The author does like to kzread.infoUgkxkNYRBJuiJ6EwD-tQSAlxg0eFKsnR2cgz from scratch, shaping and trimming wood from large blocks into fine finished products. As another reviewer mentioned, most projects require a lot of high-dollar equipment that most of us don’t have the room or budget for. But, knowing how to do these things, even if we won’t be able to practice the full stack project, is still great.

This is a pretty solid little workbench. While once you figure out how it comes together, it is physically Easy to assemble kzread.infoUgkxyFZUPFEey-PuqsPMxqaykBhgA1LWxFHh by yourself. But the diagrams explaining the steps are really pretty bad. I could not get the handle pins in all the way despite multiple attempts, so I just used a screw I had on hand for the 2nd handle. I could not get the first pin in further or pull it back out. You are supposed to hammer it in, but I had no leverage and the handle is plastic and I did not want to risk breaking it. I will get a lot of use out of the bench because of the convenient size and height. It does fold up nicely for storage. They even explain how to fold it so you don't get pinched...that is important!

This channel is underrated. There is always something refreshing in your posts. Jean, you are up there with John Heisz, Matthias Wandel, etc. Ingenious but simple design.

Brilliant. Rebuilding my entire work bench system (2 large rolling benches with lots of things attached) to be more modular but connect together for workspace, outfeed, etc. and this is exactly what I'll do! Especially with some flip tops, I can have more work space when needed.

I designed a similar system for my garage using 4 benches 600mm x 1200mm made from 4080 aluminium profile. I 3d printed tapered male and female fittings that house strong magnets that pull the benches together, and also locate the bench against a wall.

Very cool and easy idea. Looking forward to the work bench. my thoughts on the locking: I would like to see a sliding latch bolt instead of the toggles. something built in the trim piece that can be slid into a corresponding piece. expanded: I see a trim piece that is halved, routered out and a dowel length enclosed. the dowel would have handle coming through the face of the trim piece along a routered out course allowing for a dual sided locking (left and right). An encased bolt latch. This would also allow a third bench to use the same mechanism as the female part. if the bolt is slid to the left than the void left can be used by another bolt. (DM for more details if need be). For a positive lock, the bolt and routered grove can have a ball bearing catch. easy to apply force to unlock the bolt latch but positive enough to keep the bolt latch in place. more detail or drawing can be provided if need be. I'm not a wood worker just have an engineering mind. I work in LEGO. lol cheers!

Just ran across this, what an outstanding, creative solution. I'll use it with my modular work station!

To make these fully modular on any side, using square modular trolleys, I'd consider moving the pipes slightly closer to the center, leaving room to recess a slimmer profile latching mechanism into each corner, while also alternating in the same fashion as the pipes. This would enable all sides to be connected since the latches would not protrude and interfere with any side connecting flush with another. Using the latches on the side would be preferred over moving them to the bottom since accessing the the bottom may be inconvenient with certain modules. I'd also consider moving the entire alignment mechanism down just enough for the inevitable miter saw module or any other module with a mounting surface lower than the work surface. Looking forward to more from you on this modular work bench.

Toggle latches are good because they pull the pieces together tightly and lock in position securely. You also did what I'm doing. I'm putting french cleats in my shed and making holders for the items everything is being made out of wood that's not great but by using these and moving the holders I get great ideas for more suitable spaces between cleats and making holders lighter and more effective for use and design of the holders and adding items or removing them from holders and the layout that suits sizes and shapes of holders and suit me for me needs and frequency of uses and storage holders for spare parts to each tool I get. Because usually I have the spare parts for so long and moving them around the shed I end up forgetting what they are off of. Great video and great idea you have with these locking extensions as the extensions would be ideal for making storage areas for stare parts so you don't need to be lifting them with the tool and holder every time you want to relocate items. Fantastic and brilliant idea you have and it keeps the spare parts all in one place and out of the way

Very nicely done, and, as far as I know, completely unique. The use of the round pipe to pull your surfaces into alignment is brilliant engineering. Your solution is simple and will probably be extremely reliable. It shows that you've thought about this for a long time. Also, the extensions quickly added not only surface area but temporary storage volume. Very nice. My prediction is we will see many KZreadrs copying and refining your ideas. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. One suggestion came to mind as I watched. Drill all your pipe before you cut it to length. I think it would be much easier to handle.

@zapa1pnt

Жыл бұрын

"One suggestion came to mind as I watched. Drill all your pipe before you cut it to length. I think it would be much easier to handle." When I first read this, I thought, "Oh yeah, that's a great idea." Then I thought, "But it would be difficult, to keep the holes aligned." After another sip of tea and a couple more brain cells woke up, I realized, they don't have to be aligned, because they are individual pieces. 🤪🤔😵‍💫 I think I watch this stuff way too early.🥴

Hi, At first I thought it was a lot of effort for little result. It wasn't until you added the extra parts that I saw the functionality of your system. Simple system with maximum results. Very well done, but I'm used to that, from you. Willy from Belgium.

Oh man, I smell some shop greatness coming. Very cool idea and love the simplicity of it

Very flexible system, great engineerung and simple design. Well done & thanks, I am sure many others will benefit from this! From CPT!

I'm gonna agree with all the other comments and say the alignment system is a great idea! I will definitely make note of this!

I have to say, I for one have never seen this approach to alignment of benches or anything, it's unique and a brilliant idea! Are you sure your not a rocket engineer playing a YTuber... 🙂 You might want to set the latches as positive and negatives also that way it does not mater there orientation either when you add them for the blanks etc... Oh Look, you made a place for a trash can... 🤣 BTW I say "function over form", if it works looks are not everything. When I made things for the shop out of wood, it never got more than a sanding and linseed oil. 40 years later it still functions and has several coats of oil... LOL I like the idea, if the tool is facing the wrong way, just spin the box and there you go... Truly outstanding! This is going to be awesome! Thanks! LLAP 🖖

That’s a crafters dream!!! I don’t k ow how many times sewing I needed the extra room!!!

Hey Jean, more of a general comment/suggestion. I love what you’re doing, and over the years both in SA & the UK having had to make do with various sheds, single garages, etc had a lot of the issues you are overcoming. I’m in the process of building a workshop, a small section of which will be my woodworking shop eventually, actually smaller than a single garage at about 3.5x4.5m. Can I suggest that you you occasionally do a “shop tour” video to contextualise the various things you have. I have watched all you videos and there are many great ideas, but it would be good to show them brought together and can be a form of catalogue/index for your other videos. All the best, Craig

@WoodshopJunkies

Жыл бұрын

Hey, Craig. Sure thing. I'm sure I can squeeze something in at some point.

Crazy how you come to expect great things out of people when they keep delivering. I feel like the inspector in ratatouille when asked what he wanted after his perspective in life was flipped on his head. Anyway, yes the toggle latches work, and are a great alternative for starters, but if the aligning pipe was to be fitted with a sort of a cam on one side and short 1” shaft on the other that you push in and with a 1/4 turn align and lock at the same time that would be great. I leave your great mind to think of the details of such a mechanism. But it would likely entail two pipes from different trolleys meeting and locking together. So your pipes anchoring method would have to be slightly beefier to withstand the repeated cam locking forces. If limited within the marrying cylinders/pipes, it can minimize the fatigue and locking and unlocking. Keep up the good work, and don’t let Milwaukee buy you out.

Ingenious! Maybe make the "sides" of the table top overhang? Both to "cover" the latches (whatever you decide for a final solution) and to provide a clamping surface. Just a thought. Thanks for your time and sharing such a great idea/solution!

That is such a good idea, I have a saying "steal with pride". I am definitely going to do that on this.

Absolutely brilliant!!! All other YTers will be using it or coming up with alternatives. Makes modular workstations into large benches, extended tables or can make main benches with modular moving tablesaws, routers tables or planers into main bench and hook up to one dust collector. The combination and uses are endless. My workshop is in my basement, but when pieces get too big, it’s tough to move out and complete in my garage. I can create many of those tables and bring everything outside for large projects or when I’d rather sand or spray in the fresh open air.

Make your live easier: Use a Prozidrive (PZ) Screwdriver for those sheetgood-screews. Longer screw live, easier screwing. Nice system you came up with. Love to see future progress.

I was going to say neodymium magnets, simple, effective way to connect the two carts. Then wow, the leafs are genius. Definitely going to incorporate into by similar carts. 👍

@karenmitchell6814

Жыл бұрын

I was going to suggest the same but he is using aluminum pipe. He would have to switch to steel or iron pipe to use magnets.

Toggles : build out the front and back banding and then rout out a pocket to mount the latches into - this avoids you catching yourself on them as you move around the linked - or unlinked - modules. Excellent proof of concept - cannot wait to see finished item. (looking for a soluiton for my daughter's garage which has to be able to break down....you may have solved my problem right here!!

About to move into a smaller house and losing space for my work bench, so this idea is great for my new smaller space. Thank you and great timing!

Very clever design and looking forward for the next video! I feel like there could be improvement to the design though, but the prototype is very promising. My first thoughts are these 2; put one locking caster on each of the benches and put strong magnets in the recesses where there are no pipes. This way, the magnets would "attach" the benches without the need for latches, and if they aren't strong enough for a specific job, you can lock the caster and then you don't need the latches.

Simple but excellent idea. One change I’d suggest is neodymium magnets instead of the clasps

I was beginning to think you had closed Woodshop Junkies down as it seemed a long time since your last post. The modular bench is always a great idea and your latching/alignment system sounds and looks a fantastic way to give you a solid but flexible bench for all occasions. I can't wait for version two. 😄

You were my first inspiration to take up woodworking. Thank you so much and keep it up. Good luck!

I'm in the process of redoing my workbench and was planning on these clips, but the pipes are really interesting, didn't consider this. Thanks for the additional tip and confirming my idea wasn't the worst out there !

this is a great idea! one thing i would change is replace the lower alignment mechanism with a french clit. it will prevent bending over to lock and there won't be anythung that can be damaged like the latches.

Brilliant....... bloody brilliant! If you put the connectors on all four sides and make the units a rectangular size - i.e. 2x1.....you could add 3 of them to create a 2x3 arrangement and in any arrangement that made sense at the time. The latches would obviously need to be rebated - but that's simples 🙂

Dude! No way i'm not adopting this for my garage

Brilliant. Probably my favourite channel now, always enjoy the videos, the content is original and you're yet to succumb to the sort of algorithm chasing many others do. Good luck in going full time, purchasing a t-shirt as a means of showing my support as I type...

Can't believe the big workbench is 4 years old - it's what brought me to the channel in the first place! But this alignment idea is fantastic; simple, efficient and easy to reproduce on multiple pieces. I think the toggle catches work well for smaller pieces, but for the bigger workbench or somewhere you could snag yourself on the catch and potentially pop it open, a recessed latch would be the better option if you can source them at a fair price. Either way, it's a great idea and thank you for sharing it with us all.

I'm not sure how much it would really help functionally, but if it's possible in the design of your workbench, I would consider putting the mdf on top of the alignment trim pieces. That way when you put the sections together, they will only have one seam between them instead of three. It would look very clean - much like your current workbench top. Love this idea though. And very excited for the Workbench 2.0!!

I can't wait for you to make the plans available for your modular bench(es)!!!!

This is awesome. Others have described it well so I just want to help with the algorithm.

This makes me want to strip out my workshop and start again, fantastic job

This is so cool. It's perfectly simple and functional. Well done.

Great build idea! I like how you casually just sat on the cabinet to show the strength in those extensions!

I attempted something similar for my first bench about... 4 or 5 years ago? I used big magnets instead. Probably would have worked out better if I was a better wood worker at the time. That way it could be a big square, or turn one on its end to be long out feed. The magnets would have worked out better, had I been more accurate with their placement. The latch option you went with would probably be more secure though. In my shop, I'd have a couple issues with this design. I'm clumsy... And I'd snag clothes on those exposed latches. Also... My garage floor is so horribly unlevel, that this design would wrack and twist without leveling feet. If it works for you, I'd keep rolling with it. I love your brilliance! Keep it up!

Like the idea, one spanner, though. The fact that the latches are proud of the edge constrain the option of joining front and back. Mounting the latches on the edges (top-bottom, bottom top) of the trim would allow that option. Channel is great

Cracking idea Jean when you start the build of your workbench 2.0 it might also be a good idea to start doing the design plans for it too. I can see a lot of people who will want to purchase the plan's from you. As always buddy 💯% 👍 🇬🇧.

Your design skills are exemplary. Yours is one channel that keeps on surprising us with your originality. And, your skill in an accurate measure bests the best of us. Well done.

I build the WoodSmith Roll-Around Shop Cart and Multipurpose Cart. Favorite advantages about two smaller assembly tables are, spanning between for long projects, more edge to clamp, storage you can access from all sides, can move them through walkways to bring wood to the tools. I can combine those two carts with my 2x5.75 out feed table too. WoodSmith also has a twin cart design using hasps like you did. They mount them under and use a hinge on one side so the drawbridge is attached to one cart. They call it their: Multifunction Shop Carts

This is a idea for my own place, that's as small as 2x2.5m. It makes it a lot more compact.

Ingenious solution. I can see it being useful for (eg) model railway exhibitions where accuracy and speed of assembly are important.

Ok, this is the best solution I have seen until now. I am going to try this as well. I will find a way to send some money your way.

You are a true craftsman.

First time here, and now a new sub from Denmark. "If you don't know, now you know!" is what Trevor Noah so often says, and this saying is so true for me right now. 👍👍👍 These trolleys solve all the problems I've had about how to make my old shed turning into a tiny workshop (2.5 x 3 m) and with a carport right outside the sliding door, perfect as an extended workplace, work, without having workbenches/tools taking up space in the carport when I'm not working there. And making and easily rolling and connecting these custom-made trolleys in the shed as well as outside in the carport when needed, and making the perfect workbenches depending on what tools I'll need and what project I'm working with, wow, this solution here will just be perfect for me too! 👍👍👍 I've seen a few amazing modular workbenches here on youtube, but they were either too expensive and/or way too complicated for me, as a new woodworker, to build. Thank you so, so, so, so much! ❤ Until next time! 👍

Very clever Jean...I will definatley be using this ...when the workshop gets done !

I happened to come across your video by accident and I couldn’t be happier. I’ve a single garage converted workshop and it’s not got a perfect floor at all. This is just the project for all my of my needs. I have liked and subscribed and will be following from now on.

I think that works great for a linear series of benches (all in a line; you have a 1x3 setup), but you would have issues working in the secondary dimension to create a bench that would allow you to have 2x3, 3x4, etc. A locking mechanism that would allow you to access from the top maybe? Something like the Lamello Zeta P2 toggle clamp, locked by a hex key from the top, perhaps? The tool is expensive, but something like that toggle connection would be nice.

If you move the toggle latches to the bottoms of the trim pieces, then you could lock components together on all four sides at the same time, and the latches won't interfere.

Another great Video Jean. I have been following along for 2 years now and watched most of the videos leading up to here. My opinion for what it is worth, which is not much. Shop tools have to function repetitively, consistently, simply & quickly. I believe you have a great system here. Looking forward to the next installment.

I think the toggle latches are fairly smart honestly... That being sad you do have other options window closures... Ratcheting latches.... But the thing about what you chose is there convenient their cheap their readily available... And I don't think they look bad. The thing about your projects are even though they are made out of lower quality stuff occasionally because we don't want to spend money on that particular item more than we have to You make it so well. You make it look good you make it look like a million bucks bro

What about a French cleat idea for the alignment instead of the pipe. Keep up the great content, its videos like yours that keep me coming back for more.

Fantastic!....I admire your ingenuity and the outcome of your projects!

As often is the case, you have outdone yourself again. absolutely great concept.

I think the toggle latches are fine for a workshop application, cheap, easy to install and easy to reach. Function over form for shop furniture for sure! Great work as always.

@rafalmag

Жыл бұрын

Toggle latches should be good, but as they come in less unified way, to make it true modular all needs to be the same. Buy extra ones for future projects, so the new extensions would be compatible.

I think you should keep on what you're doing. Because you are so talented; your ideas always makes things better. And interesting. Thank you kind Sir for sharing your talents with us.

That's brilliant, only thing I would change is trying to mount the latches under somehow so not only can they be joined side on side but maybe fronts and backs too

@WoodshopJunkies

Жыл бұрын

For the bench this will be a requirement so I will have to consider different mounting positions or different locking mechanisms.

@geocodejunkie

Жыл бұрын

I was thinking the same thing. Someway to mount the latches under the trim or below the trim strip.

@williamhdixon

Жыл бұрын

I was thinking the same thing, and I agree. You need to be able to join 4 units into a big cube.

I'm building a similar modular bench system using toggle latches. I thought about including alignment pins too, but my idea was to use round washers and a borehole of the same diameter on the connecting bench. It can be taken one step further by embedding a rare earth magnet into that bored hole, eliminating the need for toggle latches. This would make for an instant connection without additional hardware but with the obvious reduction in overall strength. But then again, rare earth magnets can be surprisingly strong if the tolerances are accounted for.

Excellent idea and I agree with Rick Pacheco below. The butterfly latch has a lower profile and can be recessed for a smoother finish.

Great concept. I've seen many modular workbench videos but they fail to address the top surface alignment. One suggestion I have is to use some sort of leveling for the legs. If you don't have a flat floor and you join two modules, you'll end up with a wobbly table

Ok. This is genius. I think for the big bench. You could use butterfly latches from a roadcase. They are super strong and low profile. (There are also recessed versions for flight cases available)

@mrsdjwildcat

Жыл бұрын

Yeah those type of latches would be perfect for heavier applications. Great idea!

@zapa1pnt

Жыл бұрын

That's a nice idea, but those things are about $10 each, for the cheap ones.

@benstrait333

Жыл бұрын

@@zapa1pnt there's a reason they're spendy, they're made to be latched and unlatched constantly without wearing out. Buy once, cry once 😉

@zapa1pnt

Жыл бұрын

@@benstrait333: Oh yeah Ben, I understand all that and for protecting thousands of dollars worth of equipment, as those travel cases are designed for, they are a must, but for this application and needing 4 per module, it is expenditure over kill.

@benstrait333

Жыл бұрын

@@zapa1pnt yeah, I can see that point too. I guess you'd have to decide how long you're going to keep the workbench and how often you're going to reconfigure it.

I made a pair of 2'x4' workbenches on casters and did a similar thing with the toggle clamps, to marry them together, but discovered that on uneven floors, there was too much play in the tops and they would not sit flush of each other. Your pipe solution perfectly addresses my issue. Simple and effective! Thank you.

Love the simplicity of the mechanisms!

This idea is sheer brilliance. It opens up so many possibilities in the workshop. I will definitely be trying this out in my workshop. 👍👍🇦🇺👍👍

Thank you. That was a perfect idea. I'm looking to make a modular workbench myself and this was the one component I was contemplating. Thanks for the idea. Subscribed!

Looks awesome. I have an MFT on a torsion box which attaches to a mobile base using toggle latches-plenty secure. Only snag for me with this design is that the toggles are proud of the surface and could snag on your work, clothes or a hose. If they could be recessed or mounted differently that would make the system awesome

That's a great design, as always your ideas are so simple but work so well. My current bench was based off your last all in one bench design. The only reason I would switch out the latch is if you find they get caught on clothing and material while your working in the small shop.

I love this! Having a small workspace can feel very daunting, but most of the modular designs I see are still quite large and clunky. This is such a smart, satisfying solution. Thanks!

Looking forward to seeing the new workbench build.

I love modular stuff. This is brilliant.

Your male/female alignment solution is great and yes a more low profile latch would be idea.

pretty awesome design, I would add an extra trim piece at the front and back to match the height from the toggle latches to prevent you from getting stuck when working at the workbench

I loved the idea of your original all-in-one station, but realistically my space wouldn't support that footprint on a daily basis. This modular concept is indeed a game changer, and I can't wait to see the finished product!

Looking forward to version 2!

Brilliant! Can't wait to see the bigger version. Though I bet you will want some sort of auto locking for the back side, instead if walking around bigger cabinets everytime you want to change up.

@hajot54

Жыл бұрын

That is an important point! For example, if you want to dock a mobile module to a stationary one that is backed directly against the wall. This is exactly the task that I would like to start next in my hobby workshop. On the left a longer workbench, and on the right a miter saw module and a module as a milling table, both of which should be mobile.

Great concept, and I think you could make it even more flexible in layout by putting folding brackets under the extensions you showed at the end of the video, allowing them to be attached at the end of a trolley, not just in between them.

Excellent! I will love to see the final pieces!

I think the latches you use are fine. Simple, quick to use and pulls the unit together nice and tight. Which is all that I’d want out of a modular system.

Excellent design. You have a knack for this.

GREAT job, I think you are on to something. My only suggestion would be to perhaps make the back "self locking" position so you only have to latch the front. OR may not be a problem. As stated in other comments, we will see this technique in other videos soon. Looking forward to the new plans. I have a Dewalt job site saw and there is NO infeed support so a modular one will do the trick! !! !!!

Absolutely genius. I also work out of a 1-car garage space and this is the solution I've been looking for. Well done!

TSO’s smart connect dogs might be a more elegant solution and combine alignment and locking into one process. Although you would need to consider room for turning the knobs underneath the work surface

Another genius idea! I love how your mind works

Have a look at Butterfly latches like those used on equipment roadcases. You can get a much tighter fit with those latches. Roadcases also have an aluminum tongue and groove system for meshing lids and whatnot. It probably won't work for you but could inspire some more ideas.

Great concept, keep it up. I would probably ditch the extensions in the center if overall tap flatness was important. Having them separate will allow them to come out of square relative to the side cabinets.

I Love the simplicity, functionality, clean lines. Looking forward to seeing the bench. I'll be taking notes!!

As always, your designs and engineering are brilliant! I want to be you when I grow up. I mean, I'm much older than you, but I'm constantly being told to grow up.

Loving the new workbench I would worry about catching the locking gadget

Awesome and simple! I prefer a single-unit, large workbench myself, and my floor is sloping 1-2cm per metre so alining tables is aweful. But I would like an easy way to extend my bench sometimes (mainly when ripping plywood, since my bench is 80cm wide and I’d like support under the full 120cm sheet and preferably not cutting into my darling work surface). This might be a great way to align an overhanging side surface.

Great idea. For the latches, they make a heavy duty one that is used for shipping crates. Even the two trollies you made there are definitely useable.

Jean "Please suggest anything I can do to make my workbench any better"....ME: "Sereiously dude, I'm just trying to keep up with the intelligent simplicity of it all!!!" Looks awesome!!!

i have always thought of a design like this but seeing it irl is really quite cool

Just brilliant, Jean! Fantastic work! 😃 I think the rectangular option would work even better, but it's more than enough this way! Anyway, stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

I love the trolleys!!! Those would be so helpful!!