I Built The Ultimate FIRST Workbench.

[@FranksWorkbench]

If you might benefit from therapy, be sure to check out BetterHelp.com/franksworkbench

[@jbtallullah7009]

Love your approach. I think it will encourage budding woodworkers to not be over anxious about unimportant details on the first bench or projects.

[@williammaxwell1919]

When your starting, "Nobody" has told you that "you can't do that because...". So you're like, "Hell yeah! I can do that! No Problemo!". "Nobody" should STFU ~ if we haven't been told "you can't do that", the odds are, we "can do that". Science is littered with many "doing the undoable". Hmm, there must be a theorem on this.

[@TradingFeline]

One of the few vids where someone uses hand tools instead of an electric planer or jointer. Very refreshing.

[@FranksWorkbench]

Thanks man appreciate that

[@Cranky_Crone]

More refreshing for us than him! 😂

[@neilsellars4648]

Finally someone who is building a “first/beginner” workbench without $1500+ in tools

[@tylerthegrimm]

Rex Krueger, wood working for humans series. Began over five years ago and teaches you exactly what you're talking about in your comment. A series meant for the true poors and absolute beginners.

[@michaellockyer4557]

@@tylerthegrimmas well as he makes it clear when something is frustratingly tedious and time consuming if you’re only doing things with only hand tools and when to just use the power tool if you have the option already (especially fairly cheap or common ones like a cordless drill or circular saw)

[@tylerthegrimm]

@@michaellockyer4557 yep. He's a good man

[@josepharchuleta9809]

I say ditch the slab and bring cost down even more with a tortion box base

[@robertberger8642]

I like your simple design. Please eventually make a follow-up video with your thoughts on what was good and what you’d like improved.

[@FranksWorkbench]

You got it!

[@Ramplcro]

Cool. I used a cork for inside jaws, glued it with little bit of superglue. Cheap and it grips really good.

[@Br0therjames55]

Just watching this video helped alleviate some of my stress as I prepare to build my first work bench. The fact that you didn’t do any serious prep on the wood but still gave instruction for finding the square side and how to use was the biggest thing. It’s so intimidating seeing everyone start their beginner videos by running everything through planers and jointers that cost an arm and a leg. I’m the type that if I think there’s even anything minutely wrong with my starting materials I won’t do anything. So this helped alleviate some of that. Thanks!

[@AsifMirzaSmiley]

Great video all round, loved the simple but effective bit where you only flattened the underside where the bearer boards were going. Genius!

[@FranksWorkbench]

:)

[@briangilcrease7179]

This was great, I've been trying to research my first bench for a small space, have only a few tools and experience and so most videos put there have been overwhelming. Thanks for keeping it real

[@SomeJustice19k]

I've been watching workbench videos on KZbin for weeks now and was feeling overwhelmed by it. This video totally alleviated that and I thank you for that. Relatively easy to build, constrcution lumber, no need for power tools besides a drill and it looks nice and functional. I can't wait for tomorow so I can get started on this project.

[@todd4654]

Awesome bench. Been contemplating a similar design and really appreciate the demo on how you did it. Mistakes and all. I’m new to wood working and really appreciate that you include the oops moments! need to get mine to be able to fold up the legs as I have limited space and winters here in canada require the car inside unless you enjoy sitting on frozen solid seats in the morning 🙂would love to see an example of how you would do that. Been a follower for some time now and really enjoy your content and style. Thanks for all you do and enjoy your warm weather!

[@Prowler9000]

I've seen a folding workbench which stores flat against the wall when folded. I think the plan was in an easy shop, but saw the original picture on pinterest? Iirc it may have even had casters on the wheels, but I can't remember whether that's the same table for certain.

[@gateCodeKC]

Awesome video! I love the fact that you used basic handtools and also didn't need a work bench to make a work bench unlike most youtube videos 😂

[@michaelholmstrom7677]

This is perfect for me, I am a woodturner who needs a basic bench for prep/finishing. Sadly I will be using power tools to cut the material. Only addition I would make is putting casters on it. Thank you for posting this.

[@FranksWorkbench]

Great! Nothin wrong with some power tools my dude!

[@hellomate639]

Heh! I did glue "mortise and tenon" framing on my first bench! I think I'm going to upgrade mine. I need to flatten my top, put on a tail vise. It's been sitting a while now so the wood has warped to its permanent position, though it didn't really warp much. Maybe I'll add a nicer hardwood to make the top, because right now it's just 2 inch thick 2x12 fir, English bench style. Then I can take out the screws since it's all glued together, add a finish, drill my final dog holes. That would add some nice mass and flatness. I could add a trough as well. Yeah I'm gonna upgrade, this'll be fun.

[@FranksWorkbench]

Always fun to work on a bench!

[@johnford7847]

I think you're right about this bench being accessible even to beginners. And it looks quite sturdy. Paul Sellers has a good example of making a laminated benchtop from 2x's although his approach does use a handplane to joint the boards roughly. That might be a bit more than an inexperienced builder would want to try. Good video. Thank you for sharing.

[@FranksWorkbench]

Absolutely

[@aga5979]

the narration and the methodology are superb in a most efficient and elegant way.

[@petrsidlo7614]

this is pretty much how I built my first bench, but when gluing the top I glued 4 boards at a time and then glued the three existing panels, much less stressful. The second bench I made was actually largely influenced by the video you made around year or two ago, and I'm quite happy with that one. Keep the content coming.

[@FranksWorkbench]

Thanks man!

[@d3snuts]

Year ore to ago? What hi posted this video yesterday? 😂

[@petrsidlo7614]

The complicated bench he mentions in the first few seconds. He made that one some years back and then moved and built this one.@@d3snuts

[@btimms4585]

I watched because of your clear and concise explanation of beginner techniques, and stayed due to your knowledge. I subscribed because of your support for mental health! Peace and love

[@WalterMelons]

Great idea just flattening the bottom where the base attaches.

[@FranksWorkbench]

Yes sir, especially with 2x4

[@cpzmelbs]

Im glad i stumbled on this video. Searching for similarly made bench videos usually yields the opposite result. Where theres at least some tool, product, or joinery method that isnt friendly to a new person wanting to make a half decent first bench thats strong and stable

[@FranksWorkbench]

Glad it was helpful!

[@akaimon3]

Type of videos love to see ….a back to the basics in lieu of of a garage filled to the brim with every imaginable Festiol tool, dust system that requires a 2nd mortgage. Something about the mind body connection of hand powered tools, the only sound is the hand tool on the wood…🙂

[@FranksWorkbench]

Thanks man!

[@grkuntzmd]

Nice job on the bench. I did not know about the structural construction screws. I'm definitely going to try those for my next project. I have one of those front 10" vises (Eclipse, I think) and I love it.

[@FranksWorkbench]

Yes sir they are pretty solid!

[@pathardage1880]

I just kinda keep coming back to this one. Thanks. Hope to need to build one in the next month or so.

[@FranksWorkbench]

Awesome glad to hear it

[@hairpuppet]

Great honest instructions on simple, but effective workbench. Thanks for making quality content!

[@awantamta]

Brilliant simple design

[@FranksWorkbench]

Thanks a lot!

[@handyboy2000]

To make construction a little safer and easier, leave the bench top on the saw horses, and build the base on it. Flip the top over to attach the legs, upside down. Then when everything is attached, including vise, have a partner help flip the whole thing over.

[@Justin-tw6lx]

Been looking for a work bench to make and this one is by far the most beginner friendly. Looking forward to following along again as I build my first one!

[@davidonwp]

It's a joy to watch your videos and thoughts. Amazing work!

[@FranksWorkbench]

Thank you very much!

[@skippylippy547]

Loved this video! Thank you Frank. Lots of great ideas.

[@FranksWorkbench]

Thank you!

[@bigjoe8922]

Thanks Frank great job and thanks for making a video for wood workers not for tool collectors

[@louisd95714]

This is definitely the best and most refreshing videos I've seen made for beginners. Thank you for such a well made video!

[@csehszlovakze]

Thank you for this! I'm on limited funds just before going into carpentry (training and all), so this vid is really helpful.

[@FranksWorkbench]

Awesome good luck!

[@williammaxwell1919]

You can get steelcap flip-flops/ jandals /sandles. You can also get fur-lined Crocs. Fur-lined Crocs with steel caps? Apparently not. 😢

[@FranksWorkbench]

😆

[@Soldierofchrist84]

You could also have used a ratchet and strap method also, like the lasso.

[@onedudeonehammer]

Great work, thanks for sharing!

[@matthewmarting3623]

You can tell a lot about a person by how they build a workbench (without already having a workbench). I remember how I struggled when I made my first.

[@jgo5707]

But what a blast it was to build the first bench without a bench. I didn't have saw horses, but I had two 1.5ft tall wooden boxes that were makeshift, awful sawhorse stand-ins

[@benjaminkoch6778]

Just bought the plans, thanks Frank.

[@matthew4878]

Nice. I also only flattened where the bearers go on the underside of my Paul Sellers style workbench. I haven't seen anyone else mention doing that. But it's much easier.

[@FranksWorkbench]

Right on

[@matthew4878]

@@FranksWorkbench didn't realize I had so many typos. That's what I get for trying to leave a comment first thing in the morning. Fixed now.

[@MCsCreations]

Really beautiful work, Frank! Fantastic looking workbench!!! 😃 Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@FranksWorkbench]

Thanks, you too!

[@TUZO383]

So good as usual Frank

[@manningchiro]

Really sweet, simple build. Bravo. :)

[@yosemitebandit]

I would love to see how you maintain your planes and other tools, great videos!

[@FranksWorkbench]

Thanks!

[@johnbarryheath8962]

Most beginner videos require the watcher to have $50,000 worth of equipment in order to do a weekend bench project. Thanks for this de-stressing tutorial using some basic hand tools and non-squared wood to help true beginners to begin without fear. That's where most DIY people need to start: Easy to assemble trestle table and basic hand tools to learn some skills, then do a weekend bench project to learn further skills, then upgrade tools learn some further skills, and then maybe 6 moths to a year into doing some DIY, to then build a beloved shop-bench. It's a journey that no one starts with perfect skill or tools. Thanks again.

[@rawr2u190]

That was just as easy as promised, and some nice tricks too.

[@mathquir190]

Yeah I'm doing a ''fancy'' moravian workbench with a leg vice because I got the time and found tons of hardwood around and like to draw it on sketchup and sh!t but it's basically carpentry when you think about it and we'll probably get lots of saw marks and stained and finished millions times by just finishing stuff on it. Seriously having a brace and some easy joinery (or screws duh) to impeach it to rock around is the primary need. And all in pine is great because fawk pilot holes.

[@mathquir190]

Good tips with the rope. Perfect when you need some pressure but not too much. simple = perfect.

[@mathquir190]

Lol the kid taking the groom and... just don't groom... mehh kids...

[@jcoul1sc]

Vice will be ductile iron, invented by Record in Sheffield, UK , interestingly its a very similar design & color to the old Records, now Irwin Record. Happy to be corrected

[@FranksWorkbench]

Thanks for the info!

[@peterbarlow8912]

When they cut a 4x4 out of one quadrant of a log it shrinks to a diamond shape. That’s why traditional post and beam Timbers are cut from the center. As they shrink the sides become convex but they stay fairly square.

[@SA-bx9cp]

Yep the best video I have seen so far (and seen a fair few on this topic), thanks from the UK

[@ponyboyc]

I'm in the process of building a new workbench and the base is definitely where I'm struggling strength is a must because I have to move it every time I use it

[@pathardage1880]

Nice build. Thanks.

[@jayfreeman6900]

Where can we find the plans to the bench? For build list & such.

[@AlanTorres-gp9gi]

I'm in the process of gluing up the bench top. So far I have only done one section that is four boards wide. Should I repeat this until I have four 4-board wide sections and then glue the four sections together? Or should I add more boards to to my initial 4-board wide section? I'm thinking the latter as I think I'll be better able to squeeze individual boards together with fewer gaps.

[@jimmylovesbikes]

Every second of this video was awesome, to me anyways, because my workbench 15years ago was surprisingly similar to yours! Except you're smarter LOL and I've learned some tricks that really would have helped. Inspired to do it again with better experience and knowledge!

[@FranksWorkbench]

A bench is always a fun build!

[@sams5963]

Are their plans or a video for your saw horses?

[@Soldierofchrist84]

They were thinking ahead for a garden project. Sweeping up the chips in a bin to save for the garden later, smart kids.

[@mak4374]

Nice! I wonder if it would be just as strong if I used 2x6's for the legs, then after putting the cross beams on top and bottom, use other 2x6 to sandwich them. It will be easier to cut 2x6 instead of 4x4 on a miter saw, I just wonder if It will be just as strong.

[@FranksWorkbench]

Probably even better that 4x4, that plan should work great

[@GibbssYT]

Would an electric hand planer be good to use for this? My biggest roadblock is with flattening the top. I bought your plan online and the suggested planers are too expensive at the moment

[@VertexCarver]

Really helpful. I'll steal that cross-brace design! ^^ I do have a question though. Why do people either have their vise offset like yours or flush to the bench face?

[@FranksWorkbench]

Personal preference my other vise on the other bench is flush to the face but really it isn't because the crubber or leather on the bench face offsets it anyways

[@AereForst]

What a workout! Good work

[@DB-lw8wl]

Do you have plans available for this bench? Its hard to tell, but I think the 2x6 offered in your online shop might be different.

[@jons2447]

Hello, Mr. Frank; Thank you for this as I'm about to build a workbench. I think your sawhorse brace is a great idea, it has a lot of applications. How long is this bench? (Didn't see dimensions, sorry if I missed it.) I checked your site & recommendations but I didn't see the tung oil. What do you recommend? I have a few tools but I'll have to get a couple of saws. I want an extra iron for my plane, a camber & smoothing iron makes 1 plane into 2. I really appreciate hand tool woodworking & you seem to be pretty good. Are you going to offer discounts for the season? Have a GREAT day, Neighbor! PS How many structural screws did you use? Those look like really good screws.

[@FranksWorkbench]

Thanks man it's 6ft. I'd suggest longer if you have the space. The tung oil is realmilk paint brand, there is a link in the description if you feel like hooking me up with an affiliate commission 😉. Depends on the screw length, the longest ones 4" used 24, shorter ones into the top used 12, the ones into the face vise were more narrow and only used 2

[@onedudeonehammer]

Great job Frank!!

[@enochpage1333]

How stable is this bench? Seems like it would rack. Does it?

[@jjcale2288]

Just beautiful!

[@DraganIlich-r1s]

Thank you Sir.🎉

[@aaronwarner2762]

Sweet job man! Totally functional! bet you built the whole thing for less than one of those fancy wooden double screw end vises! Steel toed sandals... gotta get me some of that! Peace.

[@ecko1882]

Don't stop and might I be so bold as to request a speed up of your videos drops, I need more. Love your content, you'll be rubbing shoulders with stumpy nubs and wood whisperer in no time. 🤜

[@ananda5880]

What length should the table legs be for 6 foot tall person ?

[@wallycheladyn1190]

Instead of rope, ratchet straps are pretty useful.

[@giuseppeschetter6955]

What kind of wood are you using? It looks amazing man

[@JayceBroda]

Thanks, but someone please explain how not putting the square side out of the leg would twist the frame? How does that work?

[@taylorboyd3308]

I’m curious. Why are you downsizing your work space, and tool collection?

[@2neonKiks]

Do you dilute your tung oil with solvent? How many coats?

[@FranksWorkbench]

I don't dilute it, did one heavy coat and let it soak in.

[@TreesAreNeat567]

Great design. I plan to buy the plan and build it when I move soon. You are a braver man than I wearing Birks in the shop or at least have better health insurance.

[@Prowler9000]

Is "crubber" a rubber-like material made from cork?

[@GeeDeeBird]

Maybe you should add a saw set and triangle file to your minimal tool set!

[@FranksWorkbench]

Yep that's gonna be needed too!

[@jimrosson6702]

Great job

[@a9ball1]

Just found your channel and I really like the way you narrated this. Definitely a big thumbs up 👍. BTW, using a handsaw my straight cuts would give you a heart attack from laughing. I swear I can cut a straight line that turns out to be a S curve.

[@DetroitSicilian]

Appreciate the video.

[@philiprogers8620]

Thanks for the videos Frank, I’m enjoying the content. I’m in a very similar stage of life and situation, so the tips (and jokes) are very relevant. One of the biggest obstacles to my woodworking lately is the lack of desire to work after 9pm. Ha! Any idea how the Yost and Eclipse vices compare? Seem similar, not sure which one to buy…

[@FranksWorkbench]

I hear you man! I'm not sure between the two, as long as it squeezes tight, no problems!!

[@Soldierofchrist84]

Why did you choose to use a hand saw vs skill saw?

[@thomaswearne1023]

Hey Frank! What cross cut saw do you recommend?

[@FranksWorkbench]

My preference is ~10 points per inch and 20-24" long for good general purpose crosscut saw. There's one linked in the description if you want to buy new or any vintage saw should do too

[@Techaro]

I didn't catch it in the video, did he use 16 2x4's? I seem to count 16 but wanted to be sure.

[@doomedwit1010]

Loved the vid.

[@user-qx1gj4uk2o]

great video

[@morrisonsusan]

Frank, at 2:37 in the background, you have a light-color wooden plane with a dark bottom. It looks new; can you tell me about it? Was it built by you or another woodworker? I need a wooden jointer (I'm a 73 yo woman and can not handle a #7 or #8 metal hand plane). Thanks.

[@FranksWorkbench]

Hi Susan, that is a rabbet plane made by ECE.. they make longer jointer planes too. I haven't used one, but based on the tools I have used from then I'm sure it's extremely high quality.

[@marcbarash6045]

Thanks Frank

[@FranksWorkbench]

You bet!

[@carlogle6207]

Nice, Franky!!

[@FranksWorkbench]

Thanks buddy!

[@LordPadriac]

I wish I could but I cannot continue watching the video of someone purporting to teach good and safe workshop habits to beginners who wears sandals in the workshop like it's safe or appropriate.

[@dpmeyer4867]

nice work

[@rickhayhoe]

Hah! Frank, you gotta be past seventy to say 8:00 PM is midnight.

[@WoodworkAppalachia]

I thought you wern't supposed to put a finish on workbenches because it can skuff the work, is this different because it's an oil?

[@FranksWorkbench]

Oil finish works great but I probably wouldn't use a slick, film type finish like polyurethane, lacquer, or shellac

[@WoodworkAppalachia]

ok, thanks!👍 @@FranksWorkbench

[@dan__________________]

I think the truck is to not use 2x4s. Use 2x10's or 2x12's so that you can cut out the pith.

[@spambox1894]

Very nice.

[@hockeyman26789]

I put about 3/4th amount of glue and spread even with less boards across for longer time and they still WOULDN'T stick... (5 clamps + title bond3 ultimate wood glue)

[@FranksWorkbench]

The glue went bad?

[@damienmorales6577]

About how much would this cost in lumber ?

[@AlanTorres-gp9gi]

I just bought the lumber in california at a Home Depot. Total with screws was $150

[@DerberAlter]

awesome video!

[@FranksWorkbench]

Thanks man

[@ashleyhall5686]

Sweet vid! Whatcha got against government work 🤣🤣 PS I like your Texan rope lasso

[@FranksWorkbench]

Meant it as a high compliment ;)

[@danny302]

You need to do a video just on how you did that rope trick!!!! Please!!!! lol

[@FranksWorkbench]

Haha 😆

[@chickenman7252]

What happened to your old one? It looked beast