Testing the English Joiner's Bench.

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Testing the English Joiner's Bench.

Рет қаралды 161,393

Күн бұрын

Can my fast and easy Joiner's Bench survive the toughest tests in the shop?
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Пікірлер: 207

@johnarnold6623 4 жыл бұрын

I built the bench about a month ago. I love it! Mine isnt nearly as pretty as Rex's but it is as solid and works great. By FAR the best bench on the DIY tubes. I did add a shelf at the bottom and a removable plane stop into the table top. I started the bench because I found a plane I had bought pre-internet and didn't know how to use it. Then I found Rex's "how to use a plane" vid and decided I needed a bench too! An easy build, highly reccomended!

@RexKrueger 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the great review!

@johnarnold6623 4 жыл бұрын

@@RexKrueger thanks for the videos! We're stuck at home here in MA so it keeps me busy. I've built many of your projects. I'm about 50/50 success rate. It the execution, not the instruction. Keep them coming! Only thing is, I'm running out of wood and I'm not allowed out to get more. Oh well.

@rjmills126 3 жыл бұрын

Pictures?

@nathanalexander9127 11 ай бұрын

I've had the chance to use this table a couple of times now. It's fun to whip out in front of people:) I can see what people are talking about when they say the legs are delicate, but they're design to support a "mostly" vertical load, not be torqued from the side or pushed back into place. If you just let the table open or close on it's own and don't force anything, it works great kzfaq.infoUgkxyFZUPFEey-PuqsPMxqaykBhgA1LWxFHh Once it's set up, it's pretty solid. My only gripe would probably be related to the clamps provided. They're not the highest quality. They do the job, so no big deal, but they could be better. All in all, pretty cool gadget.

@mikeg2046 4 жыл бұрын

The best part of the video is where he just nails the stock straight onto the surface

@nevermorewoodshop7164 4 жыл бұрын

I 100% agree with you, making both bench’s this one and the low Roman would be your best option. Neither are very expensive to make and combined you can accomplish everything you’ll need to ever do. As far as your English bench having flaws, let’s be honest the vast majority of people pointing outs it’s “flaws” and comparing it to a hardwood bench should understand that it’s $100 to make and it’s not a professional bench. my opinion if you don’t like it don’t build it. Personally I like both bench’s 👍

@jeffreymilarsky3246 2 жыл бұрын

I built a version of Rex's bench a couple of weeks ago, and it is a tank. Rex, you explain everything SO well. I also appreciate your idea that simple changes are welcome. I used two giant 4" slabs of old white oak and the table doesn't move at all. I tested this by jumping on it and trying to twist it in all directions. It will surely outlast me on this planet. Oh, and I didn't realize that the cross braces are supposed to be on the front. I put them on the back and added the shelf access upfront for storage. I actually forgot about the cross braces initially, and still, the bench didn't move at all. Later, I added them. Simple and effective. Rex, you are a master teacher!

@RexKrueger 2 жыл бұрын

You're not the only person to leave those braces out. They seem to be optional.

@tuppybrill4915 4 жыл бұрын

“It’s really surprising how slender some historical benches are” - especially when half the bench is covered in old tut like scraps, half finished jobs, stuff you took in the shed and just put down, tools that havn’t been put away ...

@colrodrick8784 2 жыл бұрын

I love that comment ' I did just nail that into my benchtop...' Nice dry humour there Rex. Aside from a nice wine that's the best dry I can find. If you hadn't guessed, the weather is pretty ugly so working outside is less than ideal. Binge watching your videos I've already watched.

@drigondii 3 жыл бұрын

I love how he acts like fifteen bucks wasn’t already a great deal

@isowannabeleftalone1023 3 жыл бұрын

I am so glad I found your site Rex. I just broke my arm recently, so I will watch all your vids over Christmas and be ready to make your bench when I am back to full strength.

@michaelthompson5875 4 жыл бұрын

"Cheap and easy and fast?" There's a joke in there somewhere.... 😁 Great information Rex, thanks so much. I've been considering this style bench for a little while now as I'm not happy with mine. Youce convinced me! Mike T.

@1pcfred 4 жыл бұрын

Sounds like the date I was looking for in high school.

@kretieg2943 3 жыл бұрын

Pick two. You can't have all three.

@just-dl 2 жыл бұрын

In project management, the joke is quick, cheap and good...pick two. In high school, the humor ran along similar lines.....

@magicdaveable 3 жыл бұрын

I have a different style bench made from Clear Southern Yellow Pine (SYP). The wood has plenty of stiffness and hardness that I just don't need a "hardwood" bench. I copied the bench from my childhood. I am not certain if my Dad built it or it was in the house when he bought it. I suspect that he built it. He was a very skilled craftsman.

@SkylersRants 4 жыл бұрын

I put about 30 or 40 bricks on a shelf on my bench to make it heavy. I like using the bricks because if I need to move it, they are easy to take out again.

@SkylersRants 4 жыл бұрын

@Maxx Kroes Yeah, bricks are expensive, too. I just happened to have a stack in the corner of the garage since the house was built 20 years ago. Finally found a use for some of them!

@louisvictor3473 4 жыл бұрын

A few pieces of metal are compact and easy to make removable too.

@furiousfurby 4 жыл бұрын

Cinder blocks are pretty inexpensive and heavy too.

@wilkinson8707 4 жыл бұрын

I remember being at school and the benches were styled exactly like these. That was only about 7 years ago. They must still be common place here in the U.K. but no so elsewhere.

@DonnieBigBucks 4 жыл бұрын

I'm going to start out with the low Roman first, then move up as I go. Great ideas! Thanks a bunch, man:)

@gebhardt244 4 жыл бұрын

Mee the same

@mralabbad7 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks a bench

@David-hm9ic 4 жыл бұрын

People unfamiliar with Southern Yellow Pine might underestimate its density and toughness. It is more dense than soft maple and red oak and is almost as dense as white oak. It can be very hard. I've had nails bend driving them into SYP and it wasn't faulty technique. A bench built exclusively of SYP will weigh 93% of an identical bench built of nothing but red oak. On bench size: Someone gave me a well built 4'x8' workbench. I had room for it in my shop so I accepted the offer but I could only use it by putting the 8' side against a wall. I thought it would be great for my larger RC airplanes. Of course, I couldn't reach across it. I've built four benches for ammo reloading and all were 24" deep. Sometimes I wish they were 30" deep so I could set small parts cabinets at the back but that would still result in about 24" of useful depth. More than 30" is not useful for most people, even for building quarter scale model airplanes.

@richardchamberlain2014 4 жыл бұрын

A simple effective workmanlike bench, which unlike some of the beautiful creations that people build is easily customisable, and repairable if needed. 👍

@jeffspaulding9834 4 жыл бұрын

I love that book! The way it starts with the basic bench designs and then discusses accessories separately is genius. Once I get a better workshop setup I've got a 12 quarter 20" maple slab that's going to be the top for a Roubo-style bench, and that book has given me so many ideas for what I can do with it... I've been thinking about getting Christopher Schwarz's other workbench book as well.

@brucelee3388 4 жыл бұрын

Bench appliances - bench hook - make it extra wide then cut off about 2"(50mm) or so. Use this extra narrow bit to support the far end of the piece of wood you are working on. Much the same applies to the shooting board - make the base extra wide, cut off a bit and use it as a support for the loose end (unless you really like cutting compound miters all the time).

@gleggett3817 4 жыл бұрын

I was looking at the unsupported end of the plank and thinking "could do with something under there". Your idea makes more sense than scrabbling around for an offcut the right thickness each time.

@thewoodweldingfabricator9300 4 жыл бұрын

Excited about how well this bench works out!

@jonathanlillpopp2869 4 жыл бұрын

Rex, I totally agree with you on your approach to making this bench, and your approach to woodworking in general. I haven’t made this bench yet, but the couple months I will be replacing my bench and this is what I plan to model my new one after. Also I will add that being one of your patrons has just been amazing. You treat us *really* well and the real life value to get to us in return for being a patron is just incredible. Thank you very much. Keep up the great work!

@tonyennis3008 4 жыл бұрын

5:30 re: flat bench top. The wood at the home center, though sold as "kiln dried" is only nominally so. If you get it and use it immediately it will move. If you let it acclimate, it can help. Unless you're in Ohio in the winter. Then it's going to move anyway.

@mandowarrior123 3 жыл бұрын

He already did, actually. See his build video.

@user-qg6fy4yp8t 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks, just missed the live chat. I downloaded all the plans for the joiners bench, more than a month ago, and i even porches few items from Amazon and i was planning on building it at the spring time, but the Corona came and in Israel we are quarantine so we can't move more than 100 meter from our home except for work or buying food supply and health care😔. Thanks again be 💪, take care and keep your family health.

@RexKrueger 4 жыл бұрын

Good luck to you! Hope you stay safe.

@markhrabe 4 жыл бұрын

Rex I made this bench last weekend. Couldn’t be more happier! Thanks for the videos!

@jamielam3839 3 жыл бұрын

You are the best KZfaq creator iv seen! Learned a lot from your channel! Keep it up!

@stephenholland6328 2 жыл бұрын

Here is another reason the English jointer’s bench is great. It is so cheap you don’t worry about damaging it. I designed a version of the bench and installed a woodworking vice in the front left. I needed to work on a set of 14 drawers each 20 inches long. The vise has a dog that slides up. Without hesitation I just screwed a small piece of plywood to the top of the bench as the back stop and I was able to easily clamp the drawers while working on them. When done I just unscrewed the block. Essentially invisible after a little sawdust got in the tiny holes. If I had an expensive hardwood bench I’d never have done that and would have had to develop some clamping system. Instead I just got the job done. Now that I’ve had the bench for a few months I realize it is too small. A 22 by 48 inch top isn’t as big as I need. This economical build encourages you to just try it and then learn what you do and don’t like about it so the next (cheap) bench will be better. I so like the solid build of economical material that is gentle on my hardwood projects that future benches will have a similar design.

@h3ro11mcintyre 4 жыл бұрын

Cleared the plot on my property for my workshop today. Can't wait to start construction so I can start building this bench and set up my tools

@1pcfred 4 жыл бұрын

Remember always build a shop twice the size you think you need. Because in a couple years you always wish it was twice as big. Right now if you held a gun to my head and demanded I said how much more room do I honestly need I'd say 50% more. But deep down I'm thinking double would be perfect bliss.

@h3ro11mcintyre 4 жыл бұрын

@@1pcfred I would love to build a massive shop like 20 x 30, but I am limited to a 12 x 12 because of cost and it's the largest size I can construct on my property without hiring an architect and getting permits in my county.

@1pcfred 4 жыл бұрын

@@h3ro11mcintyre I hear ya. I am in a 20x20 garage and I have it all filled up now. 20x30 would be nicer. 20x60 would be massive. That's what I'll have in my next place. I'll hang a hammock in it.

@samlawrence7320 4 жыл бұрын

I built this bench after seeing your first video. No plan just winged it and am perfectly happy with it. Only real difference wasn't any workable 4x4 s in my area so glued 2x4s had to do. Being my first woodworking project it was a great experience, thanks Rex

@1pcfred 4 жыл бұрын

Laminated wood is stronger. Wood laminates with an odd number of layers supposedly is the least prone to warp. I hear plywood always has an odd number of layers in it for this reason? Not that plywood doesn't warp. But maybe it warps less than it might?

@avbauwel 22 күн бұрын

@@1pcfred The odd number of layers in plywood is to have the grain run same direction on the 2 outside layers :) So it's not the even vs odd number of layers, it's the multiple layers in different grain directions (for plywood). Wooden laminated beams do nto have the grain direction thingy, different reasons fot the layer count there, beyong my knowledge. But laminated wood is indeed stronger.

@1pcfred 22 күн бұрын

@@avbauwel The odd number of layers in plywood is for stability. That's the primary reason it is done. Even just isn't stable. Although why that's the case I do not know.

@hopper1 4 жыл бұрын

Years ago I built a new bench to replace the POS I had been using. It was a toss-up between an English joiner's bench like this or Mike Siemsen's "naked woodworker bench". I went with Mike Siemsen's bench. It's not much different than what you have here and I have no complaints. I have a leg vise, planing stop and a gap between the top boards that allows dropping in a board for cross grain planing (or clamps as needed. A woodworker can't go wrong because either bench design is good. Like the Schwarz has said "It's the biggest clamp in your shop."

@bubbagrant 2 жыл бұрын

Love your channel I'm retired at 71 yrs.

@stevenzampano3492 4 жыл бұрын

Just ordered the plans. What a phenomenal job you do man, I just watched your videos for about 2 hours straight. This is the type of woodworking I am interest in learning, using classic techniques but when another avenue is available on the market (tool wise) you utilize that technology while keeping true to the roots. I'm a young buck (29) and am just getting started into woodworking as is the family tradition. I'm going to build this bench, and if it works out I'll become a patreon member. Expect to hear more from me soon, I appreciate these videos immensely and I'll keep you updated.

@forsakenfortnite5771 4 жыл бұрын

if it wasnt for this dam corona and the unsure nature of things right now i would become a patron and supported you as much as i could we need more people like you on youtube

@1pcfred 4 жыл бұрын

Just when you thought the world couldn't possibly get any crazier it exceeds expectations. No one alive has ever seen anything like what's going on right now. I mean ever. I think I have a grasp on what's happening but there's a nagging doubt in my mind at the same time. Like I haven't seen or fully appreciated it all yet. So all I can do is sit here waiting for the other shoe to drop.

@jimcarter4929 4 жыл бұрын

Great bench, Thanks. I built my bench similar to Paul Sellers with the skirts (2) wedged to legs and lapped into legs and have no movement. I built my bench with laminated 2x3 and a single cross support in the middle so it is very stiff.

@1pcfred 4 жыл бұрын

I hate skirts on benches. I like being able to clamp work to the bench top. The Paul Sellers style is a sensible bench though.

@TobiPHartmann 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you rex Iam planing to build a bench but this diagonals dont fit to my needs my Workshop is too small to waste this space so i think that paul sellers design fits more But i have to say you have made me love handtools before i have seen your Videos about handplanes i had no idea that it is so much fun By the time iam pretty good in handmade stuff but iam still a beginner Thank you a lot Stay healthy (My daughter loves the tic tac toe game and the rubber rifle you inspired me to make)

@ponchowizard5182 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for all the work and effort you put into the channel sir. I am very green when it comes to woodworking and your videos have helped me build the confidence I needed to keep at it. I used to have the misconception that I would need a workshop full of tools before I could do much. Watching how you used basic everyday tools and how to build tools kind of blew my mind. I'm currently building the basic joiners bench out of an old picnic table and heavy duty pallet wood for use as an outdoor workbench(I have no large indoor area to work in right now.) It will be good practice for when I get my garage cleaned out and build a serious one. Thanks again, keep up the awesome work.

@jcherry335 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you Rex , I have just finished building this bench in the basic form ( without any additions ) and i look forward to building tools and parts for it , you've got me interested in learning again. Again thank you . Time to make the sawdust :)

@jayempress4203 Жыл бұрын

Time to make the sawdust? Only after you make the doughnuts! 😀

@jgo5707 2 жыл бұрын

I just built this bench, the one thing I'd have liked too is a shelf underneath. My solution to this is a tool well on the far side

@Hungry_Hunter 3 жыл бұрын

One of the best how to videos I've seen. I'm building this bench thank you for an excellent instruction.

@JWLamph 4 жыл бұрын

I’ve really enjoyed your channel lately. I can’t wait to build my own bench. Have you ever considered building a Dutch tool chest? I would love to watch that

@RexKrueger 4 жыл бұрын

I think I'm going to do a wall- mounted tool cabinet. I need the floor spac e

@lotharerkens8154 4 жыл бұрын

Rex, This is not a comment about the bench, but is inspired by the first part of your test. I noticed that your hand is clamping the stock to the bench hook and later to the shooting board. Not only does your hand have to push the material into the hook to steady it, but you also have to clamp in order to keep the material horizontal. If you can find some scraps of the same thickness as the bench hook and the shooting board, you can support the other end of longer stock pieces without cramping your work holding hand. Just a thought!

@gregmislick1117 4 жыл бұрын

Rex, thanks for bundling the plans for this bench, pretty sure I have enough stock in the basement, and while trying to build a lumber rack, I'm finding that a bench would be REALLY helpful lol...

@1pcfred 4 жыл бұрын

Forget about doing hand joinery without a woodworking workbench. I'm sure it is possible but it's going to be so far from the ideal as to be not worth it. My bench sucks but I still love it for how useful it is. It's better than nothing.

@KuntaKinteToby 2 жыл бұрын

Historical benches being narrow makes sense if you think about it, walls would either have been plywood (once it was available) and before that just lathe and plaster, and in either case the joiners and carpenters on a job site simply would have no need for a wide bench. They could use saw horses to rip cut plywood, or have it delivered from the mill cut-to-size. Lathe just goes on as is.

@biomcanx1 4 жыл бұрын

Hello from Ohio as well! Thanks for all the information!

@vjamodeo 2 жыл бұрын

Building this bench now. I've made the tresses. I am a beginner woodworker and am getting my first real shop decked out. I decided to build it 27" wide instead of 24". Well see how that works once I start using it. One question I have is, no one seems to sell 4x4 lumber that is not pressure treated, so that's what I'm using for the legs. We'll see how that goes as well. I'm gonna make the top from 2" poplar boards that my friend just milled for me. Again, we'll see.

@theeddorian 4 жыл бұрын

You can find old designs in quite a few old books on wood working. Cassell's Carpentry and Joinery (1913) for instance has three examples. Two are typical "ordinary joiner's" benches. A third is smaller, much more carefully made with dovetailed aprons, and both front and tail vises. It also has dog holes and a "bench slave." All three use flat or rift sawn boards for the tops. None use diagonal braces.

@ggroube 4 жыл бұрын

KZfaq just decided to add your joiner’s bench to my recommended list, probably because I spent most of yesterday looking for workbench plans on the web :), so I watched it. Then I watched the other three in the series, subscribed, and bought the bench bundle plans. This is perfect for what I want. Thank you! BTW, one of the other Tubers I subscribe to is a hobby machinist guy named ThisOldTony. Your style is different to his, but you seem to me to be the ToT of woodworking. Keep up the great work! G

@mandowarrior123 3 жыл бұрын

We usually have a lower centre board. It allows you to put your cutting block in the grove and pull towards you. It also allows you to store your tools under your work piece so you can't find them. You can cut the ends on long pieces with it, you can set a table edge into it, round tools don't roll off. Surprisingly little a detriment to have it missing. And you put your plane down so it isn't blade up, nor dulling the blade in it. You can clamp to it too. Its a shame you didn't try that traditional one. Theres other neat tricks like putting a bag off one end, you can brush your sawdust into the central lower area and brush it down into the bag. So many other tricks with it.

@MCsCreations 4 жыл бұрын

Fantastic, Rex! 😃 Soon I'm going to have to build something like that as well. 😬

@lamb7780 3 жыл бұрын

Just noticed your extension cable in the background. My grandfather used to make his own storage for these. He used to get two boards maybe a foot or two long, round the ends and join them with two wide pieces of dwelling a few inches wide. Then you end up with a nice frame to wind your cord around and keep it tidy. You can put an eye hook or drill a hole to hang it and put some oil on it or varnish it to make it durable

@charlesjarome5995 3 жыл бұрын

Purched the 10$ bundle. Except the top I laminated 3in strips od maple for the top. Rex really figured this one out ;) it works great

@k1ng401 3 жыл бұрын

I made my bench out of recycled timber (I think they are 2x10s or 2 x 8s) that was old decking. It was built to my own design and I didn’t have any idea what I was doing. It wobbles like jelly when I am planing but your videos have shown me how do do the various bracing which I think will improve things a lot.

@jjbailey01 4 жыл бұрын

I'm actually about done building mine. I'm making mine for a dual purpose woodworking and mechanics bench. I'm replacing the 2x10 spline in the center with another 4x4. I'm also replacing the two long diagonals on the one side (the ones discussed in this video) with four shorter diagonals, one at each corner to open up the bottom for storage and stiffen all four corners as opposed to just two. I don't have them installed yet, and I'm already impressed by the longitudinal resistance to racking. On one end, I'm going to have a removable mechanics vise. I'm also leaving every top plank full width and leaving an overhang on the front and back to aid in direct clamping of tools I already have that are designed for clamping to a table top. In place of the leg vise, I'm planning on two moxon vises. One mounted under one end, and a removable one that can mount on the front.

@bitnertinkers 4 жыл бұрын

I downloaded the plans. Look forward to building it!

@bencoombes2711 4 жыл бұрын

Nice job 😊 total agree with the narrowness of the bench I teach fe carp joneriry and wooden baot biulding and a nice narrow bench makes life so much Easyer 😊

@TheHandToolery 4 жыл бұрын

People get really hung up on details... like there's a million excuses NOT to just get out there and make something, I know. But you've shown time and again that perfection isn't needed to do good work; that's the whole point of the woodworking for humans idea. My bench top is not flat at all, and every once in a great while it's slightly inconvenient. I might flatten it, I might not. For now, I'm doing a lot of work on it, and I just don't care that much!

@RexKrueger 4 жыл бұрын

That's pretty much my view!

@nicmasterdude 4 жыл бұрын

Perfect is the enemy of good....

@waynekitt6770 4 жыл бұрын

I began watching your channel 5 days ago (lots of time at home these days....) and have been completely captured by your honest, straightforward approach to us "humans", who never want to really admit they don't know very much about a subject and so they (we) throw money at it and hope for "skill" to follow the money. Very seldom happens. Thank you for your refreshing and enlightening and anti-elitism approach to woodwork. Now, a request: I have a 10' x 12' shed in my back yard that is full of "STUFF" which is really supposed to be my wannabe woodworking location. I have seen the layout of your workshop (I have watched almost ALL your videos!) and have seen the morphing and evolution of your shop. Could you reflect in a video about the layout and storage of a woodwork space?? That would be incredibly helpful.

@RexKrueger 4 жыл бұрын

Really, a small space is fine. I'm using about 15x8 for WW4H. Historical woodworkers often had space for a bench and the piece they were working on and not much else. Even an 8x8 space would do.

@waynekitt6770 4 жыл бұрын

@@RexKrueger Thank you for the timely reply, I would expect nothing less from you. Can you talk some time about the layout and placement (philosophy, etc.) of tools (both power and hand) and the use of space, esp. when working on a project like the $30 work bench. That's going to be my first stab at power-less woodworking. (Were there any plans available for the $30 work bench?

@zacdredge3859 3 жыл бұрын

I'd love to hear Rex's perspective on the portable Moravian workbench. It's the one I'm most interested in currently; no offense to the English joiner but I'm not a home owner and something that's designed for easy dismantling and reassembly is really appealing. Mostly can be softwood, just ideal to have one solid slab of hardwood from what I can tell.

@dback4430 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the build ,as always great info. If you want to get rid of the diagonal braces use a wedge and a dado for legs in the aprons like in he one Paul Sellers makes. Very solid leg assembly. Just an idea.

@froshmasta 4 жыл бұрын

I'm working on (and youtubing) my own version of this bench that is sort of a cheaper Canadian cousin to yours. 2x4 and 2x6 construction only, etc... I hope it's still beefy enough to do the job but I think it will be. I'm not against adding some removable weight in a tray underneath (or drawers of tools) if need be for extra beef. Thanks for your continued great content and inspiration to get a regular guy doing woodworking!

@Bionicjoe 4 жыл бұрын

I'm working a bench inspired by this one. I bought a bunch of 2x8s at Lowe's and some 2x4s (all Southern Yellow Pine). Cut off the round edges and slapped the 2x8s together in two massive slabs. That will be my top, and I'm hoping to avoid metal fasteners (just for the challenge). Thanks for the note on a narrow bench is probably better. I was planning to split my slabs lengthwise into 4 to make a wider top. But I was looking at it and it seemed wide enough. The two big slabs will have another un-glued board in the middle. It can be popped out for a slot or set high for a stop. Total cost is only $150 so far.

@paulmouradian8968 3 жыл бұрын

Once again Rex great job, stay safe and well with COVID

@pyrokiller4682 4 жыл бұрын

Hey in one of your episodes can you show how to make a lockable opening window please ? I know it’s a very big ask but a lot of people may be thinking about building a workshop-shed if you will and a fixed pane of glass can get a bit warm especially if it’s well insulated

@joshuavacsi415 4 жыл бұрын

Ohio! Columbus here!

@roberternest7289 3 жыл бұрын

We have a bench in the garage that's literally three large boards of wood on a pair of stands, those sort of triangular wood stands. It's Sawhorses.

@Opalbird1 2 жыл бұрын

I want to build this bench but….a shrunk down version to accommodate my using a wheel chair or stool and sitting. I have the plans (thank you) and will set up a grid to change the measurements. The only thing is how tall to make it so I have some power while sitting. Any suggestions? By the way I am a 65 year old lady with wood work experience who is now doing miniature work and Japanese woodworking, along with my leather work and sewing. I try to keep busy as I can no longer stand or move around much due to a poor heart. (Ah I’ll get over it). It can’t be fixed anyway. I do some full sized work as well but not too big. Working on making my kitchen a better place to work. Thanks for your videos you are a marvellous teacher. 😘

@russellmckay8896 4 жыл бұрын

I left the front and rear diagonal braces out. I lapped the 4x4 legs out to fit a 2x4 really snug so I could build drawers under the bench. I have no racking at all thankfully

@johanneswerner1140 4 жыл бұрын

That. That's what you should do. Came to say exactly that.

@russellmckay8896 4 жыл бұрын

Johannes Werner I haven't been able to build the drawers yet, but with just the 2x4s lapped in, it's solid.

@HammerandNeil 4 жыл бұрын

Maybe those angles braces on the legs could be moved closer to the center that way you could keep most of the benefits for anti racking but add shelves.

@DracoOmnia 4 жыл бұрын

I'm pretty sure I'm building this eventually, without watching the results of this video, but I'm watching anyways cause i like your videos

@tolliereed6426 4 жыл бұрын

Hey Rex, love the bench. I had an idea you may like. Recess a 2x4 under the holdfast holes the entire length of the bench. It should allow you to add holes anywhere along that line and stiffen the bench even more. I would like to know what you think about this idea.

@123hurst3 4 жыл бұрын

When the top is ready to replace, flip the three boards and reinstall.

@dirtyvet5404 3 жыл бұрын

I'd like to know how the adjustable plane support was setup. That is pretty 'high-speed' tech. great video. I also like that free standing vice in the background. Keeping the vice off the bench is nice for open space.

@TimRoyalPastortim 4 жыл бұрын

You could also use a saw bench in lieu of the low bench. though I love the low bench.

@philanders6902 4 жыл бұрын

Wheight? Put a board underneath the Workface and put some bags of cement in the "Box" - not really expensive but adds (in Europe) 25 - 50 kg per bag to the bench (about 50 - 100 pounds)

@richard392 4 жыл бұрын

I wonder if you can build the joiners bench and have the small bench that fit UNDER the large bench , my garage is full. btw love your work.

@NitFlickwick 4 жыл бұрын

Put a stretcher across the back and see if that fixes the racking. If it does, put one on the front and make it the basis for your shelf.

@galenbevel9622 3 жыл бұрын

I just built the low bench and I'm fitting it out now. I am lucky in that I am helping a friend mill out some oak on some property he has so I was able to get a 7' x 14" x 3.5" thick oak slab to make the bench at the fairly decent price of $0. As soon as I am finished flattening it and fitting it out with stops, crochet, etc. I plan to use it to make the joiners bench. My one question is whether there is any reason I could not use this free oak to make a much thicker slab top on the joiner's bench? Is there a reason other than cost to make it thinner?

@maxw-h 3 жыл бұрын

I'd love to hear your thoughts on the portable Moravian bench.

@princekermit0 2 жыл бұрын

He briefly covered them in his video about various work benches. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/iLOFZ85isLrInqs.html

@arimill1045 3 жыл бұрын

I'm going with the Roman workbench myself, my workshed is very narrow and doesn't really fit a full table unless I want to stick it in a corner, which defeats any purpose of working with material over an edge. The Roman workbench I can move outside on hot days and it keeps my shed basically empty so there's space!

@MichaelCampbell01 4 жыл бұрын

"rookie mistake making the bench too wide". Yup, rookie here. Did exactly that.

@suburiboy 4 жыл бұрын

Michael Campbell yeah. My bench is like 30 inches wide. Too bad I made mine before Rex started this series.

@TomBuskey 4 жыл бұрын

I made mine ~ 2 years ago, just over 30 inches. The good thing is I Iearned what I like and what to improve. And most of that agrees with what Rex has built. So my next bench...

@nicmasterdude 4 жыл бұрын

Split too here, 18" each. That means I'm either brilliant, or a complete idiot. I like to think it's two in one but....

@mhhsy2kadrequiem Жыл бұрын

What about instead of removing the diagonal braces, move them up and make them shorter? It would be a compromise between the support and having storage space under it? I'd me interested in see that...or trying it when I build mine

@unglaubiger5645 3 жыл бұрын

I made the bench top 4 inches thick and that prevents a lot of these problems

@chuckalessi9516 2 жыл бұрын

Sitting here in 2022 dying when Rex says "There's maybe $15 worth of material in this top." Well, yeah, maybe in your crazy early 2020 money!

@RexKrueger 2 жыл бұрын

Just wait until I release my NEXT bench in the spring.

@tomasjosefvela1 4 жыл бұрын

What about the "low thin" area on the original pictures you showed? i am curious what those low areas were used for. Thanks for all the great info, I've built a lot of scrap wood benches in my days and it's cool to see that following my gut seems to match a lot of what you point out about these historical benches, but still I've learned a lot and know now what i could and will do different the next time I find myself building one scrap wood or not.

@Seanfrtd 4 жыл бұрын

wood shavings and sawdust - how many uses and reuses are there for them? paper mache? make your own press board? compact charcoal bricks? how to bet 120% out of every fiber of wood.

@zaqclark529 4 жыл бұрын

I have a couple options for the surface of my bench, I work at a door making company, and I have access to different kinds of wood, there are some doors that were rejected that are literally just a few pieces of laminated 3/8” thick wood. And I think I might use one of these doors and cut them to size instead of planing construction lumber flat. I just don’t know what type of wood to use.

@stephenholland6328 3 жыл бұрын

The type of wood doesn’t matter. Use what you have. The benefit of several boards for the top is the ease of replacement and customizations. You could rip that top into several pieces. Just make the bench with that solid top. When you need to make it into planks just use a circular saw and make the cuts. This bench is so cheap there is no fear of damaging it. Just have fun using it.

@raymihurtadostuart7052 3 жыл бұрын

Hey Rex, I’m really enjoying binge watching your videos. I initially found them while looking for work bench ideas. They have been truly inspiring! I’m writing from New Zealand and I have 6 seven-foot lengths of 6x2 Jarrah. I’m sure you’ve heard of it, it’s a tropical hardwood from Australia. I’m trying to decide if I should use it for a low Roman bench or the English jointers bench. What would you do? Thanks again for the high quality content.

@fretlord4201 4 жыл бұрын

I really dig this channel. Maybe you, or your viewers, can hook me up with some advice. So...I'm a total amateur. A couple years ago, I decided I wanted to make a little stash box for a friend. At the time, I was on a very tiny budget and only had my bedroom to work in, so I got some of those little craft boards at the depot, a little Japanese style flush cut saw, and a set of mini planes from Harbor Freight, and the hinges and latches I would need. It took me a few tries, but I ended up making a fairly decent little product. As I worked, I sort of fell in love with the smell, if that makes any sense. Since then, I keep getting this recurring thought of making an entire woodworking setup, but in total miniature. What do you think? Is that a workable idea?

@RexKrueger 4 жыл бұрын

Sure! Seems totally fine. Everything you need is available in a small size and you can make little stuff all day. Actually, sounds like fun!

@fliplucky8813 4 жыл бұрын

@Maxx Kroes check out some of the older videos of Adrian Preda. He used to have a very small workshop. He also does a lot of tiny projects, like boxes, kumiko panels etc.

@Riffme81 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Rex. I have a question regarding the cross braces that you say get in the way and I fully agree they would drive me nuts. In a lot of your videos you've made reference to Paul Sellers. My question is why you didnt build his joiners bench? I'm sure your aware of his build series on KZfaq. His wedge concept joining the legs to the aprons is pure brilliance.....I should know cause ive just finished building one. As he says it removes all racking from occurring as the wedges coupled with the bolts and screws eliminates any racking. This is in no way a criticism to your build. Just a curious question. Jason

@jdcrtchfld 3 жыл бұрын

I'm building the bench now (slowly because I've been sick), using the original video & the plans Rex sells on his web site. The plans don't include the modifications he recommends in this video. That's kind of a drag. It's not so bad for me, because I'm going slowly but it's still a nuisance. How a out an updated set of plans, Rex? And, while you're at it, how about some instructions for us lefties? We have to reverse the work-holding gear, and, bei g a beginner, I'm not sure I'll do it right by myself.

@mikeg2046 4 жыл бұрын

Hey Rex! Talk about Mora knives for woodwork for humans!

@Vincent-S 4 жыл бұрын

Man, I wish I could make this bench. But I can't because of a pretty severe lack of space, so whatever bench I use spends pretty much 100% outside, with my low variant being an aluminum bench with a wood board on it so I don't cause massive damage to either what I'm practicing on or cut too deep and gouge both the aluminum or the tools if I go too deep. Full wood benches would just get wrecked by seasonal changes However, I do have another waist/up to the hip high aluminum or steel table that I think I can adapt using some thick plywood laminated on top with holes bored into the top layer for short dog holes and a simple and smallish moxon vise to clamp on when needed, then drape a tarp over the table for additional weather resistance after bringing the vise and pegs inside. Gotta figure out the side apron though.

@omnivore2220 2 жыл бұрын

Nice!

@eageus7844 3 жыл бұрын

hey rex. i live in washington. and i know this is kinda an older vid but i want to build a workbench but the prices of wood are super crazy right now. i am wanting to build one out of old pallets. is it possible for you to do a vid on how you would go about making a bench from pallet wood.

@markallen8027 4 жыл бұрын

Rex, I'm asking this same question of a number of youtuber craftsmen. I have an old, cheap table saw, a miter slide saw, a few cheap hand tools, and a desire to learn and hone my skills. What is the very first tool/jig/accessory I should build? Buy?

@1pcfred 4 жыл бұрын

@@xTatsuran there's some tools that everyone needs. Like a square. Can't get by without one of those. So far I've managed without a crosscut sled though. I just use my miter gauge.

@1pcfred 4 жыл бұрын

You might as well just scale the highest mountain right off the bat and hand cut dovetails. As you work doing that you'll imagine all of the tools you may need to accomplish that. I'd say at a minimum you're going to need a bench with a vise along with a saw and a chisel. A marking gauge is also nice to have. Once you've mastered the hand cut dovetail you can tell everyone that you're a fine woodworker. I'll back you up on it too.

@scottburnett8551 3 жыл бұрын

Going to build English bench . Got most supplies, I'm guessing bolts are 6,7 inch in to go through 4x4 and 2x4.? Also wing nuts better?

@clydedecker765 4 жыл бұрын

well said ...

@maxgo1d 4 жыл бұрын

Have you ever made a how-to video on chisel sharpening?

@zacdredge3859 3 жыл бұрын

I think he has several, here's one: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/e9Opipufq6qwomg.html

@hairanndo2002 4 жыл бұрын

コロナに気をつけて頑張ってください。

@thebeast88_ 4 жыл бұрын

I think that a video about making a rocking chair from you would be cool

@benjaminhellmann400 4 жыл бұрын

I am trying to get a plane to start wood working. Was the document as to buying and finishing budget planes ever published?

@stephenholland6328 3 жыл бұрын

Buy a smooth plane such as a Stanley #4. $40-$80. If you really start doing projects you’ll quickly how much you are spending on wood. Tooling costs end up not being that much in the overall cost. If you make cabinets, for example, you end up saving thousands of dollars, and you end up money ahead.