How thick should a Roubo top be?

I know that Schwarz recommends 4″ in the Roubo plans, but folks have built them less, and if you have a solid 2.75″ top, it will be plenty sturdy.

What is Roubo bench?

The Split-Top Roubo Workbench is a modern twist on the classic Roubo design, inspired by Plate 11 of Andre Roubo’s L’Art du Menuisier. Whether you’re into hand tools, power tools, or both, this bench will serve all of your work-holding needs. This project is for the workbench only and does not include the cabinet.

Why did the top Roubo split?

Splitting the top into two pieces makes the task more manage- able. The gap is sized to be wide enough to accomodate a parallel- clamp head in order to hold work or cabinetry down to the top. This is a feature found on many modern work- benches.

How many board feet do I need for a Roubo bench?

220 board feet
Benchcrafted Split-Top Roubo Workbench: This package includes enough lumber (approximately 220 board feet) to build the ultimate heirloom workbench.

How much should a wooden workbench overhang?

Be sure your workbench top has an overhang of at least 4 inches on the front and the sides. You will discover this will come in very handy if you need to use larger adjustable clamps to hold something in a steady position while you glue, drill or sand the object.

What size plywood should I use for bench?

3/4″
The window bench sides are made of 3/4″ plywood. If the bench and sides are being painted, birch face plywood presents a smooth finish. The desired bench height is created by the dimensions of the bench sides. Screw the sides into 2X4 framing.

Are there any DIY plans for a Roubo Workbench?

It includes much about the history and theory of workbench design, plus plans for building two different styles of bench. For the DIY split top Roubo workbench plans by Benchcrafted (this is the one we’re building), see here. The plans are very high quality and easy to read.

Who is the author of the Roubo bench?

Author and bench historian Christopher Schwarz, who has re-popularized several classic bench designs of late, and most notably the Roubo, was also an influence through his research and writings. We built a version of Roubo’s German bench and it served as a platform from which the Split-Top Roubo was conceived.

How big is a split top Roubo bench top?

The Glide Leg Vise excells at working the edges of boards. The Split Top Roubo is constructed with massive components. The tops are 4″ thick by 87″ long. The legs are 3-1/2″ thick by 5-3/8″ wide with the remaining base elements 3″ thick and 1-3/4″ thick. The complete bench weighs upwards of 350 pounds.

Which is a distinguishing feature of the Roubo bench?

The distinguishing feature of Roubo’s German bench is the sliding leg vise. When we built our version we decided at the outset that the bench should have a sliding leg vise, just like the Roubo. This vise has one major ad- vantage. It excels at holding large or long workpieces very securely.