The most ridiculous DIY workbench on the internet (Complete Build)
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Get the plans here: bit.ly/3QWVIbE
More cool shop project plans here: bit.ly/4aeMKyW
I built this workbench almost 3 years ago and I still love it. It's become one of the most popular projects people ask about! I put together 5 videos to show the entire process from start to finish.
SUPPLIES from the build worth sharing in order of appearance (Affiliate links):
Heavy Duty Leveling Casters: amzn.to/2M7wpGF
Figure-8 Fasteners - amzn.to/3toqaPP
14" Soft Close Drawer Slides - amzn.to/36JRvT4
Kreg Precision Router Lift - amzn.to/3cGqEes
3-Machine Dust Collection Kit - amzn.to/3jf6wRR
Vacmaster "Beast" Small Vacuum - amzn.to/2MaCHWb
Dust Right Separator - amzn.to/3qGWHyC
2-1/2" Dust Collection Hose (20') - amzn.to/3qLircn
iVac Pro Switch - amzn.to/3qHZ445
Heavy Duty Surge Protector - amzn.to/3sPcKfp
Flush-Mount Power Strip - amzn.to/362v5Mg
AC Port Plug (incoming power) - amzn.to/3qIfc5O
T-Track - amzn.to/2OxxdWO
T-Track Intersection Kit - amzn.to/3t5w9sq
3"x3" Angled Aluminum (3 ft long) - www.mcmaster.com/8982K128-898...
Knurled Black Knobs with threads 1/4-20 - www.mcmaster.com/6079K14/
Threaded Inserts 1/4-20 x 15mm deep (50-pack) - amzn.to/3wXWv0q
Black T-Track (36") - amzn.to/36NO3Xd
Black T-Track Screws - amzn.to/3eBhwYD
PowerTec T-Bolt/Knob Kit 5/16" (4-pack) - amzn.to/3y0hXmU
PowerTec T-Bolt/Knob Kit 1/4" (4-pack) - amzn.to/3xVpPWO
110V Safety Power Switch - amzn.to/3iyuE1P
Router Fence Dust Port - amzn.to/2UEqYUj
Colored MDF - trinityinnovations.net/produc...
T-Track Hold Down Clamps - amzn.to/3h3Kxh8
T-Bolt & Knob Kit - amzn.to/3dnTeRo
T-Track Universal Stop Kit - amzn.to/2UckzPn
Featherboards (2-pack) - amzn.to/2V4fyZF
PowerTec Router Bit Guard - amzn.to/3eHZpA9
TOOLS used during the build worth sharing in order of appearance (Affiliate links):
48" Jorgensen Clamp: amzn.to/36bxF2D
6" Tabletop Jointer: amzn.to/3a4peqY
Kreg Track Saw: amzn.to/2Mp7NsU
Kreg 720 Pro Pocket Hole Jig:
Incra T-Rule (6"): amzn.to/3qQIFuq
Really nice 8" Marking Square: amzn.to/2Mm6uLD
Woodpeckers 24" T-Square - bit.ly/2Mp3OgF
Woodpeckers 12" T-Square - amzn.to/2YGfC0x
Best Maker's Mechanical Pencil: amzn.to/3oIstee
DeWalt 12" DWS715 Miter Saw: amzn.to/3lScKqX
Kreg ACS Table: amzn.to/34PpQ2h
Kreg ACS Bundle: amzn.to/35TqgEl
Dust Right Wall Mounted Dust Collector - bit.ly/3qyAsdq
Dust Right Canister Filter (1 micron) - bit.ly/3ruj4YK
Laguna F2 Table Saw - bit.ly/2NSNRzw
Graco Airless Sprayer - amzn.to/3d3vLVC
Center Punch - amzn.to/3xVpZNU
Scribe (2-pack) - amzn.to/3eHNSkp
Countersink/Chamfer Bit Set - amzn.to/3eJZKCl
Metal Countersink Bit Set - amzn.to/2TsGvWB
Machinist Square (3-pack) - amzn.to/3kF551G
Machinist Ruler - amzn.to/3zlHIOY
Shop Nation Links:
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Shop Nation Website: www.shopnationstore.com
Instagram (@dreamshopnation): / dreamshopnation
Timberland Pro: bit.ly/ShopNation_TimberlandPro
Thangs Support Community: than.gs/u/1284339
I don't normally comment on KZhead videos, nor do I usually watch hour long videos, but I've got to say that this was probably the best KZhead video I've ever watched. The bench is immaculate, you did a fantastic job!
I can’t see a fault in your comment.
I built the workbench almost a year ago and I still look at it in awe. It is a perfect center piece to my shop. I remember searching for ideas before reluctantly watching the original build series. I thought it was going to be way too complex. But when I saw all the features, I immediately purchased the plans. It was a lot of work. But it was totally worth the effort. The design is awesome! As a side note, I also have the same drill press as you. Your tool review on that helped sway my decision to buy it.
Wow very cool! Glad you like it
Watching you use the router in the wrong direction, then clamping on a piece to eliminate blow out was worth the price of admission. 😊 Not busting your balls. Router bit facing up, right to left. Router bit down, left to right.
And....don't make that deep of a cut in a single pass. Rule of thumb that I've heard is to take a bite only 1/2 of the diameter of the router bit. So, if it's a 1/2" wide bit, only take 1/4" of material per pass. It looked like you were having to work hard to push the router through the material. You should never have to put any muscle into your router cuts. Something is wrong if you have to work hard with a router. It could be dangerous. Love your videos. You have great ideas. Your finished product is amazing. Keep up the great work.
.. and also, the way he carries boards is disturbing. It's all fine and well now but 15 years from now he'll wish he used a rope sling and a straight back.
I will add that I work in a factory maintaining industrial type machinery. We have those same casters on a lot of pieces. They are very easy to raise equipment up and lower down and hold a ton of weight. They make it easy to roll equipment around. Good choice for your bench.
One very cool thing abouthe casters is that you can sewt everything level. I have them on a pool table I built. Sometimes in woodwork a level surface reference can be very helpful in glue ups and measuring
The moment that mask went into the dust collector made my day XD stuff like this happens to me a lot but its like the universe giving you a free comedian to make life fun.
4:05 LOL I'd swear that jointer MAKES more shavings out of thin air just running. The fountain coming off that thing in between passes is astounding.
This was great and very genuine. I loved the part where the dust mask got sucked up in the dust collector. Very entertaining. All I can say is I hope to be this good one day..
Hilarious (39:30). I love that you keep the mistakes in your videos.
I'm a huge fan of track sawing plywood into smaller chunks rather than struggling with 4x8 sheets on my table saw, but that's partly due to me not having a big stable setup with outfeed and such. Thanks for the video, it was cool to watch all the stuff you crammed into this table.
I bought the shmedium plans and I loved it. I changed them slightly to work for me. I didn't need a router table so I made a 2nd set of drawers. And I don't have a dust extractor so I made a slide out trash can drawers. LOVE IT!!
The dust mask into to the vac. Priceless.
Hell, I'll wear a dust mask to bed.
The best time to wear a dust mask is yes.
I once took an old "Seed Bin" that came out of an old store, cut it into 2 parts & made 2 x 20ft seed bins from 1 . Made all the little glass bins that seeds were originally in them. This was made into 2 pieces for a large Fan Store that also had candies galore. They put candy in all those bins. Seeing other craftsmen do their thing is always impressive as you can learn from every person. They've all got little tricks of the trade to learn. I only wish we had cameras of my project but it was part of a 2 month long process where we even beat the newer wood to look old -n- worn. This video gives me lots of ideas for the future. Thanks again, peace
The final appearance of the workbench and the convenience of all peripherals and built-in elements are well worth the effort. You don't need to justify any part of the video about how tough a carpenter you are - for the impatient - just rewind to the end... you will 100% come back and watch it again. Thanks for the magic. your workbench is trully THING!!!
Thanks for doing a complete video on this build Travis. I’m getting ready to turn a shed into an epic workshop and I’m pretty sure I’m gonna build a replica of your workbench as the centerpiece of the whole shop. Well done! PS. It was fun hanging out with you at WBC.
Sounds awesome! Great meeting you as well
Man do I appreciate those "left in" screw-ups. I make mistakes like that so much. But most people edit them out. Thank you for showing your mistake! The table is awesome btw.
I didn't see any shavings either...great dust collection! ;)
I'm glad this build series is in a single video. If there's one thing I learned between you and Tamar of 3x3 Customs, it's to glue your boards first, then trim them to final size. Doing it the other way around is messy and potentially causes trouble (boards not being square or centered after the glue dries).
Love everything about your videos and projects. Your attention to detail, your "sickness" 😀, your mistakes, and the production value. You do great work and I'm glad you're sharing it all with us.
Very cool project! Can’t wait to make one for my shop. Your main problem on the tear-out when you made the first insert track cut was that you were going the wrong direction with the router. You’re supposed to go left to right against the fence, and subsequent cuts were much smoother and safer.
If I built a bench like yours scaled down to the size of my workspace it would be like a kitchen chopping board! In fact in my shed that worktop would be called the floor... I love these American videos where it seems everyone's 'home shop' is the size of a Tennis court!
Only thing I’d change is to glue a top veneer like melamine instead of sealed MDF. But great plans regardless! I have a sanding area in mine that simply has some holes connected to the dust collection so there is a fine drsft
Was about to suggest that. I would raise the maple edging by the thickness of the laminate and level the edging to be smooth.
Loving this bench, I may make myself one. From my background in electrical, my only suggestion is circuit breakers. Each of your power strips should have one built in, and TEST it (cheap chinesium may advertise but not include it). Reason is, you remember the amerpage restrictions now but how about 5 years from now? Overload inside wood shop furniture is a great fire starter.
I recently built a workbench with casters using the red 3” casters at tractor supply and they’re incredibly stable! I believe it’s because their locking mechanism locks both the wheels and the swiveling mechanism so the casters can’t rotate. Would highly recommend them and they’re big enough that they can roll over extension cords and stuff no problem!
I’ve always enjoyed your content even though I don’t own a 3d printer. I always watch because your videos are well done and I think I can always learn something. After watching this I think I do miss some of your older content that were shop projects. I design all my own stuff so I rarely purchase plans but I definitely glean bits of info and ideas from videos like this. I guess I’m trying to say I appreciate ALL your content but at the same time hope you mix more stuff like this back into it.
Great video!.. best thing that you never see is an actual maker making mistakes and keeping it in the video!!. Dust mask thrown into dust vac!.. priceless 😂 and on the router fence you can get the 20/20 T track different sizes and have a lot more versatility for different size bits and not so much work.. thank you for a great video. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I keep wanting to build a good table like that. One of these days hopefully i will find the time.
That router fence looks great for a DIY solution. Seen people like @GetHandsDirty do a lot with colored plywood, but definitely never seen it here in the States. Cool to see if used on a project. Great outcome.
I feel like the 2x4s take up a lot of usable space. So far. I built everything with just plywood like the miter station.
CRIKEY!!!!!!!! Very complete. Very impressive. I wish it was possible to make a living making things, when I was your age. Nights and evenings didn't cut it. Good work. Persevere!
Nice to see the full detailed version of how you built this as I'm going through making some shop furniture for my garage workshop right now :). OH... also just to mention, for those casters and how they can be a bit of a PITA to adjust (turn the thingy in the middle), I have 2 suggestions for you (although perhaps you've done one of them already as I'm only 8 min. in while writing this). 1. Another channel that used them made what can only be described as a key. It's a about a 6 to 8 inch long piece of MDF / Plywood, and there are teeth cut into one side of it that fit into the notches of the thingy on the caster, and are spaced out accordingly (also make sure the whole key is the same height as the thingy). Then he just pushes or pulls the key across the thingy, the teeth on the key catch the notches on the thingy and rotate it. Voila. 2. This is the option I picked and is far easier IMO. They make a version of that same caster with a built in ratchet!! So instead of a rotating thingy, there's a small ratchet with a direction toggle that works just like a socket wrench! Set it to clockwise / counter-clockwise and then just wiggle it back and forth like a socket wrench and it'll just raise / lower the foot. They also have several sizes of these casters to support more weight, so I got the 4 inch monsters that I needed to support the bench I made for my table saw / router table thing. Each foot can take something like 400lbs I think? Might even be much higher than that. Just found them on Amazon.
BTW dust-collection isn't all about the CFM. Yes 5 inch pipe on a big machine sure but for smaller machines like most hobby machines static pressure is more important. HookedonWood has great explanations about this in his "dust extraction" videos.
Totally agree! I definitely misspoke in that part of this video
Love the table and loved seeing your struggles. At least I'm not alone. I did learn from my table build though, to do shallow passes with the router. If you do it in two or three passes, it's a lot easier to control and much less chance of blowout.
make a stand you can clamp the portable extraction hose to while using the router table for extra dust collection. you can use the t-track as a way of fixing it into position on the table
Love this so much. These videos were incredible, and it’s nice to see them in one continuous presentation. Also, the music is great. Definitely leveling up your editing and production skills, which were already fantastic. Great work!
Music is an improvement over the original videos for sure
Tossing your mask in frustration directly into the dust collector was such a 'me' moment! Laughed appropriately! Thanks for not having a 'perfect' build and sharing your frustrations. Great build and video!
Thanks for leaving in the mistakes. I don't feel quite so bad now about all of mine. I did lol when you sucked up your mask into the dust collection. Looks like one of my classic issues. :)
Not sure if anyone else has mentioned this but wood glue doesn't stick to melamine boards, which is why people use it as forms for epoxy river tables. But at least you did screw the various boards together after gluing!
Small tipp when you use a jointer. You should push the part behind the cutting blade down and not before the blade, because you will lift the piece and it can end not perfectly flat.
Brilliant - I'd love a workshop and workbench like that, and your level of design and skill leave me in awe. Well done that man!!
While watching this I realized I could use a cabinet like this doe my CNC router, which is currently sitting on an old kitchen table with open space below. Having the extra storage and drawers rather than an open space will be much cleaner and more organized. However, I may have to make it so it can be partially disassembled to fit through a doorway to allow it to be moved.
Amazing! I'm curious to see if I can eventually build a worktop out of Corian with dovetail channels for the OTORO dovetail T-tracks.
I subscribed, right after I saw you do the slightly longer half lap, and then cut it down for it to be flush once you had the pieces ready to join up. the amount of times I tried this and ended up being a little too short was annoying, but this approach definitely takes care of it completely
I love your videos! I don't do any wood work, but your videos are so entertaining it doesn't matter at all. Looking forward to future videos. How's the building in your back yard (w/ the outdoor television) working out? I thoroughly enjoyed the series on that build.
I was actually, JUST NOW, watching this build series when this video posted! LOL. When are looking at the new workshop video to come out or other updated videos?
"at this point I gave up even trying with dust collection". it's official. You're a woodworker.
Very nice job, i wish i had the tools, time , and space to be able to do a fraction of what you have done. Excellent vid by the way. I realy liked that you did not hide the isues you encountered , and also liked the varius tips and explenations.
Love Chester funny character 😂 great addition to the channel and your team keep the videos coming really enjoyed this episode great Sunday watch
For the guy who builds dust collection add-ons for the miter saw, I can tell that dust collection for the sanders and jointer is not a strong suit for you. LOL However, it was a great build. I enjoyed it.
This is the first video of yours i have seen.. im very impressed you have earned my subscription with all the tips and tricks to make my life easier 😂😂
Building this now. Trying to come up with a plan to make drawers instead of organizer drawers. So far it’s not a bad build.
Love your commentary with a bit of humour…..keep it up….we are not all perfect; even a professional like yourself….hehehe…it’s all fun , right?
Super nice design. Super nice build. And super nice video. And I think it displays a lot of integrity on your part when you actually show your own mistakes. Kudos on you. Well done
A good quality window squeegee will help when creating a large laminate, and you will use less glue. Great project!
amazing dust collection on the joiner, not a speck of wood dust anywhere!
If using the router on aluminium feels scary, you can also use a jigsaw with a specialized aluminium blade then use a metal file to refine. Doesn't cost much and can be a good alternative a bit less sketchy.
After all these years of colored MDF (Valchromat in Europe) being on the market, It makes no sense why this isn't widely available in the US. All of us know we'd be buying it up like candy. :)
Totally agree! I'm always jealous when I see Europeans making all kinds of cool stuff out of it
The gray color on the workbench is absolutely great looking.
I love this format - full project video. I hear lots of folks saying their table saw is the center of their workshop. I love using a well made table saw as much as anyone but I think the true center is a well made work bench - every project touches it and they are indispensable . This one looks like a winner! 👍
I was literally leaving a snarky comment about two screws holding the load of the table when you explained that they aren’t. Aaannndddd delete. Lol
c4 vette, thats the lt1 engine right. i had one in a z28 back in the day, mated to the factory 6 spd that car on test drive day, got up to 80 in 2nd gear. so much fun.
Man your little boy he is so cute very very interesting of your work he want to be like his daddy God bless you and bless your friend thank you for the work good job man too many thumbs up👍👍👍👍👍....
You have to anodize that aluminum on the fence to match the tracks...for shop greatness sake!
"and I'm gonna use maple, because I like bacon." I sub'd
Then the jokes about the kid...I liked said video. honestly, if he's already interested in what you do, let me grow up with it in his hands, he'll learn to respect and used tools properly.
You don't have to sand off the sharpie. Sharpies are an alcohol based ink, you can remove it by going over it with concentrated isopropyl alcohol (97-99% rubbing alcohol) or a dry erase marker. Another option for blueing is to use water-soluable powder paints but mix them into ethanol (Everclear or wood alcohol) for application then wash them off with water afterwards. Unfortunately, you can't use water to cool your work piece with this method. That's not a big deal for aluminum, copper or brass; but iron, steel, titanium, pewter and bronze need cooled while they are being machined.
You can reduce problems with the router by making 2-3 passes instead of trying to hog out the whole depth at one pass.
"I'm going to use Maple, because I like bacon." - favorite quote, I will steal this!
If you're not going to use the kick-guard on the table saw then cutting the sheets down before using the table saw is a must! There's nothing quite like having a sheet of plywood kick you in the nuts.
This was a quality watch, excellent video and I’ve subscribed. Loved your humour and your work and video are great.
Pretty AF. One ultra minor suggestion, and I bet you have it: the floor ramp thing for the power cord coming into the bench so things can roll over it and you limit tripping hazard. Even better 3D print a new cool solution for power cords that run across the floor
Workbench build videos on youtube are a dime a dozen. Yours is worth its weight in gold. I should have known a 1hr video would have a lot more design savvy and build quality than a 15m video... but now I know. Brilliant. If you productized this, I'd buy one. I wish I had the skill and stamina to build one :)
Nice idea ill try and make one I'd suggest making the top attachable to the base with some creative design it could be made into a sacktruck type design making it easier to transport
Really liked the video! The music choices, not so much but I get the why 😂
So nice to see all your mistakes. We see so many woodworkers present picture perfect videos it makes us feel like we can do some of the same things, even as mere mortals.
Hey Travis, how have the blast gates held up? Would you use different ones next time? Metal?
I've actually had zero problems with them. I've heard from some people that they clog up and wont close properly
@@ShopNation exactly what I have been hearing and am getting ready to purchase a few. Are your by power tech?
How do you get such good (straight, solid, etc) 2x4s? Even if I pick through the piles and piles I can't get more than a few 2x4s like that.
I do have one complaint though, its not in my garage!!!! lol But seriously , great great job!
Those drawer pulls can double as bottle openers👍🏻
What is the over / under on how long it will be before you change out the plastic blast gates? My guess is 1 month. It won't be long before you discover that they easily get jammed up with saw dust and require being taken out to clear the jam.
3 years later, no issues
To let you know for the sake of precision, a jointer is only good to make one side square, your actually supposed to use the tablesaw to get the other side square. So you run one side down the jointer then use that side as your fence reference while you rip the other wise with your tablesaw. So in buying order you should of bought the tablesaw first a planar second then the jointer
Thanks for showing your screwups. Always nice to see you're not alone in something like that.
Huhhww…sir well done!You did a great a job and like the parts with the failures I just learn today to something😊
That's a great workbench! If one of the wheels on that white Corvette weren't on the wrong side of the car, you wouldn't have put the center drawer slides in backwards 🙂
I remember the toys I got growing up where far more dangerous than the toys kids get today. Anyone remember "ChainSaw Teddy Bear" or the always fun "Bag O' Glass"? What ever happened to "Flamy Thrower Freddy" and "Mr Knife"? The good old day.
Circular saws are dangerous for toddlers. Follow the rules of thumb: Still wetting the bed = reciprocating saw, after that, circular. And when they know their 16ths fractions, they're old enough for a table saw.
A good safety tip- when using many woodworking machines (particularly a jointer where the blade is exposed!) gloves can be really dangerous.
Wow what a nice looking functional workbench . nice job
So I figured you might not necessarily be like a fine piano maker or something… But you have enthusiasm, the resources to be productive and a new style slide door tiny, tiny freaking tiny snack cupboard, toast they snack cupboard in one hit! I suggest attempting to make the same thing each week, but evolving /learning from each week until (like them Ai recreations last week) the piece be real b1tching!
You did a great job on this workbench. I love how versatile it is. All the different functions and storage. Great job.
nice job there if i was in the market for a timber working bench then looks simple enough to knock out Cheers
Great design and execution on the bench, well thought out and built. Subscribed.
I enjoyed this as much as I did the first time. Can't wait for your next project!
Me: Man, a couple screws for the cross member with the casters? I hope they're at least structural screws. 3 seconds later: You knob! Not just a couple screws! I'll call that good editing.
Awesome build man gave me some ideas for sure
Well young man, over the years I've watched a lot videos. And even though this one was long it was a dam good one. Enjoyable and educational. I did see two things that I thought was interesting. PAN HEAD SCREWS. IF I GO TO HOME DEPOT ONE MORE TIME And the employee says I don't know what those are I'm going to jump off the roof. The other thing. With the professional video and editing you done. It's possible you could make millions of dollars. Teaching other people on KZhead how to do it right. Look forward to watching more of your videos.
Thanks for the video. I had a question about your dust collection though. Initially your wall mounted unit was the sack style, but then near the end of the video it is changed. I've heard that the sacks tend to still produce a lot of fine dust when used and was wondering, is that is why you changed it?
Really nice job!.....the only thing I would of done differently is I would of stained the bottom part dark....and not used paint which eventually can peel.....especially if you dont prime it first.
For the router bit storage i think itd be cool if the shelves were on a swivel you when you pull out the drawer the shelves can be swiveled perpendicular so you can see the bits better
love to see you try out sashimono joints in your next projects
There are two kinds of woodworkers…. Those that are always working to make the best shop. Those that make great furniture.
Great project...and thanks for sharing the f-ups. Good to know I'm not alone.
Outstanding build, man!