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    Video

    How to Build the Ultimate Shaker Workbench

    In this first episode of the video workshop, Mike Pekovich and Matt Kenney explain how the bench is constructed.

    Author Headshot By Fine Woodworking Editors Oct 28, 2015

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    Videos in the Series

    • Introduction: Ultimate Shaker Workbench

      How to Build the Ultimate Shaker Workbench

      October 28, 2015

      In this first episode of the video workshop, Mike Pekovich and Matt Kenney explain how the bench is constructed.

    • In Search of the Perfect Workbench

      October 28, 2015

      A trip to the Hancock Shaker Village provides some fascinating background on Shaker machinery and workbenches.

    • Drawbored Mortise-and-Tenon Joinery

      Building the Base for the Ultimate Shaker Workbench

      October 28, 2015

      Drawbored mortise-and-tenon joinery ensures a rock-solid base.

    • Make Beaded Panels for Your Workbench

      October 28, 2015

      Three-board panels dress up the base of this Shaker workbench.

    • Milk Paint and Base Glue-Up

      Prepping the Base for Glue-Up

      October 28, 2015

      Apply milk paint to the panels, fashion some drawbore pegs, and you're ready to glue up the base of the bench.

    • How to Install the Benchtop and Vise

      October 28, 2015

      Learn how to glue up the 3-in. maple top and install a twin-screw vise.

    • Web Frame Drawer Box

      Building a Web-Frame Drawer Box for the Base of the Bench

      October 28, 2015

      The joinery is stress-free, and so is the assembly.

    • Assembling the Bench Drawers

      October 28, 2015

      Through-dovetails and false fronts speed up the process.

    • Sliding Dead Man and Final Finish

      How to Install a Sliding Deadman on a Workbench

      October 28, 2015

      Install this versatile jig to support your workpieces, apply a finish coat of Danish oil, and your bench is complete.

    X
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    Previous: Workbench Tips and Tricks Next: In Search of the Perfect Workbench

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    Comments

    1. user-6761590 | Oct 03, 2017 02:52pm | #1

      Limited space, so, I built my modified Shaker style work bench. 4'x8' and 36''height. Height is to accommodate my Saw Stop table saw. On the right hand side I set up my lift router base with two parallel tracks for the router fence. Then I routed out a full length track that would accommodate my Kreg hold down clamps. On each end of the table top, left side, I cut down a Festool table edge rail to two pieces 6" long and mortised them into each end on the top edge. Using a vertical sliding dead man for a holding device, I purchased an antique wood screw and nut from E-Bay for $15.00, made my jaw from a 24" by 2" by 6" block of walnut with two 1' walnut dowels 18" long. Then mounted a pair of wood channels beneath the surface of the table top to prevent vice wracking and mounted this of the far left side. Two 3/4" holes for stops and corresponding holes to match of the table top. Drawers and doors were added on each side according to my needs. This was seven years ago.......

    2. TboneTim | Apr 13, 2019 01:30pm | #2

      Mike and Matt. Each one of my all time favorite teachers and video presenters. And now pairing up on a build. It's like watching an all-star game.

      Though I'm just starting on a Roubo bench with Benchcrafted's hardware and plans, this series will be a great adjunct.

    3. user-7827421 | Feb 25, 2021 11:44pm | #3

      I like the integration of some of the Shaker features. I also like that the bench is very solid and that a thick top goes all the way across. But no dog holes and no end vise? How do you guys plan on securing work on top of the vise? You should minimally have one row of round (to also accommodate a hold fast) dog holes and a wagon vise. This would require that the top extend out a bit to accommodate them so they don't drop into the drawers. A better option would be a dual screw end vise with multiple rows of dog holes. The extra rows of dog holes would be for mushroom topped dogs that don't drop through. A leg vise should also be an option, which would provide the ability to secure a long board for planing, without hitting the screws in that front mounted vise.

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