Skip to content
Fine Woodworking
Main Menu
Subscribe
GET THE MAGAZINE & MORE
Magazine Cover
  • Save 69% off the cover price
  • Or, get everything with UNLIMITED, including 40+ years of the online archive.
Subscribe Now!
Subscribe
  • More
    • Projects & Plans
    • How-To
    • Shop Tips
    • Tools & Materials
    • Videos
    • Magazine
    • Video Workshops
    • Members
    • Forum
    • Gallery
    • Blogs
  • Log In
  • Join
Fine Woodworking Main Menu Subscribe
Video Workshop

The Not-So-Big Workbench

Author Headshot By Ed Pirnik Oct 23, 2012
  • Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles
Article Image

In this video workshop, Ed Pirnik shows you step-by-step, how to build a traditional cabinetmaker’s workbench that’s sized for smaller home workshops. With its solid maple top, and tons of integrated tool storage, this bench doubles as a work center, and a place to house your most treasured hand tools.

Produced by: Lisa Morgan; Video by: Gary Junken; Editing by: Gary Junken

Purchase this video workshop on DVD.

Purchase the project plan.

Get woodworking tips, expert advice and special offers in your inbox

Sign Up
×
Start Watching

Videos in the Series

  • Introduction: The Not-So-Big Workbench

    October 23, 2012

    Ed Pirnik offers an overview on what's involved in building a moderately-sized cabinetmaker's workbench that's chock-full of tool storage.

  • Sign up for eletters today and get the latest techniques and how-to from Fine Woodworking, plus special offers.

    Sign Up
  • Episode 1: Mortises

    October 23, 2012

    Learn how to lay out and cut the mortises for your workbench.

  • Episode 2: Tenons and Foot Details

    October 23, 2012

    Learn how to cut tenons using a specialty blade and sled at the tablesaw.

  • Episode 3: Base Glue-Up

    October 23, 2012

    Assemble the base of your workbench using traditional pinned mortise-and-tenon joinery.

  • Episode 4: Workbench Tool Storage Pt. I

    October 23, 2012

    Cut and prep all the components required to outfit your workbench with drawer boxes.

  • Episode 5: Workbench Tool Storage Pt. II

    October 23, 2012

    Assemble your workbench drawer boxes using splined miters.

  • Episode 6: Drawers

    October 23, 2012

    Learn how to build sturdy drawers using finger joints.

  • Episode 7: False Fronts and Drawer Hardware

    October 23, 2012

    Create cherry flase fronts and mount brass ring pulls using a stepped mortise.

  • Episode 8: Benchtop

    October 23, 2012

    Learn how to glue-up, mill, and trim a solid maple workbench top.

  • Episode 9: Vise Installation and Finish

    October 23, 2012

    Learn the right way to mount a cast iron bench vise, then apply a traditional oil finish to your workbench.

X
X

New Feature

Fine Woodworking Forums

Ask questions, offer advice, and share your work

  • Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Get It All!

UNLIMITED Membership is like taking a master class in woodworking for less than $10 a month.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe to Fine Woodworking

Save up to 69%

Subscribe

About Video Workshops

Watch our experts build a piece of furniture step-by-step on video and download a detailed project plan so you can build along.

If you're looking for a new woodworking project, try one of our video workshops. These are complete, online courses taught by some of the best woodworkers in the country, and include companion articles, project plans, and step-by-step video instruction.

View All Video Workshops

Video Workshops

View All
  • Turned wall shelf

    In this bite-sized video series, you'll see how Mark Gardner creates these stylish shelves that look harder to build than they are. 

  • Restoring vintage handplanes with Roland Johnson

    Woodworking expert Roland Johnson teaches you how to tear down and rebuild three classic handplanes.

  • Shaker candle stand with Christian Beckvoort

    He’s built dozens of round Shaker stands over four decades, so there is no one more qualified than Christian Becksvoort to demonstrate making this classic. In this seven-part video series,…

  • Contemporary stool with a woven Danish cord seat

    From joinery to parts shaping, soap finish to seat weaving, David Johnson builds a Danish-inspired stool from start to finish in a five-part series.

  • Start Woodworking: Small step stool

    Built of walnut, this elegant step stool offers beginner woodworkers some great lessons in joinery that can be easily incorporated into larger projects as their skills progress. In this Video…

  • The fundamentals of using hide glue with Patrick Edwards

    The traditional glue pot disappeared from woodshops and trade schools soon after World War I when synthetic adhesives took over, leaving later generations of woodworkers to learn this secret of…

  • Hanging Wall Cabinet with Mike Pekovich

    I teach quite a bit and this wall cabinet is probably one of my favorite things to teach. It's not that big of a piece, but it packs in a…

  • A perfect French polish finish

    In this video series, professional finisher John Coffey demonstrates the French polishing method he’s perfected after 30 years of finishing new pieces and refinishing priceless antiques.

  • Bob Van Dyke's Sharpening Series

    Bob Van Dkye The founder and director of the Connecticut Valley School of Woodworking answers questions from readers about keeping hand-tool blades sharp–with demonstrations and explanations of time-saving techniques.

  • Start Woodworking Season 2

    Welcome to the online series “Getting Started in Woodworking,” a multi-step program designed to guide you through the basics of woodworking and furniture making. No matter what drew you to…

  • Danish Modern Desk with Tim Rousseau

    Tim Rousseau’s modern desk might look simple, but a lot goes into making such an elegant piece. While Tim tackles this project with a pro’s perspective using tools found in…

  • Start Woodworking Season 1

    Welcome to the online series “Getting Started in Woodworking,” a multi-step program designed to guide you through the basics of woodworking and furniture making. No matter what drew you to…

  • The Learning Curve: Turning For Furniture Makers

    If you're like Anissa and Ben, and have little to no experience turning, David Douyard will give you the knowledge and confidence to head out to the shop and give…

  • Enfield Cupboard with Hand Tools featuring Chris Gochnour

    Using only hand tools, Chris Gochnour builds a Shaker classic that is as solidly constructed as it is beautiful.

  • Router Table Fundamentals with Bob Van Dyke

    How to Use a Router Table A router in a table is often simpler and more stable to use than a handheld router. Whether you choose a basic MDF square…

  • Machine Setup with Matt Wajda and Ellen Kaspern

    A well-tuned machine makes woodworking safer and more accurate, and makes your shop time more enjoyable

  • prev
    next
View All

Up Next

Featured Workshop

a diagram of a round Shaker stand and an image or a round Shaker stand

Shaker candle stand with Christian Beckvoort

He’s built dozens of round Shaker stands over four decades, so there is no one more qualified than Christian Becksvoort to demonstrate making this classic. In this seven-part video series,…

Featured Projects & Plans

Build a Contemporary Sideboard

Chris Gochnour's sideboard combines usefulness, strength, and beauty in a contemporary case piece

Related Stories

  • Michael Fortune's unconventional vises

  • Expand your workholding with a spoon mule

  • Video: How to Use a Spoon Mule for Greenwood Carving

  • Don't build a new workbench

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Member Exclusives

More Member Exclusives
  • Michael Fortune's unconventional vises

    His work is anything but traditional, so it’s no surprise that he also uses unconventional workholding tools.

  • Expand your workholding with a spoon mule

    Dawson Moore's spoon mule clamps workpieces low and from the sides, making it perfect for narrow parts, spoon bowls, and other workpieces.

  • All-in-one workstation for dovetails

    Mike Pekovich's simple stand holds the work for every step of the dovetailing process.

  • Gentleman's Tool Chest

    An avid tool collector builds a chest for his favorite antique tools based on The Gent's tool chest, originally sold by Hammacher Schlemmer.

Highlights

  • Shape Your Skills

    when you sign up for our emails

    Plus tips, advice, and special offers from Fine Woodworking.

    Sign Up
  • Shop Talk Live Podcast

    Shop Talk Live Podcast

    Our biweekly podcast allows editors, authors, and special guests to answer your woodworking questions and connect with the online woodworking community.

  • Woodpecker Sweepstakes

    Woodpeckers Shop Upgrade Giveaway

    Enter now for your chance to win more than $2,000 worth of woodworking equipment from Woodpeckers. Click for full details.

  • Staff Picks Blog

    Our favorite articles and videos

    We have created these special content collections organized to give you a deep dive into a range of topics that matter.

Workbenches

View All
  • Video: How to Use a Spoon Mule for Greenwood Carving

  • Don't build a new workbench

  • Twin screws for everyone!

  • Sheet Goods Table with Built-in Panel Lifter

View All

From the Store

View More
  • Foundations of Woodworking

    Buy Now
  • Complete Illustrated Guide to Woodworking USB

    Buy Now
  • The Why & How of Woodworking

    Buy Now
  • Tool Guide 2022

    Buy Now
  • prev
    next
View More

Get the latest from Fine Woodworking Magazine

  • #292-NOV/DEC 2021

    • Kerf-bent wall cabinet
    • Online extras from FWW issue #292
    • How to tame curved parts with patterns
  • #291-Sep/Oct 2021

    • Build a modern coffee table
    • Online Extras from FWW Issue #291
    • Editor's Letter: Something old, something new
  • #290-July/Aug 2021

    • Build a Shaker chest of drawers
    • Online Extras from FWW Issue #290
    • From the editor: What we make matters
  • #289-May/June 2021

    • Arts & Crafts Coffee Table with Story-Book Charm
    • Links from Fine Woodworking issue #289
    • Step-by-Step Guide to Tuning Your Block Plane
  • #288-Mar/Apr 2021

    • Phil Lowe: A craftsman and gentleman
    • Online Extras from FWW Issue #288
    • Phil Lowe: craftsman, teacher, friend

UNLIMITED membership - Get access to it all

Start Free Trial Upgrade Membership

Fine WoodWorking

Follow

Newsletter

Get woodworking tips, expert advice and special offers in your inbox

Sign Up

Membership & Magazine

  • Members
  • Digital Libraries
  • Join Unlimited
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Manage Preferences

Taunton Network

  • Fine Homebuilding
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Fine Gardening
  • Threads
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Privacy Policy
  • Careers
  • Copyright
  • Terms of Use
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights
  • Site Map

© 2021 The Taunton Press, Inc. All rights reserved.

Get step-by-step instructions, woodworking tips, expert advice and special offers in your inbox. Sign Up Now!

    Main Menu

  • Projects and Plans
  • How-To
  • Shop Tips
  • Tools & Materials
  • Videos
  • Gallery
  • Magazine
  • Video Workshops
  • Members
  • Forum

    Popular Topics

  • Design
  • Small Projects
  • Beds
  • Chairs, Benches And Stools
  • Built-ins
  • Storage And Shelves
  • Cabinets
  • Carving
  • Casework
  • Desks
  • Tables
  • Shop Storage And Furniture
  • Woodturning Projects
  • Workbenches
  • Surface Prep

    More

  • TV
  • Forum
  • Blogs
  • Webinars
  • Podcasts
  • Customer Support

    Account

  • Log In
  • Join

    Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Digital Libraries
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe

    Membership

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Unlimited
  • Log In

    Shop the Store

  • Books
  • DVDs
  • Taunton Workshops

    Events

  • Fine Woodworking Live
  • Fine Woodworking HANDS ON

    Account

  • Log In
  • Sign Up

Newsletter

Get woodworking tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Sign Up

Follow

UNLIMITED

Become an UNLIMITED member and get it all: searchable online archive of every issue, how-to videos, Complete Illustrated Guide to Woodworking digital series, print magazine, e-newsletter, and more.

Start Your Free Trial

Upgrade Membership

Please review our updated Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. By using our websites and services, and transacting business with us, you are agreeing to these new policies and terms.

X