The cross-members and legs are joined with mortise and tenon joints. I made this bench heavy because I wanted it to be able to take abuse and not move at all when performing certain operations with hand or power tools. It is on the small side, however I don't normally need a huge area to work on. If I do I just use a fold out table or plywood across some saw horses for a prep. area. I will someday make doors for it....

One if the most important tools in the workshop is the bench. Most people would say that it's
the tablesaw or router table. I can almost agree, however when we are done using those tools
we now need an area and a surface to do some final woodworking and assembly. The type of benches that I like and always try to improve upon are almost like the kind used in metal work or some sort of machine shop type bench. I don't really focus on things like clamping and vises,
although they are important and should be in the back of your mind when in the design faze of
building a new bench. I have a simple vice with a built in metal bench dog which moves in the up and down position so when it's not needed I can place it in the down position. I also have a simple

bench dog mortise layout which allows
me to use different positions on the
bench for clamping. I also have many different types of clamps that I use
when needed. Don't forget about the
finish. This bench has about 7 coats
of poly to take the abuse.