Lie-Nielsen Workbenches

[Diavolicchio]

I'm soon to be building a new home here in Maine that will have a separate garage and workshop with an apartment above it. I'm very interested in buying a top-of-the-line workbench for the workshop and am curious to know people's thoughts about the ones made by Lie-Nielsen Toolworks. The company is based about 12 miles from me and I've been very impressed by what I've seen on their website, although I've not gotten around to actually visiting them yet. I'd certainly be able to avoid paying an enormous freight charge as well, considering they're just down the road.

I'm looking at doing woodworking primarily, with the hopes of making a few pieces of furniture over time that I'm proud of. Is anyone on here familiar with Lie-Nielsen--in particular their Roubo bench? What are your thoughts? Are there any other workbenches or manufacturers that you'd recommend I also consider? If so, what in particular do you like about them?


Lie-Nielsen's Roubo Workbench

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Here's a great video I found on YouTube about Lie-Nielsen and two of their bench models, including the Roubo.

Thanks in advance for the feedback and suggestions.



John

 

[PAToyota]

Excellent products. If I were closer, I'd consider one of their workbenches but the shipping would kill me.

Just got this in a recent e-mail on building your own Roubo bench: http://www.finewoodworking.com/build-a-roubo-workbench-video-preview/

 

[Diavolicchio]

Thanks for the link. Much appreciated.

Unfortunately, I'd likely need a workbench to build a workbench! I don't currently have one.


John

 

[ixlr8]

I was at their showroom several months ago.. I don't remember seeing a workbench on display, although they were redoing their showroom at the time. If you go.. leave your checkbook/credit card at home.. they have some very nice woodworking tools and you will be VERY tempted. My wife is the woodworker in our house and I had trouble getting her out of there.

 

[londonsteve]

if they are like their other tools it will be great. I have several Lie-Nielson planes are they are exceptional to use. But I do think that if you are going to be a furniture maker then you should build your own bench to your sizing and likes, there are plenty of plans and vices on line. You

 

[Mark H]

I'm a steel fabricator and built my own steel work benches as it was far cheaper than buying them in.It would be interesting to know the difference between the price of the bench compared to the price of materials to make one.
londonsteve,you're absolutely correct,nobody likes Millwall!!LOL
Mark(retired Chelsea north stand).

 

[Packard V8]

The L-N workbench is the best commercially built bench I've ever seen. It is also priced commensurately.

jack vines

 

[Diavolicchio]

Packard & ixlr8:

Thanks for addressing the actual question. I'm glad to hear your thoughts.


John

 

[tyrell2004]

I built a woodworking bench with dogs, tail vise etc. using plans I got from Norm Abrams. Used it a a learning process. Used inexpensive lumber. I't came out ok. I learned a lot in the process. I then used it to make rolling work cabinets for my job and lots of other projects. I figured, once I had some skills I would make or buy a nice bench out of hardwoods. Sadly it is stuck in storage with all my other woodworking tools.
However I think a dedicated wood working bench with dogs, vices is a fantastic tool. I do think that customizing one to your particular needs after you have some time under your belt might be a better option. Those benches are very nice but very pricey.

Good luck.

 

[BigRed390]

Pick up Chris Schwarz's two books (and the DVD, etc. etc.) on the subject. Build 2 saw horses, use them to glue up and flatten your top, etc. and then use your newly built top on said sawhorses as a surface to do the joinery for your base.

Don't want to build a roubo? Try an Nicholson style bench. There's a whole video blog on the subject. Look up the Logan Cabinet Shoppe. (don't know the exact rules about linking to other stuff, so I'll refrain from doing so.) The guy there uses hand tools exclusively and does an amazing job with everything he does, bench included.

As for the LN bench, I've only seen one, a Roubo-style. Given a choice between a $4000 table saw and a $250 bench or this $4000 bench and a $250 table saw, I'd take the bench in a heartbeat. It was an incredible piece of work, literally flawless in every respect. If you have the money, by all means go buy one. If you're anything like the rest of us, you'll need more than one bench anyway, so you'll end up building your own later anyway.

 

[Diavolicchio]

BigRed:

Thanks for the ideas. I'm more interested in buying a well-made bench than building one. I'm glad that Lie-Nielsen will customize a bench however you want it, so I wouldn't find myself trying to work on a bench built for someone 6" taller or or shorter than I am.

I'm glad to hear you thought so highly of the Roubo, given that you've seen it firsthand.

Thanks for the input.


John

 

[ricleh]

Ulmia, Hoffman & Hammer and Sjoberg make some nice European style woodworking workbenches.

 

[shotgunfatcat]

Liam Neeson is a great actor, I didn't know he made workbenches though.

 

[Diavolicchio]

Ricleh:

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll check 'em out as well.


John

 

[dho]

John, before you buy or build a workbench, I recommend you read Chris Schwartz's books, as suggested by BigRed. They will tell you why and how the bench should be designed and constructed to meet your particular needs.

dho

 

[Diavolicchio]

DHO:

I'll order copies on Amazon. Thanks for the recommendation.


John

 

[erda]

You may also want to check out Lee Valley. They have pre-made workbenches as well as plans and supplies to "roll your own"!
http://www.leevalley.com/US/wood/page.aspx?cat=1&p=41637

 

[Diavolicchio]

Erda:

I'll add them to my list to check out. Thanks.


John

 

[SteveL]

If I had the $$ I would get this:

http://benchcrafted.com/index.html

Not sure if they sell them completed or just the vises and plans but worth a look. You should also check out the YouTube videos on the Benchcrafted wgaon wheel vise. It's awsome!

And as to the Lie Neilsen bench, if you can afford it, you would not be disapointed. If the bench is anything like their tools I'm sure it's top notch.

 

[Diavolicchio]

SteveL:

That's a sweet workbench. Apparently it's a prototype that's not yet available, but it sure caught my eye, too. If they do end up selling them, I'm curious what they'd set you back. I may just give them a call and find out.

Thanks.


John