Workbench Drawer

I slide the drawer open in my workbench. I do it a hundred times a day I'm sure. Once a month something I'm working on or holding in my vise gets in the way and stops me opening it. Once in 2,400 openings is not a problem yet others say it is. These others also say that it gets in the way of things held in the vise, but it never, EVER, does. But, if it did, I'd take the drawer out wouldn't I? Imagine, after having a drawer in the apron of my bench for 50 years or so, that someone texts or comments or emails to say I have a problem. That this problem is serious enough for them to advise me. It's silly.

How to install a retrofitted workbench drawer episode 2 is out on my YouTube channel here. The whole series went out on woodworkingmasterclasses first for free too. People have enjoyed following it and I recommend it for anyone that has built my workbench following that series too. The thing is it is a good way to learn about drawer making with half-lap dovetails and tenoned housing dadoes without it being in some precious piece you might feel sick about if the drawer doesn't turn out perfect. Beyond the making and installing of it though, it is one of the most essential elements in my own shop and I would be struggling without it as it holds so many of my essential tools that just don't fit anywhere else. Some will say why not have a flush handle or a hole and some will say what if you want a flush with the apron vise jaw? Well, I don't want or like either and I do love what I have. I give my reasons on my blog elsewhere and prove my theories in my YouTube videos.