Ron Paulk new video on an updated work bench

[WarnerConstCo.]

seemed he was only around here long enough to push his tables and then left....

No, I posted the video, then headed out on vacation for 2 weeks, but the trip was cut short when my little brother died. Now that services are done, I am heading home and hopefully will get my head back into daily life. If for no other reason than as a distraction.

Thanks,
Ron

Originally man. You swooped in showed some videos tried to sell some plans and then disappeared.

Same thing on a couple other sites.

 

[Baartman]

I'm not surprised that he doesn't come on here anymore with guys like you criticizing him for having an entrepreneurial spirit. maybe when he's retired and has a bit more time on his hands, he can contribute more. or not, who cares. I think someone's heart needs to grow 10 sizes...

 

[duburban]

seemed he was only around here long enough to push his tables and then left....

No, I posted the video, then headed out on vacation for 2 weeks, but the trip was cut short when my little brother died. Now that services are done, I am heading home and hopefully will get my head back into daily life. If for no other reason than as a distraction.

Thanks,
Ron

Originally man. You swooped in showed some videos tried to sell some plans and then disappeared.

Same thing on a couple other sites.

sooooooo what?

 

[peter halle]

Guys and Gals,

Let's please keep this thread limited to discussing the video and experiences with the video, plans, and tables so that it does not degrade to the point of be locked.

Thanks,

Peter

 

[Jaybolishes]

The bench is a work of art in design and in use.  All hail the Paulk workbench! He who doesn't make one shall live in envy. That crosscut jig blows my mind every time I use it, in happiness. Very sad to hear of your loss Ron, peace be with you.

 

[Claimdude]

Well we're all entitled to our own opinion; this is mine...

I've lurked on here for years and years... I have gained so much valuable information, tips, solutions, etc that I can't even list them...

On the other hand- we all contribute back what we can... Clearly I have contributed nothing! So I can certainly be criticised on that point.

I bought one of Paul's very first plan sets... I even conversed via e-mail with some suggestions, etc which Paul took on. I did this knowing I'd never build that table... Because it was the best way I could contribute back to the forum....
I'll most likely buy this new plan set as well because I'ts an appropriate thank-you for all the massive contributions Paul has made via his video's, etc

This is my very first post and I've been pushed off the fence so as I can say "Thank You Paul!" for all the very valuable contributions you have made made... And I hope continue to make... I'm certainly more than happy to make a $10- donation if it helps those creative juices to flow...

+1 for Jogglestick

I too haven't built Paul's bench but have bought the plans.  The cost is nominal for the ideas he shared.  From those plans, I've been able to tweak them to my liking.  If it wasn't for Paul and other members, I would still be staring at this blank white screen.

Positive or negative, we have all learned something from these videos.

Paul,

Very sorry to hear of your loss. Peace be with you.

What about the rigidity of the 1/2" ply out away from the edges of the table sections? Any issues? I will buy the plans today. My use will be for a more permanent installation and overall smaller dimensions (my shop is small.

Thanks
  Jack

 

[Jaybolishes]

I made the whole thing out of 1/2" ply, the plans call for 3/4" I believe on the top and bottom.  I highly recommend making it all with 1/2", because this thing is so  so rugged and  I can't imagine needing 3/4.  I didn't dato or rabbit the top and bottom, I made the sides flush with the top and used thin screws with glue, but I boxed in the ends.  I urethaned it which is such a good idea working outside and leaving it overnight. Plus glues wipes right off it. The rabbits make assembly a bit easier, but it wasn't that difficult without them.   It is so much lighter and I move this bench everywhere.  I even can jump on it like Ron shows in the video and this this is sturdy. Having a place to store clamps and have things right where  you need them is handy as heck.

 

[Kev]

I made the whole thing out of 1/2" ply, the plans call for 3/4" I believe on the top and bottom.  I highly recommend making it all with 1/2", because this thing is so  so rugged and  I can't imagine needing 3/4.  I didn't dato or rabbit the top and bottom, I made the sides flush with the top and used thin screws with glue, but I boxed in the ends.  I urethaned it which is such a good idea working outside and leaving it overnight. Plus glues wipes right off it. The rabbits make assembly a bit easier, but it wasn't that difficult without them.   It is so much lighter and I move this bench everywhere.  I even can jump on it like Ron shows in the video and this this is sturdy. Having a place to store clamps and have things right where  you need them is handy as heck.

Maybe it's me ... but I'm amazed.

I've made several benches from my own concepts and I'd consider myself an absolute novice.

I'd never make a bench top from half inch ply where it's potentially a sacrificial facing ... Nope, never! Too thin IMHO.

I have several enhancements I could offer to Ron's bench, but won't because he's made it his own personal revenue opportunity. ... and that's fine BTW.

Kev.

 

[Jaybolishes]

Well that's because I never cut into  it,  so maybe your amazement will be taken down a notch.  I use strips of sacrificial ply so I can move them to use the holes for clamping. The crosscut jig requires sacrificial strips in the middle of the table  anyway.    Why would people cut into the top when you put so much effort in making it? If people want to cut into it , go ahead, I'm not.

I don't see a problem with modifying any designs, and in fact I had direct communications with Ron and he liked them. Just because you modify it doesn't make the plans any less useful. Have you made the table and bought the plans, if not, I agree you shouldn't blurt out mods you'd make, that's very kind of you.  Had I said I don't like the bench because of this..... I'd see your point, but I decided to cut costs and make things simpler, no knock on the original design at all.  I think my positivity of the product speaks for itself.  I don't just voice negative frustrations about stuff, which is some people's MO

 

[crpaulk]

Very nice

Thank You,
Ron

 

[crpaulk]

seemed he was only around here long enough to push his tables and then left....

i have to agreee.
althow it does lok like a good table.

i dont see any main changes (or anything that would justify making this one over the older version.

The concept and functionality of the design are the same. Adding a router table, refining the construction, reducing the time and cost of construction, and cutting the set up time by a bit more than a minute were the main changes. It was a good up grade for me, but I was using the prototype that was not a refined as the PWB1.
Thank You,
Ron

 

[crpaulk]

I've got a feeling he's busy building and finishing houses...

Actually, I went on vacation right after the video was released and then was called away on a family emergency. I got home last night at 2am so just now getting caught up.

 

[crpaulk]

Nice one Ron, and thanks for putting the measurements in Metric and imperial this time.

Great work
I wish I had the time and energy to develope these things like you do.

Super design

Pip

Pip, I am glad the metric dimensions are working out for so many. I am start to finish imperial so I have to first read the metric number and then convert it with a calculator. In other words, take my metric numbers as a general guide line.
Thanks,
Ron

 

[crpaulk]

Well we're all entitled to our own opinion; this is mine...

I've lurked on here for years and years... I have gained so much valuable information, tips, solutions, etc that I can't even list them...

On the other hand- we all contribute back what we can... Clearly I have contributed nothing! So I can certainly be criticised on that point.

I bought one of Paul's very first plan sets... I even conversed via e-mail with some suggestions, etc which Paul took on. I did this knowing I'd never build that table... Because it was the best way I could contribute back to the forum....
I'll most likely buy this new plan set as well because I'ts an appropriate thank-you for all the massive contributions Paul has made via his video's, etc

This is my very first post and I've been pushed off the fence so as I can say "Thank You Paul!" for all the very valuable contributions you have made made... And I hope continue to make... I'm certainly more than happy to make a $10- donation if it helps those creative juices to flow...

+1 for Jogglestick

I too haven't built Paul's bench but have bought the plans.  The cost is nominal for the ideas he shared.  From those plans, I've been able to tweak them to my liking.  If it wasn't for Paul and other members, I would still be staring at this blank white screen.

Positive or negative, we have all learned something from these videos.

Paul,

Very sorry to hear of your loss. Peace be with you.

What about the rigidity of the 1/2" ply out away from the edges of the table sections? Any issues? I will buy the plans today. My use will be for a more permanent installation and overall smaller dimensions (my shop is small.

Thanks
  Jack

Jack,
If you are wondering about setting the sides and ends in so the top has a clamping lip, I think this would work fine since you are not needing it to be portable. If you carry it around in a truck, then lip may get banged around, but even then should hold up.

Thank you for your comments about my brother,
Ron

 

[crpaulk]

I made the whole thing out of 1/2" ply, the plans call for 3/4" I believe on the top and bottom.  I highly recommend making it all with 1/2", because this thing is so  so rugged and  I can't imagine needing 3/4.  I didn't dato or rabbit the top and bottom, I made the sides flush with the top and used thin screws with glue, but I boxed in the ends.  I urethaned it which is such a good idea working outside and leaving it overnight. Plus glues wipes right off it. The rabbits make assembly a bit easier, but it wasn't that difficult without them.   It is so much lighter and I move this bench everywhere.  I even can jump on it like Ron shows in the video and this this is sturdy. Having a place to store clamps and have things right where  you need them is handy as heck.

My bench is all 1/2" including the saw horses and is very ridged.

 

[Alan m]

i wish i had the space to store and set up a bench like this

i see somewhere that someone has something similar permanently set up on a hospital type bed that raises and lowers.
if i ever get a bigger shop i will do that

 

[ART at WORK]

i wish i had the space to store and set up a bench like this

i see somewhere that someone has something similar permanently set up on a hospital type bed that raises and lowers.
if i ever get a bigger shop i will do that

I like the idea of the Hospital type bed.
I knoticed that when there are house clearings often there are special beds for the elderly being thrown out or got rid of for little money.
These could be made in to a great workbench. They usually even have wheels on them and must be able to lift 100kg or more.
You have me thinking sir.
As you say it will need a new bigger workshop to justify the build, so nothing for the immediate future.

Pip

 

[jeep jake]

First,  Welcome to the FOG!  Glad those lurking days are over.  You will probably sleep better at night. [big grin]

Regarding Ron and his plans.  When Ron spent days and days developing his plans and doing videos and then announced that he was offering the plans for sale there was an outcry and general nastiness on some internet places.  How dare he charge?  They should have been free.  How dare you use our place to market your plans.  All that kind of stuff.

That didn't happen here, but - and I am not speaking for Ron at all, these are just my observations and pure conjecture on my part - the other stuff would have been enough for anyone to throw all their computers in the trash and say never again.  I know I would have.

We don't have rules regarding how active a member must be.  We are seeing more and more so called lurkers joining and becoming active and honestly I think much of that is attributed to the fact that usually we keep this place friendly.

Peter  

Peter I joined cause there's a lot of people on here that do A+ work, and are really passionate about carpentry, and very open to help. Anyone can learn how to build stuff. There are fewer and fewer carpenters that build quality stuff, and even fewer carpenters who know how to do it efficiently enough to make a living. I think everyone who's on here wants to do highest quality of work, in a fashion thats is affordable (I don't mean cheap you get what you pay for)

 

[Timtool]

Sorry to hear about your loss Ron, with the internet being what it is speculations run high when you can't be there to explain.
If i had one gripe about the ultimate workbench it would be the "ultimate", it is one type of workbench approach in which it may very well be ultimate, but it can't work for everyone.
When i started doing more on site work i was looking for a portable workbench, and the UWB is one of the first to come up in youtube. But unfortunately i had to conclude that this type of workbench couldn't work for me. It is clear that the UWB puts sturdiness and rigidity at the top of priorities, so you are forced to give in on other aspects, mainly on transport volume and maneuverability. It would fill half my trailer and be difficult to get inside people homes here so it wouldn't work for me.

So i had to conclude that there was nothing on the market that would fit my personal needs and i designed my own, which is less sturdy and rigid, but takes less room and is easy to get anywhere in one trip.
But nevertheless Ron and Mathias Wandel were a great inspiration to me, i also bought plans mostly out of support for their effort. And i suspect many do the same when they buy my plans from the mails i am getting. In my case i can say that if i wasn't asking something for the plans, then i simply could not afford to spend that amount of time into making these projects and sharing them. Take it as investing in a community research program.

 

[crpaulk]

Sorry to hear about your loss Ron, with the internet being what it is speculations run high when you can't be there to explain.
If i had one gripe about the ultimate workbench it would be the "ultimate", it is one type of workbench approach in which it may very well be ultimate, but it can't work for everyone.
When i started doing more on site work i was looking for a portable workbench, and the UWB is one of the first to come up in youtube. But unfortunately i had to conclude that this type of workbench couldn't work for me. It is clear that the UWB puts sturdiness and rigidity at the top of priorities, so you are forced to give in on other aspects, mainly on transport volume and maneuverability. It would fill half my trailer and be difficult to get inside people homes here so it wouldn't work for me.

So i had to conclude that there was nothing on the market that would fit my personal needs and i designed my own, which is less sturdy and rigid, but takes less room and is easy to get anywhere in one trip.
But nevertheless Ron and Mathias Wandel were a great inspiration to me, i also bought plans mostly out of support for their effort. And i suspect many do the same when they buy my plans from the mails i am getting. In my case i can say that if i wasn't asking something for the plans, then i simply could not afford to spend that amount of time into making these projects and sharing them. Take it as investing in a community research program.

I agree that the concept of ultimate is more personal than universal. Early on I called my bench Ultimate, but changed it to the Paulk Work Bench (PWB) and simply called the updated version PWBII. Others continue to call it ultimate, but officially it has not been the Ultimate workbench for a long time. For me and the work I do, I needed a 4x8 bench so making it portable and light became the second most important features. Since I work out of a large truck or trailer, the bench fits easily and moves from it's stored position to ready to use in 3 minutes. I carry all of my tools plus supplies so a large truck or trailer will always be required bench or not. Also, tool boxes like the systainers slow me down and take up too much space in my vehicles so I sell them on craigs list as Festool will not sell tool without the box.