Roubo Workbench

The project that’s been waiting three years. A proper woodworking bench in the André Roubo tradition - thick top, solid legs, built to last generations.

Why Roubo

A workbench isn’t furniture. It’s a tool. The Roubo design has survived centuries because it works: massive top that doesn’t move, legs that can take a beating, and a design that lets you clamp work from any angle.

Plus, building a workbench with hand tools is the ultimate Woodworking bootstrap problem. You need a bench to build things… so you build a bench without one.

Current Status

In Progress - 3 years and counting

The major laminations are done. Tops went to a mill a few months ago to plane the faces flat. Now it’s joinery time.

The Roadmap

Phase 1: Prep

• Check wood glue supply (might need more)
• Square up the tops

Phase 2: Leg Joinery

• Cut joinery on legs (3 vigas laminated together per leg)
• Cut mortises in legs for short stretchers
• Cut mortises in legs for long stretchers

Phase 3: Stretchers

• Make tenons on short stretchers
• Make tenons on long stretchers
• Fit stretchers to legs (test assembly)
• Design wedge system for long stretchers (knockdown joint for disassembly)

Phase 4: Top Attachment

• Decide attachment method:
  • Option A: Underscrew setup
  • Option B: Dado
  • Option C: Sliding dovetail
• Cut joinery for top attachment
• Test fit top to base

Phase 5: Split Top

• Drill/route channels in the board that sits in the split top
• Fit and adjust

Phase 6: Hardware

• Source leg vise hardware
• Source tail vise hardware (or design wooden alternative)
• Install vises

Phase 7: Done

• Apply finish (or leave raw?)
• Move to shop
• Actually use it to build things

Materials on Hand

• Tops: Laminated ✓, planed flat ✓
• Legs: 3 vigas glued per leg ✓
• Stretcher stock: Need to verify
• Wood glue: Check supply

Design Decisions Still Open

Top attachment: Underscrews are easiest but least elegant. Sliding dovetails are the traditional flex. Dados are a middle ground. Need to decide based on tools available and patience level.

Knockdown joinery: Long stretchers with wedged tenons means the bench can be disassembled for transport. Smart given it’s being built at grandma’s farm but will live elsewhere.

The Unlock

This bench unlocks everything:

• Shop setup becomes possible
• Future Woodworking projects have a proper work surface
• Custom bass build can begin
• Chevette might need wood jigs

Three years of chicken-egg dependency, solved with mortises and tenons.

Related

• Woodworking - The broader hobby
• Ongoing Projects - Where this has been waiting
• Maker - Part of the maker journey