Thread: VERY nice workbench

...yes, Guido Henn is a very talented woodworker.
He makes some unbelievably simple yet very effective pieces.
I always tune into the Holzwerken .

Brilliant piece of work.
I think I can get some great ideas from that episode. - Thanks for the link

Looking at the shelving behind him, is there any Festool tool that he doesn't have or is he just really, really into systainers?

Maybe he's a self con-FESSTOOL addict?

Awesome set up but oohh the cost, the mind boggles

I'm going to build one shortly.....well in a couple of months. I've got the two copies of the magazine.

I don’t see why you'd think it’s expensive?

I'm going to use armour form ply - $150? a sheet (I cant recall the exact figure, already got it)

The vice is about $300

....then it just depends on what you already own. I needed to add the Incra plate and fence but I have the rest (except the flashy dogs and camps). Still looking for hardwood for the frame.

What does an "ordinary" bench cost?

He builds most of it with biscuits (sort of torsion box top). I'm going to use sliding dovetails instead - never done this before so hence the reason it’s a while until I start as I need to practice - I'm guessing long ones are a PITA

That is one fabulous and totally functional workbench! I always think that you need two of them though - or at least another smaller one - so that you don't have to interrupt the setup of one tool to do the next step (and repeat).

Wolfie - did you see the drill press setup? He has a similar (if not the same) drill as mine, but the press was simpler (and not Wabeco).

Elill - Myself and probably many others would be mightily interested in a WIP for your bench build. Are the magazines in Englisch? It looks like his Dog 'oles must be 3/4", but you'd think he's go 20mm in line with Festool. But then he couldn't use the Incra stuff. This is a bit of a dilemma for me, because in addition to that, 1/2" is also useful (e.g. HNT Gordon Tail Vise), and I currently have a 10mm system on my drill deck. By the time I was finished there'd be no top left! Then I'd only have to figure out where some square doggies could go.

I think he should be encouraged to release an English version of the Video - I got that the vice "ensured parallel" but that was about it.

I did like that he didn't go on a Festoolfest when demonstrating the bench.

Originally Posted by FenceFurniture

Elill - Myself and probably many others would be mightily interested in a WIP for your bench build.

Will do.....I'm going to need a hand I think.

It'll be my first work bench.....first things first, I need someone to drill the plate for my of 2200, I cant do this

Regarding the dog holes, yep they're 3/4". I've got myself a router bit to do them. Was thinking of having a tamplate made on a CNC that a copy ring will fit in - clamp it to the bench and off we do - perfectly aligned holes

I've not got any dogs at present, so I'll be happy with all round - no dilema there


No the mag isn't in english, but you can use google translate to fix that and the photos are excellent

Love it.

Don't you hate it when woodworking is so tidy and clean.

I love it. They must have done a deal with Veritas.

Regarding the dog holes, yep they're 3/4". I've got myself a router bit to do them. Was thinking of having a tamplate made on a CNC that a copy ring will fit in - clamp it to the bench and off we do - perfectly aligned holes

I too will build something similar in the future, but I will go with the 20mm dog holes as they are suited for the festool gear.
To rout those dog holes at exactly 96mm apart, inline, square etc, I will buy a Festool MFT, just the HDR melamine top ($160) to use as a template, easy as bro
Yea Brett, that's where I got the idea from and your post as well but the freight is a killa.
Everyone has been at Guido and Holzwerken to make an English version of all their vids and magazine, if they did, that would be one subscription I would gladly jump on.

Out of interest - what festool gear uses 20mm?

The MFT table dog holes are 20mm.
While Festool does not make dogs, a lot of aftermarket suppliers are jumping on the Festool bandwagon.
A few items like this one and this one and this one and lastly this one ,extremely useful and I'm sure a few more will follow. There's a lot of bux in the US Festool market to be made.
I just prefer to keep my options open.

Having track saw guide rails, MFS rails, gives me even more opportunities to do more on a MFT style table as long as I have a few more accessories.
20mm dogs in a 20mm hole gives for more accurate work especially when cutting sheet goods.
Yea I know, the green bug has bitten me, my choice.

I would hate to have that bench.

It is beautifully made. Very creative. Lots of clever work-holding ideas.

However, every time I wanted to do a different task it would require that the jig was dismantled and removed and another installed. For example, when I want a drill press I would rather use the one against the wall. What do I do with the pieces I am planing/chiseling/marking when I need to crosscut a stretcher? The bench has too many uses. It would demand that I am obsessively tidy, and I am not.

I don't mean to come over as negative or a smart ar#e, but this is not the best design, certainly not for handtool users, and there are many novices reading this thread that will be sold on it, and then later be disappointed.

If you are orientated to handtools, then read Chris Schwarz' books on bench design before you build this one. In addition, if you are starting out, build something simple and basic - not as complex at this bench - it may take you years before you know what you want in a bench, one that refects how you prefer to clamp pieces and work.

My previous bench was much modified over 18 years. And then I built a super one. Hopefully it will last another 18 years. It will never again be this clean!



Regards from Perth

Derek