Build Your Own English Workbench
Use minimal tools & simple joinery to build a bench to last a lifetime.
The ideal workbench for the hand tool woodworker.
Online Video Series With PDF Plans.
Learn How To Build A Workbench To Last A Lifetime, all while you master
The Fundamentals of Using Hand Tools
Watch the intro below
The English Workbench in it’s traditional form is well suited to a hand tool build.
Throughout this series we focus on developing core skills with very minimal tools.
By the end you will have both the workbench and the knowledge, which together form the ideal platform to develop your hand tool woodworking.
The Materials
We recommend that you build this bench in softwood, ours is rough sawn redwood.
It’s best to use what is most easily available for your location.
Below is a loose overview of the timber requirements, further details are provided on the cutting list.
– 6 lengths of 10″ x 2″ (250mm x 50mm) or 8″ x 2″ (200mm x 50mm) at the length required for your bench
– 4″ x 4″ (100mm x 100mm) for the legs (can be laminated from 2″ x 4″ (50mm x 100mm) material)
– 1 or 2 lengths of 4″ x 2″ (100mm x 50mm).
Simple, Sturdy & Built To Last
This bench is a fast build but to provide maximum education we start out with rough sawn boards and go through the process of preparing these by hand.
We also include extra details such as dovetailed lap joints and a sturdy planing brace.
If you need speed then you can opt for pre-planed material instead.
Build Your Own English Workbench – How to Build a Workbench
ONE TIME FEE
Only £26.00 (approx. $34.00)
Lifetime access to the full series (8 online Chapters + PDF plans)
The Tools
Throughout the videos we build with minimal and basic hand tools to focus on mastering our skills with this essential kit.
And we don’t need a bench to build a bench – we build off a pair of sturdy trestles.
Work Holding
This Series includes the detailed build of the traditional face vice and a planing stop.
The vice build requires only a single vice screw and nut (can be metal or wooden), along with some generic lag screws for fixing.
All other parts are constructed from timber.
An alternate vice can be installed in this bench if you have a preference.
The English Workbench is an excellent design to accommodate all manner of work holding.
Bench dogs, holfasts and stops can all be used within this versatile and sturdy bench.
What You’ll Learn
This is more than a workbench build.
Through the series we’ll cover many tips and tricks for improving your hand tool woodworking.
We also provide a video on how to choose the best length, width & height for your build.
And the plans can easy be tailored to meet your size requirements.
You have cleared up a lot of questions I have had about workbenches.
As you know there are books by the dozen about them.
After your series I know I have to build one and get rid of my old bench…
I really enjoy your approach of explaining what to do and why.
That knowledge makes it all come together. At age 73 I am trying to learn hand tools, I have had no training, and I am learning by reading and now watching videos.
– John Thomas
About This Series
Step by Step Instruction – How to Build a Workbench
Building a workbench is a big commitment. We take you through all of the thought processes, options & techniques to help you proceed with confidence.
PDF Plans
A full set of PDF drawings will assist you with your build, regardless of your chosen length, width or height.
The important joinery details are provided in separate dedicated sheets so they are easy to follow.
A Simple, Yet Sturdy Workbench
This build uses timber that requires minimal processing (no laminating), & a design that’s practical to approach with basic hand tools.
It’s a simple build that will last you a lifetime.
Learn As You Build
Building a workbench is a great way to build skills, as it’s forgiving whilst covering many techniques.
We’ve made a point to educate on hand tool use throughout this video series.
The Materials
We recommend that you build this bench in softwood, ours is rough sawn redwood.
Below is a loose overview of the timber requirements, further details are provided on the cutting list.
– 6 lengths of 10″ x 2″ (250mm x 50mm) or 8″ x 2″ (200mm x 50mm) at the length required for your bench
– 4″ x 4″ (100mm x 100mm) for the legs (can be laminated from 2″ x 4″ (50mm x 100mm) material)
– 1 or 2 lengths of 4″ x 2″ (100mm x 50mm).
Build Your Own English Workbench
ONE TIME FEE
Only £26.00 (approx. $34.00)
Lifetime access to the full series (8 online Chapters + PDF plans)
The demonstrations are brilliant and the little tips invaluable making repeat viewings essential.
You don’t have to be a woodworker to enjoy The English Woodworker video series but you may want to give it a go afterwards.”
– Darryl Jones
The English Workbench Video Series
The Full Details
Immediate Access | Watch Online | Stream & Download.
Over 5 hours of detailed video instruction with PDF plans.
Chapter One: Preparation
27 mins.
We make a start by getting our legs and rails cut to length.
Learn to cut thick stock square by hand so your bench will stand flat & stout.
Chapter Two: Joining The Trestles
47 mins.
We’re using lap joints for the base joinery. These are fast to cut & a dovetail portion ensures they’ll stay rigid.
To make a solid job we learn to understand face & edge marks, and you’ll also learn good chisel control.
Build Your Own English Workbench
ONE TIME FEE
Only £26.00 (approx. $34.00)
Lifetime access to the full series (8 online Chapters + PDF plans)
Chapter Three: Completing The Trestles
31 mins.
Before gluing up we notch the legs ready for the bench’s deep aprons, and prepare for the optional planing brace.
So we’re going through the process in detail so they can be cut straight, quickly & confidently (despite the angle).
Chapter Four: The Aprons
32 mins.
We make a start on our aprons, and can start to see the bench taking shape as we do a dry fit.
A series of bearers are used to provide robust support for our top, so we’re getting prepared for installing them.
Chapter Five: Vice Prep & Base Assembly
53 mins.
Before we attach the aprons it’s time to layout for our face vice on to the front one.
We can then get it all glued together, and fix in the bearers for the top support.
Chapter Six: The Top
55 mins.
The top on our workbench is made up of wide boards that aren’t jointed. This planked design creates minimal work compared to other options, but if your planing from rough boards there’s still going to be a lot of shavings! We teach how to approach this in the most efficient manner.
Chapter Seven: The Face Vice
53 mins.
We’re building the traditional face vice from scratch. All components except for the vice screw and nut are made in step by step detail from timber. This is my favourite type of vice to work with, it’s versatile and strong. But you can install a different vice if prefered.
Chapter Eight: The Finishing Touches
44 mins.
We’re drilling out for dog holes, flattening the bench top, and making & installing a planing stop complete with spike.
Then it’s time for a clean up and oil finish.
Build Your Own English Workbench
ONE TIME FEE
Only £26.00 (approx. $34.00)
Lifetime access to the full series (8 online Chapters + PDF plans)
I never was a TV series addict, until this English Workbench Series…
The whole thing really is a well-wrought story about passion and craftsmanship, told in chapters – and is utterly wonderfully produced: from the simple things like the warmth of the colors of the setting, the delicate acoustic music, the very beautiful sketches and animations which always serve to clarify, to the eloquence and voice of Richard with a tang of artisan humor and of course: the immense amount of knowledge Richard offers and articulates with such clarity on how to use hand tools for woodworking.
There is plenty of material out there in the internet, some also very good, but none combines so many qualities as this series.
I guess that was the best investment into my personal education since a couple of years.”
– Özgür (Oscar)