Ultimate Shaker Workbench

By Michael Pekovich, Matt Kenney Oct 28, 2015

In this video Workshop, staffers Matt Kenney and Mike Pekovich turn to the Shakers for guidance while building this workbench. Follow along from start to finish for tips on building a rock-solid post-and-beam base, adding drawers to a workbench and installing a twin-screw vise

Produced by: Ed Pirnik; Video by: Gary Junken and Jeff Roos; Editing by: Cari Delahanty

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Videos in the Series

Introduction: Ultimate Shaker Workbench

October 28, 2015

Mike and Matt explain how the bench is constructed, from the big base to the top, vise, and the milk-painted drawers.
Episode 1: In Search of the Perfect Workbench

October 28, 2015

Join the guys for a trip to the Hancock Shaker Village where they learn about the history on the benches used in the shops there, and discuss which features of…
Episode 2: Drawbored Mortise-and-Tenon Joinery

October 28, 2015

Mike tackles the mortises with the help of a hollow-chisel mortiser, while Matt demonstrates two ways to cut tenons—one for the short stretchers and another for the long ones. He…
Episode 3: Beaded Panels

October 28, 2015

There’s more to the base than big parts and strong joints. There’s also some great-looking panels. To make way for them, Mike uses a dado set to cut grooves in…
Episode 4: Milk Paint and Base Glue-Up

October 28, 2015

Before the guys glue up the base, Matt paints the panels with milk paint, a traditional Shaker finish, and Mike makes some pegs for the drawbore joints. After the paint…
Episode 5: Benchtop and Vise

October 28, 2015

The benchtop is 3 in. thick. Mike and Matt show how to glue it up so that you have little or no flattening to do afterward. After that, Matt installs…
Episode 6: Web Frame Drawer Box

October 28, 2015

The guys team up to make a drawer box that fits into the base. The joinery is stress-free, and so is the assembly.
Episode 7: Dovetailed Drawers

October 28, 2015

There are 10 drawers in the base, and all of them are dovetailed. To get through the work more quickly, Mike and Matt use through-dovetails at all four corners. A…
Episode 8: Sliding Dead Man and Final Finish

October 28, 2015

Mike and Matt complete the bench, adding a sliding deadman—a versatile jig for supporting workpieces—and a coat of Danish oil.

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

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