Sjobergs Nordic Pro 1400 Review Summary
What people like
This workbench is widely regarded as a stable, robust, and flexible option crafted from solid European beech, making it durable for demanding work. It is particularly well-suited for woodworkers with limited shop space, offering versatile clamping capabilities through its standard dog holes and dual vises, which can be configured for either left or right-handed users. Reviewers appreciate its suitability for traditional woodworking and hand tool use, noting its sturdy performance even during hand planing. The product also offers an optional cabinet for additional storage and comes with a substantial warranty.
Pros
- Stable, robust, flexible: Constructed from solid European beech, providing a durable and sturdy workspace suitable for various woodworking tasks.
- Space-saving design: Ideal for workshops with limited space due to its compact yet functional dimensions.
- Versatile clamping options: Features standard ¾-inch (19mm) dog holes and includes four nylon bench dogs, allowing for numerous ways to secure workpieces of different sizes and shapes.
- Ambidextrous vise configuration: Both the front and tail vises can be assembled to accommodate either left-handed or right-handed users.
- Durable construction materials: Made from dense and durable European beech with a laminated top to help maintain flatness over time.
- Suitable for hand tools: Excellent for traditional woodworking joinery and hand planing, exhibiting minimal racking.
- Blade-safe bench dogs: The included nylon bench dogs reduce the risk of damaging blades if accidentally struck during work.
- Optional storage cabinet: An available SM3 cabinet can be added to enhance functionality and provide valuable tool storage.
- Straightforward assembly: Generally considered easy to assemble, typically taking an afternoon to complete.
- Extended warranty: Comes with a 10-year warranty, indicating manufacturer confidence in its durability.
Cons
- Vise racking issue: The vises can experience racking if clamping an item on only one side, requiring a sacrificial piece of similar thickness on the opposite side to prevent it.
- Potentially light weight: For heavy-duty traditional hand tool woodworking where significant mass is desired to prevent bench movement, the bench's weight (around 90-140 lbs with cabinet) might be considered on the lighter side.
- Thinner top/less robust vises: Compared to higher-end Sjobergs models, the benchtop is thinner and the vises are not as robust, reflecting its mid-range price point.
- Misleading assembly instructions: One reviewer noted that the provided assembly instructions were misleading and difficult to follow.
