Workbench Cabinet

Marc Spagnuolo

Most workbenches feature a base that leaves a lot of open and unused space under the bench. My Split-Top Roubo has a shelf on the bottom that pretty much only serves as a place to collect junk. A much better solution is a custom-designed cabinet that gives me a place to store tools without getting in the way of bench's functional parts. While this unit is designed to fit the Split-Top Roubo, it isn't difficult to resize for any other workbench. This project is for the cabinet only. The Split-Top Roubo Workbench is a separate build available here.

Dimensions are 41 1/2" W x 22" D x 16" H

  • 12 lessons
  • 244 min
  • $79.00

Here's what we'll cover:

  1. Design Considerations

    Things we need to consider before building the cabinet.

  2. Case Panels

    The case panels are constructed.

  3. Box Joints

    Making big old box joints with a shop-made jig.

  4. Partitions & Back Panel

    Sliding dovetails are used to attach the partitions and the back panel is rabbeted.

  5. Case Assembly

    The assembly can be daunting, but we’ll take it one step at a time.

  6. Drawers

    Not your typical dovetailed drawers.

  7. Drawer Fronts & String Inlay

    The drawer fronts are moritsed for the hardware and string inlay is added just for funsies.

  8. Drawer Assembly & Slide Installation

    The drawers are assembled, fit, and then slides are attached.

  9. Door Construction

    Let’s make a mitered frame and panel door.

  10. Door Inlay & Keys

    Keys are added for strength and inlays are added for looks.

  11. Door Hanging

    Hinges and a magnetic stop are installed.

  12. Final Details

    The drawers and case get their final details and the finish is applied.

What will I receive?

  • Detailed cut list and plans including a PDF and a SketchUp file (Metric and Imperial) for the Workbench Cabinet only. You can purchase the Split-Top Roubo Workbench series here.
  • Hours of detailed video instruction showing every step of the build.
  • All videos and plans are digital and will be available for download upon purchase. 

What will I learn?

  • Split-Top Roubo Modifications
  • Panel Construction
  • Box Joints with a shop-made jig
  • Sliding Dovetails
  • Drawer Construction
  • String Inlay
  • Drawer Slide Installation
  • Flush Pull Installation
  • Mitered Frame and Panel Construction
  • Key Reinforcement
  • Hinge Mortising
  • Magnetic Door Stop Construction
  • Finishing

What will I need?

Wood

These are approximate numbers. You’ll want to buy more for waste and grain selection.

  • 36 Board Feed fo 4/4 Species 1 (Case & Drawer Fronts)
  • 12 Board Feet of 4/4 Species 2 (Drawer Sides/Back)
  • 1/4″ Plywood Species 1 ( Single sheet for Drawer Bottoms and Door Panel)
  • Maple or Holly String Inlay Stock

Hardware

Tools

Reviews:

I was excited to learn about the inlay line style in this project and was not disappointed. As a teacher myself, I’m impressed by Mark’s presentation as it’s always fun and clear. I’m going to watch all of these eventually.

Jolie Karno
Guild Member

Please do not be apprehensive on this project because it’s labeled “under work bench cabinet”. It’s instructions relate to a wide variety of cabinet making and skills, which can be utilized for many applications. Marc is clear, concise and thorough, a good project instruction for a multitude of projects.

joshua fink
Guild Member
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About Your Instructor:

Marc is a podcaster, video producer, woodworking enthusiast, and author of Hybrid Woodworking and Essential Joinery. He has contributed articles and video content to FineWoodworking.com, Popular Woodworking Magazine, WOOD Magazine, and Woodcraft Magazine. He is also the host of The Wood Whisperer, an instructional woodworking video series that’s been going strong since 2006. He is also one of the hosts of the Wood Talk podcast. He has taught classes at the William Ng School, Marc Adams School, Weekend with Wood, Fine Woodworking Live, as well as at various Rockler and Woodcraft stores. He also speaks periodically at woodworking events like AWFS and IWF.