AWESOME Hand Crafted Tenon Bench

I make a pine bench / stool with splined mortise and tenon joinery. good, fun, and quick project!
---- PLANS / MERCH / & MORE ----
www.franksworkbench.net
**Affiliate Links**
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Coping Saw- amzn.to/3pECvOh
Marking knife - amzn.to/3sOl3Im
Starrett combination square - amzn.to/3iL4bxO
Thorex mallet - amzn.to/2Y2MFeV
Combination marking/mortise gauge - amzn.to/2Y2BfYB
Stanley benchtop tape measure - amzn.to/3o5wecl
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Dividers - amzn.to/3w8Xr2H
Combination oil stone - amzn.to/397qXfW
Translucent Arkansas stone - amzn.to/3vIUyWk
square awl - amzn.to/3q8UjAT
GOOD pencil sharpener - amzn.to/3pB0cY1
---Consumables---
Liquid Hide Glue (old brown glue) - amzn.to/3a8tzut
Green Honing Compound - amzn.to/3cQNBtM
Pencils - amzn.to/3irJR6f
---Finish---
Tried and True Varnish Oil - amzn.to/3TDkOMC

[@FranksWorkbench]

IF you enjoyed the vid, the like button won't hit itself! I need your help here! 1k in 24 hrs, LETS DO IT

[@FranksWorkbench]

2 hrs in, over 10% of the way there!

[@FranksWorkbench]

we hit 700! not 1k, but this more than doubles my previous best! plans are free for the weekend, on Monday will be back to the low price of $5. thanks folks!

[@Jerryp1]

@@FranksWorkbench so I missed the free plans? I was watching the likes and didn’t see this comment. So now that it is at 1k are the plans free? Good chance to see how your plans present.

[@youtukang]

😊👏👏👏

[@donsouthard]

stopping the video while doing the finish is like anti-ASMR. Come on Frank, give us some final footage of the completed project and let us appreciate all the work you did! 😂🎉 Great video as always though.

[@stephenmcgeown]

Oh man, very abrupt ending! Would love to have seen the finished product but it was nice to see your techniques and skills on show.

[@sid-ic5fr]

I made my fist table with literally a handsaw a chisel and a hammer (with really great results) then I began crying that I don’t have enough tools and power tools, and thinking that I can’t built more stuff because the lack of them, watching a comparing myself with the wrong guys, you know who they are, the guy that only use woodpecker and festool and everything else is just a disgrace, but don’t get me wrong he is awesome and having all those tools too, but you make me look at my few tools with love again, and think that I can built that next project with few tools a get good results with them

[@ZenithsCipher]

Great job in keeping your tools really really sharp!

[@salottin]

My thoughts EXACTLY!

[@MultiWarrior63]

Nice work looks great. Just download the plans, big thanks for them. My next project.

[@skippylippy547]

❤ It's so satisfying to watch someone build with hand tools! Nice video.

[@gavinhouliston]

You're a great mix of traditional methods with modern power tool usage when quicker to do so. Great building and design. Proper Craftsman

[@robertberger8642]

Great video, but ended too abruptly. An overview of the finished bench would have been greatly appreciated. Love your skills/techniques!

[@MrSeminole77]

awesome! would love to see a tool vid! Nice collection of hand tools spanning a number of manufacturers.

[@johnschillo4452]

oh, that's beautiful. Love it.

[@darodes]

Awesome is an understatement Frank… love your work.

[@rickymacias6149]

Great project amazing

[@jachymwiaczka4271]

Im a fairly new subscriber, but DAMN I wish I knew about you sooner. You are such a talent man! the bench looks awesome, I instantly want to make it for my GF's grandma. (Im a novice woodworker and she gave me her late husbands chisels, so if I build something for her and use those, it'll be extra special.) Again, well done with every project of yours I saw so far.

[@FranksWorkbench]

I love that sentiment!

[@garynelles]

She will love that you used the chisels. I just posted a video of a jewelry box I made for my girlfriend using walnut/maple/cherry that was cut from her family farm. She loved it and it brought her to tears. Check it out. kzbin.info/www/bejne/n5_YmGirn9uEjrc

[@FranksWorkbench]

@@garynelles Great video, awesome project! everyone should check out his video. Loved seeing your first dovetails and the tools you used, if you hadn't said otherwise they looked like you had been doing them for years - no joke.

[@garynelles]

@@FranksWorkbench thanks for your kind words. I really enjoyed this build.

[@jackknows6509]

I enjoy your projects, they are great for confidence building, utilizing slight challenges in joinery and such. Thanks

[@bobbysilver272]

Very nice job. I also admire how sharp your tools are!

[@FranksWorkbench]

Thank you sir!

[@pteddie6965]

Watching you use those chisels is absolutely mesmerizing to me!

[@MathanielTZ]

I love your builds! I'm finishing up a bench today, and my next project is a low stool. So, imagine my excitement in turning on KZbin at lunch and seeing this. As always, you make it look simple and provide helpful instruction. (I promise I haven't cribbed any of your designs, but I sure enjoy watching.)

[@FranksWorkbench]

Perfect timing!! And feel free to take or amend the design... as far as I'm concerned if I post it on the internet it's free for the taking!!

[@robykaufman1618]

Nice job I really liked stopped dado technique.

[@Charlielizard]

That turned out fantastic! Thank you for the video and have a great weekend.

[@FranksWorkbench]

Thank you and you too!

[@darrenmacmartin9392]

Another great project, thanks Frank!

[@FranksWorkbench]

thanks man!

[@pitsnipe5559]

Nice! Reminds me of a coffee table I built many years ago where the legs had through tenons fitting them to the top with wedges.

[@henrysara7716]

Loved Thank you for sharing

[@bomlearning9504]

The products really make me feel very impressed

[@VORONM]

I really enjoyed your job. Thank you very much!

[@FranksWorkbench]

I really appreciate the kind words and comment!

[@cujero]

I love this style of wood working.

[@FranksWorkbench]

thank you!!

[@thegoldend6]

Not one, not two but THREE shots! I feel that you're messing with me again. I know that dovetails are so hot right now, but the humble motise and tenon is a thing of beauty!! Nice job, mate.

[@Bunji2k6]

That's really nice.

[@FranksWorkbench]

Thanks man!

[@francki983]

Simple and nice bench. You have really scary sharp tools and this is one of the key to a proper implementation!

[@FranksWorkbench]

Absolutely!

[@TWC6724]

Another great project. Good work Frank 💪

[@FranksWorkbench]

Thanks man!

[@TUZO383]

You are the man Mr. Frank! Buttery as always.

[@FranksWorkbench]

Thanks! 😎

[@brianstevens9924]

As always, great work!

[@FranksWorkbench]

Thanks man!

[@garynelles]

I really like your channel Frank. Keep up the good work!

[@FranksWorkbench]

thank you sir!

[@vincentpauley7366]

Great build Frank! The splines are such a nice touch 🤌

[@FranksWorkbench]

Thanks man!!

[@diegoguerra8736]

Awesome work

[@FranksWorkbench]

thanks!

[@ulisesgarciagonzalez]

great work! The diversity of the tools you use is amazing.

[@FranksWorkbench]

Thank you very much!

[@willianalejandrosanchez2141]

Finísimo su trabajó me gusto el acabado

[@DIYwithDennis]

Nice job!!

[@FranksWorkbench]

Thank you!

[@awantamta]

I just love how you shape the wood with with you hands and tools.

[@FranksWorkbench]

I appreciate your kind words!

[@mikeandlucky]

Thanks for the great hand tool projects using the big box construction lumber. I usually can't afford the expensive hardwoods (wish I could :) but you demonstrate that we can build with what we got. Your bench is beautiful and will last for decades :)

[@FranksWorkbench]

Thanks man!!

[@rattlejake0422]

I absolutely love this dado/mortise technique and I had never seen it before I learned it from watching you (okay?!). It's so easy and repeatable and it's virtually foolproof, so long as you're careful during your layout. Thanks for all your content and all your lessons!

[@FranksWorkbench]

Heck yeah man, maybe it will catch on!

[@dragonstonegemironworkscra4740]

@@FranksWorkbench great build video. Wishing you continue success! This reminds me of a housed tennon design. However to a next level kinda. Love watching it. Hope I can get to a place in life I can put to practice these things I've learned from folks like you, Paul Sellers, Rex Krueger, and H Carpenter! Others too but I really like y'alls work and teaching manners Blessings abundant Crawford out 🙏⚒️🔥🧙🏼‍♂️

[@waynedyer2768]

Got your tools running well

[@IvorPuddifant]

Great project - just bought the plans!

[@FranksWorkbench]

thank you so much! Hope the project goes well and any constructive feedback is always appreciated!

[@bighands69]

You can use the same style of design to make tables with as well.

[@psguardian]

Sometimes simple is best, this is great.

[@FranksWorkbench]

Thank you!

[@MCsCreations]

Really amazing work, Frank! Beautiful bench!!! 😃 Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊 BTW, liked as always!

[@FranksWorkbench]

I sure appreciate it!!

[@bighands69]

You can make anything with handplane, hammer, chisels and a saw of anytype.

[@FranksWorkbench]

Agreed!

[@GeorgeLowrey]

I enjoy how you incorporate basketball into this build....

[@FranksWorkbench]

Hahaha 😎

[@ScrolledAgain]

"i use my square like this to mark out for the otherside" 200 IQ move

[@rollingstone3017]

Nice bench, Frank👍 Graceful curves make the knotty pine look a little finer.

[@FranksWorkbench]

Thanks man!

[@sandyk6657]

Wow, very nice. I made one very similar to this one out of oak, but struggled with the mortise and tenon joints. I'm a beginner woodworker and liked the way you built it - got some nice tips on improving my skills.

[@FranksWorkbench]

Glad it was helpful!

[@JM-qi6wc]

Amazing, really enjoy your videos. Would love to see how you get your tools so sharp!

[@FranksWorkbench]

thank you and noted!

[@AusWorkshop]

Crisp!

[@fusionlabs6215]

Your chisels and planes are so sharp, what's your sharpening process like?

[@jonathan2585]

I really like the simplicity and complexity of the work you do... also what set it out most is the handtool use very good video

[@FranksWorkbench]

Thank you very much!

[@najizein1566]

Great video as always, I wish you can make one on how you sharpen your plane blades…

[@cajademadera]

The level of sharpness on your planes has always amazed me! I wish a good could achieve something near to that. As always, great content, I really love your channel!

[@FranksWorkbench]

Thank you sir!

[@oldman774]

You gotto love sharp tools on softwood

[@stevenproctor3727]

Hey. Nice job looks great. I am new to hand woodworking and love the idea of no screws or nails. My question is from my limited understanding, wont the top of the bench crack being secured with those mortice and tenons like that? Due to wood movement across the grain?

[@chaplainand1]

Sweet Thank you Now I have serious tool envy, as well a skill envy. More repenting.

[@FranksWorkbench]

Haha thanks man!

[@chernishevalecs]

Парень отлично работает стамеской. Но эл. лобзик и финишная доработка стамеской облегчила бы жизнь)

[@carlosreira2189]

Please, please, please do a video on how to make urea modified hide glue if you haven't already. Thanks!

[@nancyrfrinemonsreal]

all the blades from your tools are very sharp. Do you have a sharping video that I can watch?

[@FranksWorkbench]

I don't currently but I know I should get on that!

[@patrickcasey1150]

Love the project and the video - only suggestion is: please let us see more of the final project when completed! The video ends just as I was looking forward to looking at the bench 😩 Maybe a quick once-around shot to look over it when everything is done. Other than that, thanks for another great video!

[@FranksWorkbench]

I agree, ending was too abrupt! Thanks for the input and have a good weekend!

[@patrickcasey1150]

@@FranksWorkbench thanks, you too!

[@SerhatAkiska]

Very nice indeed!!! I am planning to build (my first attempt :) a farmhouse table (10’x4’) and a bench. Your technique will be a great help. I can’t decide what wood to use, clear pine or poplar as both are price wise comparable. I would appreciate your recommendation and opinion. Thanks in advance

[@houstonsam6163]

I know there is a lot of time and learning and experience under your belt, but at this point you make it look easy.

[@FranksWorkbench]

Appreciate your kind words!

[@Rdlscu]

I just found your channel and I must say it's verry nice. I subscribed and hit the bell without you asking for it. May I request a video with your sharpening routine? Keep up the good work!

[@FranksWorkbench]

Thank you and yes, plan to do it maybe after my next project!

[@Rdlscu]

@@FranksWorkbench there are allot of videos about sharpening a plane iron, making the primary and secondary bevels, freehand, houning guides, etc... but I would love to see your method because in every video your handplanes just fly over that wood. I use a 1000 diamont stone and a 16k shapton and cant get the plane to fly like yours.

[@stevenowen9279]

Like how sharp your tools are must improve your work no end

[@theriphraff]

BRO! You got ALL the chisels.

[@FranksWorkbench]

Haha 😎 Thanks man!

[@theriphraff]

@@FranksWorkbench No problem. Your technique was awesome also. I need more practice but I had never seen that chisel for curves before.

[@mathewmcloughlin8312]

Great vid. I've gotta ask though. How did you manage to get the through tenons so neat? Every time I cut them they end up being a bit on the loose side

[@jeremydalton3148]

Hi Frank - I really enjoy the videos and find them very informative. I do have one suggestion: I think you cut them short at the end too abruptly. Having just spent about fifteen minutes watching you make the item, you tend to end with a "Thats all folks" moment. I think it would be nice if you extended the video by about 30 seconds to a minute to give us a glamour shot of the finished piece. Looking forward to the next video!

[@FranksWorkbench]

You're right, I appreciate your feedback!

[@ezaboleme]

Scary sharp tools. How do you do it?

[@FranksWorkbench]

The strop with green honing compound is the key!

[@vbacans]

Frank love the bench! Question for you. At about 4:25, you used a mortise chisel on the knot on the one side of the board. Had you stabilized the knot first? TIA

[@BadAppleWoodwerx]

It's okay Frank, we all know the lumber is more expensive than all those crazy tools these days. 🤣😂🤣

[@FranksWorkbench]

Made this with ceiling joists, don't think I needed em 🤣

[@WalterMelons]

What mortise chisels are those?

[@MrsGump]

Prob a stupid question but why chisel the mortice holes? Why not drill & then chisel the rest out to even/square it up? Is it just a personal preference kinda thing? Also, damn ur builds are enjoyable to watch, I think bcoz ur quite a perfectionist & I appreciate the extra little things you do to make things as best as you can (if that makes sense?? Lol) plus who doesn't find planing n chiselling etc satisfying to watch 😀

[@FranksWorkbench]

Haha thank you!! Yep it's just my preference, lot of folks do it just as well with a drill and chisel down the sides!

[@fabricemenoud3296]

Je trouve ça magnifique 👍👨‍🦽💨

[@joeleonetti8976]

Thanks Frank. I did hit like. I have a question about your DeWalt planer. You woodwork the way I do with mostly hand tools. I've been saving for a bandsaw and possibly the DeWalt planer. How bad (or not bad) is the snipe coming off the Dewal planer? All surface would then see a hand plane. Just curoius what your experience has been. Thanks.

[@FranksWorkbench]

No issues with snipe. Was originally planning to buy the fold down leaves or make a shop made extension, but there's been no need. I've had snipe once or twice but it was 100% on me not supporting a long board on the way out.

[@szymonz.7542]

9:30 Having a chisel THAT sharp should be illegal! :) What type of Veritas Irons do You use with Your plane? Is it a regular Veritas Blade, or the one for an old stanley plane?

[@FranksWorkbench]

Gotta have a permit for em in 37 states 🤣. The regular Stanley/record replacement irons

[@vikassm]

Like No.650 :D

[@jeanlucdesselle1447]

Number 15th like! Let’s go boys and girls

[@FranksWorkbench]

YES!

[@NickWaldie]

This is a pretty solid little workbench. While once you figure out how it comes together, it is physically Easy to assemble kzbin.infoUgkxyFZUPFEey-PuqsPMxqaykBhgA1LWxFHh by yourself. But the diagrams explaining the steps are really pretty bad. I could not get the handle pins in all the way despite multiple attempts, so I just used a screw I had on hand for the 2nd handle. I could not get the first pin in further or pull it back out. You are supposed to hammer it in, but I had no leverage and the handle is plastic and I did not want to risk breaking it. I will get a lot of use out of the bench because of the convenient size and height. It does fold up nicely for storage. They even explain how to fold it so you don't get pinched...that is important!

[@JayCWhiteCloud]

Lovely work, my only observation is some of the "rules of thumb" and/or traditional proportions being ignored that are also practical as well...Stools and related furniture that use a wedge split tenon (aka "hell joint") should never have the tenons this close to the finished edge as this is prone to "relish failure," as seen in this video...The general proportion rule is 3 to 4 times away from the end as the wood is thick...1" then would be 3" to 4" from the edge...The thinner the stock the more critical this is...the thicker the stock the less of an issue with the mean average being between 3" to 8" from the end before the leg assemblies are joined into the top...I look forward to reviewing more of your work as I only found your channel today...Thanks in advance for sharing your efforts...

[@FranksWorkbench]

Thanks brotha, I've never been good about following the rules. Sometimes it comes to bite me and I learn the hard way and sometimes I end up with a technique, style or method that works better for me than traditional

[@FranksWorkbench]

Also will add that with kids that sit on edges, I had a choice of either keeping the tenon close to the edge or splaying the legs/sides so that it won't tip or flip over with full edge pressure. Felt my chances of splitting off the top were very low, especially since they are just light splines and not full wedges.

[@JayCWhiteCloud]

@@FranksWorkbench Your logic is reasonable, and "rules of thumb" are more guidelines than a ridged rule...There are also methods for "strengthening" a relish area when (like in your case) the general rule is ignored. So, if a student stated (like in your case kids sitting near an edge (a tripping hazard) and not wishing a squinted leg (aka splayed) then a strengthening trunnel (wood nail) would be in order...Another note of point is that even though a tenon shim (I think what you are calling a spline...???...since a "spline" technically is a "free tenon"..."tusk"...or..."toggle" most often in English parlance, were as a "shim' is a small, often wedge-shaped member meant to lift and/or separated another working member) may be small, then generate a great deal of leverage over time...However, one thing I did not really account for in my first post observation is that you "glued" this assembly together with modern adhesives. That does, as I'm now sure, was your thinking as well when you designed this fine example of a sitting stool/bench. I'm accustomed to designing such things in only green wood and in fully traditional modalities with only the joinery doing the labor of holding it all together...LOL...which is a different world for sure...Thanks again for some great content...

[@FranksWorkbench]

@@JayCWhiteCloudgreat ideas, I especially like the wood nail idea to strengthen the ends! Thank you!

[@JayCWhiteCloud]

@@FranksWorkbench Try it...!!!...I think you will like it...Trunnels are great and solve all kinds of little issues like this...and I'm already enjoying more of your content...Thanks for taking the time to share it with us...

[@WillswoodworkingYEG]

What a shame to not show some finished shots

[@chkchkpap45]

I mean it would be nice to see the finished product at the end... Way to blue ball us

[@deborahf3738]

That knot in the wood looks like a giant a cockroach. Now that's all I see....thanks..:))

[@FranksWorkbench]

😬

[@deborahf3738]

@@FranksWorkbench besides the cockroach thing, I really like this project. It seems easy for us beginners and as your experience grows you can really make it fancy. Lining up the top and sides will be difficult but I would love to try it. Thanks for showing us.

[@FranksWorkbench]

@@deborahf3738 absolutely and thanks for the kind words!

[@matthew4878]

Your endings are very abrupt. It would be nice to have a few seconds to admire the piece.