Hold ANYTHING on the $30 Bench.

More video and exclusive content: / rexkrueger
See the UPDATED Low Bench (faster and much cheaper): • Build the Lightweight ...
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Chisels I Recommend (Affiliate) || Narex True Imperial: amzn.to/2Xzj4rc
Irwin Marples Chisels: amzn.to/2GB1AoA
Lag Screws with Washers: amzn.to/2ViZ6n1
Ingenious Mechanics by Chris Schwarz (non-affiliate): lostartpress.com/collections/...
Woodwork for Humans Tool List (affiliate)|| Stanley 12-404 Handplane: amzn.to/2TjW5mo
Honing Guide: amzn.to/2TaJEZM
Green buffing compound: amzn.to/2XuUBE2
Cheap metal/plastic hammer for plane adjusting: amzn.to/2XyE7Ln
Spade Bits: amzn.to/2U5kvML
Metal File: amzn.to/2CM985y (I don't own this one, but it looks good and gets good reviews. DOESN'T NEED A HANDLE)
My favorite file handles: amzn.to/2TPNPpr
Block Plane Iron (if you can't find a used one): amzn.to/2I6V1vh
Vaughn Bear Saw: amzn.to/2WoIzLP
Dewalt Handsaw: amzn.to/2IAHX1Z
Follow me on Instagram: @rexkrueger
Get my woodturning book: www.rexkrueger.com/book
T-shirts and Hoodies: www.rexkrueger.com/store

[@mrk7309]

Rex please PLEASE keep making "woodworking for humans" videos, this is gold

[@RexKrueger]

You keep watching them and I'll keep making them.

[@rud3m3chanical]

Truly, the DIY gods have smiled on me! I just finished watching the other videos in this series a couple of days ago, and lo and behold, on the path outside work last night, was half a dozen dumped 4" square pine beams in great shape! $0 workbench project :)

[@RexKrueger]

Perfect! Get to work.

[@davideiben7528]

Don't watch this dudes videos first thing in the morning. Your day won't get better. Thanx for breaking down how to properly use this bench.

[@ConstanceCamus]

😂🤣😅

[@max3d_0ut]

If this isn't the truth. I just spend the rest of my workday thinking about how I could have spent it woodworking.

[@testingdpatience9203]

Lol its Sunday morning and i just got to this video and comment lmfao

[@bertkutoob]

Where there's a will, there's a way... Where there's a won't, there's a whiner... I made my $30 bench 30 years ago using a fold-up steel table kicking against a tree in the garden as a work station. I mostly didn't have a clue what I was doing but with the help of magazine articles from the local library (not much internet in 1987) I ended up with a pretty decent bench, with which I spend more time than with the Missus (or so She says). Today we have guys like Rex prepared to share their knowledge and experience with all comers. Much appreciated. Thanks buddy

[@negotiableaffections]

My first bench project, was the dilapidated black&decker workmate that a builder left at our house, 'cos he was going to get a new one. With all the sturdiness of the Blues Brothers car [on reaching the Cook County Assessor's Office] but I rebuilt it, and it got me started.

[@bertkutoob]

@HappyandAtheist 👍😈

[@dr.lexwinter8604]

1987 was a good year. Before the internet. Well, the internet was great for a time. Now it's a case of "I wonder what, oh, wait, Google will never let me search such a thing."

[@Acheiropoietos]

I dub thee a KZbin dude. Thank you for your encouraging words.

[@richbuilds_com]

Of the 20 bajillion 'how to make a bench' videos on youtube, this is by far my favourite. I'm a software developer by trade and my mantra is 'simplest thing that works, but no simpler'. This ticks all my boxes :-)

[@djayers]

lol, same here. Coding woodworkers ftw!

[@researchandbuild1751]

Mattias Wandel has a workbench video that is simple to build and rock solid, built one myself like $20

[@richbuilds_com]

@@researchandbuild1751 I follow Mattias for the same reason :-)

[@1truefreedomfighter]

You use vi too, right?

[@richbuilds_com]

@@1truefreedomfighter vi stops being simple after you've installed all the support software I need to do my job. I'm using PHPStorm because it comes with everthing set up and works out of the box (simplest thing that works).

[@handcraftedbynate]

"If it's stupid, and it works - it ain't stupid."

[@kevinelliott5823]

I wouldn’t call myself a woodworker, in fact, this bench is probably the best thing I’ve ever built. I’m really enjoying the education I’m getting from just this build! Your channel offers so many tricks of the trade. Thank you so much for making me believe I can actually build something!

[@jamesrosenthal2368]

Rex: I just found you and became an immediate patron. I love how you teach and at 71 yrs. old I am an avid student who's primary goal in the remainder of my life is to become a true craftsman. Woodworkers like you can help me achieve that goal.

[@SoloRider831]

I love this bench idea. I had an apartment neighbor years ago who had a smaller three foot bench (didn't have the split back end) and he had a moxon style vise worked into the center of the left side. Was the oddest looking contraption. He did have three square holes in it for bench dogs and hold-downs. Wish now I had taken pictures of it and taken measurements. Wasn't the steadiest platform, but he made a lot of small projects with that little bench.

[@doctorpc1531]

This series has a lot of the same appeal the megapopular 'primitive technology channels' do - above all the sense of progression is something that's extremely engaging. As a bonus, approaching woodworking from a slightly different angle can really help distil some of the basic fundamentals for those of us who never received formal training or teaching.

[@RexKrueger]

Primitive Technology really is an inspiration for this series.

[@RobMacKendrick]

Freakin' genius, every last detail. I continue to appreciate your emphasis on hand tools. Haven't seen anyone else use a brace and bit for decades, but still have mine. Still the best way to drive big wood screws (with a screwdriver bit).

[@RexKrueger]

They really do drive a fastener very well.

[@Gwynbuck]

I'm not going to make one of these because I've already got a bench. That said, THIS is the way to make KZbin videos! You are clear, informative, light-hearted and funny. Furthermore YOU DON'T WAFFLE! You get straight to it and don't bore us with anecdotes about how your mum suffers from arthritis. Well done. BTW after watching one of your videos, I bought a wire wheel for my grinding machine - a great investment, gets constant use. Cheers.

[@RexKrueger]

I'm so glad you think I get right on with it. Sometimes, I feel like I talk too much.

[@Cyromantik]

I really like the chisel advice: "Just go buy some chisels". I have to be more careful these days, but yeah, I'll do that.

[@frankpouw5751]

Great bench! I cut one face of the notch and square mortise at 5° and cut a few wedges at the same angle but different widths to clamp various thicknesses of stock. Also, I found my planing stop and pom soon lost their friction fit so wedges were required. Wasn't hard and I'm amazed at how well it holds. I love using this bench. Thanks for showing us how to make it Rex!

[@Kaodusanya]

seriously this is amazing. I understand that vices are useful but knowing techniques like this is stuff thatll just make your life easier and works really quickly.

[@MrSegersall]

Two things: 1) Yor video making style, clarity, precise to the point, is awesome; somehow I got to one of your vids and can't stop seeing more of them. 2) Thanks to that I now feel the confidence to finally get into basic wood working that I intended during pandemic but felt overwhelmed for not having clear guidence of where and how to start; I even got some wood , different shape and sizes, and hand and power tools that have been geting dusty somewhere in my garage, and now I really feel I could get something done with them; I will definitely start by making this bench with most of the adaptations you have made into it; by seeing it in use there has been a lot of moments where I thought "If I only had found this channel before, how many things I could have done/done easier"... Thanks! New subscriber from Mexico.

[@shenyathewelder9695]

You do get something if we buy the book, you get another slightly better woodworker in the world. And that’s worth being proud of

[@karolskakes388]

When friction no longer holds your palm post, simply drill a set of holes and insert a cross pin/dowel.

[@NDW76]

A small wedge might work too

[@VirgilAllenMoore]

That was awesome! Well done on that adaptation. That combo with the crochet is amazing

[@SylwesterKogowski]

Your channel is soooo great. Your channel just became my favorite from all mechanic stuff. All those things you've shown - they sometimes replace pretty expensive, big machines - not only for wood working, but also metal or plastic working.

[@watermain48]

Thanks Rex. I believe I'll make myself a crochet after seeing how much fun you're having with yours...

[@pausaniasofithaca6325]

I'm just starting out on my woodworking journey. Earlier this week I finished adding these fixtures to my very own starter bench. Thank you very much for the thought and hard work you put into these videos, and for sharing them with us! I'm very proud of my work and excited for all the projects this bench and the holding options will make possible.

[@clevetopher]

What?! You live in Cleveland?! That's great news. I grew up in Shaker Heights but now live in Maine. I often go home to visit my family who have spread out around Greater Cleveland. I am psyched to have the chance to visit with you, if you're not too busy, or just walk by and say, "Hello!" Thank you for helping me carry on my Grandfather's tradition of woodworking. I especially appreciate your choice to work with mostly hand tools and figure out innovative and practical solutions and tools for woodworking. Hope to see you in August! Thanks again, Mr. Krueger.

[@nightcatarts]

Thanks, Rex. Always good to see simple, old fashioned methods for all sorts of things. A lot of that simplicity has been lost to modern tools & yet it can be put to use in so many scenarios where a more complex tool just isn't as versatile or the wrong size for the job.

[@dwolfe2907]

That is seriously amazing Rex! I'm a pretty new homesteader and needed a work bench - this would be perfect! I'm going to make it out of Cedar , since it will be outside mostly under a tent. Thank you so much for this video, its awesome!

[@Zod_JB]

Really enjoy your videos. Thank you for taking the time to make these videos. Keep up the good work.

[@cliveoldfield9904]

Love it Rex, I've been toying with ideas for apartment workbench as I live in the city midweek and dont get out to my work shop until weekends, this video has been a huge inspiration..I mean huge!!!

[@chadshort4750]

Another awesome video. Liked it all, especially the comment about thinking as a craftsman. Lately I’ve completed a couple smaller projects using only an idea in the beginning; no plans, photos, videos, etc. it forced me to think more and be creative. I really enjoyed it.

[@Rusty_ok]

This is a tremendous series and I appreciate your time and effort to post it.

[@christianmoffat4962]

I thoroughly enjoy your videos Rex. Extremely informative, fun to watch, and just downright great. Keep up the fantastic work!

[@AndrewKimmey]

This was honestly fantastic. It went way above my expectations. More videos on simple reliable stuff like this would be awesome!

[@robthomas5827]

Love the detailed explanations in your videos. Looking forward to building one of these benches as one of my first woodworking projects.

[@Dunc2222]

This video is terrific in countless ways. Worth watching every month for the creative inspiration.

[@PJMarsosudiro]

I've really enjoyed this set of videos on the $30 bench. Thanks so much!

[@paco_vazquez]

I keep coming to watch this video series. Lots of value here. I found these ideas to have a deeper meaning as my woodworking skills improve. Thanks Rex!

[@agustinrasconchu7978]

This is the best workbench video I like the most. Simple and effective. Thank you.

[@HayWoodsandWetlands]

Great bunch of bench holds. Thanks for sharing these forgotten gems.

[@anrew4425]

Im loving your videos and really growing my interest in wood working, so far im just starting my collection of basic tools, mainly vintage hand tools as well, they're cheap but i like them

[@shidorikuroko]

I love watching this bench grow from nothing to finished. :) It's so satisfyingly and I learned so much!

[@Borescoped]

I’ve gotta say, Rex must have lots of practice speaking and presenting, or has a job where he does that a lot. Dude is spot on!

[@RexKrueger]

I was an English teacher for 11 years, so that's the answer to the mystery. Glad you think I communicate well.

[@MrPdesj]

Rex Krueger Don’t be modest, Dr. Krueger

[@backpacker3421]

Just wanted to share what I'm working on: a modular work bench. I'm a hobbyist with no space - my shop is half of a garage, and half of that half is a bicycle maintenance/repair shop and electronics/fine work station, so my bench needs to have maximum flexibility/capability in the smallest space possible, stow away in an 8'x2' space along the wall, and be able to roll out for use in the other half of the garage when I have access to it. The bench will start out as (and maybe grow from) four components: 1. A basic bench/assembly table with t-tracks on either short end for a fence to use with the miter saw (see below), and an end vise and holdfast/bench dog hole grid in the middle. 2. A flip-top square bench that will have my grinder, bench-top disc/belt sander, and a standard vise mounted, and be a flat work surface on the other side. 3. A miter saw stand, also flip-top with a flat surface on the other side 4. A contractor table saw stand. (See above about my space limitations. I'd LOVE to have a full table saw, but I've found that a properly adjusted/tuned contractor saw with a quality blade can do all the work I need and do it quite well) The benches will be height matched, and all on casters that can be lowered so the benches can sit on the ground for stability. I'll be able to configure any of them (even the contractor saw - blade fully down) as infeed and/or outfeed for the saws/planer/etc. The spreaders will be height matched and have notches so I can use removable spreaders between them to lock the tables together. I'm sharing because I've decided to add the $30 bench with some of your additions (definitely the planing stop and the crotchet for starters). Thanks for the great videos, keep 'em coming! Strongly considering becoming a patron after only watching a handful of your content.

[@derek4dragons]

Hi Rex, love the series, and the simplicity is really refreshing showing you don't need to spend hundreds to get working

[@herrroy4963]

Thanks a lot for this. The simpler it can get, the better. Just love it .

[@BenMitro]

You reminded me of Fred Flintstone when you held up the mallet and the plane. This whole series has been quite enlightening Rex. The answer to every workshop problem is not always a trip to the woodworking shop.

[@purityo1]

This is so awesome I can't wait to get out of work and upgrade the bench!

[@imortaldeadead]

So many amazing ideas in one video, and easy to follow too. As well I think they could also be used on any other work bench build too Thank you for sharing 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@ikust007]

I must say that your videos - specifically this one - are brilliant and well made . Simple , funny , efficient . Bravo

[@RexKrueger]

ikust007 Thanks so much! That means a lot.

[@bordenfleetwood5773]

I'm a leathercrafter, and have never owned a vice. This bench and its attachments make TOTAL sense to me.

[@antonyweaver357]

Love your work, Rex. As usual, there is excellent content and entertaining execution. Keep this stuff coming...

[@917Stefano]

This is such a great project! Thanks Rex.

[@CMP-tr2ws]

One more great holding piece would be a bench hook. I made mine out of oak and got a little fancy with it, but you can easily make one out of some plywood and 2x4's. I use mine all the time for cutting out notches and doing hand cut joint work.

[@johnthompson3462]

Great video and clever ideas.Great bench for anyone building a cottage/cabin in the woods where there is no hydro.

[@ryanallthewiser]

Love this video. Comprehensive and jam packed info. Already have shared it with family and friends. Great job. You the man! 😬

[@RexKrueger]

Thanks for sharing it! That's a huge help!

[@Castow]

Even tho I cannot find an excuse to make myself such a bench (for now) as I recently built a modern one, I am really enjoying this series. Hope you have as much fun making it as we have watching it.

[@RexKrueger]

I have both this and a modern one, and you don't need both. I'm probably going to take this one outside and do some green woodworking.

[@ricardotmeyer]

best channel on woodworking, period

[@kliether33]

The cheap saw used as a square blew my mind. Nice work!

[@HeartlandMakesAndOutdoors]

I just wanted to say, over the years, I have watched more, than commented. I Love lost art press, This past couple of month, I used their plans to make a wood working bench, the one made with 2X12 for my little garage work shop. I have not done a video on it, but sharing this with you since the book you mention in this video build series, is from lost art press as well. I located the book and purchased it this morning. I am wanting to make myself a bow, why do I tell you this, I think this each wold work for general work holding for the staves used to start the bow build. Long story short, thank you for taking the time to make these videos, I will link back to your build series when I make my lower work bench and turn some of the work holding into a shave horse, for using the draw knife on the staves, possibly even in the field. I think this is the perfect base for a shave horse, with a lot more uses than just a shave horse when a guy is done making it, could potentially use it year around, not just when needing a shave horse I will figure out a way to make it happen. And if you get board, you may well want to do a video on it, I know a have horse is going to me more of a specific wood workers tool, but as creative as you are, I could see you using it as well, and showing how a quick and easy work holding option for making table legs etc,, My bench calls for a crochet as well on the end similar to yours, I have not made it yet and I will use your plans and ideas on how you made one for this bench in my video as well. I need some chisels and your chisel advice you gave us at the start of this video is the best tool advice i have ever come across. I love it, keep it simple go get a couple of chisels. hehhe. Thanks again sir and I hope you have a blessed week. I notice you added a vise on this bench, which is how I found this series to begin with, so you may not want to make a shave horse option, but it might be fun to add to this bench since you already have the bench and have mentioned using it outside this coming year with green wood, Might be something handy. Anyhow, Thanks again sir and I hope you have a blessed week. Dale

[@kevlaur4539]

I made a tight wad work bench over the last year and was stumped on some work holding options. I’m not going to cut a notch in it but I will look at using he other ideas you showed. Great video!

[@ctydecks]

Thank you Rex, for taking the time making these videos. I just recently discovered you and now binge watching your videos while in qurantane. So thanks for helping me pass the time. Greetings Christian

[@ronniemartinez1990]

Merry Christmas ,Rex ,thanks 4tips

[@mariopaestum7993]

thank you for the very good explaining, I will build this work bench in the next time, but now I know how to use it.

[@dkruitz]

This is a fantastic series, thanks for sharing this!

[@trulsdirio]

Coming from knife making this is a great project to venture into some wood working again! The crochet and tenants can bot be easily made on my belt grinder, so I even save some time and work by using what tools I have. And with this bench and holsing setup I can get to my first real project of making a six panel chest. Thanks for making me excited for trying new things and maybe rediscovering my love for wood working in the process!

[@daveyespo]

This is such an excellent youtube channel. You are a born teacher Rex. I think I'm becoming addicted to these videos...I watch the ones whose subject I'm not all that interested in!

[@RexKrueger]

I used to be an English teacher, so thank you!

[@daveyespo]

@@RexKrueger I thought so...thanks again Rex.

[@kathybirkett7986]

I have only started watching your videos recently and really like the stuff you show us. I'm on a tight budget and I like using hand tools, so you are showing me how to manage on my limited budget. :-) I'm going to start "binge watching" starting with the playlist you have linked, and will buy the book too! Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@RexKrueger]

My pleasure!

[@alfredog2762]

Hi Rex, You rock! Thanks for sharing, also it's very illustrative and encorageous. Thanks..cheers Alfredo

[@Rajibahmed]

I saw this techniques used in table beside the french horn looking thing by carpenter in Bangladesh 30 years ago. I feel like ancient hand tools are amazing see and use :) .. great job man ... brings back so many memories :)

[@upsidedowndog1256]

That is a really cool, effective bench. Thanks for doing this series.

[@RexKrueger]

My pleasure!

[@upsidedowndog1256]

@@RexKrueger You came out with the cheapest plane video at the time I found a 1910-1918 Stanley #4. It was really rusty, your video helped me sort it out.

[@mikemiller4838]

Great video. Thanks for the awesome series. I'm a mechanic by trade and I can't wait to build this. Keep it up and thank you

[@jonboy9716]

Really good video and info. I have used a shave horse for a few years including clamping wood to it but your demos go to another level Brilliant ! I will be making one as soon. Thanks

[@GaryT1952]

Nice job Rex! Just figured it out: you are the Alton Brown of woodworking....and that's a compliment👍

[@RexKrueger]

I take it as a compliment. Alton is a badass.

[@shaynecarter-murray3127]

Your videos really make me happy on many levels. The education, your personality, thenteviews, all great. But also, one of my oldest friends is a bald carpenter named Rex.

[@RexKrueger]

Ha!

[@curtisclark802]

I really should have watched this series before making my own jank table.. one day Ill make a real table - but there's something about doing what you can with what you have that makes my brain happy. Cool stuff, Rex

[@70mujtaba]

I finally decided what bench to build for my new homeshop it will be almost like your build i love how you collected old methods in one build like combined history and more important its reliable

[@Knifemaresama]

Love your series! This is just what I have been needing without knowing it! Even though I have an "okay" workbench, I am going to make yours, It will make it more interesting for my children when I am teaching them woodworking. Even if it is 2019 and I have 2 small girls, woodworking is a fun and important skill. :D

[@RexKrueger]

Agreed! Do it for the girls! (My little girl is 6.)

[@peterdickason9147]

I heard it once, it is in my brain forever. That wood holder will always be known as a crotchet to me :D

[@sudocheese]

Bonus point if you name your specific crochet "Davey"

[@elischultes6587]

“I’m never going to get tired of doing this” 😆. Simple mind simple pleasure. Said the guy that used to enjoy static electricity

[@red58impala]

Rex, I've been enjoying this series. I want something for outside that I can use to rip/crosscut my boards. I think this might be a better solution to a saw bench since on nice days I can enjoy working outside instead of in a cluttered garage. Maybe I can put a Roman bench on my front porch along with a shave horse instead of stupid porch furniture. I don't think my wife would approve, but it's easier to ask for forgiveness than permission sometimes ;-).

[@RexKrueger]

I think it's a great idea.

[@skilletborne]

I'm dabbling in smithing and wood working, and something I've learned is I take a lot of joy in using hand tools and going the long or thoughtful way around... except for breaking down large stock. I would own a big beefy saw just to save 10 minutes cutting stock even though I know could happily spend 5 hours cutting joints. I'd choose these kinds of hold downs over a vise any day

[@proactivex]

you, are really good at explaining this stuff.

[@maineiachomestead7550]

TOO cool Rex! Heading over to your series playlist now. O-H...

[@18roselover]

Rex tnx for posting. I built my first wkbench of laminated 2 by 4 /s from the lumberyard , in 1980 . . I find a cabinet scraper useful in cleaning it up to get rid of all the gunk, glue, dirt , etc .I also acquired in 1990 a ww2 wkbench made of lam 2 by 4 fir from san pedro ca. navy yard .Top was fir and apron and frame were made of metal . Keep up the low tech articles !!

[@stauffap]

You could also easily add bench hooks made from tree forks. Just requires you to drill some additional holes or just use the holes you have already. From all the videos i've been watching i like your bench the most. It's the only one that has the kind of simplicity i'm looking for and it's relatively small, wich is important as well. Great video!

[@KazimirArdekanian]

I had watched Chris Swartz and Roy Underhill’s episodes. I was so fascinated that I went to North Carolina to attend Woodright’s workshop. Got back with a treasure of skills. Rex is a brother now!

[@WeekEndsForFuture]

Trank a lot Rex for sharing this great video, just Love it!

[@rjamsbury1]

A cornucopia of ideas old and new! Great idea to put the board jack into the notch - thanks for sharing.

[@coltjansen]

Thank u for the crochet tutorial hav been wanting to put one on my homemade 2x lam bench for some time. I made my leg vice from all thread and few other things from tractor supply.

[@RexKrueger]

That sounds great. I want to build a leg vise at some point.

[@612morrison]

Rex all these add on's are going on my full size bench 👏

[@LowlanderNurse]

I love the simple nature of it all.

[@thazgaz1000]

This channel is a breath of fresh air.

[@RusticDavid]

hi Rex another great video,this video reminds me of the time i worked with a professor of wood technology history and built an entire roman workshop with tools we built appropriate to the period for a museum in Jerusalem great stuff wedges and dogs are still just as useful today great information well presented keep up the good work Rustic David

[@RexKrueger]

That sounds like an AMAZING experience.

[@sussexseaangler1858]

Rex you really are a genius! Some great, simple, and cheap ideas.you must have a very analytical brain..

[@CleaveMountaineering]

That v shape thing is genius. I'll have to make one for my bench to swap out with the bench hook. and the crotchet. The Roman bench will be great for my kids too.

[@gregghernandez2714]

Such a cool video. I was astounded by how much you can achieve with this bench! I don't think it looks weird, I think it looks Medieval, which is actually a good thing. I would be proud to have one in my shop. I think people would look at it, and I could say "let me give you a demo". Nice work, thanks!

[@AntonioMFerreira]

Great series Rex, thanks a lot!!!

[@tworailsrails1821]

Been enjoying your videos for a while now, Rex. I finally subscribed :)

[@sewob147]

This takes me back to when we used to do public demonstrations of pole lathe bodging. I never really acquired the turning skill but I was a dab hand with the draw knife roughing up the rounds on the shave horse for my colleague to turn legs, baby rattles, honey dippers and the like.

[@koashaygyi]

You are doing great teaching videos. Thank you.

[@RexKrueger]

My pleasure!

[@mmgross144]

You are a natural! Keep on making!

[@censusgary]

@8:50: If you make the mortise and tenon almost any shape other than round- for example, rectangular or triangular- you won’t need to put screws (or Roman nails) in to keep the post from twisting in its socket.

[@RexKrueger]

Totally, but I'm trying to keep the skills here very basic and approachable.