Making a Walnut Side Table with hand tools - silent woodworking

[@FranksWorkbench]

Check out this awesome dovetailed box made with hand tools! kzbin.info/www/bejne/qYa7d2B-i5h_lbc

[@nat8843]

Hand tools and staying in the Ten Fingers Club! All Good!

[@capti443]

It is so nice to see someone who does not rely on power tools and works by skill-of-hand. Bravo! After 30+ years of woodworking, I find I’ve been taking up hand tools more and more and find them refreshingly peaceful and therapeutic to the mind. Plus, there’s a much deeper sense of satisfaction when you’re done.... Very nice piece you’ve made and the sheen from the tung oil and wax finish is just lovely!

[@FranksWorkbench]

Thank you, sir! I agree, I personally get more satisfaction from a simple box made with hand tools than I did from much more complex projects made with power tools. I love oil+wax finish on hand planed surfaces, produces a nice satin finish.

[@rollingstone3017]

Amen to that. It has taken me years to appreciate "the process" of hand tool work. Never really enjoyed pushing wood through a loud, expensive, dusty, and dangerous machine. The results were good enough, but somehow just not satisfying. Sort of anticlimactic.

[@IamChevalier]

Couldn't agree more. It's like when someone asks why ride a motorcycle - it's just as much about the journey (more so) than the final destination or finished product - at least that is what it represents to me. Great work

[@FranksWorkbench]

@iamchevalier best analogy I've heard yet. I don't even ride and that resonates perfectly

[@IamChevalier]

@@FranksWorkbench - Let me guess, I imagine you use woodworking to clear your head - set the world's problems at the door so to speak... Same with me and riding - my very own way to unplug. Enjoy and looking forward to more of your work.

[@bandabanderos]

This is still faster than assembling an IKEA product

[@FranksWorkbench]

Hahaha 😂😂

[@emmacarina73]

Mentioning IKEA products in the context of this craftsmanship is akin to swearing. 😂

[@zinozino1331]

Very nice! No noise, no sanding, no dust , no glue, so clean !

[@allantaylor8449]

Fantastic, and know bloody background music, just the sound of class.😎

[@Postfrogish]

Went back to this video accidentally as I was looking for inspiration for a build like this. Totally forgot you use to do this silent style. Must say, I appreciate that you now share your thoughts and articulate your techniques. Beautiful table in either case.

[@FranksWorkbench]

haha oh yeah the silent builds... seems like forever ago! its been a fast year!

[@whittysworkshop982]

This is a very nice table lad 😁🤙 You are also good with a saw....... you're managing where the weight is in the saw..... giving you easy starting, no stuttering and clean exits on through cuts. You're letting the saw do its work, you're not man handling the thing. All signs of a man with sharp skills in his hands, and also sharp tools 😁 Very well done Sir, the table is gorgeous 🤙

[@FranksWorkbench]

Thank you my friend!

[@sandyrolandcloutier1512]

Impressive! As a beginning woodworker I can only hope to develop this level of skill. Beautiful table.

[@TheMrHelo]

Awesome build. Thanks for not adding any cheesy music and keeping it to shop noises. Nice work!

[@FranksWorkbench]

Thank you!

[@Gotmovezlikejagga]

Hand tools aren't slow, they give us control. Also, for hand tool users its about the journey of making something not just the end result. You really can enjoy cutting dados, rebates , planning etc We appreciate your hand tool channel and hope to see more projects in the future. BTW, I saw in a comment by you, that you use oils stones, great choice. Most people start there and end with water or diamonds, for me it was the opposite, I ended with finding the best, oil stones. Maybe insert a quick demo of your sharpening on a next video. Cheers and best of luck with the channel.

[@FranksWorkbench]

Agree with you very much and great idea!

[@rollingstone3017]

A very nice piece of furniture you made. And pleasant to watch you build it. Quiet, peaceful. At 1:10, I love the sound of the saw as you pull back. Sounds a little like a big cat snarling. So cool. Kudos to another apprentice of Mr. Sellers!

[@marshallmurrell4583]

I am in awe of your skill with a hand saw.

[@grkuntzmd]

ASMR. Nice video.

[@AndyBadalamenti]

Therapeutic to watch. So many great lessons here.

[@deliaguzman1138]

I subscribed simply to hear the sweet sounds of your hand planes. Love it!

[@boltsvolts1189]

You have amazing skill and talent, looking forward to seeing more work and videos!

[@FranksWorkbench]

I've got a ways to go to get where I want to be but I appreciate the kind words very much! Gonna wrap up the next project in the next few days 😁

[@philipripper1522]

Your saw work impresses the hell out of me. I can't do that.

[@matthewwhitener8399]

Beautiful work. Great use of the contrast between the heart wood and sap wood on that top.

[@FranksWorkbench]

Thank you so much! Glad you liked it and thanks for commenting!

[@gashead2]

Lovely piece

[@Carpenters_Canvas]

Great job, Thanks for sharing this

[@darrensmall4313]

Very nice, heirloom piece. Great work!

[@craftsmanfollower8004]

Wow.. That's gorgeous table!!

[@moonlightsnowfall6734]

Great job, great video, handsome design.

[@FranksWorkbench]

Thanks!

[@petertiffney4413]

Fantastic work all done to such a high standard .and such great clear video .well done .

[@FranksWorkbench]

Thank you Peter!

[@dedep8653]

Bonjour de la France. Très joli travail. Continuer comme ça. Very good work

[@FranksWorkbench]

Merci!

[@shaneleavitt8972]

Beautiful work, you inspire me to try wood working all by hand!

[@FranksWorkbench]

Give it a shot!!

[@tonycr0130]

Excellent result, beautifully executed. Thank you.

[@osu122975]

Nice work. Enjoyed the build.

[@FranksWorkbench]

Thank you sir

[@michaellee8198]

Really nice work!!

[@okiwatashi2349]

This is the first video of yours I’ve seen, I’m really glad it came up. Beautiful work.

[@FranksWorkbench]

This was my first KZbin video! I'm glad it was recommended to you!

[@johnburens3395]

Nice work Frank!

[@WhitworthStud]

Beautiful work Frank!

[@KLIDIMARIA]

A really beautiful job !!!

[@FranksWorkbench]

Thank you!

[@williambranham6249]

My first video. I have all the hand and electric tools but your set up is my dream shop. Great job! Less is more. Thanks. New subscriber.

[@FranksWorkbench]

Thank you I really appreciate it! I sure wouldn't complain if I could fit (or afford!) To add a table saw, planer, and bandsaw but i agree with you there is something enjoyable and challenging about going start to finish with a few basic tools

[@compunurse]

ASMR Woodworking. Nice.

[@infocpctrainer]

like all craftsmen, you make it look easy, which its not. thanks for video

[@sstolarik]

Well done, Frank. That’s a definite “atta-boy!” ;)

[@FranksWorkbench]

Haha thanks man!

[@jimfromri]

Great video illustrating the pleasure and usefulness of hand tools. Table is beautiful. I know no one will ever see them, but I was surprised you used metal hardware to attach the top. Wooden buttons would accomplish the same thing and better fit the pedigree of the table.

[@FranksWorkbench]

Appreciate the feedback and you're probably right regarding the buttons. I have a ton of those metal z clips and personally don't find them too obtrusive, but I know most hand tool woodworkers would disagree with that.

[@sumandl]

I love working with hand tools. You got a new subscriber, keep it up Sir.

[@FranksWorkbench]

Right on man, glad to have you!

[@brandonjones8575]

Well done! Subscribed.

[@chadryk5]

Wow. This is outstanding work & craftsmanship.

[@FranksWorkbench]

Appreciate it man. Thanks for watching!

[@markbailey6784]

Enjoyed the video. When I drink coffee in the shop, it gets cold way too fast as I get too involved in what I'm working on.

[@FranksWorkbench]

That happens to me a lot too, means it's time for a refill!

[@nabl695]

What a craftsmanship ❤️❤️❤️

[@nabl695]

It's like creating romanticism with a piece of wood....extra ordinary video.

[@FranksWorkbench]

Thank you!

[@nabl695]

@@FranksWorkbench 🙏

[@briandiaz4373]

apparently Ive seen a few of your videos before. Great content!! New Sub and I like the way you present. Including the other videos when you talk and explain. You keep things simple and you dont sound like a snob which is refreshing. Looking forward to your future videos. Great Work

[@z4zuse]

Well done. A common feature is small bevel at the underside of the top to make it seem less massive.

[@FranksWorkbench]

Heck yeah, would give it that lighter appearance. Going to try that on the next table top I make. Thanks!

[@soberlivingwithbrianfrankl8254]

I just found your channel. I to am a hand tool wood worker. This was great and I like your work. Subscribed for sure 👍 😊

[@FranksWorkbench]

Thanks Brian and welcome to the channel!

[@david.perrip4316]

Very nice!!

[@FranksWorkbench]

Thank you!

[@saucetguitars]

That’s beautiful, and you have amazing skills! Made a similar one out of mahogany last year, but this kind of makes me want to build a walnut one!!

[@FranksWorkbench]

Thanks man! I say go for it, these things never get old with so many little design variations to experiment with

[@manueltoyou]

wonderfull

[@Rob.1340]

Good job. Looks good.

[@FranksWorkbench]

Thanks brother!

[@astridfinley7763]

This is very cool. I only wish the camera was zoomed just a little bit more so I could really see what your doing. But I really want to learn to make things by hand and it seems as tho power tools are what everybody uses. This is awesome. :)

[@FranksWorkbench]

Glad u enjoyed it!

[@VORONM]

Very, very good job! Uncle Paul's school is visible :-)

[@FranksWorkbench]

Thank you!

[@billmactiernan6304]

Are you really happy with that end product? To me, it looks like a scaled down work bench. One way to obtain pleasing proportions is to work from full size drawings.

[@sallybryan3754]

I like your work

[@FranksWorkbench]

Thank you!

[@darrylportelli]

Great job ... How did you go about attaching the top ? Table buttons ? Thanks 👍👍

[@dennishanes2165]

New to your channel. Subscribed immediately!! Wonderful work. If you ever do this type of table again, would appreciate some time devoted to attachment of the table top. Thank you, young man!! 👍🏻

[@FranksWorkbench]

Yes!! Thank you! 👊 Will make a mini-video showing how I attach the top in detail during my next table build! In the meantime, check out my cherry table build, it has a little bit more detail on attaching the top

[@dpmeyer4867]

good job

[@simonabbott]

Enjoyed this. That's the kind of deliberate work pace I aspire to, though I usually tend to get impatient and rush. As a beginner, I was just wondering why you use metal brackets to attach the table top, rather than just gluing it down (Edit: I see you answered this question already)

[@FranksWorkbench]

Yep, allows for seasonal expansion/contraction in a wide solid wood top. I recall reading in an old book, though not sure which, to leave a gap on drawers and cabinet doors of a dime if the piece is made in the summer or a nickel if made in the winter... On the other hand on places like reddit the piece is a failure if the gap is greater than a single piece of tissue paper, regardless of season 🤣

[@hugopetry]

another awesome video! do you mind sharing the mortise chisel you are using? thanks a lot

[@mr.shellcracker9161]

What mortise chisel is that? Did you notice a big difference over mortising with bevel edged chisels?

[@darodes]

Not relevant at all… I know some people prefer these kinds of videos, and I completely get why they do…. But for a novice like me, it really helps to hear the thought process and reasoning behind every step you take towards the outcome. I respect this style of video, but much appreciate your commentary 💪

[@houstonsam6163]

Built a very similar table in cherry in a joinery class late last year. It was a great experience. Frank if you don't mind my asking, how do you buy your hardwood? 4/4 rough, S2S 3/4, or some other milled finish? I'm trying to graduate up to common hardwoods from "big box" lumber and I'll be milling with a table saw, hand saws, and hand planes; I can scrub to rough thickness then finish with jack and smoother, but I'd like to avoid wasting a lot in shavings and I could really use some advice from a guy who already is what I hope to become in this craft. Many thanks.

[@FranksWorkbench]

very kind, thank you! I buy it any way I can, rough, skip planed, or have even s4s. Different dealers sell it different ways, it doesnt make much difference to me - but s4s is my least favorite because its gonna need to be flattened anyways and can often end up a bit too thin. Take care!

[@user-rd3jw7pv7i]

I would like to start woodworking, is there anything i should buy or any tips and trick maybe? (I'm still very young and I've always wanted to be a woodworker)

[@FranksWorkbench]

I would say just start with what you have or what you can aquire for very little money. As with anything, it can become a money pit with very high end and expensive tools. So don't make the mistake of thinking that a new tool or a more expensive tool will make you a better woodworker. Enjoy and be extremely proud of EVERYTHING you make. Minimize internet time- it is terrible for self esteem and self-growth and so much is outright fake or smoke and mirrors - this applies to more than just woodworking. - hardware store hard point saw$15 -the crown dovetail saw I use $20 - home Depot chisel set -$15 -combination stone $20 Hand plane- this is highly variable price. Good luck brotherman, stick with it!

[@masculinespeaks]

Is there any advantages to a lower workbench? I feel like if I were to have one it would be just below my chest so I wouldn't have to bend over as much..just a question from someone who's interested in the process

[@FranksWorkbench]

Some people will have multiple benches of various heights used for different purposes. I use one bench and like to have it at a height where I can saw dovetails an inch or two above the bench top with a straight wrist. Much higher and the wrist will not be straight when sawing, making accuracy more difficult. Most of my bending over is due to vision. Oddly enough my bench at 39" high would be considered quite tall, these nicholson style benches were traditionally 32" tall... but then again the average englishman's height in 1812 was probably 5'5 and I'm 6'4

[@mathesmania]

Beautiful work! As others have mentioned, I can tell you are a well-practiced student of Paul. I was wondering what the dimensions of the stock were and the overall dimensions of the finished piece? It looks like maybe 3/4 for the top and 1.5x1.5 for the legs?

[@FranksWorkbench]

Thank you! Top is about 16" square, height 25", top is around 3/4" probably a little thicker, and legs are a little under 1.5"

[@jon0807]

I was just about to ask how you attached the top till I saw the very end of the video. But what did you use to cut out the slots for the z clips on the apron?

[@FranksWorkbench]

I just used a 1/8" chisel and cut a shallow mortise that is longer than the z clip by about 1/2" on each side

[@morgansweat4738]

Great looking piece of furniture! On a video side note; I'm not sure what editing software you use, but I know Premiere has a lens correction effect you can use to fix fisheye you get from what i assume is a gopro. I'm sure most editing software has some version of that!

[@FranksWorkbench]

This is really great feedback, thank you for that. Yes it is a GoPro. I'm gonna admit I had never heard of the term fisheye before this comment. I've been using blender bc it's free lol... I will look into correcting the fisheye!

[@AlexEllis]

Hey Frank, what's the brand / model of your end-vice? Since you're a traditionalist, have you also thought about using good ole' holdfasts?

[@FranksWorkbench]

It's a veritas inset vise, I really like it. Used to use holdfasts a lot more, and after I installed the inset vise I almost never use them anymore. On the new bench I haven't even used them at all yet!

[@arnoldchipa5521]

Hermoso trabajo

[@FranksWorkbench]

Muchas gracias

[@mr.shellcracker9161]

I’ve made a table like this out of cherry. Great project and yours looks fantastic. Is that pure ting oil and beeswax? How do you like that compared to linseed oil?

[@FranksWorkbench]

Thanks man, I love these kinds of tables in cherry. Yes just tung oil and beeswax, this was a wax heavy mix which is kind of difficult to apply due to thickness. I prefer tung to linseed oil but sometimes will use Tried and True which is a commercial brand finish made of linseed oil and beeswax just for ease of use.

[@customwoodcreations1796]

Awesome work...completely enjoyed the hand tool aspect. I'm really interested in that mortise and tenon joint. What was that called and was there no glue involved? That was th whole video for me!!!

[@FranksWorkbench]

Thanks man, glad u enjoyed it! It's a haunched mortise and tenon, good for when the M&T is positioned at the end of a piece of wood like on table legs. I did use use glue on all the M&T's.

[@customwoodcreations1796]

@@FranksWorkbench awesome, i recognized the hunched mortise and tenon, when i saw you hammering them into position i thought you had done some kind of locking/friction fit. I’m becoming more and more intrigued with the use of hand tool work in my builds as opposed to all machine work. You are very proficient in the way you cut the joinery, very well done sir.

[@FranksWorkbench]

Ah gotcha, yes it was a pretty snug friction fit. Next time you cut a tenon try going just a hair oversized and trim it to fit with a hand tool like a router plane or even a rasp/file, I think you will really be happy with the fit. I personally could never get a perfect fit on things like shelves in a dado right off my table saw or plunge router and hand tools for the final fitting really help that but it does come with a learning curve especially if the whole joint is done with hand tools vs only the final fitting.

[@customwoodcreations1796]

@@FranksWorkbench agreed... currently doing only floating tenon joinery with plunge router. I want to move away from “production” type work and get back to craftsmanship and heirloom type pieces. Again, hats off to you sir. I’ll be checking out the rest of your videos later.

[@woodworker1946]

Paul S is smiling from England .

[@bigkiv47]

Very nice mate.... Did you consider planing a wide chamfer around the top on the underside to refine its edge. Just something to consider maybe. How did you attach the top. I use Z clamps a bit unsightly I know but very functional. I'm considering using a dowel system I saw elsewhere to secure the top to keep it all timber construction. Def subscribed and keep up the good work mate :)

[@bigkiv47]

I just saw the very end of the vid and see you also use Z clips. Toying with the dowel Idea and also making my own Z clips out of timber.

[@FranksWorkbench]

You're a rock star for making it to the end of that video! I like those z clips, they work well and pretty quick and easy.

[@stevencoons450]

Beautiful!

[@SonsOfThunder229]

How do you like the Woodriver plane? Is it as good as Rob Cosman says it is?

[@FranksWorkbench]

I like them pretty well, but had to replace the blades, couldn't get the stock irons very sharp on 2 of the three

[@SonsOfThunder229]

@@FranksWorkbench which blades did you replace them with?

[@FranksWorkbench]

Stanley/record replacement blades made by Lee valley

[@garynelles]

Nice project Frank. Did you consider chamfering the bottom of the top?

[@FranksWorkbench]

I do that sometimes, love that look!

[@jasonanderson1154]

Beautiful piece. I'm going to try the tung oil, beeswax mixture. What tung oil do you use?

[@FranksWorkbench]

Got the Tung oil from real milk paint company. This ultimately worked out well but was my first shot at that mixture (which I just found the ratio online) and it was far too thick-- very tough to apply and also difficult to buff off the excess. It also remained tacky from the wax for at least 3 weeks before curing. A thinner mix similar to tried and true oil wax mix is so much easier

[@smrogers4155]

Great work, this was really a joy to watch. About how long do you think it took you total to make this?

[@FranksWorkbench]

Thank you very much, glad you enjoyed it. Not sure how many hours but for most small-medium sized builds like this I generally expect the first day to glue up to make wider boards if necessary, stock prep, and fill any big holes and knots with epoxy. Day 2 is mostly joinery. Third day is any finishing touches and glue up in the morning, then later on apply finish.

[@smrogers4155]

Thanks for the response! I've done some smaller projects, but its nice to hear how other people do things. I look forward to seeing more videos!

[@ronniekuhn2026]

What is the tool hanging behind you to the right of your handsaws?

[@milepetricevic7218]

Art

[@gawbo005]

How do you sharpen your blades? Early in the video you were doing end grain work with a bevel down blade. You must keep those razor sharp

[@FranksWorkbench]

Wow good eye. I use two oil stones (a medium India and translucent Arkansas stone) and a strop with Lee valley's green buffing compound.

[@procrast7661]

Hell yea!!

[@johnhayes6414]

Do you have plans patterns for this build. What was the white thing you rubbed on the bottom of the plane

[@FranksWorkbench]

No plans sorry. I may start making plans on future builds. The white stuff is just paraffin wax, it reduces friction and makes the plane glide very smoothly

[@willyghost2213]

I feel like hand tools are the way too go. Just seems right. If you’re going for production volume I can understand power tools.

[@claudioruvalcaba102]

Beautiful work! You make it look so easy, I'm really impressed how straight your cuts are. I've got a little question about the assembly, did you glued the top part? Or how does it keeps in place? Cheers!

[@FranksWorkbench]

No glue on the top I just use metal z clips to hold it tight and also allow for seasonal wood movement

[@william_02]

What’s the hand plane you used in the beginning of this?

[@HaZe905]

Hey where does one learn to do this? Are there any resources that can teach this? Any recommended resources? thanks! This question is for anyone in comments as well. Thanks!

[@FranksWorkbench]

I like two books for a starting point: essential woodworker by robert wearing and working wood1&2 Paul sellers. Wearings book is best overall but sellers book has very detailed instructions for basic joinery. There is plenty of online stuff now too. As far as stock prep-- getting rough lumber to straight and square boards by hand -- I'm not aware of any decent resources. Just need practice - plane the high spots of the board, avoid letting the plane touch the low points until the final passes. Interested in others opinions here as well

[@HaZe905]

@@FranksWorkbench awesome thank you!

[@darrenmacmartin9392]

Hi Frank, I hope you’re doing well. The new workbench build was awesome, thanks for sharing that process. I was just going through some of your older videos and was wondering about the smaller rip saw you used to taper the legs on the walnut table, was it a vintage saw you reconditioned or a newer make? Also, how long did it take to become so proficient at batting wood remnants into the waste bin?

[@FranksWorkbench]

it was a lie nielsen panel saw. great saw but unfortunately I believe they discontinued it. its a 20" long 7 TPI rip saw. The trick shots i started doing to get a laugh from my wife, I thought it was fun, seems some viewers did too, so kept going with it, but im acutally not that good a shot -- magic of editing out the misses with the trick shots...

[@steadyliam]

Nice! How long did this take?

[@athmostafa2462]

How did u attached the top ??! Dowels or screws ???! Or Woden L shape from bottom ??!

[@FranksWorkbench]

I use z clips like these amzn.to/3Dlgnys

[@athmostafa2462]

@@FranksWorkbench Aha , awesome 😊👍 thanks.

[@claudioruvalcaba102]

Hello again! Do you have any plans for this? I looked in your website and I didn't found them Cheers!

[@FranksWorkbench]

I do not, but I will make an updated version of this at some point soon with plans

[@bwhite220]

Freaking gorgeous, man! I also see the Go Hogs corn hole boards! Are you in NWA? I’m in Bentonville.

[@FranksWorkbench]

Thanks man! I'm in Texas now but went to college in Fayetteville, GO HOGS!

[@Breadfan01]

Looks great. Is the tabletop just held by glue?

[@FranksWorkbench]

Thank you! No glue to hold the top to the base bc wood movement would separate it. I used Z clip table top fasteners, I show the underside of the piece with the z clips at 30:58. Thanks for watching!

[@MrDavidDRM]

Sorry if already asked, but how did you join the top to the frame?

[@FranksWorkbench]

Z clips

[@LimitedGunnerGM]

Did anyone notice how light his touch is on the cross cut? It sounds like there is no Dow pressure. It’s just the weight of the saw.

[@onepointfivemethane205]

What's the name of the tool used at 3:00 ??

[@Dseated]

How did you secure the top to the frame?

[@FranksWorkbench]

Metal z clips, I put a link to the ones I use in the description

[@bigfoxki]

19:23 What is that white stuff you put under the plane?

[@FranksWorkbench]

Paraffin wax. Reduces friction and makes the plane glide smoothly.

[@bigfoxki]

@@FranksWorkbench I see, thank you for answering, still new to plane.