Despite its small size, this workbench is not meant for kids. In fact, the only thing "small" about this bench is the length of the bench top. Otherwise, it's a heavy-duty workbench with a rock-solid frame, a thick, sturdy work surface, two vises, and an optional storage cabinet. So it's the perfect bench for tackling some serious woodwork or home repairs, especially if your shop space is limited. It also makes a terrific carver's bench.

BONUS PLANS: For extra versatility in the workshop, you can add a compact router table, built from a separate plan, which will allow you to perform magic with a simple hand-held router.

Woodworking can be so much fun when these two projects are built in tandem.

The Small Workbench has two vises, a front vise and an end vise. However, these are not your ordinary store-bought vises. Instead, these are built-in vises that serve as an integral part of the bench giving you a wide range of clamping options, and far more than many benches that are twice the size.

We built our Small Workbench out of hard maple to make the bench as sturdy as possible. The bolts, threaded rods, dowels, and other hardware should be readily available at home centers and hardware stores.

These plans also show you how to build an optional storage cabinet that fits inside the base of the bench to keep tools and materials within easy reach. The cabinet has four drawers and a compartment behind two doors.

Finished, the small workbench stands 33-inches wide and 24-inches deep.