I regularly get asked “Joshua, can you recommend a workbench that is affordable, sturdy, portable, and easy to build?”

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I used to laugh at the requests. But I recently discovered a historical 18th century workbench that was resurrected from the past by Will Myers, an instructor at Roy Underhill’s The Woodwright’s School in Pittsboro, North Carolina. The old Workbench is part of the Moravian collection at Old Salem, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

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Will and I wanted to make an easy step-by-step video (based on his class and his article) so that anyone can build this workbench with hand tools. And we did it!

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We just finished filming the DVD: “Building the Portable Moravian Workbench with Will Myers” at Roy Underhill’s school…thanks Roy! (Click here to purchase the DVD or digital download).

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In the video we share very detailed instruction, which will help you to become proficient in using hand tools. It’s packed with skills and tips! This could even be a first project for beginners.

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Bill Anderson even showed up to lend a helping hand…thanks Bill!

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The video at the top of this page shows how quickly the Moravian workbench can be assembled. It’s especially a great workbench for people who live in small spaces (like a city apartment or a basement) or for people who will be doing on-site woodworking.

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The video will be published by Popular Woodworking Magazine in a month or two, but you can currently get on the notification list (to be emailed when it’s released) right here. If you’re interested in free plans and resources (like the vises) click here.

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Below are some fun photographs that I took during our video shoot…comment below and let me know what you think!

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This device is an ingenious tail vise built by Will Myers. He takes special orders, so contact me here if you’re interested in ordering one for your workbench.

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If you’ve built a Moravian Workbench, contact me and I can post a photo of your workbench on Wood And Shop!

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Below are some photos of the original portable Moravian Workbench (at Old Salem, North Carolina) that inspired Will Myers’ workbench.

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In the DVD you will see a tour we took of the workbench warehouse at Old Salem, and you can learn more about the history of the Moravian Workbench.

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CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO JOSHUA’S FUTURE ARTICLES & VIDEOS!

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Aina2
aina2
January 6, 2015 12:28 pm

muy bonito e interesante este sitio ami tambien me gusta la carpinteria
saludos desde tarragona spain

Mvflaim Furnituremaker
January 6, 2015 7:38 pm

That’s fantastic!

Joseph
Joseph
January 6, 2015 9:41 pm

Great website Joshua! This is an amazing resource for the beginning woodworker, thank you.

Andy
andy
January 7, 2015 12:20 pm

This bench looks so awesome! How sturdy is the bench Josh? Is the top thick enough to use hold fasts? I wish I could see it in action. Can’t wait too see the how to video!

Andy
andy
January 7, 2015 2:07 pm

Thanks Joshua! I love your website! It’s my go to buyers guide, and your videos are awesome! I have a few hand tools now, I’m looking forward to building a bench and getting started! But first I must read Christopher Schwarz book ” Workbenches: from design and theory to construction and use”

Eric Wilcox
Eric Wilcox
January 7, 2015 6:17 pm

This bench looks like a very practical solution for my small shop. No offense, but will the video and plans translate well if I use power tools instead?

Bill
January 8, 2015 12:10 am

Joshua, I just discovered your site recently and have been really enjoying it. The content is just terrific.

Can you give some information on the wagon vise Will has on there?

Thanks, Bill

Swanz
swanz
January 31, 2015 11:26 am

I need to build my first real bench. This one seems doable. I like the fact that it doesn’t have a big gaping hole through the leg to accommodate the leg vice screw like the roubo does. I know it doesn’t affect the roubo bench performance, but it just looks wrong to me. LOL!
I just discovered your site and it’s now one of my favorites for teaching the basics to beginning wannabees like myself.

Heather
Heather
February 3, 2015 7:42 am

Hello,

seems like a great design, I like the video where it is shown how to assemble the bench in very little time. I am anxious about the wooden thread, though! Last time I checked a wood thread cutter for this size costs about as much as a complete workbench from Sjöbergs.

Be safe

Heather

Alex Lemon
alex lemon
July 11, 2017 3:48 pm

how can i order the download of this video?

Alexander
Alexander
October 1, 2018 4:03 am

Good day! I liked what you are doing. especially liked the workbench. I also like to work with wood, but the possibilities are small. There is no decent workbench. And without it, there is not much that can be done. And places where it is not made. I have a workbench, but it is very primitive. How much will your product cost, if I order it for myself?

Eric
Eric
December 16, 2018 6:34 pm

Josh, the link to download the video isn’t working…don’t know if you are aware…I’m looking to buy the down load on how to build the work bench…

Marcus Kastner
Marcus Kastner
October 14, 2020 10:51 pm

Hi Joshua, I ordered and loved the DVD and am in the process of refurbishing some vintage tools so I can get building thanks to your awesome buying guide. In the DVD Will says that there was a resource of information on how to go from 2″x12″ boards to the correct dimensions and I am having quite the time finding that information. If you could help I would be very appreciative.

Mike Jasper
mike jasper
January 12, 2021 8:28 am

Have given the dvd order info to my wife to get me for birthday. But I am guessing you build a right handed version in the DVD. What can I do to make it a left hand version once I get going this spring. Old man young woodworker.

Thomas
Thomas
February 15, 2023 1:35 pm

Hi, I bought the premium plans for the Moravian work bench. I will start building it soon. I am definitely in buying your tail vise and also wanted to know where I can the big vise you use. I also need to choose what wood to use. I am thinking Douglas fir or oak. What did you use? Thank you

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