How to Choose a Woodworking Workbench

Take a closer look at classic workbench designs & and pick the right one for YOU.
More video and exclusive content: / rexkrueger
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Build the Quick-Stack Workbench
My most recent bench design is portable! The Quick-Stack bench breaks down into 6 manageable pieces that can be easily moved or stored when you're not working. When you need your bench, you can assemble it in 3 minutes and the only tool you need is a mallet.
Watch the FREE Build Video: • The Portable, Affordab...
Take the build-along course: rexkrueger.retrieve.com/g/0G5...
Get the Plans: www.rexkrueger.com/store/quic...
*When you buy the course, the complete plans are included for FREE.
This course will guide you step-by-step in the process of putting together your bench. Make sure you grab the plans to follow along with:
www.rexkrueger.com/store/quic...
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English Joiner's Bench
Plans: bit.ly/2QZls9T
Video: • The incredible English...
Lightweight Traveler's Bench
Plans: www.woodworkforhumans.com/sto...
Video: • Build the Lightweight ...
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Workbench Related Videos
Four Workbench Building Mistakes (that we all make)
• Four Workbench Buildin...
Joinery for Knock-Down Workbenches
• Joinery for Knock-Down...
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Resources for Bench Builders
Landis, The Workbench Book (Lost Art Reissue): lostartpress.com/collections/...
Schwarz, The Anarchists's Workbench (Lost Art): lostartpress.com/collections/...
(FREE download: blog.lostartpress.com/wp-cont...)
Schwarz, Workbenches: From Theory and Design to Construction and Use (Popular Woodworking Books) amzn.to/2Xsiws6 (*affiliate link)
Schwarz, Ingenious Mechaniks: Early Workbenches and Workholding (Lost Art) lostartpress.com/collections/...
Siemsen, The Naked Woodworker DVD (Lost Art) lostartpress.com/products/the...
Siemsen's Video on using his bench: • Mike Siemsen, Workhol...
Maguire "How to Build a Workbench" (Self Published) www.theenglishwoodworker.com/...
Wil Meyer's site with lots of information on the Moravian Bench: eclecticmechanicals.com/
Rob Cosman's Bench: • The Cosman Workbench -...
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Check out my new site: woodworkforhumans.com
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Wood Work for Humans Tool List (affiliate):
Cutting
Gyokucho Ryoba Saw: amzn.to/2Z5Wmda
Dewalt Panel Saw: amzn.to/2HJqGmO
Suizan Dozuki Handsaw: amzn.to/3abRyXB
(Winner of the affordable dovetail-saw shootout.)
Spear and Jackson Tenon Saw: amzn.to/2zykhs6
(Needs tune-up to work well.)
Crown Tenon Saw: amzn.to/3l89Dut
(Works out of the box)
Carving Knife: amzn.to/2DkbsnM
Narex True Imperial Chisels: amzn.to/2EX4xls
(My favorite affordable new chisels.)
Blue-Handled Marples Chisels: amzn.to/2tVJARY
(I use these to make the DIY specialty planes, but I also like them for general work.)
Sharpening
Honing Guide: amzn.to/2TaJEZM
Norton Coarse/Fine Oil Stone: amzn.to/36seh2m
Natural Arkansas Fine Oil Stone: amzn.to/3irDQmq
Green buffing compound: amzn.to/2XuUBE2
Marking and Measuring
Stockman Knife: amzn.to/2Pp4bWP
(For marking and the built-in awl).
Speed Square: amzn.to/3gSi6jK
Stanley Marking Knife: amzn.to/2Ewrxo3
(Excellent, inexpensive marking knife.)
Blue Kreg measuring jig: amzn.to/2QTnKYd
Round-head Protractor: amzn.to/37fJ6oz
Drilling
Forstener Bits: amzn.to/3jpBgPl
Spade Bits: amzn.to/2U5kvML
Work-Holding
Orange F Clamps: amzn.to/2u3tp4X
Screw Clamp: amzn.to/3gCa5i8
Get my woodturning book: www.rexkrueger.com/book
Follow me on Instagram: @rexkrueger

[@avisato9950]

i don’t usually comment publicly but i think your advice at the end might be the best woodworking advice on youtube. build a bench. now. build some furniture. now that’s advice!

[@marcus3457]

Agreed. It is also great advice for life generally.

[@RenegadestickyXXL]

I gotta admit, that advice is accurate for most things in life, especially art related things. Now woodworking is about the same amount of art/science, but still... just do the thing

[@makeitbetter.1402]

Ha! I also don’t comment much but that ending advice was fantastic. I’m just one more fan in the choir. Let’s go make stuff.

[@bertRaven1]

I really appreciate how generous Rex is, there are so many youtubers that are just undercover tools salesmen, whereas he gives credit and points to so many different sources, kudos.

[@thethirdman225]

*_"there are so many youtubers that are just undercover tools salesmen"_* My God, that is so true. Rex, Paul Sellers and Matt Estlea are basically the only ones I watch now. The whole 'Woodwork for Humans' concept is just great.

[@CindyBallreich]

My Moravian bench is sitting in my dining room right now waiting for me to finish my tea and get back to work. I could NOT have built it without the advice and support form the gang on your forum. ❤

[@thomashverring9484]

And your work blew us away!

[@A1BASE]

You did a great job on it

[@robgoodsight6216]

👍

[@stephenfrizzell7670]

"We live in a culture that keeps telling us how different and how special we are and that attitude leads us to ask ourselves insane questions..." This statement alone touched my heart and I now want to carve it into my workbench

[@FastEddieDee]

Its about time someone said it. God bless Rex.

[@erichansen1115]

Christopher Schwarz, reference at the end is THE ultimate authority on workbenches and their history. His books and articles are fabulous. And to think it all started with "The $175 Workbench"

[@1pcfred]

The $175 workbench will cost you at least $525 to build today.

[@systemtrader1]

I have build the workbench from Paul Sellers, and am fully satisfied.

[@MemphisCorollaS]

That’s awesome! Did you build his older version with a bench top on either side of the tool well or his newer one with only one worktop side? I’ve wondered which people prefer assuming they aren’t limited by extra small space.

[@gagegolish9306]

I would also recommend Paul Seller's variation on the english joiners bench. He has a series on building the bench without a bench. I built mine about two years ago and I've built everything from small projects to eight foot dining tables and king size bed from using just that bench, and it's holding up great.

[@jimcarter4929]

Big fan of Rex, but leaving this bench out seems like huge oversight, whether intentional or not. Since he covered at least three English benches and makers I do not understand how Sellers could be left out, considering the huge influence he has had in bench building and its proven capabilities.

[@RexKrueger]

Paul has covered that bench well and people are very aware of it. You might see his bench as another variation on the Nicholson, or you might see it as a bench that's kind of unique to him. Either way, it's outside of the scope of this video....not because I don't love Paul, he's a massive influence.

[@SteifWood]

While watching this excellent and comprehensive video I was - all the time - waiting for Rex to mention Sellers' series on "How to build a workbench." Sellers also made a good and sturdy bench of plywood, the same as Pask Makes did. Rex could also have mentioned John Heisz version of the Euro-style bench he designed, which isn't too complicated to build with his detailed plans. However, as Rex said, there are no concise answer to which type to build, just go for #1 and expect #2 to be the one you will live with.

[@matthewgartner5339]

The easiest way to mention Paul Sellers on KZbin Woodworking is by not mentioning him. Anyone who has googled a woodworking video knows Paul Sellers and will immediately comment that you left Paul out of the discussion. His work bench is awesome I built a modified version of it as a built-in in my garage. Does that make my bench a Seller's bench or an American built-in? I think Paul's bench is a version of the English Jointer bench with a heavier top and tool well.

[@SoulKageSN3]

I like the term Bench Slave. It fits. Slave as a noun: a device, or part of one, directly controlled by another. Slave as a verb: subject (a device) to control by another.

[@WhatAboutZoidberg]

Analysis paralysis is a real thing. Just make a decision, do it and learn something. Thanks for another great video Rex.

[@sjlarue1]

Paul Seller's Plywood bench is a great bench...if you like gluing plywood for days. :-D

[@lelandpurvis5004]

Sellers' original design has no plywood. Vids for that are 9 years old and still up on youtube. It's a brilliant bench.

[@sjlarue1]

Correct, but after that one, he did one that was ALL plywood...from the top to the joints on the legs.

[@lelandpurvis5004]

@@sjlarue1 I'm not recommending the plywood bench. The initial design, still available, is excellent. I made mine out of Fir.

[@sjlarue1]

@@lelandpurvis5004 I know you are not. I was just saying that AFTER he did the wood bench like yours, he came out with one that was all plywood....Which is a great bench IF you like laminating hundreds of 3" wide 3/4" plywood pieces into a workbench.🤣

[@johnford7847]

I think your final thought is the most important thing in the video. The best bench is the one you have at hand to work on. Great info, Rex.

[@bearuniversity5471]

15:45 - 17:40 --- The brother is ladling out some woodworking flavored gravy :)

[@simonmurray2002]

I also subscribe to the idea of building a bench and working with it but then rather than building another, have a think about modifiying the bench, adding features. There is a lot of snobbery about only using a bench of one style. I reckon if you think the tool well of a Scandinavian bench works and you like the apron of the English bench stick them together and make it work for what you do

[@UserNameAnonymous]

Rex's English joiner's bench is an EXCELLENT starter bench if you've never built a bench before. It's super easy to do with basically no skills, there's no complicated joinery to get stuck on. You might mess up a piece or two, but all you need to do is remake that piece and keep going. Edit: the thing that makes the English joiners bench so good is Rex himself. He walks you through step by step and he's a great teacher.

[@colinmartin9797]

I built his portable bench, and made a few small tweaks (legs are tapered and secured in bridles mortised into the batons, tapered cuts around the edges of the top) for aesthetic to let it also work as a piece of hallway furniture. And for eight freaking dollars in wood, I have a gorgeous mid-century styled hemlock hallway bench that I can carry outside and use to knock together other projects.

[@gaylanbishop1641]

Lots of videos on woodworking but I enjoy yours most. I’ve decided to start woodworking, but I have a couple of challenges. First, I lost both my hands in an accident a few years ago. Second, I live in an assisted living facility, so I’ll have to do all my work by hand to keep noise down. Fortunately, there is a company (Fillauer) that makes a nice set of woodworking tools. I’m getting fitted for the new prosthetics soon, so right now I’m trying to decide on workbench as my first project. Any input would be appreciated.

[@mikeking7470]

My workbench is 2x4's, laid flat, on a pair of steel legs I bought 30 years ago. It has a small Craftsman wood vise. I built it in the shed on the back of my mobile home, the corner of the benchtop was whacked off at a weird angle so that the door would open, it immediately got piled high with junk and I worked on sawhorses in the driveway. The bench "followed" me to my new house and is screwed to the interior basement wall. My entire winter shop measures 9.75 ft square. I did gain enough extra room to fix the benchtop's weird angle but my new shop is also "cozy". I've been restoring a few planes, and just noticed that I now have a lot of Bailey Pattern planes. Your channel is always super informative and I liked YOUR book, too.

[@xiaohu22]

As a total beginner who threw together the low work bench in two afternoons based on Rex’s video I can absolutely vouch for it being worth it. It was very approachable, I made a few mistakes but that’s fine because I learned a lot. It really built my confidence for my projects since and I use it all the time! Thanks for another great video Rex.

[@Postfrogish]

How dare you ask this question the week after I finished my first workbench? I will watch this video with a sceptical frown... But with great interest. Looking forward to it

[@drawlele]

I’m building my bench timber frame style, it’s taken me 2 years so far, because other than the glue and vice I’m not spending money on it. I’m doing this by using pallets, and the pallets I’m using have to be pretty specific, I’m only using pallets made of red/white oak and hickory, that way I have a nice sturdy hardwood bench. Now if I just wanted to use the standard available pallet that is made of pine I would have Ben done 18 months ago. Oh well can’t complain about a bench that is only costing me the $17.50 for glue- the vice was a Christmas gift so no money there. Now I kind of feel like I have to say this: I do currently have 2 makeshift benches that I got for free that are the rickety thin top Nicholson type that I added 2x4 to the underside of for support and those get me by for now- I really can’t wait to finish my bench

[@polbecca]

At 5:38 Rex says England doesn't have a lot of old growth forests. We did, once, but we basically cut them all down to build ever bigger battleships, longer railways, and what was left we burned to make coke to make iron. A lot of good, old growth oak, once, the likes of which we will never have again.

[@fisharmor]

The Roubo might not have any drawbacks for most people, but I am CONSTANTLY using pegs and holdfasts in the dogholes in the front of my English bench, and I can't envision working without them at this point.

[@ricos1497]

Just add a sliding dead man. Another thing to build of course, but I'm guessing a person who has built that style of bench would be more than capable of adding one.

[@fisharmor]

@@ricos1497 I don't place any value on clamping to the bench so an apron is the low tech permanent solution. Of course having a basic smithy and being able to make my own holdfasts for the price of 5/8" bar changes my perspective a bit.

[@ricos1497]

@@fisharmor I have to admit, if I didn't need the space for drawers, I'd prefer the apron option too. I've got a number of holes in my bench legs that sort of perform the apron function, but not as well.

[@fisharmor]

@@ricos1497 I've got a 2x12 apron and starting right under that, I have drawers. Nine of them. The drawer carcass top is just at the bottom of the 2x12, and the void above the carcass is just deep enough for the holdfasts to work. Plus I can store a bunch of long clamps from the end, on top of the drawer carcass, and they don't interfere with the holdfasts until I stack them 2 high. I've become a big fan of using all the space I have, so the biggest of these drawers is I think 5" deep. The smallest is 1.5" - because I don't need more than that for pencils and rulers. And you only need a 3" drawer to fit a whole plane if you have to (on its side, of course). I didn't really know what I was doing at the time, I just thought "I want to learn dovetails and a carcass and drawer bodies seems like the thing" and then went a little nuts, but it totally works. My current thing is using my cheap HF bending brake to turn old computer case into custom fit organizer bins. You can reclaim entire drawers that way.

[@jeffhildreth9244]

I have James Krenov's first bench he bought when in Sweden. He ordered a larger one and sold his bench to another American in Sweden who eventually moved to the US near me. This person ordered another larger bench from Sweden and I bought his (Krenov's) bench from him. . By necessity, I lifted the base of the bench 3 " as Krenov was shorter than I. The bench includes his original deliver/order tag. I also have an upper end Sjoberg which my wife uses for her mosaic art. Another useful bench is self made from plywood and 4X4s. Strong, large. Disassembles with bolts and screws in the event it needs to be moved.

[@joshwalker5605]

man thats a bit of woodworking history, nice find!

[@mysingingmonsterspmg]

I came across your video on idea to make my door bench operable and be able to knock it down your dowel idea was very interesting. It baffled me that you added that half dowel to the post. I've had a much simpler approach by drilling the holes for the dowels about 3/8 of a inch from the edge of the outside post and used a half dowel tapered and it does the same thing thanks for the vid

[@ikust007]

Yes Rex you are right : just too much thinking not enough working . Cheers Rex.

[@robertswilson3483]

100% great stuff. I concur wholeheartedly about Chris Schwarz. I was so blown away by his free downloads I sprung open my wallet and boought stuff. I now have a signed copy of The Anarchist Design book and the plans for a stick chair. The Moravian bench is in my immediate future. And you're right too, about his expertise and his writing style. Very well done. And thanks for your generosity and sharing the hard won knowledge.

[@odieblock481]

This is what I love about you, Rex. You not only make great in-depth videos but also include other sources for us to go and investigate. Thank you so much, Rex. I'll never stop recommending your videos.

[@muon23]

I built several big furnitures in my house with a work bench that is just a big 48x48x3/4 plywood board sitting on top of a mechanical tool cabinet

[@anthonyray5515]

I wish all KZbinrs were like Rex. Great videos! 👍

[@Tobsen660]

I build a Moravian Bench during the first lockdown. I build it with hand tools only, in my flat and I can't be happier. The Top was build out of two big construction lumber posts joint with 5 big MaschineScrews and nuts. A year later I made a nicer top with a wagon vise build in. I think I was lucky, to have picked the perfekt bench for me without knowing much before... Time will tell. Thanks rex for all the top information.

[@mendohoney]

I love it, TURN OFF THE TUBE, and get to work! I am about to start my bench TODAY, with my pops.

[@millerma27]

"Just another project you have to do before you make any damn furniture!" Loved it. My current shop time situation.

[@briandesjardin9381]

Good luck, MM! After about a month of working at it, I just got my first workbench complete enough (though not really finished yet) to build my first not-part-of-the-bench project on it. The bench build and the not bench project have both been fun. But the un-bench one is WAY easier on my back and knees than working on the ground to get the bench going : )

[@DrewC75]

Paul Seller’s workbench was my first to build and my current workbench. I really enjoy it, however the front vise is not flush with the apron so you have to do some improvising to hold long pieces. I also made a couple of dog holes that are not on his bench. But the inconveniences are small and it was a great first project as a beginning hand tool wood worker. The only tools I had were a Kobalt no 4 plane, harbor freight set of chisels and two cheap saws. I learned a lot from the experience. I’ve been using the bench for over a year now. Sellers has the complete video series free on KZbin.

[@RickHenderson]

I’m making the traveller’s bench, and today I stopped hemming and hawing about how I should sharpen my axe and a chisel, and finally did it. The chisel turned out awesome. Tomorrow I’m having my son help me put together a drill mate just to get him involved, and I’ll be using a drill for the batens, but I’m trying to do everything else by hand. I have wanted to read the Anarchist book, great to know there is a pdf!

[@bobbyb1607]

Excellent advice. My first bench was made from a kitchen remodel. The top was 3 layers of laminated 3/4 fir plywood and old fir framing for the edging. It measured 27 x 63 because that was the size of the plywood. The legs and stretchers were made of old framing 2x4's laminated together. It had no vises. It looked like your first bench. it worked. When I got more experience I built a better bench and passed the old one on to someone who was remodeling and building a shop.

[@ElCanaldeJGRV]

Myself use the floor, a common bench, two chairs, stairs, regular tables, workhorses... Everything works fine!

[@tonyrobinson9046]

Fantastic historical background and explanation of bench design/function.

[@cjod33]

Two Saw horse's and an old solid core door on top has been doing the job for me for donkeys years now.

[@mmgross144]

My first exposure to workbenches was, as for many, my father's and grandfather's built-in benches. As my own experiences grew, mostly on jobsites, whatever heavy, straight-ish boards that could be clamped or screwed to saw horses had to suffice. Then I converted my 2 car garage into a dediczted woodshop and the process began in reversed order from saw horse to modified gorilla rack shelves with a thick top serving to help me build a Woodsmith version of a Scandinavian workbench (which I have modified twice) from construction lumber and repurposed oak flooring. Then I bult a smaller version of your English workbench for my office/project space. Often I'll work in my driveway under pop-up canopies when I need more space. So now I'll build either a Moravian or a Roman low bench that I can pull out when needed. So if you can't make up your mind follow my path and build them all.

[@1pcfred]

Realistically something on sawhorses is the best first step. Unless you're flexible enough to go the Japanese route working on the ground.

[@AaronSprague1]

Your ending advice on just picking a bench and getting on with it is golden. Just start making stuff already :p

[@fred5480]

Great video. I needed this three years ago before I built my "forever" bench lol.

[@Shauma_llama]

I was just thinking about my grandpa's brother-in-law Louis, a finish carpenter. One day, in the 70s, he took me to his basement workshop, and showed me his woodworking encyclopedia he acquired as a young man, two dozen or more books, heavily illustrated, full of schematics he used to learn what he knew. I imagine they all went into a dumpster when he died. I wish I had those. 😥

[@thomashverring9484]

Nicholson bench: "What would Meryl do?" we ask ourselves. She would lower the aprons so she can fit clamps in between them and the tabletop. Ingenious! Thanks for a great video as always, Rex!

[@thecolonel-truesoutherngen2230]

or at least cut some notches in it...

[@johanneswerner1140]

Doesn't work. The apron/top joint is integral to the stability of the bench. (I guess you were j joking, so... yeah, fell for that one) Build the top out of two or three boards, leave a gap between those to fit the clamps there. I do this myself (or just use a holdfast). For those who didn't get the joke...

[@thomashverring9484]

@@johanneswerner1140 No, it works really well, and no, I'm not joking, not at all. The bench is real. And Meryl is real too. There are many ways to build it.

[@rogeranderson8763]

'Knowing' what ya want before you have any experience is rather like flipping a coin. Me, I purchased one of those cheap and lousy Wilson benches from Harbor Freight and used that to make a sawbench and a matching height Japanese style sawhorse. I'd no real idea that woodworking was going to be my 'Hobby of Choice' yet....but was leaning that way. Charles Swartz' KZbin video's were informative and the Roubo style bench was the one that caught my interest the best, so I built one starting from rough sawn boards....and got an education into the use of handplanes, sharpening and 'basics'. If I was going to start again, I think the low Roman bench would be a better starting point....but my Roubo bench is a keeper. -Veteran '66-68

[@David_K_Dickson]

A very helpful roundup. Thank you. I am glad that you mentioned Rob Cosman but disappointed you didn't mention Paul Sellers. They have both been massive influences on me.

[@stufarnham]

My bench evolved out of Rob Cosman’s Cosman bench, which in turn is a Scandinavian design. Its main asset is its massive, flat MDF top. The trestle is made from laminated Baltic birch held together with long bolts. If I do it over I will skip the bolts and do joinery via lamination. I did not have the money to purchase the Sjoberg vise that Rob recommends so went with dog holes and holdfasrs. I also left the front edge of the top proud of the trestle and added an apron and a crochet. Later I built a Moxon vise. This design has served me well. Using holdfasts, bench dogs, and a planing stop I have been able to hold every workpiece that I have dealt with. Recently I added an 9” Eclipse vise to the end. The idea is that you can mix and match elements of various bench designs to meet your needs and budget. Sti

[@ThomasofAkron]

Best comparison between woodworking bench variations. A+ Rex

[@propertystuff7221]

Got so much respect for a KZbinr who says, "Stop watching videos like these and READ!"

[@osomxl]

The Paul Sellers plywood work bench that he made a year or two ago uses standard plywood and some neat techniques.

[@drawlele]

Rex you will appreciate this quote from my great grandfather who was a child during the depression: “the best tool for any job is the one that gets it done, if you spend to much time looking for the perfect tool- your never going to get anything done.”

[@larryfisher7056]

The Ian Kirby bench from the Workbench Book informed the way I built my bench and it has been a joy to use..... mostly.

[@christophermcclellan8730]

I really appreciate you mentioning built in benches as a legitimate route to go. It’s way too easy to watch some videos and think you need something fancy, when all you really need is a solid and stable work surface.

[@sgsax]

I built my bench 20+ years ago. I don't know that I was inspired by any particular design, I just had an idea in my head of what I wanted that would fit in my space at the time. The very simple frame is made from 2x4s and 2x6s, held together with carriage bolts and construction screws. The front side of the top frame is three layers of 1x6 oak with spaces for dog holes in the middle layer down the length. I have a shelf at the bottom that leaves space for my shop vac at the end under the top. The top is 3/4" plywood with 1/4" hardboard on top, resting in a rabbit on the inside edge of the top frame. The hardboard isn't glued down, I figured that way I could replace it if it got too chewed up. I haven't replaced it yet. This has served me quite well over all this time. I'm in the process of adding a moxon-style vise to the front using 2x6, wheel handles from plywood, and some acme thread I salvaged from a kitchen trash compactor. Thanks for this overview. I never realized there were so many classical options out there. Thanks for sharing!

[@ogumaek]

No Love for "Paul Sellers"? He's the GOAT! IMO. Aloha.

[@glencrandall7051]

I built my first bench about 36 years ago. It was 12, 10 foot 2/4's bolted together face to face with all thread rod. It was my first and only bench. I still use it today. Thank you for sharing a interesting and informative video. Have a great day and stay safe.

[@williamcunningham5805]

I've built two Moravian benches -- one out of 2x6s laminated together for the top and 2x4 laminated together for the legs, the other 2x4 all the way through. The first one is a little over built for woodworking, so I mostly use it for workshop stuff, especially working on heavy cast iron equipment. The other one I did a little closer to Will's design, with the tool tray and overall smaller top. Both frames are built from laminating 2x4s to create the joinery, so I skipped the 1/2 lap dovetail for a through mortise with full size tenon, same with the middle brace, and the bridle joint just had a full size 2x4 glued into and planed down to the angle. This system was *way* more beginner friendly and used a compound sliding miter saw for everything but the angled through mortise for the long stretchers and wedges.

[@Drackeye]

Talking about "Stop thinking about it and just build it." I built my first real and current workbench out of a stack of pallets. I already had had the screws I needed and the pallets were free. It does have its flaws such as it's a little too tall and it does rack a bit in all directions. However, it has a large 4x3 foot top and has served me well in the last few years since I built it. And it will continue to serve me well until it breaks or I have the materials to build a roubo style bench. Whichever comes first.

[@bulldog6390]

So, Rex, you're saying "Build something! Even if it's wrong, you'll develop skills and gain experience"? Sounds like a plan. Think I'll start with your free bench plan - my thanks for your generosity!

[@Bloodray19]

I built a workbench about 5 months ago. It was for guitar repair/woodworking. I had to build it on the floor, because I didn't have a bench, but it came out amazing. It's not a traditional bench in any way, I like to work standing straight, so I build it pretty high, 1 meter and 3 cm tall to be exact, for my height it's the perfect surfase height so that I can comfortably work. I used glued and screwed joint, but these were massive screws, almost like bolts for wood. I only used precut wood and plywood, only had to trim the legs to length. It's really massive and I love it. Even built a twin-screw vise for it.

[@valtermerlo1361]

Sir. Rex just a word ..THANK YOU ...a lot thanks...

[@thingmaker3]

This is EXACTLY the video I needed to see at this time. THANKS! I am going to build the ULTIMATE "ugly clay ashtray" version of a workbench!

[@lyster1ne681]

What a fantastic video. I really wish I’d had Rex when I was getting started. I started woodworking on a plastic folding table, the absolute worst workbench conceivable. When I built my first bench, I spent all my money to get the wood and hardware for a real roubo. The build took me about 3 months start to finish, as I was only 11 at the time and had to work around school. That bench has been the core of my workshop for almost 7 years now, and has helped me start and grow my woodworking business. Hands down the best part about it is that I left it bare. I simply built a framework, put on 1 vise, and started work. It’s had all manner of different work holding and tool storage devices screwed, glued, and ripped off of it in that time, and at least 6 different vises. Someday I will build it again out of nice hardwoods, with only my favorite features, but it has been the perfect bench for me.

[@mmoussa01]

> "Rex, I CANNOT figure out which workbench to build!" The only correct answer is "all of them." How else will you *truly* know which one is best for you?

[@rainerl-h259]

The question is: Which one I build FIRST?

[@janee7995]

@@rainerl-h259 roubeaux(knockoff) , the rest you don't need to build anymore.

[@wilhelmvonn9619]

Only actually using a bench (or anything else for that matter) will tell you what you need. Don't worry about it, pick the one that appeals to you most and get to work. You will almost certainly modify it as time goes on anyway.

[@blakeguyan2662]

I am literally like 2 weeks away from moving to a new house and building a new workbench... nice timing Rex!

[@kippyster]

I think an overlooked quality of the built-in bench (as it was described in this video) is that your workbench is RIGHT UNDER your tool wall, if you have such a wall installed. With the potential for shelving too, the potential tool access provided by the built-in w/ a wall contributes to really nice workflow.

[@sbenjamin55]

Damn, dropping some serious wisdom at the end and calling people up and out of their introspective lifestyle into something more.. WELL DONE!

[@timurhant469]

I appreciate this soo much! Your voice is also easy on my ears so I can keep listening to you while working. Thanks a lot!

[@finnmcool2]

It amazes me how much clever engineering went in to the tail vice, considering it's whole job is to replace a wooden wedge. That isn't a criticism, tail vices work great. It just shows how amazing wedges are.

[@codacreator6162]

Roubo - slightly modified - seems like exactly what I’m after. Thank you!

[@Lyleartist]

My bench started as a slave stand. I've French cleated attachments that make it a do all transformer. Build what works for your space and needs. It's designed by the user for the user needs and skills and will function best for those needs.

[@JackRockBLC]

I needed something ultra portable for a bunch of reasons. I wound up buying Jay Bates' Workhorse plans, and found it PERFECT for what I need. I can put it away out of the rain (my shop is outdoors when in use), and I can take it to craft shows without an issue. When I get a place with some indoor space for a shop, I'll probably move to Rex's English bench at first, and will probably ultimately upgrade to a Timber Frame style. I have Schwarz's Workbench book (the blue one, not just the free one) for that time.

[@toohip1959]

First time watching your vids. I'm NOT a wood worker, more a mechanic/metal guy, but DAMN I enjoy your content. Good Job!

[@modernNeanderthal800]

Amazing thank you I have money and space with tons of skills in many works -- perpetual DIY guy here. I'll be making a low bench, then the Timber frame bench

[@jeffTcorbin81]

I have been in design limbo for my 1st bench for months and today (just now) I have finally decided on the dimensions of the mortise & tenon joints. And literally 15 seconds after finally coming up with those dimensions, this video comes on.. lol.. The real reason I was stalled for months was my learning how to use my hand planes to get all the 4x4 & 4x6 stock true and dimensionally square along with a few side projects I used as prerequisite builds leading up to my bench (mallet, wooden mortise gauge & a heavy duty 18"x24" table I plan to turn into a sharpening station if I ever finish this bench... Rex your content has been a huge help and has taught me so much along the way. Thanks for being here for us woodworking Newbs!! Cheers my friend!!!!

[@brandonjones8575]

Went with the Sellers bench, it's rock solid. At the time, Rex didn't have the English Jointers bench video. It's been great so far and rock solid.

[@shanewilson284]

Also made the Paul Sellers bench, very happy with it.

[@savage12k]

The sellers bench is high on my list of possibilities. I'm really only hampered by cost and my disabilities at this point. I have all the time in the world...

[@timpenner7858]

Haven't had a good dose of Rex for quite a while. (I watch too many videos about table saw and band saw hacks.) It's just plain fun to watch someone who's this excited about working with hand tools.

[@VishwanathSaragadamRV]

Rex, may I just say a huge thank you for your wisdom on just making the workbench instead of over-optimizing for the perfect workbench. I believe this philosophy extends to numerous activities in real life!

[@svunzzzz]

I like your videos. You are a humble man and that’s nice to see. 😊

[@byronservies4043]

All the greatest hits! I built Mr. MaGuires' English Workbench, with a gap for a flip stop down the middle that also allows for clamping. Richard is my favorite instructor, but dang I spend a lot of $$ at Lost Art Press. Incredible books.

[@cerberus2881]

I Love the Moravian, and it got me into woodworking. The tool tray is the last part of the build if you build it the way Will Meyers shows it. I'm half way though the tray.

[@JoeBob79569]

I built Rex's English workbench as my first woodworking project last year during the lockdown. It was very straightforward and everything went according to plan. It's pretty difficult to screw up. Definitely a good "general" sturdy workbench for a beginner to make. I literally built mine on the kitchen table then moved the parts into the spare bedroom (which then became a workshop) to assemble it.

[@MCbusiness2]

As an overthinking and anxious person, truly thank you for the message at the end.

[@modernNeanderthal800]

I love how Rex looks like he's just been woken up from a deep sleep after a long day of work..... Then speaks with the furver of a person with passion, care and excitement that their little grandson just asked a question about work benches

[@journeymanadventure]

I'm working for a joiner and our work benches are made from two large saw horses about bellybutton high with two ful sheets of 20mm mdf and a 3mm sheet on top of that as a sacrificial. It's solid and moveable. We make kitchen units, hardwood timber windows and fancy furniture. At home I use an old table and a saw horses but I'm liking the idea of the low bench for traveling on my boat. I'm thinking along the lines of a tool chest that doubles as a bench but have yet to visualize it.

[@zlancenyc]

So I built a low bench first, and then did a 2x4 roubo variant with 8 mortise and tenons, 4 for legs and 4 for stretchers. I just glued the top and legs with holes in them already. And for the other 2 stretchers I just did a half lap and bolted it on. I want to say it was about 20 2x4s. Basically Rex's 30$ bench a bit wider on roubo legs from laminated 2x4s

[@coreygrua3271]

An honest conversation with Rex Krueger. Loved it enough to watch it twice and now I’m ready to build.

[@windhelmguard5295]

i think the main advantage of the moravian bench is the number of skills you learn while building it.

[@FastEddieDee]

I built a router table with a lift and had to rebuild it 4 times. Even more important than the product is what I learned from building it. My wife was like " go ahead and just buy a lift, we can afford it". I explained that my woodworking skillset can not afford it. I'm learning too much from struggle, and failure.

[@bobweiram6321]

Screw the other benches! The Roubo looks cool, macho and refined compared to the others.

[@russellcash3885]

Me: Finished laminating 2x4s together and planed them up to make a workbench top today. Also me: Now it's REALLY time to figure out what design you're actually going to go with, genius. Sometimes things just line up nicely. Thanks, Rex.

[@thethirdman225]

Good video, Rex. For those of you who can't decide, build the English (Nicholson) bench. Don't think twice, just do it. You won't be sorry. I built mine with timber sourced from a demolition site. The only bits I bought were the top and the aprons and a few carriage bolts. I had a tenon (back) saw, a chisel, a hammer (!), a hand drill with a couple of bits and a brace and bit that just happened to have the right sized bit for making dog holes. All the tools were rusty. I built the entire thing on my parent's back patio (concrete) when I was about 18. I put a small wood vice in it and fitted pine cheeks to it. The whole bench was about 1.8 metres long, weighed over 100 kilos and was rock solid. Once I had set it up, I put an old bearer on the top and hit it with a sledge hammer. Then I tightened up the bolts to main force. It never moved. There are a couple of bits I would change now but certainly nothing major. I think I would set it up for holdfasts, which until recently, I had never seen. I'd probably put a removable metalwork vice on the opposite end. I'd probably put a power board on one of the legs too. I really don't get benches like the Roubo and the Scandinavian bench. You need a well equipped workshop, including - guess what? - a workbench, to build one and I don't really see the benefit. I've seen a Scandinavian bench up close and thought the shoulder vice was one of the stupidest things I've seen on a bench. I realise you can pack them but I found it just got in the way. The joinery in the Roubo is just excessive for no great gain and the sliding deadman is unnecessary in most cases. The front apron of the Nicholson takes care of that. The Nicholson's disadvantages are actually really easy to overcome. You don't need a tail vice. You can use dogs or a plane stop and wedges to achieve the same thing. Simples. You can make a workbench to look like a piece of furniture if you like. Like everything, that's a matter of personal choice. The whole idea of a workbench is to provide a stable, solid platform on which clamp, nail, saw, plane and chop mortices. They take a hell of a beating. A Nicholson can be knocked up in a single day and doesn't require high levels of skill. It's also absurdly cheap and effective and it's adaptable to almost any need. And don't forget, there's nothing that says you can't use the ideas from one bench on another. You may never get around to building that Roubo you've always admired...

[@mirkondt9711]

The most important message of this entire video (in my humble opinion) is to purchase at lease one of the books that Rex has mentioned. If you are prepared to invest one, two, or even eight hundred dollars on a bench, what is the cost of a fifty dollar book and the knowledge it contains. Outstanding work Rex, merci!

[@robm7543]

"Just build a bench", good advice!

[@howardhiser8078]

@Rex Krueger Thank you for including the Moravian.

[@tonyminehan7144]

I built Rex's English wood workers bench ......... out of scrap wood which included, part of a car port, an old bed and some wood my wife was planning on cutting up for firewood. And it's brilliant, and yes I did use a thin top, supported by a lot of stretchers. And I don't see myself building another as this meets all my needs.

[@elsantodelsol]

Proud to say Chris and Megan at Lost Art Press helped me make a Roman bench on the pictured timber bench. Amazing writers, craftspeople, teachers and friends.

[@stuartwoodcock9780]

This is great. Its excellent watching how you've collected all this great information for us.

[@stevem268]

a great video for those getting started and needing a bench. my first major project when getting back into woodworking was my scandinavian bench built using the tage frid plans in fine woodworking magazine. it was a very early issue of the magazine, back when it was just in black and white! the vise screws came from lee valley, i believe they are english made. that bench has served me well for 25 years and just as solid today as it was when i built it. i did add an old castiron convertional vise on the back side

[@kevinf6413]

Rex, fantastic video. It is so comprehensive in its overview and then "links" to where one can find details on what they decide. Thanks again. You have become a KZbin treasure.

[@dario2466]

This is one hundred percent the Video I was looking for. Especially the part on 12min about the low bench. I'll check out your channel. Thank you very much.

[@kazinix]

You're so right about the mindset that prevents us from making things. Whenever my "I want it to be perfect" kicks in, I go to your videos and watch, you show us that it is okay to make mistakes. Whenever I want to buy an expensive tool, I remember you doing stuffs with limited and not so expensive tools and everything worked just fine. Thank you Rex! I'm sure your channel made a lot of people not to quit and enjoy woodworking.

[@onbailup]

Similar experience Dominic, had not done any woodwork since high school over 45 years ago and then I go and build a bench based on Rex's encouragement that any idiot could do it.....He was right and it worked out great.

[@Dunc2222]

I absolutely appreciate how you share credit with other woodworking teachers. Thank you for this and for your excellent instruction and insights.

[@1Barrel2u]

I built my first bench sometime around 1980.. Yes to some of you that is almost prehistoric but so am I. It was built along the lines of a freestanding built in and was 40" wide and 60" long. I still use that bench a lot but I have built others over the years that had my experiences built into them. Rex is right in that you should forget about building the perfect bench and instead build one you can use today. The secret to building things is to start building things. I have to say that Rex is a very good person to learn from and I like that he is always giving information as to where you can go to learn more on whatever subject he is talking about.