You can continue without the workbench - eventually you'll be able to build the workshop, which can craft everything the workbench can (including the workbench), and steel tools. I should probably make it that the thief can't steal the workbench though, as it is convenient.
EDIT: I posted a quick fix, the thief will no longer steal workbenches!
 "Idle Dancing"){kind=icon}
 "Aground"){kind=icon}
 "The Pix"){kind=icon}
 "Swords and Souls"){kind=icon}
You can continue without the workbench - eventually you'll be able to build the workshop, which can craft everything the workbench can (including the workbench), and steel tools. I should probably make it that the thief can't steal the workbench though, as it is convenient. EDIT: I posted a quick fix, the thief will no longer steal workbenches!