If you’re looking for a small, mobile, budget-friendly and compact workbench that’s easy to build and surprisingly sturdy, I’ve got you covered. When I decided to start teaching in-person woodworking classes here at the shop, it quickly hit me: five students per class, three classes scheduled—and not nearly enough work surfaces for everyone.
That’s when I realized I needed to build some new workbenches. But not just any benches—I wanted something compact, storable, cost-effective, and quick to build (because I had to make four of them… fast). After some research and a whole lot of plywood, I came up with a design that checked all the boxes.
Why I Designed This Workbench
Storage space in my shop is always at a premium, so whatever I built had to be small enough to tuck away when not in use. I also wanted mobility so we could rearrange the space depending on what we were doing. And of course, it had to be something I could build multiple times without losing my mind (though I definitely tested that theory). The final design is simple, sturdy, and gets the job done—perfect for students or anyone working in a small space.
The Build Breakdown
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Plywood Base: I used laminated plywood for all the base components. It’s strong, heavy, and affordable—especially if you go with shop-grade material. Credit to Rob Cosman and the Purple Heart Project for the inspiration here.
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MDF Top: I went with three layers of 1″ MDF. It’s flat, stable, and cheap—perfect for a functional benchtop. You could absolutely use 3/4″ plywood (I recommend 4 layers) or solid wood (if you want an upgrade).
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Knockdown Design: This base comes apart using bolts and dowels, so it’s easy to disassemble and store. I only glued the dowels into the rails, which makes reassembly simple and consistent.
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Casters: I used workbench casters that are super easy to engage and disengage. With four of these benches rolling around the shop, that flexibility is a lifesaver.
Yes, I Splurged on the Vise
Okay, here’s the deal: Andy Klein’s Twin Turbo Vise costs more than the rest of the bench combined. But Andy’s a good friend, we worked out a deal, and honestly, I just wanted the students to have an awesome experience. A good vise can make or break your time at the bench. But don’t worry—you can absolutely use a different vise if you want.
I even have a coupon code if you do want to grab a Twin Turbo Vise: WHISPERER20 gets you 20% off vises at In-Kleind.com.
Building Tips and Real Talk
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Cut List Strategy: The plans I offer are designed to be material-efficient, but you don’t have to follow them to the letter. Cut your plywood down into manageable chunks and do your final rips at the table saw.
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Setup Blocks Are Your Friend: They make layout faster and more consistent than a tape measure.
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Be Strategic With Tools: If you don’t have a full-length track saw, no problem. Just plan your cuts based on what you do have.
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Hold-Downs Help: I used JessEm hold-downs for consistent, safe cuts. But feather boards or board buddies work too—or just go old-school and push carefully.
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Staple with Purpose: I used narrow crown staples to speed things up, but you need to plan ahead so you don’t accidentally drill or cut through them later.
Let’s be real: laminating all those plywood parts eight times over was a grind. I powered through with caffeine and mild existential dread, but it got done.
Assembly and Final Touches
Once the base was built, I rounded over the edges, drilled the bolt and dowel holes, and fitted everything together. For three of the benches, I used large dominoes instead of knockdown hardware because I knew they’d be staying assembled permanently.
Then it was on to the tops—three layers of MDF glued together. I used my vacuum press to save time, but you could use screws and clamps just as effectively. Once the tops were squared and attached, I installed the vises.
A Note on Stability
To install the Twin Turbo Vise, I needed a big overhang on the front. That’s not ideal—it means you can tip the bench forward with enough pressure. So I just tossed a dumbbell on the bottom shelf during class and that worked fine. But if you’re building one of these from scratch, consider adjusting the base to support the vise more directly and reduce that overhang.
Still to Come…
I didn’t have time to fully finish the benches before the classes started, but I do plan to:
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Add a bottom shelf
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Wipe on a protective finish
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Line the vise jaws with rubberized cork (I highly recommend the stuff Andy sells—it’s fantastic)
- Consider wrapping bench top with solid wood
Want to Build One?
You can grab the cut list and measurements at TWWStore.com. And if you want to dive deeper into workbenches, check out the two full workbench builds I offer in the Wood Whisperer Guild: the Split-Top Roubo (our most popular course), and the Hybrid Workbench, which blends high function with a smaller footprint.
Thanks for checking out the build! Hopefully it gives you some inspiration for your own shop setup.
Important Links:
- Use my code WHISPERER20 to get 20% off any Twin Turbo Vise at In-Kleind.com
- Pre-order the Tablesaw Cabinet Course
- Get the measurements and plans
- Split-Top Roubo Course
- Hybrid Workbench Course
- Learn more about the Bench Brigade
- Rich Hedman’s video on his workbench
Suff You’ll Need:
- Workbench Casters
- Cross Dowel Bolts
- 1/4-20 Tee Nuts
- 3/4″ WoodOwl Auger Bit
- Jessem Clear-Cut Guides
- Microjig GrrRipper
- Titebond Hide Glue
- Narrow Crown Stapler
- Glue Roller
- Woodpeckers Drill Guide
The post Small workshop? Tight budget? Here’s a workbench for you! appeared first on The Wood Whisperer.
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