Make a big leg vise from pine

[@ctcollinthib]

I cannot tell you how many woodworking videos I've started and then closed when the dude goes to his $5,000 CNC machine or his collection of Festool pieces worth more than my house. I watch this video at least once a day as I prep for building this exact thing on my recently-finished workbench.

[@RexKrueger]

I really appreciate the compliment! Good luck with your build. I think you'll do great.

[@PhilipThompsonCanada]

Thanks for rooting for those of us who don’t have a ton of money, or time. I’m subscribed and liked, because you remember the poor.

[@rainerl-h259]

Finally a channel without festool, CNC and other expensive stuff! Love it!

[@Vikingwerk]

Or Kreig Jigs.

[@CitizenAyellowblue]

Yeah, CNC.... “look what I made”. 😂

[@radek4177]

@@CitizenAyellowblue CNC'ing is a skill like any other. It looks easy but it really isn't.

[@noisepuppet]

@@radek4177 true. There ain't no easy way out, is there?

[@noisepuppet]

@@radek4177 true. There ain't no easy way out, is there?

[@downingbots]

That wedge at the bottom is genius, hell yeah

[@JoaquinGTP]

Dude, I have been sweating how to put a leg vice on my new workbench. You just saved me a ton of time and money. Thank you for this. You're killing it on KZbin right now, man. Well done.

[@oakenarm]

I completely agree. I too have been stressing over the type of vise to add to my 5" thick bench. This design looks to be just the ticket. Especially with the 20 degree cant

[@WilliamGalliher]

I think this intro might be my favorite intro out of all the videos I have watched of yours

[@js8039]

Unlike bates and several others , you actually credit others properly.

[@oliverdelica2289]

Oof

[@leehartwig5996]

J.S., its frustrating when people do that. But from the few videos I've seen of his, Jay Bates has credited others in videos. If there is something he's missed, that's one thing... but I have seen him reference others more than once. If he missed something, the polite thing to do is to leave him a comment.

[@thomasarussellsr]

@@leehartwig5996 yeah, many woodworkers watch loads of content and may have forgotten where they get an idea they may have seen months or years earlier.

[@FastEddieDee]

Okay. I have no plans to become a hand tool only guy, but Rex is the only patreon I support at this time. The main reason I support Rex on Patreon, is because he teaches us the things that all the masters know, but forget to mention or show on camera as it doesnt occur to them we dont know. Little things like the salt to keep the clamps from sliding, and using stair treads for a better cheap plank, etc. He tells us novices all the little Mastercraft details to get the results that everyone else doesn't think to teach. I feel like Rex is teaching us all from noobs to masters and there's something in every video that speaks to us all. God bless Rex, because Rex blesses us. Oh, and all his plans are free to members. :)

[@RexKrueger]

Eddie, you're a prince for your nice comments. I'm no master at this craft, but I read a lot. Research is the key to what I know. Thanks for being a part of the community!

[@triune_blades]

2:26 < This is awesome that you ACTUALLY thought about the fact that not all of your viewers have a bunch of decent hardwood laying around. This is quite unlike most KZbinrs that make supposed DIY videos and they use a $40k tool or have 5 metric tons of some material just "laying" around. Thank you for being realistic. 😊

[@RexKrueger]

That was the idea!

[@triune_blades]

@@RexKrueger Well....you're awesome.haha

[@noisepuppet]

Yep, I keep catching myself thinking where am I going to get that 3" chunk of yellow pine he's working on... Oh wait, I just saw him glue it up from home despot stair treads.

[@astronemir]

Here is my 12 offcuts of perfectly squarely jointed and planed 1x4 african hardwood. Just use whatever you have lying around in your shop. Anyway, we put it into the router table with a 12 inch router bit, take it onto my 100 inch sliding miter saw, then rip it down to 1/8th inch strips on my 20000lbs cast iron cabinet saw. After that, we have a simple jig for using a circular saw for making fast crosscuts!

[@Kopczak1995]

​@@RexKrueger I really appreciate your channel. It's the most down to earth channel I have seen on the internet for a long while. Keep up the good work man, you are entertaining and have a way not to scare newbies with fancy stuff and tools they probably wouldn't need anyway. I'm almost on my way to build my own joiner bench. I have plans ready for wood available in my area and not gonna lie, if it's done, it would be thanks to your videos and free plans available.

[@noisepuppet]

I've spent many years with my nose in fine woodworking books and articles, and I tell you, the way you break it down for regular humans is right up there with St Roy Underhill. But with a postmodern twist. Thanks for all you put into this.

[@MrMNRichardWright]

Very clever pin board alternative. A smart man once claimed, “I’m too lazy to be inefficient”.

[@DonMorganSeawolf]

Thanks, Richard !!! I haven't heard that quote (read or said) since my Phylosophic minded Dad passed away. I originally thought that his quips were funny until I got old enough to really understand what he was saying. Another one comes to mind. Enjoy this one. "Work smarter, not harder."

[@Comicsluvr]

"I'm a bit lazy so I wanted a simpler way to do X." I'm disabled so it's a lack of energy rather than laziness but I feel the same way. Learning all these little tricks is saving me a LOT of time and money. Thanks for keeping it real!

[@pyotr576]

I'm not "lazy" I'm frugal with my energy. "There has to be a more efficient way ..."

[@Samcraftcom]

Hey Rex, just dropping a comment to say I really appreciate your channel, presentation style, and everything. You have not only inspired me as a woodworker, but as a content creator! You give me hope that a keeping-it-real and budget-minded creator has a chance in today's highly commercialized realm of online woodworking content! Thank you! Sam

[@RexKrueger]

You TOTALLY have a chance!

[@igorbaldo]

9:04 "I'm a little bit lazy", says the man who makes everything with hand tools!

[@noisemaker1696]

Rex is probably up there as one of my favourite makers on KZbin

[@maj21093]

Those Stair Treads also make the BEST Closet Shelves you can buy in that price range!

[@RexKrueger]

Pro tip!

[@SARSteam]

Use salt to prevent pieces from sliding away... I only learn about that now!! LOL Thanx a million Rex ! Awesome channel.

[@billmclaughlin8438]

There are some really smart people on KZbin and you’re one of them. Very nice Rex.

[@williamhowells1615]

3:40 Table salt to stop glued boards moving when clamping up is such a genius fix for a annoying problem. Will be using that excellent tip in future, thanks.

[@rikbours]

the author does like to from scratch, shaping and trimming wood from large blocks into fine finished products. kzbin.infoUgkxD-QRFQz730FJEh4f9BYSf-nkIMIC9hL_ as another reviewer mentioned, most projects require a lot of high-dollar equipment that most of us dont have the room or budget for. But, knowing how to do these things, even if we wont be able to practice the full stack project, is still great.

[@danielbatts9386]

I made a leg vise like you did using the wedge. One tip that might help others. On occasion there may be a need to put a piece of wood in the vise that is thicker than the wedge can accommodate. My solution was to use a second wedge pushed in from the opposite side of the first wedge. With two wedges working against each other, I can basically double the depth. When I cut the first wedge out, I already had the second wedge anyway. Hope this helps someone. Love your channel. I've learned a lot.

[@tpobrienjr]

That vise is a winning addition to an already winning bench. Thanks.

[@johngordon2546]

There is centuries of master woodworkers coming to this one single build and that's awesome, love the vids.

[@corncobjohnsonreal]

Your new lighting makes you look like a beautiful angel

[@RexKrueger]

Ive been found out!

[@FreeFinca]

​@@RexKrueger 😂

[@larrywinton8]

Love the wedge instead of a pin board! Dude you rock!

[@davidforrest937]

I like the salt trick to keep the glue from shifting. Instead of carving an angled rabbet on the bottom of the leg, I used a matching pair of wedges (a 12" 2x4 cut with a 3:12 taper) to make the adjustable fulcrum.

[@bevanstuart9013]

Well, you have done it again, another video related to your bench. All I can say is, I think this is another stellar example of how well you teach and educate us, in a gentle and gentlemanly way. I agree with one of the earlier comments, you and Paul Sellers

[@bevanstuart9013]

Addendum to above since I made a typo and ended it too soon - are the best and most skilled teachers on KZbin. Thank you for all your hard work and sharing.

[@PeteLewisWoodwork]

Rex and Paul Sellers are now the only two I tend to watch - others come and go. Paul and Rex have two different approaches and I'm open to them both because neither require power tools or other expensive stuff. I'm not a newbie to all of this, either, I've been a carpenter for over 40 years but now switching to more joinery related projects to see me going when I retire - though I don't ever want to retire. I've done all the power tool thing and I've used all the big industrial machines - it was good in the day but it gets on my nerves now. This stuff is like learning a whole new trade made for people who want to take it easy - and that's me...!

[@bevanstuart9013]

@@PeteLewisWoodwork Hi Pete. As a 77 year old retiree I couldn't agree with you more although I must say I still enjoy the "hum" of some of my tools along with the sound of a hand rasp. Hop you have a great day enjoying yours.

[@tomt637]

I must admit I've never had a big sexy bench but I've made several jerry rigged benches that are only intended for a few months/weeks work and in most of them I've thrown these leg vices together in four or five different ways at no cost and they always surprise me in ease of use and how well they work for well a piece of scrap

[@AlexDiesTrying]

That wedge is a truly smart solution.

[@AaronSprague1]

I have made 2 benches so far one like Paul sellers and one very similar to this one. I love the Paul Sellers design but it took like 2 months worth of weekends to build as a new wood worker. This style of bench takes a single weekend and works great. Love it.

[@LassetUnsSpielen]

congratulations for passing 100k. you very much deserve it

[@eizzle78]

I built Jae’s bench and I honestly don’t know how I got along without the leg vise, it’s so helpful, I use it almost every time I’m in the shop!

[@sauletto1]

Just came across your channel . Man, you are hitting on all 8 cylinders ! You have perfect on camera skills along with engaging dialogue . Real life procedures and explanation. Plus you resemble a good friend that I have immense respect for ...enough so that you could be his brother. lol. I have been a craftsman and carpenter most of my 60 years of life, I can truthfully say I have added to my knowledge with something from every one of your videos. I subscribed yesterday and am binge watching them all. Great channel !

[@zavoina]

For me, this is one of your best projects and videos. Thx.

[@robmclaughlin420]

I really like how Rex explains the work

[@nigelmtb]

Best. Intro. Ever.

[@oliverdelica2289]

Seems to me Rex needs to get James Wright's book of Dad jokes. That's gonna up the views, I think

[@gondebas]

7:37 The force is not multiplied at the top. If you treat the stick as a lever then the force is multiplied anywhere between pivot point and the screw where it works as a nutcracker. Actually applied force is decreased at the top. The real multiplication of force comes not from the stick as a lever but from the screw. To be precise, the mechanical advantage of the screw comes from the perimeter of your crank compared to the distance the screw advances with each rotation.

[@The_Smith]

Brilliant idea with the wedge at the foot of the chop.

[@AaaBbb-rs9jz]

Brilliant channel philosophy. In a world of consumerism and rip off companies for low quality low price stuff, its great to see a low price hi quality (functionality) mindset bucking the trend. Long live ingenuity. Thanks for sharing. Schaun

[@nedrgr21]

holy cow, vise screw is now $63. Thanks for the vid. will be making this soon.

[@Mighty_Atheismo]

I love your style Rex! I been watching lots of workbench builds (going down the rabbit hole starting with you stuff) and I am absolutely staggered by the kit I see! "All right gang today we're gonna be building a great starter workbench! First thing you're gonna wanna do is bust out a $1000 track saw and $500 of Kreg gear. This build is brought to you by Rockler!!" Rex is king!!!! Keep up the good work buddy!

[@oakenarm]

Rex I just completed this leg vise build on my bench. Thank you so much for all the videos you put out.

[@markericksonsr3130]

Thank you for your time and ideas.

[@aadelgado77]

Months later and still the best 'intro' way to show "it's not going anywhere". You did it Rex!

[@jensdavidsen4557]

Really not surprising that you've already surpassed 100K subs - you TOTALLY deserve every viewer! Excellent content Rex!

[@robertcraigh73]

Watched about 100 of your videos now. Well at least 20. Good work and thank you for all the history lessons.

[@craigmonteforte1478]

Another good Video Rex , glue a small piece of Carpet tack strip on top of your Wedge and it makes it a little easier to move it around with your foot on top of it most especially for sliding it into position Plus its cheap heck you can probably score some free in a carpet shops dumpster

[@thomaskirkpatrick4031]

I have been looking for source for a screw for a vise, something strong, with a course thread. I never thought of a screw jack, all those years in construction, I could have gotten a hold of hundreds of them. Now I'm going to have to spend money on a couple of them. Great idea, thanks.

[@kingsmanlad4147]

I’m not even a carpenter or anything like that but the saga about this bench is one of the best things I’ve ever watched

[@joeii3ol]

Finally! A realistic woodworker with cool ideas. And in my backyard!

[@cheserex]

I have to say- I am getting addicted to this . Thanks, Rex.

[@davewatchedthat]

Awesome opening, Rex.

[@deadtoejimmy]

I just used a 2x6 scrap for my leg vise. Yes, it does flex a little, but it also grips amazingly well. I think the beefy chop is more for looks than function. Even one of your old examples has a narrow, thin chop.

[@shawnphillips2556]

This should be pinned as a top comment. I am building a leg vise right now and by comparison, mine is thinner than his, but it's good to know I could have gone smaller and it would still function Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@alexsavastru8125]

​@@shawnphillips2556well, considering I just bought a vice screw, this is excellent information. Thanks!

[@Srulio]

You are very consistent in choosing wedge based solutions. This makes a lot of sense. Well done Rex

[@ikust007]

You are really original . Impressive. Bravo.

[@johnkelley9877]

This was another great tutorial. You make everything clear and easy to understand. Thanks for sharing this.

[@هُناعبير]

my shoulders hurt watching this .. impressive job man

[@erikvanekelenburg9309]

Left a similar comment on Jays channel about the leg vise but is there a reason the dowel that holds it left to right isn't just drilled through the leg? Seems it may also help with the vice racking left and right on the angled clamping. Maybe there is something i'm not considering though. Either way your videos are my favorite, and i mean my favorite, on youtube. Especially with the historical information, you have left me with my jaw open a few times with how simple some of the solutions to problems can be. Every other creator on here has unique solutions (usually involving $10,000 worth of equipment) but your ideas are always so simple in such a great way, most of the time using the ideas the great craftsmen of our past generations had already used. Fan for life.

[@TanyaLairdCivil]

@10:30 Genius on the wedge adjustment block.

[@917Stefano]

Rex: That is a truly excellent vice! And I like the idea of using stair treads to get decent quality wood.

[@jackreid938]

Rex you are a genius my friend.

[@SpaceDave3000]

That wedge is brilliant.

[@craigjensen782]

I was just getting ready to build one of these based off some old pictures I found, but this is WAY better! Thank you

[@mikeclark6556]

if you made an extension for the top of your leg vise it can be used to clamp boards to the top of the table for planning the face and you dont have to keep moving that top clamp out of the way good job on your vice

[@jaystock9202]

I just need to pt an angle/ wedge for the bottom and vice is done. I built this bench about a month ago. I've yet to do any of the joinery I want to get into, but I've def used the holdfasts quite a bit. I reinforced the dog holes but still find them to be a lil sloppy (do I need another piece of wood to reinforce them?... tbd) all in all, incredibly happy with the bench. It's so nice to be able to grab a dowel or hold fast and set up a piece of wood to work on. Really expedites the process. Spend less time trying to figure out how to clamp a thing and instead, just reach for a mallet and boom.

[@jerryjohnsonii4181]

Awesome vise !!!!!!! Thanks for the knowledge on how to build one , Rex !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@markkernen322]

Hi Rex. Built the workbench and just finished the leg vise and angled it just like you did. Works like a dream and this afternoon I cut some dovetails on a drawer that I am making to replace one that fell apart.... long story. Fabulous vise and just wanted to thank you for showing how versatile it actually is. Thanks.

[@whisperingeaglelanders2339]

You are so smart and funny! I always forward your videos to my son who wants to get into wood working!

[@helidude3502]

Seems like a versatile vise that can be used for many non wood working s applications.

[@freddysea8404]

Love that you gave credit and even linked to Jay Bate's videos. Great Video!

[@ThatsNotMyNameB.]

Jay Bates!! Yes! Been watching him for a couple of years now. And wow! That dude does good work.

[@MaryAnnNytowl]

Very nice! Not sure I'll need it any time soon (or ever), but I'm glad this is here, if I want it. Thanks!

[@kylecheramie2193]

Nice video mate! , i used a weight bar and welded the nut at the end and threaded black pipe for the handle

[@nickwoo2]

Only thing you might want to add is mass but you can add a shelf underneath and load all your scraps and wood to accomplish this.

[@COLDROLD73]

Jus sayin you are my goto for a LOT of questions and answers and your instructional technique is easy to follow........ Me was wonderin if a 30* angle, or possible repositioning the screw would allow full use of the chop without the "wrack" spacer.

[@magicdaveable]

Really cool vise Rex

[@shawncarden5112]

Rex, I bought the plans! I can’t wait to build and install but the plans don’t list the recommended thickness for the chop for someone that has piles of scrap to use from harvesting my own oak. I also cut a template out of some scrap particle board from a found in dumpster kitchen cabinet, it made get the measurements very easy. Love you site!

[@CurtisMassey]

To be honest, about the best you can hope for in life is 'an outstanding compromise'.

[@GregorKropotkin-qu2hp]

You Genius you! _ I loved the idea of the Scaffold Screw Jack and just bought one from ebay-so cheap, so strong and so easy to set up!-can't believe i've never come across this before-thanks!

[@zackfishle1009]

I'm building this bench after I clear my project schedule. Thanks for the research and sharing the build with us.

[@johnmm]

Got mine made and it turned out fine. Used a Ryoba saw for all the cuts. All cuts except the long rip cuts for the bottom part of the saw turned out clean. The long rips were just messy - 3" depth of wood and 20" or so long. Of no real consequence as those surfaces don't connect with anything else. If i'd have been smart i would have made the bottom 5 1/2 inches wide to give me 1/4 inch each side for cleanup from messy rips. I'd also have used a longer piece of dowel in the bottom - 11" was a bit short. Sticking closer to the plans would have been smarter! The one smart thing i did - work from the bottom up. That way if you mess up, you can slide the whole thing down and cleanup any errors. The fitting of this type of vise to a bench is way easier than many other types of vises. This is a darn good vise.

[@ahmedshakir6967]

Yay you hit 100k subscribers! Congratz!

[@JuddMaltin7]

My day really not complete without a peek at Rex's underpants. Oh, and yeah, I'm building the vice ASAP.

[@RealLuckless]

Awesome work on showing how accessible woodworking can be. One option to skip the vice build entirely: A deep open ended well bench and sets of wedges.

[@samueljames9342]

I made a saint Peter's cross for my vice 10 years ago and it has never failed me, love your videos

[@Thamian]

On the subject of endcaps, a way of making round ones without a lathe that I used on the bench I restored, was to use a holesaw to cut blanks, then thread them onto a bit of studding in the chuck of an old mains powered drill - once locked on, worked really well for rounding and finishing the caps as if they were on a lathe.

[@markluxton3402]

I like it. I will have to look closer at the leg vise on the end of my grandfathers work bench. I knew there had to be an adjustment at the bottom, and there is a part that extends on the floor under the bench. I thought it was either an adjustment or a structural support. It must be the adjustment, though I don't recall seeing any holes to set it. When my back stops hurting, I'll have a close look. The end of this work bench isn't the best spot for a vise IMO. I think my grandfather did it this way to be near the wood stove. I will likely leave it there though. I hope to make a woodworking bench/table saw out feed table, with storage underneath;, which will need a vise or two.

[@sgsax]

As usual, I got a ton of ideas from your video. Lots of great suggestions here. Thanks for sharing!

[@leehartwig5996]

Rex, I'm very impressed with this video. This is the first of yours I have seen and I smashed the like and subscribe buttons. I also appreciate the shout out to Jay Bates, another great woodworker who I have been following for some time. The vice you featured looks awesome and has given me ideas for an upcoming build. Thanks for a great video and I'm looking forward to seeing more of your content. Great work!

[@RexKrueger]

My pleasure!

[@johnmm]

Can't get these unfinished pine stair treads in Canada, but can at Home Depot in the US (12.96USD each). So picked up a piece of 2x12x8ft for half the price of 3 of the pine stairs and cut it in half. Leaving it to dry out for a month (it's heavy, so it ain't dry).

[@CoolDude-vc2fl]

A nut in the bottom table leg and a big screw at the bottom of the vise may also work to adjust the grip of the vise.

[@shaundeane]

Hey Rex - Fantastic information, great detail. Just finished mine. What a great upgrade and for not much $, either. Thank you! I added a little bling in the form of a nice crank from LN and I put some Crubber inside the chop face.

[@Spheramid]

I made my first vise with a 3/4" pony pipe clamp in lieu of a screw. Just attach the movable head with some screws to the back of the apron, and the fixed head to the chop. You do need a foot bar slotted to drop over a lag bolt at the floor for parallelism, but works fast and easy.

[@TomBuskey]

An alternative to the screw is a pipe clamp. Also from Jay Bates. I used one for a leg vice for a long time. I've gotten a 1-1/2" threading box and a hard maple dowel and will be making a new vice with that as a screw. I like the rabbet for the wedge and will do that or have a 2nd thread on the bottom. Thanks!

[@MrDaneBrammage]

If it were angled the other way, the jaw could be right at the corner. Some people like the vice far from the corner for reasons I don’t understand, but placing it at the corner is more convenient for cross-cutting. You can clamp right next to the line while the offcut sticks out beyond the end of the bench so you can saw away without risk of hitting the bench.

[@greemcreem]

awesome video, building my leg vise soon just got the screw in the mail!

[@Kareszkoma]

This is just genious. I was wondering what will be the solution about the leg part. That wedge is a great idea. I expected something like that.

[@NomenNescio99]

I just made plans for the weekend, I'm building a workbench!

[@RexKrueger]

You'll be done by Monday. I promise!

[@NomenNescio99]

@@RexKrueger Indeed I was. You said in your video that any monkey with a saw can make half lap joint, that turned out to be true. Especially so after said monkey discovered the depth stop screw on his miter saw. 🙈😜

[@paisaconstructiondavid1964]

Gracias, great job and Yes Jay Bates is a good example, I have met him at the woodworking shows. Like you he is also down to earth and a straight shooter, good and concrete information. You do and have done a great job with your work and videos. Thank you

[@matthewcarpenter4716]

Now that will work much better than a big box store vise! THANK YOU REX! I will be starting my plans tonight!