with a handsaw, hammer, measuring tape, and some nails. It still gets daily use. This was a nice table but if all you want is something to bang around on you can do it with half the tools and 80 percent less work.
Some of you people are brutal with your comments. I think this table looks great. He did say it was for his lab/office, in case anyone that suggested bigger, heavier, boards upright, blah blah... actually read the description. End result looks great! I'm going to be making this bench in the next few days. Cheers for the how to video!
butthurt
Ignore the negativity of the keyboard commandos. This was a solid build and the good thing about using screws is you can modify this bench over time and add onto it as need be in the future. if you start getting sag in the middle of the bench top you can put either joist blocking in on the underside or use a diagonal brace on the underside to act as a strong back. I use angle iron on the bottom of the edges of either end of mine to serve as a good spot to use magnetic hangers for the tools I'll be using on certain projects. Excellent start and keep building.
Good build, good video. Obviously you were trying to keep the parts list simple, but one big advantage of adding 1 item (plywood) is that you can simply replace the top layer once it gets beat up, which is inevitable with a workbench. Of course you can simply add a plywood top here also, although you then lose the great look of the framed 2x4's!
put another sheet of plywood on when the first layer gets bad, Use glue and not screws. When it gets to a point you can't move it get another and start over. I have gone through 5 doors as my base and horses as my support.
thumbs up! I'm a beginner woodworker and I like practical & easy woodworks. thanks for the video!
I strongly suggest you view other videos on how to build a 2x4 workbench.
I love this. Thank you! I happen to love the Kreg jig pocket holes : )
I’m even less than a beginner than you are but this is going to be my first workbench!! I also appreciated some of the comments and will use some of those tips. For beginners, first projects are necessary for the learning curve and experience. Thank you very much for posting.
I haven't read the comments but I'm sure you're getting hammered by the key board experts. I like your originality and creative way of building. You live outside the box, I like that.
You're old school and don't know it nd that's a compliment. Keep posting, would love to see what you come up with. ya I subscribed
Thanks for the comments (some of them anyway) and feedback. I wanted to make a video of me building something so this was my first shot and I'm certainly no wood worker. The bench is holding strong even without the glue and it's serving its purpose. I'll definitely be using more glue in the future and I hope to make more videos and figure out my own style. I put a link to the pocket hole tool in the comment section since a lot of you were asking about it. At the end of day, just build something cool that will work for you no matter what others say. Doing is the way I learn best.
+What Did I Make Much credit my friend, especially on your comments above "doing is the only way to learn". Well, maybe not the only way, but probably the best way. I like to make 2-by furniture as well (I enjoy making but not paying for expensive lumber). I recently made a 2-by desk but used 2-2x6 and 2-2x8 alternating so there weren't so many joints. Only 4 boards to make 28" or so. And yes, I used pocket screws with glue. Also ripped the edges so there was a square edge. I have a planer but didn't use it because I find pine needs be to heavily sanded regardless (may change that next time). So I just used a belt sander across the grain to level it and orbital sander to smooth it out.
Shellac and lacquer to finish. Keep learning. Me too.
+What Did I Make How many 2x4s did you use?
lol! I think this is great! those that are complaining here should come take a look at my thrown together pallet bench! Haha! Yours is a Cadillac compared to mine! Great video format and idea... ignore the firey darts my friend! If you do get a chance, and are reading this, I would encourage you, seriously, to come take a look at my bench!
+What Did I Make Structurally, looks fine. Is easy to make and not the normal construction.
You kept it to one material type for the whole construction and did it your way.
Fuck the haters, they always come. That looks as sturdy as fuck and I'm sure it will outlast most of the haters on here.
The fact here is that YOU made it, YOUR way. And you took the time to post a video on it. Man, that takes some time and effort and nothing but kudos for you on this. There are a hundred ways to build a bench. And now, there are a hundred and one.
Great job :)
+What Did I Make Really nice job uțve done there. Nice video. Nice tutorial. Keep it up!
Nice gardeners bench good job and looks solid.
Hey Craig... I built several picnic tables with 2x4's and 2x6's. I found the tops almost impossible to get nice and level and keep them that way even with end and middle bracing. That in mind, I wouldn't waster my time on the 2x4 top, I'd simply get a sheet of 1 in plywood. Much faster and probably not much more, if any, expensive to use. I will say one thing, you certainly do love those pocket holes ! :)
Minimalist, functional bench made with very few tools, which is something most people could attempt. Nice to see someone showing projects with only a few basic tools. as per other comments, the top way warp, but you can flatten it if it does. Keep up the good work, really enjoyed the video.
This was not minimalist , could have been made stronger and simpler with different design, same cost and without many tools
The comments are hysterical. I'm surprised someone did not complain that it was not made out of 1/2" sheet steel! Or maybe someone wants it to be painted pink! LOL ;-) For my part, I watched this video, as well as others, and got a number of ideas that I'll select from. I'm not sure I want to spend a bunch of time building a bench, so I'm looking for ideas that will give me something that is "just good enough" for my needs. I love the concept of pocket holes but I never thought of using them in a shop bench. I think of them having more application in furniture, where the loads are not so great and the emphasis is on hidden connectors. I also understand the strength of glue and would go that route, even though it is more fussy and messy. I saw another video where the maker used threaded rod to make the top stronger -- a great idea if using a glued top. I'm torn between making a bench that looks like furniture, vs. covering the top with fiber board to give me a renewable surface that is always smooth.
The bottom line here is that this is a really good video and makers always want to make it another way. I notice that most who criticize this video have not posted their own video for us to criticize. LOL.
You are a very smart and dedicated
builder.
I think you did a great job. This bench should last a long time.
+Bbendfender : Agreed!
I hurt all over watching you work on the floor, You are going to love working on a bench, Smart project, You did a good job,
Thank you for your ideas. I will be making mine soon. Thanks again.
The 45 degree angles aren't actually your problem. The problem is that the actual bench top you're using isn't perfectly rectangular. If you use a jointer and get all of those 2X4s perfectly edged and lined-up before you clamp them all together, then those corners will fit together like melted butter. Your bench top will look sharper too!
Don't let people discourage you! Everyone has to start somewhere. And we all learn by doing and making a few mistakes. That's how we get better at it!
loved your table top, so I bought me a pocket hole set. I made the table top, but added Glue to the Project. I used your design for the top and another design for the legs it turned out Perfect. wish I could post a picture of it
I quite like the pocket hole idea.
good stuff :)
if you don't mind a couple of pointers.. no point in using a level to level the legs unless the other surface is level too..measure the fixed end of the legs .. use that at the other end and that will parallel your legs
your corners/45's ... one at a time will help and use the next piece to mark the corner this will take into account any variations in the wood.
keep up the great videos !!!
You did fine sir. The more you do with wood the better you get, practice makes perfect. Don’t stop, keep going your doing fine.
that top is going to twist and wrap like a banana
+david osullivan How would you need to make a tabletop to make sure it doesn't warp after some time?
Thanks in advance
+Reinhout Platteau the 2x4 need to be glued together face to face not edge to ege this doesnt guarantee it will stay flat but has a far greater chance than the method in the video check out paul sellers making a work bench on you tube I have made one of these and 5 years on its solid
+Reinhout Platteau I believe you should alternate the grain direction from one board to the next as well.
+david osullivan Also, over time, the warping and flexing of the main boards will push off the edging that he put on.
If your going to use this configuration, seal all the 2x4 s with shellac, particularly the end grain. It will prevent the wood from absorbing moisture, and make warping much less likely.
I have been toying with the idea of obtaining a new work bench for the garage. Thought about both buying flat out and building one. My first bench I built was about 10 years or so ago...nothing special. I like the idea of having such a sturdy top--I suppose it all depends on what your goals are. While this might be overkill for my application, it just looks like a lot of fun...and heck, better to be overkill than breaking apart with heavy use.
Thank you for sharing.
Pocket hole screws will not hold up against the abuse a work bench will take glue and proper joinery is the way to go
Why don't you make a video to show us
with just a drill and a saw he made a nice table. good video
You have a problem with 45 degrees? I have a problem with even 90 :D
you and me brother
Very nice. I'm sold on pocket screwes
Nice but the 2 x 4 need to be side by side but standing up. The 2 inches needs to be up. When you put them flat the table top has to much spring when pounding, for example; however it will use some more 2 x 4's but the benefit is worth it.
It is cool to use pocket screws, however, a little wood glue will prevent problems in the future (my preference).
One more thing with the 2 X 4 screwed flat and screwed to the ends yo may experience problems with changes in humidity with the wood swelling and contracting. Overall good job!
P/S you do not need to own a power planer. You ca use a hand plane. :)
yes totally agree with you ...bench is nice but not enuff reinforcement
+mtabernig also the lower support skirting should not be on flush with the bottom of the legs, cause any inconsistencies in the floor will cause the entire bench to wobble.
Glue is your friend, it turns 2 pieces of wood into 1, does not rely on the screw holding it forever.
The Legs are going to rip right out of this table with any amount of side force on the table top. It is structurally bad construction. One ill placed step and your foot can kick out a front leg.
Should have waited till you had all the 2x4's attached before cutting the 2x2's that surrounding the main body of the top, then you would not have the gaps at the corners.
If your looking for cheap and solid top material, find some place local that has pallets they are getting ride of, take the time to tear then down, clean them up and laminate them together for a really nice hardwood top. Just takes time and effort.
He could place 2 2x4 on edge under the surface and screw from his words skirts would be cheaper and keep his simplicity :) but your idea is better more $$ throw
+mtabernig He could have also attached 2x4s 90 degrees from the direction of the top 2x4s to give it more strength. But yeah, 2x4s on their sides are not as strong.
+mtabernig He could of also went to lowes or some website and bought one that was designed by and engineer. There are a lot of things he could have done but chose not to for the purpose he needed it for. Don't bash the guy. I like what he did. Awesome job!
This is great. Im not a woodworker but im great with my hands. This is a straightforward easy project that I'm excited about trying out. I just finished building 24 feet of storage shelves along my garage wall and it came out great. Thanks for sharing, for people like me.
Does it work? Then it's good.
Crazy that there’s over a 1000 thumbs down 👎🏻 should just scroll on by.
Great Work Bench 👍🏻
This is great man. My first ever workbench I build I only used screws, didn't know about pocket holes then and I didn't use any glue either, and it was even close to how great yours is.
Great job man!
Very nice work! Simple and looks easy enough for me, an older woman, to make.
It's a great work bench to make , I've made 4 so far
Very good Video! Well explained and a nice workbench! :)
voxelgeek Thanks for watching!
What Did I Make
You're very welcome! Thanks for using my Music. And keep up the good Work! Greetings from Remotehorst aka voxelgeek. ;)
Really nice job. I'm getting ideas! Thanks for the video.
Hi, nice job but just a couple of points to making it even better. Firstly, you really do need to glue as over time those screws and any nails will work loose and the glue will hold everything nice and tight. Secondly i would have glued 2 2x4s together for the legs, 4x4s would work much better and you can mortise then in to the corners, much stronger. I suggest reading some books on basic woodworking to give you some ideas, keep up the good work.
Saw the Jointer still in the box!
Good Job
Christ on a bike I just read some of the comments on this video. He's having a go you arseholes, he states he isn't an expert, trail and error and all that.
That is what i was thinking !!!
It turned out better then mine.
Asshole keyboard warriors. I doubt most of them have ever used a workbench let alone have the knowledge to do anything that would require one. I'm about to build a jewellery workbench for my new workshop and I appreciate the pointers this guy has given me.
Agreed. It's a fucking workbench not a dining table!!
16,000 woodworking plans: *www.WoodPlanner. xyz*
.
Great job and very realistic for the average guy that's not a pro or even the 'home pro' type. I just built a bench for general use and like yours it didn't need to be perfect, it just needed to be sturdy and the right height. Nice use of the pocket holes and hiding the screws.
Can you provide an update on how the bench is holding up after a year?
Many people commented below on how pocketholes are NOT the way to go... Just wondering if anyone has really tested the longevity of pocketholes without any glue, your workbench could provide insight.
I was going to build a very similar bench to yours.
Actually just built a king sized platform bed with only pocket holes and lag bolts for the corners. It's solid as a rock. No glue.
it seems (judging from it being behind him in that last shot) that its being used as a table to hold small cnc machines, rather than a work bench. In that use, it's probably over-built, but for work bench duty this isn't far off from a card table. Pocket holes are good for fast builds that don't need longevity, or aren't going to see abuse, they always seem rock solid at first, but are intrinsically weak to the loads that joinery is often required for.
I’m not sure if you tried to be funny in this video but I find you really quite funny and entertaining which is hard to find on these “build” tutorials. Well done, Sir.
Haha, maybe I'm just a goofy person! Thanks for watching.
Great job! But as might have been mentioned already glue isn't something to be avoided :). Wood glue is water soluble and the bond is often stronger than the wood itself. Over time the 2x4 will warp and your work surface might not be flat and glue between the joints may alleviate that.
This is one end of the spectrum. Nothing wrong although I would absolutely use some Titebond III on those joints. I've been checking out other videos, and some of these other guys are spending a week and using planers and jointers and making a workbench that would hold up a Hummer. To anyone else out there, I'd say figure out what you want to do with your workbench and use a design that meets your needs and is build-able with the tools you have.
You said your miniskirt fit tight. lol nice job!
P.S. You have more spent in fasteners then a HF shop bench cost.
Oh please shush. He used what, 60 screws. I can go into home depot right now and get those expensive as hell 100 pack GRKs, or even a Kreg kit of 500 pocket screws for under 10 dollars. Stop with the exaggeration.
He was using drywall screws
This is the best "how to" video I've seen on RUclips - not one wasted second of chit-chat or dead time while the camera was recording. Thanks for a fantastic learning experience!
I Think It Looks Pretty Good But Always Use Glue Unless It's Built To Disassemble. Which Way The Crown Faces Is Also Important . . .
Hi mate, I've made several benches over my years as a carpenter/joiner/cabinet/furniture maker/woodworker/guitar luthier from 2 x 4's (or 4 x 2's as we call them here in OZ) using similar joining methods. My method of preference is pocket holes (Kreg system) and glue (either PVA Titebond 3 or Gorilla Glue - the original polyurethane one) for the frame/legs etc. and biscuits with glue (same as above) for joining the lengths for the top. Like you I pick the straightest knot free lengths for the top and then once glued up, dried and any excess glue removed with a chisel I plane the top dead flat with my #7 jointing plane. A tip for you for getting perfect mitre joints. Start at one corner of the piece (bench top or whatever it is) and work your way round cutting each length mitre to mitre about 1.5 mm longer than it looks like it needs to be. That way you'll get nice tight mitre joints and if one is a fraction to long you can plane it back a little with a block plane. Use a small sharp block plane as they are smaller and lighter to handle than a bench or smoothing plane and designed to plane end grain of timber. in fact they are called block planes because they were designed originally to flatten butchers blocks which you may have noticed are made from blocks of timber set end grain up to create a surface able to stand up to the butchers chopping and cutting meat and bone. As an after thought, some may ask why do I make benches from cheap pine 2 x 4's? My answer is a bench needs a dead flat top to do fine woodwork like furniture and guitars. But why make a bench that is like a piece of fine furniture (you've seen the ones I mean on RUclips and elsewhere) when you are just going to chop, cut, dint, beat and bash the shit out of it with your hammers, chisels, mallets, etc, not to mention dribble glue on it or molten lead or solder etc. when you use it every day to create your beautiful timber masterpieces! If I owned one of those beautifully finished fine furniture work benches I'd be too scared to use it! Just my humble opinion.
That looks awesome, very basic and simple: the way I like things. It's always fun to watch videos of these crazy professionals making wicked work benches that i could never build. Yours looks very simple and inspiring. Thanks for the video :)
Exactly. I'm far from retired and my workbench is needed immediately. It would take me months to get this together
LOVE it. I’m a complete woodworking novice but I appreciate your step by step video for something I’d like to create.
I don't see why people think you should have used glue. If it's just a simple work bench to work at this is PLENTY sturdy! Super cost efficient too. Great job!
The biggest issue is if something heavy hits the side or corner you could rip the screws out pretty easy on a 2x4. I probably would've used glue but hey he's happy and that's what matters right. It looks like a solid table though.
This is a very grown up, objective and positive answer. Quite rare around here.
So many keyboard critics, yet if you click their name and watch their how to videos... oh wait.
What did I make. Keep crafting, dude. There is a difference between listening to good advice and hearing from d bags online. You made a simple bench. Most of these nerds forget where they started. Thanks for taking the time to show someone who might want to get into wood working that they can do it.
Great project, I like your "KISS" approach.
Very sturdy and rustic, the way any workbench should be. Thanks for sharing this crisp video.
A couple 500 screws?
Patrick knowling I thought that was porn...you disappoint me Sir or Ma'am.
@@patrickknowling1796 Do you have to keep showing us that damn link !!!
Man your the pocket hole king !!!
I'm gonna have Nightmares about Pocketholes tonight.
...pocket holes are nothing to fear...a bit of thread...a needle...a few minutes...pocket holes...gone!
🤣
ThunderDivine
Hehehe 😂
well he warned you... "Hi, my name is Kreg"
What’s wrong with pocket holes... Yea like you don’t using a table saw and miter saw to do your cuts. Unless you’re just using traditional hand drills and hand saws then shut the fuck up. You measure all your cuts using string? Better not be using a tape measure and square either.
I like the 2x4 your version, I see a lot videos where they use 21 2x4 vertical and it’s a heavy butcher block
I hate to criticize when people work hard building something and editing the video but I think this table has good looks but is not built strong enough.
tenon*
If, as you said, you hate to criticize......... but then go ahead and criticize anyway...........I am confused and in a way I think
you are confused also ! !
THINK ABOUT IT.😊😊😊
You did fine for first project. In the future, plywood is handy as well.
As soon as you said: "My goal is to only use pocket holes" I laughed just thinking about how many triggered comments are coming! Table turned out nice though!
THIS MINISKIRT FIT NICE
1. Also ways glue your surfaces together. Pocket holes in pine is like stapling a marshmallow. They just don't work well in soft woods. Glue should be your mechanical bonding agent in this case with the pock holes acting as alignment and pressure for the glue.
2. Your work surface is entirely inadequate. It has no support under it and you are relying solely on the pocket holes to keep it together but here's the things, pocket holes are only strong in one direction, pulling away from the face. In the table top, if you put something heavy on it, you'll be stressing the pocket holes sideways and they are going to experience a large torsion force. This means that whole table top is going to want to roll up like a burrito.
3. You incorrectly stated at 4:30 that your 1/8 gaps could have been solved by a jointer. A jointer is used to crate a flat face on a longitudinal axis of a board. Are you implying that you would stand up this thing on its end to run through a jointer? You dont run a gigantic panel through a jointer on its end grain. Not only would it uncontrollable and unsafe, the jointer would just tear apart the end-grain of the wood, especially with a soft wood like a 2x4. What you should have is used a circular saw to trim off the end of the work surface making all the pieces precisely the same length.
4. Regarding your table top, for the love of god why didnt you orient the boards upright? Decision making like that can make the difference between a work surface that can support 200 lbs vs a work surface that support 1000 lbs.
I need to get one of those pocket guides, I like the hidden screws and the fact that you don't have to fight with a huge piece of plywood
Good video: nice filming, editing, voice-over and music. The bench has pro's and con's and those have been touched on by others. I love pocket holes too, but I am not sure this is the appropriate "best-use" for them. Depending on the use of the bench it may not last. However, it was a good build for what it was designed to be.
The mitered corners can be done more perfectly by cutting one corner at a time. First, do your very best to set you saw to a perfect 45 (you won't get it perfect) and mark (or remember) big and short sides of the angled cut. Against the straight line of the back-rest one of the angles is 135 degrees and the other is 45 degrees. To match the cuts more perfectly, you can flip the board over and cut along the other side. Second, start on a long side and cut one corner on the big side of the angle. Put the board in place and clamp or screw it in (I have used small screws on trim pieces I was going to nail into place). Third, mark your second cut on the other end of the board. It will be important to "sneak-up" on the cut; leave about a blade width from the mark. Cut your second cut on the same side of the angle as the first (presumably you have a mark on the board and will need to have the board facing up to see the line. Cut this line a blade length long and check the fit. It should need just a little trimming. Flip the board over and cut the small excess off on the small angled side. Each board will have a short and long angled cut. When flipped, each side will be the correct 45 you need. Do each board this way; by cutting it long and flipping it over (after checking for fit) you can get the exact opposite side of the angle no matter what your blade is set to. I always do the first cut of a board on the large angle and the second cut on the short angle, so I don't have to mark each board - easiest for me.
a bit late to the comments section but never the less, nice to see a video using 4x2's, not everyone has access to 6x2's (which i would have preferred for mine) where i get my timber from in Wales thats the biggest 2x i can get so good to see its worked for you.
25 dollars worth of wood and 120 dollars worth of pocket hole screws
100 dollars in 2x4s now
That pocket hole jig manufacturer owes you one 😀😈😈😈😈😉💙
Patiently waiting by the mail box 😂
I loved the simplicity of the table
Great bench and video. Far higher quality than I'm looking to achieve (anyone for pocket holes?!)
You mentioned having a hard time getting the mitered corners to fit well- it could be how you marked the line. I would line up the edge board to the other and then mark the inside corner of the miter. Cut a little proud of that mark, test fit it, & cut it again if needed. You can always nibble a little at a time to get up to the line. but it's not so easy to put back wood you've cut off. :-)
What a darling little video.
Pocket screws or not, you should always use glue.
Great video and for a beginner to practice pocket holing and keeping lumber to a minimum it's a great start.
"This mini-skirt fit nice".... I like it...
I think you did a good job man. Don't listen to all these guys bash your work. Good job and thanks for the video! Good detailed shots.
I like this design. "Persuasion Tool" - Love it!
I enjoyed seeing you build this with all p-screws. After building a few benches myself, a couple things I would do different. For clamping use, have an overhang lip. This you could do by screwing your "skirts" on the inner side of those legs rather than outer side. Another is to make the table top with the 2x4's 1.5" sides up for stability when pounding on it, or add two more 2x4 crossbeams underneath, thus supporting the top in quarters. The crossbeam approach won't be as macho as the sides up approach, but uses less studs and you can still add it without starting over. Legs could be double studs. Sturdier. But nice job! You can actually break this down for transport which I think is pretty cool.
cool bench! turned out great! dont let some comments get you!
cheers 🍺✌
I like this guy. He does his thing and doesn’t give a shit. Good work.
what kind of mad man take a bite out of a banana and sets it down?
Hey MacCraiger! Great video and very functional table. I think i am convinced that I will get one of those Pocket Hole makers. I see so many of the glue-n-screw designs, and while they are okay, I would rather use less glue for a lot of reason. The “minimalist” idea was echoed by your narration, and I appreciated the monologue.
Matthias Wandel DOES NOT approve this video.
why
nur kholis if you watch his videos he is not a big fan of pocket holes. And even did a video proving how unreliable they can be compare to traditional joinery
i think Matthias would love this video
pretty cool table.
You lost me at "Pocket Holes".
I built a bench like this years ago (Like 30 years ago) out of 2 x 4's from a wall I tore down. It held up great. I still have it. The only thing I did was put a piece of linoleum on the top to smooth it out. Every once in a while that needs to be replaced.
Probably gonna crack the first time you put weight on it. Pocketholes are for lazy people!
You can hours waiting for glue to dry on your project if you want and change it every 15 years, or you can be lazy and have it down in 50 minutes, and when it goes BOOM and breaks, just throw in a few more pocket screws at a different location in less than 2 minutes and it should last another year.
Shit, I guess over time, he might invest an hour fixing it, but it still works out less work and time investment. Lazy or not, it's actually quite smart. I have shit I've put together with pocket holes and no glue, that takes on constant weight and moving, last 3 years plus. One project broke and all literally split the wood. What did I do? Unscrew the pocket holes, get a 2x4, cut it down to size with my miter (took 10 mins), pocket hole it back up, and it was good to go.
5 years later...
Some projects you want to last, like, building a shed, or house and need to use quality construction, other shit you can get by on just repairing it and patching it up.
Great plans, just finished the project. my only advice, is adjust your kreg jig to the 1.5inches if you chose to use pocket holes, otherwise you ruin the pocket holes. thank you
WAY too much work, wasted time, materials and overall not a good way to build. Entertaining though.
Don't know how long it took him, but I made a glueless workbench using pocket holes and some 2 1/4 fasteners. Took me 60 mins. With glue it would have taken hours. Too much work my ass. Less work more like it.
This is genius. I was afraid to use glue. This exact procedure will be my first workbench build. Thank you
Why are you afraid to use wood glue?
Dont make a workbench like this! Appreciate the video/editing which was done nice; yet pretty much the opposite way to make a workbench of any value or strength.
I'm mindful of the bench I've made in my workshop back in 2007. It's made of dressed 6x1s (interpreted, that's about 19mm, I think) laid on their flat, and has a covering of half inch (12mm) plywood with glue, lots of glue. (31.22mm total bench top thickness, I just measured it with Mitutoyo Absolute vernier calipers). The superstructure consists of dressed 4x2s and the legs are made from dressed 2x2s.
My mate's late brother worked in a lumber store and he had access to all timber imaginable. My mate and brother built my mate's bench out of 8x2s with hulking 4x2 legs (undressed).
Visiting my mate once and watching him do some hack sawing in his vice, and seeing his bench wobble from side to side, he commented, "you know, I'm perpetually amazed at how we built this bench like a brick shit house, and it freakin near falls to pieces every time I use it, and you come along with your space age minimalist approach and build something with no movement in it whatsoever!"
I've been known to bend things in the vice by hitting them with a 12lb hammer, and still doing virtually no damage to the bench or it's top!
This should really be called "how not to make a workbench".
quick tip on applying a finish. before you apply a finish use a rag damp with water. it opens the pores of the wood to allow the finish to soak further into the wood.