Make a portable chopping-block workbench.

[@RexKrueger]

In the video, I say that I'm making a furniture piece in two weeks, but I got the release dates wrong. I'll make a complete piece of furniture on this block NEXT WEEK!!!!

[@christosxanthis7646]

Can't wait ,,

[@nicoxstyle]

I was wondering about it, cause the lie Nielsen video was last week's right?

[@seanhughes6861]

How do you sharpen your axe please answer this

[@hisxxx2]

@@seanhughes6861This link might help you: www.bnctools.com/pages/axe-sharpening#:~:text=Most%20axes%20have%20a%2030,axe%20to%20lose%20its%20temper.

[@zkons]

Thats definitely going to be a cool video. :) I was actually wondering if perhaps you might be able to do a video in the future about how to mill down a log into usable wood. Most people use band saws and the like but I'm sure there's a good way to do the initial prep work with hand tools like you do and then later down the line when it dries properly plane and saw it into usable wood :)

[@XBullitt16X]

This is exactly what I wanna see as a pleb that kinda wants to get started in woodworking, haha.

[@KeithOlson]

Interesting idea. A few thoughts: 1. When I was installing satellite dishes, my go-to for driving in lag bolts was chucking a socket into my brace. It made the job *fast* and had enough torque that a few times I ended up twisting the heads right off of the bolts. 2. Another option for holding things vertically is a couple of cheap ratchet straps wrapped around the log. They will provide *PLENTY* of pressure while conforming to any shape. 3. For apartment dwellers who want a 'stealth workbench' for their balcony, they can make a simple, small tabletop that attaches to the top of the log, giving the whole thing a neat appearance and utility when woodworking is not on the schedule.

[@sourcererseven3858]

Like the stealth idea. I've started work on a low-roman bench (by buying the wood and letting it acclimatise as suggested ;)) and it's going to replace the old couch-table that I currently have on my balcony for the outdoors sitting bench. Once it's done and I can see how it looks, I'll consider building a finer tabletop as you suggested for when I don't use it as a workbench. Though I think keeping the bench outside will probably not be good for it and I should keep it inside, now that I actually think about it... It wouldn't get wet during a normal rain unless there's a lot of wind, and I could put it inside durig fall and winter, but even the humidity in summer might be bad enough to warp it... Don't really have the experience to judge it. I have a bit of time to research that, maybe I just need to use an appropiate finish and it'll be fine...

[@digadigado]

Wife: Honey, how come it took 8 weeks to get my new cupboard but you have a new workbench every week? Rex:...

[@HeikeWoolard]

😂😂😂

[@oliverdelica2289]

Shhh

[@barbarasmith2644]

That hurt

[@ninjadeathoverlord3254]

“It’s really easy to just rip off a thin slice from my leg...” Woodworkers are a tough breed omg

[@HolyPineCone]

You are like the crafting teacher they couldn't afford at school, so we got whatever they could find laying around. You make even the most simple things seem interesting and the hard and complex things seem possible

[@RexKrueger]

Thank you!

[@abdossett]

Mr. Krueger, I completed this project over the weekend and I really love it. My first try at the legs didn't work, but my second attempt turned out really well. I'm excited to build something with it, thank you for you work!

[@ConflictedSwitch]

Log: Hey guys. Low Roman Workbench: Am I a joke to you? English Joiners Bench: Yeah, what Roman said.

[@clayfullmer]

I miss roman bench.

[@oliverdelica2289]

I want Rex to have his workbenches talk in another video

[@sourcererseven3858]

@@oliverdelica2289 "Yeah, hit me harder!" Looking forward to the fanfiction....

[@TheBlueCollarConservative]

This really was a pretty cool project. As somebody who has over 200 axe heads this gives me a new project to look at.

[@benjaminholcomb9478]

As an Arizonan who lives in the desert, I envy your ability to find wood lying around. The closest thing to that here is a palm tree round or a dried out stump that's been sitting out for 3 decades lol.

[@1turdontherun]

I've started spoon carving recently and have a tripod chopping block. I love the idea for the f-clamp and I'll be incorporating that idea in my block. Thanks!

[@RexKrueger]

My pleasure!

[@FreeOfFantasy]

May I suggest to saw a step into the surface of the block? It's great to set the spoon against to while carving.

[@RossTomazin]

My favorite thing about watch the Woodwork for Humans series is watching Rex go, "I bet I could do this even more crazy thing!" then watching him do it, over and over until he publishes the video! This video was awesome!

[@MrMelonMonkey]

Thank you rex for getting me into woodworking. Just today I made a marking gauge from a piece of thuja I cut down a few weeks ago. It was already dead and luckily had dried without splitting. But cutting raw wood to a square piece without a band or table saw is dang hard... Nevertheless it was a pleasure doing this. I got so obsessed that I forgot to smoke for hours. And that does say something...

[@sourcererseven3858]

Woodworking to fight nicotine addiction, I'm all for it :)

[@_whiskey_warlock]

Ever since finding your channel, I've been obsessed. Thank you so much for this in-depth-skill-building-down-to-basics style. I worked in a cabinet shop out of high school, and because I had all the high end equipment in the world... I never learned proper joinery. (14 years later and post new career) Now, that I have tiny backyard, I'm eager to get back to work and build again.

[@scannon90]

I look forward to seeing Rex glue up the carcass of his wardrobe cabinet on that stump next week. Good luck, Rex!

[@marcelklaver7137]

Hi Rex, I am not an aspiring wood worker, I just stumbled upon your channel. I enjoy every episode, whenever I take a pause while "locked up in my home office" ;-) On the other hand, I might as well get my tool box out, and some pieces of wood, and start a new hobby. A man has to have at least a few hobbies ...

[@EricRohlfs]

I grew up using bar soap to help reduce friction on screws. A substitute if you don't have paste. My dad built a 24 foot fiberglass and teak cabin cruiser (boat) from a kit. Half the weight of the boat was in screws.

[@eb282]

I made a chop block for my backyard this spring. I love it, it works as a bench. I use a rope vise, which is just a loop of rope that step on the bottom. I added a stick so i step on the stick and the end is in the bottom of the loop. Works, fast & cheap!

[@mahutwe9728]

Thanks. I like your method and explanation. Already have 2x4s and log stump. Waiting for cold weather. In Texas we take advantage of the winter weather, because only mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the midday sun.

[@MichaelCampbell01]

As I get older and less attached to "things", I'm seriously considering ditching some of my powertools and going more honest Sasquatch. You've been an inspiration, Rex.

[@Incandescentiron]

Love it. With this I can just build one saw horse to do larger work. Blacksmiths often use tree stumps to solidly mount their anvils. One addition I've seen is a strip of leather around the perimeter, attached to make up various-sized loops to store different hammers and tools to keep them close at hand. A leather belt from the thrift store would work great! ...Now I have to have one.

[@PlainsmansCabin]

Way to go, Rex!! This video continues with the simple thinking that drew me to your channel! I love the chopping block “bench!” I really like how you make the crossover of green woodworking techniques with more modern carpentry. Keep up the great work on this channel! Thank you!

[@andrewfrudd108]

As a greenwood worker who does most of their work on a similar block - you need to splay the legs out for stability.

[@joeleonetti8976]

It's amazing at how little one needs to get things done once you have a bit of experience. My father in law lives in the mountains. I want to woodwork on the long weekends when there. I have made a tool chest but I don't have a workbench. He has plenty of tree rounds to choose from. I've been thinking of doing something like this or making something like a milkman's workbench to work on the picnic table in his backyard.

[@luismoref]

This sounds like the perfect vacation!

[@myRefuge3710]

Very cool. The wood worker's anvil. I dig it.

[@myRefuge3710]

6:40 you can also shim to level and scribe to minimize excessive cut off.

[@upsidedowndog1256]

Great advice for my state of Arkansas. Our state tree is the stump. The local saw mill dictates the log size, anything larger is as you say, "waste".

[@mmarrotte101]

Rex. You're the man. I've really enjoyed your videos thus far, but as a small time garage spoon carver, this is next level! Thank you for taking the time and for being so detailed in the guidelines. Keep em coming and thank you again!

[@09mrdon]

Love your work, Rex! Your videos are thoughtful and very nicely done. Thanks so much for all you are doing to inspire and help others!

[@adelheidsnel5171]

Yeeeh from a traditional blacksmith who uses a selfmade treadlehammer! I absolutely love this for my woodworking and have been using this, but now not feeling like a total...Roman😉

[@Rainaman-]

2:40 Rex, you underestimate my power to screw things up!

[@kairu_aname]

Draw it straight with a different board. If it's still that easy to mess up, it's a good thing it's a learning experience.

[@twotone3070]

Some of us have it as a super power.

[@oliverdelica2289]

You can never have enough workbenches 😎😎😎😎

[@2dividedby3equals666]

I love the idea, it is like an woodworking anvil! Take the pounding out of the bench and into the block. Thanks for sharing and take care!!

[@briannashoemaker1962]

Great idea, I think I shall make one for the corner of my shop. Looks like it would also be great to use as a surface when you need to hit something with lots of force and don’t want to mar your work bench.

[@gregmislick1117]

An alternative to the lag bolts are GRK construction screws, can still use a washer, but you can just drive them into the log...the #9- or #10 - by whatever length Rex mentioned...the box of #9 × 3 in I have list themselves as replacement for 3/8 lag bolt....

[@738polarbear]

Never seen a log bench before . Unique idea .

[@gshowman8188]

Just in time video. I've just started spoon carving. Invested in a nice carving axe. Saw a few logs out for the trash just down the road from my house. I have my weekend project!

[@oliverclothesoff5397]

I found my new weekend project! I have some red oak logs I think will work well. Thanks rex!

[@theeddorian]

This is an excellent episode. I have a chunk of black locust that I use mainly to support a small anvil, though also sometimes also for various chopping tasks. The legs would be a really fine addition for those of us that are no longer as agile as we once were. Thanks. My outside equivalent is a sweet gum log about four feet high.

[@jrkorman]

Nice, I recall both of my grandfathers having at least one of these. One of them was made by using a chainsaw to make the legs out of the bottom of the log, so that it was one solid piece.

[@demaresta]

I’ve seen shingles made using a tall stump as a bench. They used old bike tire tubes as upright clamps when using a froe to split pie-wedge shaped stock, but I bet it could also help stabilize work in your screw clamp setup.

[@dcolorado7483]

I like Rated R Woodturning's idea. To see my wife's reaction when I come home with a log would be interesting. Also, I'm now bought in with those Japanese saw horses. I'll borrow my wife yoga mat for my knees. If I get tired I can easily roll over for a nap.

[@dcolorado7483]

I'm serious about using the Japanese saw horses. I found a hatchett. I never thought of using it to cut away wood. I'm now looking for a log. I really like the idea to use it to rough out wood when using my hatchett and save my new, almost finished, workbench. Great idea "Maynard G"

[@738polarbear]

ha ha ha .

[@theeddorian]

I use regular strap on pads. I spent a career as an archaeologist and the involves a lot of kneeling. My wife wood miss her mat.

[@davidvavra9113]

Paste wax When I built my traditional wooden boat, my go to fastener lubricant was roof tar and none of them ever rusted

[@jerryjohnsonii4181]

Very Cool portable chopping-block workbench !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@Squrl0885]

It is nice to put a small v in the log surface or leave a ledge on one side. It can act as a brace point for your work piece when you have it tipped up on a corner. Prevents it from kicking out when working the Axe.

[@pixelclef]

So, I have a small selection of logs from a tree we had removed. I think they're similar diameter to your example, though probably not the same length. I just hosed one down, removing dirt from one end. The bark is sad as bleep. But I think it's still a solid enough chonk for using as a chopping log. I'm curious about what I should look for, especially from a collection of junk log segments.

[@allenwc]

Thanks Rex, I’ve had one of these chop blocks in my shop,for decades, so useful!

[@seltzinator]

This is the coolest channel. Once I get out of law school, I hope I can join up on patreon.

[@RexKrueger]

Please do!

[@jones_trees_and_treen]

Nice video. I prefer to make my chopping stumps by boring angled holes in the base with a T auger. Then you just need to find three green branches, whittle the tenons slightly oversize, and pound them into the holes. If they loosen over time, just add shims. I've made dozens this way.

[@H3xx99]

I've got a slab of wood I've been saving for a few years now. It's about 6-8 inches thick and a good 3 feet long. It came from a tree that was removed from the apartment complex I was living in at the time. Even though it's got a big split in it on one side, I'm fairly certain I can reinforce that... and make a 4 leg version of this bench. I can probably add some rope handles to the sides as well, to make moving it easier, as I live in an apparent.

[@dcolorado7483]

sounds like a good idea and a start on a low style bench that will work and be unique.

[@H3xx99]

@@dcolorado7483 flattening it is going to be the biggest problem. But my uncle gave me an old electric planer, so I shouldn't have much trouble there.

[@Kikilang60]

Thanks Rex. I used to make, either a round coffee table, or bed. I could never cut the legs of the table, so that the table didn't wobble. Then I cut the table legs long, and put the table together. Then, I would flip the table over, and and level it, with paper under the legs. Once the table was level, I would put a paper back up against the table legs, and mark the the cut line. Because the table legs were long, I'd ask the person, "How high do you want the table?" It seems a silly question, but I've sold coffee tables to woman, five foot one, and guys six foot four. It makes a difference. not that's why I did it, because I'm hack at wood working.

[@erikjoven2388]

i was hoping to see the draw-knife come into play here! Neat project - I'm considering putting one together - thanks for the idea!

[@daraven4714]

Cut a v about quarter to half inch deep across the block, it prevents sliding when using an axe or an adze... adze masters are Pacific Northwest Carvers, a complete bow/mask can be made with 3 tools...2 tools and a chop block. An adze and a hook knife.

[@segamble1679]

Love this! Going to make one this summer for sure. I wonder if simply widening the feet would be an easy solution to stability issues.

[@joeseabert8391]

I like this. I have to sit because of lower back issues and this log idea is great for getting the work at my sitting level. There are two logs at exit 273 on I-95 in ormond beach. I claim those lol

[@dcolorado7483]

Seriously? You are claiming both logs? I would like one. As a member of the Rex Woodchuck Club, remember by-law #3b there are plenty of splinters, nicks on fingers, and wood shavings to go around. If there is a claim on the same piece of wood; who ever has the sharpest axe will split the wood and the other person will choose.

[@joeseabert8391]

D Colorado even though they are 7 miles from me, I haven’t had a chance to go there yet. Snooze you lose.

[@jameswilliamstreet]

Mora carving knife. Top piece of kit

[@MattiasHandley]

Great advice in an affordable solution. I really like your approach

[@bjglesener]

What about adding a peg on a leg for a stop with the screw clamp? Or just tack one of those waste pieces on it for a vertical stop?

[@johnh.8987]

Great idea, this will make an excellent work bench for rough cutting staves for making longbows.

[@RexKrueger]

Absolutely!

[@SimonBarnsley]

Excellent video. What a fantastic idea and project.

[@demastust.2277]

Why not put a socket bit on the brace? I've done it before and it works great.

[@NoTengoIdeaGuey]

I wonder if you could even drill a handful of holes vertically in the leg where you have the screw clamp? that way you could switch that bench dog peg into one of the holes and it would help support the workpiece vertically while chopping. That seemed to be the main problem with the screw clamp setup was that the piece was sliding down as you hit it.

[@PhilPic01]

I found a bunch of logs on the side of the road. Used one to make a mallet. Hard maple. Found some birch a few days later. Let them sit inside my work van for a weekend. Came back to my truck being infested with ants from the maple and thrips from the birch. It was like a holy war from trails of ants and clouds of thrips fighting each other. Used a blower to blow them all out of the back. I thought it worked, it did not. "Eh, the summer heat will kill everything," I thought, also wrong. Fought them all for months, coming home with fresh bites and stings daily. 0/10 - Would not Thrip again. Long story short, how the hell do you seal and pest control a log, because, you know, that sucked 😅

[@sourcererseven3858]

huh, good question. Freezing probably is out of the question, it wold split the wood, right? Sealing it in ceran wrap might work, but will take a long time (a beginning ant colony doesn't actually need food until two or three months after the queen has settled into the wood, but oxygen might run out sooner). If you have a big enough oven/kiln, heating it to 70-80 °C for a couple hours should kill anything organic, and hopefully isn't extreme enough to damage the wood (no idea)... If it's completely green you can probably submerge it in water for a couple days and then dry it afterwards, though that might take even longer than the ceran wrap idea ;) Maybe it's easiest to just do your best to find out if there's anything in there (thump it onto the ground a couple times?) and then hope for the best... Maybe have a go with a gas torch into any holes you can find in the wood. Disclaimer: Many species of insects are protected, so adhere to your local laws. E.g. in Germany you're not allowed to harm any wild animals, regardles of species, "without a reason". The law doesn't say it has to be a good reason though, so one might argue "I wanted the log and there were ants in there, so I made them not be in there anymore" is sufficient reason ;) Then there's protected species, and you can face tens of thousands in fines if you disturb the nesting place of a protected ant species, e.g. by pulling out the log they are nesting in... Or if you destroy a wasp's nest and it was the wrong kind of wasp (you have to get someone to move it).

[@svgs650r]

For your vertical work you could always add your dowel stops to the legs as well

[@gleggett3817]

Driving in the lag bolts ('coach screws' in UK) , one could use the brace drill (some drill accessories sets have sockets with hex shafts) and get a more ergonomic action but also the feedback Rex described in his video on brace and bit.

[@sourcererseven3858]

my bit set (one of those mini ratchet things that also accepts screwdriver bits) has a piece that fits into the socket and has a hex shaft on the other side. So it's totally possible to get sockets into the bit brace

[@lhtd]

I'm going log-hunting to the nearest forest this week-end !

[@timh.6872]

Adding a flat side somewhere would allow the use of a shooting board or bench hook, which seems like a worthwhile improvement to make if the legs were stabilized a bit more.

[@timlist4173]

Have you done a video on sharpening the jointers axe?

[@HolyPineCone]

Wow. This is great and simple. I'm making one

[@RooDAwAkInG]

gonna try this THANKS REX got three for trial

[@wadetitcombe9971]

May I suggest, Sir, when carving a tenon on the end of a chair leg with your small block bench, and a screw clamp Place a scrap piece of wood under the chair leg below the screw clamp. This will stop the work piece from trying to slip down, and it will feel solid as a rock.. But what do I know?

[@RexKrueger]

I like it! I was thinking of adding a peg or something.

[@wadetitcombe9971]

@@RexKrueger Thank you for your reply. A peg would work but would wear out the hole after a while. A scrap two by four and a quick spring clamp would be much faster and more sturdy.

[@MCsCreations]

Pretty interesting idea, Rex! I really liked it! 😃 Tomorrow I'm going to show this video for my father! I bet he's going to like it as well! 😃 Anyway, stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@hansmeier9214]

At a single solution, i think a second small workbench at the same height would be nice to have. So you have a support point for longer objects.

[@patallen4904]

Rex, you are awsome. From UK Essex Romford.

[@fiver-hoo]

did you treat that block with something? BLO? I have a feeling grandpa would tell me to soak it in used motor oil.

[@RexKrueger]

Just a little wood glue on the end-grain to keep it from splitting.

[@BHGiant3]

@@RexKrueger would this be useful to help hold together the face of a wooden mallet as well? Got a crack that on one side of mine that does doesn't go all the way through and I'd like to keep it that way.

[@thejoshmoss]

@@BHGiant3 might be a job for super glue. can be used as very durable wood finish.

[@Reptilia12]

I now have a log and parts to try this build. How long after cutting would a log like this still be considered "green"? How soon do I need to seal the ends and what is the process? just brush on a layer of wood glue and leave it to dry?

[@sumiaota3335]

Didn't you release the LN plane video already last week? I'm guessing the video release order changed?

[@clappercl]

He addressed this in his pinned comment at the top. 👍

[@sumiaota3335]

Which Rex posted an hour ago. 2 hours ago there was no pinned comment.

[@freddiedoyle472]

I could swear I saw the plane vid last week ? I'm confused . Good stuff regardless ' I love this channel

[@haines96]

resourceful! Just imagine for a cottage or camp that needs a workspace...

[@sween187]

You should also de-bark the stump, bark can cause rot.

[@kimepp2216]

I would add some foam knee pads, makes a huge difference for your comfort for this kind of work.

[@stephenemerson9890]

Elm was a great choice, hard, dense wood, and it difficult to spit. Even if you whacked it as hard as you could likely not split.

[@mercoid]

In the past 3 weeks I’ve had to do four things in my yard where having a chopping block like this would have been a godsend. Next big storm that comes along, I’m going out in the neighborhood to find fallen trees.

[@rickthomas393]

Good job. I like imaginative thinking.

[@gebhardt244]

Rex you need to build a shavehorse

[@RexKrueger]

Believe me, I know!

[@iankrom510]

You may want to consider a riving ladder. It works in a similar way to a shave horse but it takes up less room, and is easy to store

[@gebhardt244]

@@RexKrueger i am just saying it because the shave horse is my projekt at this time and i almost needed a shave horse for prety much every step to build a shave horse. But how to use sth. Unfinished to suppoet the build of it selve. I guess you understand.

[@PiraticalJess]

@@iankrom510 Can you provide links for that? Or maybe just a description? Google doesn't know what a "riving ladder" is.

[@iankrom510]

@@PiraticalJess Hello, I used the wrong word, I meant paring ladder. here is a link pfollansbee.wordpress.com/2010/07/19/paring-ladder-not-shaving-horse/

[@stuartosborne6263]

Great project, thankyou for sharing.

[@Kuro-ik3qn]

Yeah, those bolts do snap. Was bolting my bench top with some of these and snapped one. I'll have to drill another hole, no way to remove the damn bolt from the bench top.

[@mmohon]

Can someone discern a joiners hatchet from others? I have a little hue-ing hatchet and have been using it to remove some waste. Is there a better configuration?

[@RexKrueger]

Mine is just a boyscout hatchet. It's totally fine. A "hewing" hatchet is better, but harder to find.

[@FreeOfFantasy]

If I go by the pictures I can find a hue-ing hatchet tends to be symmetrical in form, while a joiners hatchet seems to be shaped more like a bearded hatchet. Somewhat like this: northmen.com/upload/axes/468/finnish-carpenters-axe-listed.png That lets you get your hand nearly in line with the impact point and gets you a lot of control when it's time for the last trim and makes using the hatchet as a push knife easy.

[@RexKrueger]

You have it backwards. The hewing hatchet has a single bevel.

[@mmohon]

@@RexKrueger yeah, I just restored a broad axe hatchet. It was left handed, but I put a new handle on it and made it right handed. Nice flat on one side...bevel on the other.

[@FreeOfFantasy]

@@RexKrueger I wasn't thinking about bevel but more about the shape of the head in the other axis.

[@pecopecof8074]

9:00 that is genius!!!

[@plum1000]

Gosh... Wonderful video... thanks!

[@workshoptinkerers447]

It is probably bad that I would really like to know where in the Cleveland area you can get a 3ft tall hardwood stump (min diameter of 15 inches) like mentioned as one reason to build this instead of using said stump.

[@jimcarter4929]

Call a firewood dealer or tree trimmer (arborist).

[@aurtisanminer2827]

I have a birch log that my small mechanics vise is screwed down onto. It’s been like that for years.

[@MrSierraBravo]

Your work is fantastic, thank you 👍😃

[@Geo-wor]

Rex, do you think you could make a 13 dollar plane from Harbor Freight work?

[@fergusrb]

I keep wondering what height the block should be? I don't want to be bent over the block so maybe the height should be between your man parts and your waist? I guess easier to trim the legs than add more length later. Thanks for the video.

[@gabemallinson9828]

If you don't have paste wax, detergent will work as well.

[@groermaik]

Thank you. Great stuff.

[@sidschukowv6677]

Where can I find the follow up video?

[@josephs2581]

Hey Rex, in some of your videos you have something that looks like a round end grain cutting board with some kind of strap .. what is that?

[@Incandescentiron]

I've always wanted to carve a "Green Man" face into a log. That would look super-cool on the side.

[@NICEFINENEWROBOT]

What do we do with the surface of the block? Yours seems to be coated. With whar?