Fancy Workbench Cabinet With String Inlay

I’m very lucky to have a large open wall behind my workbench. This is the place where I store most of my hand tools. There’s really nothing easier than simply reaching behind the bench to grab a plane a chisel, so I never felt inclined to build a storage bench that resides under the workbench. But ever since the introduction of the Split-Top Roubo Workbench, Guild members have been asking for a storage cabinet add-on so I finally decided to give it a go. If you want the set of plans and the full video series, go here.

My original plan was to make it utilitarian and practical, while using some nice wood for visual flare. Over time, the cabinet morphed into something much fancier than it was intended to be featuring string inlay, flush-mounted hardware, box joints, dovetails, and keyed miters.

After using the cabinet for a few months, I must say that I’m very happy with it. While having my chisels on the wall was easy, it turns out it’s even easier to pull them from a drawer that’s right in front of me instead of having to walk around to the back side of my bench. Furthermore, the sharpest blades in my collection are now tucked away inside drawers instead of hanging on a wall, which is a nice safety upgrade. All in all, it’s a great functional piece of furniture for the workshop that will last for generations. If you’d like more detail, consider purchasing this project in the Guild. 

Here are links to some of the hardware I used in this project:

• 8 pairs – 16″ Full Extension Slides (Black)
• 1 pair – Antique Brass Hinges (Dark Antique color)
• 9 Small Solid Brass Flush Mount Ring Pulls in Oil Rubbed Bronze