Make a rustic bench with THREE TOOLS.

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Ever want a simple project with just a few tools? You can make this sturdy, rustic bench, with only three common tools: a hatchet, a drill and a hand-saw. Forget the power tools. Don't worry if this is your first project. You can do this. It just takes some time and effort and you can make something useful and fun.

[@RexKrueger]

Yes, things like a tape-measure and a pencil are technically tools. I understand this fact. Don't get cute in the comments!

[@gizanked]

Where are we allowed to be cute? Instagram?

[@AnEvolvingApe]

You also didn't use candlelight instead of electric lights... cheater! ;^)

[@negotiableaffections]

Dust extraction = left the door open.

[@ianr.1225]

I wouldn't count those, but would count the bench clamp.

[@RexKrueger]

@@ianr.1225 You're right, the vise is a very valuable tool, but I have plans for a simple and cheap work bench with NO VISE. Hope to have it done this winter.

[@andyjame5898]

The first half of the kzbin.infoUgkx3ICSK6nSknaL_45CU2NmFSoXjarGMDiJ book is everything about wood: types, tools, finishes, setting up shop etc. The second half is all about doing projects for inside and outside of the home. The color pictures are helpful. After reading a dozen of these types of books, this is probably the best overall (layout, color photos, plans). Only detraction is that many of the projects use a table saw/router/planer, which are usually expensive and take up space, so the plans are less friendly to newcomers and the budget conscious. But I know I can use a drill, circular saw or a jigsaw to make the projects.

[@northcross111]

I am glad to see a video where the host doesnt say lets go over to my 10k dollar planar, table saw, jointer, etc and fix this. Please keep making videos that show you do not need a million dollars worth of tools to make cool stuff.

[@azurplex]

Paging Norm Abram with your "dedicated mortiser"

[@vynnyn5489]

I know right?!?! Nice to see a video made by a real PERSON who doesn't own 50k in specialized tools!

[@LowlanderNurse]

Especially when they say “anyone can do this”.

[@jeremyporterfield1611]

"Grab one of your spare legs".... I actually looked down and thought, "do I really need both of these?" lol

[@Asdayasman]

He's talking about your peepis.

[@SianaGearz]

I love you. So much of KZbin woodworking is "see what i can do in my giant woodworking workshop with so much expensive equipment and 20 years of experience" instead of "look what you can do". But i don't have much experience, and most of the experience is of the "i tried it and it wasn't great, so i know what not to do but not what to do" variety, and i invariably live in a tiny apartment in the city centre at the top of an apartment house, and i'm usually more or less broke, so the rule for tools, is that they must be cheap, and they must be small or can be stored completely flat. Or if they don't fit those criteria, there must be an exceptional reason for me to own them. I probably even have an inherited hatchet somewhere, so that's fine, or if not, i don't mind getting one... i should have everything else. Cordless drill, crosscutting hand saw, tape and pencils and sandpaper and other small things, all here. Or i don't even necessarily need a hatchet if i have a plane and a saw and some chisels?

[@johnnyjackmercer]

I have a cupped 6 foot 2x12 that’s been riding in my truck bed since my dad helped me load up his old motorcycle for Christmas. Now I know what to do with it to pay him back next holiday season.

[@RexKrueger]

Yup, that will be PERFECT. I'm sure you'll do a great job.

[@longleaf1217]

never realized you could do so much woodworking with a hatchet. seems like a worthwhile skill to develop.

[@andreahall8378]

I wish something like this series had come around years ago. I've always wanted to learn woodworking, but always thought I had to have the big expensive tools that I never could afford. Well, I'm learning now and I have alot of appreciation for what you're doing for those like me, who either can't afford expensive tools or don't want to use them. Since I'm also a klutz of the first degree, I appreciate your safety tips!

[@TetraCNC]

You know Rex I so want to give you crap for using more than three tools, I really do, but I can't, This may be my be my favorite video that you have made. I cannot believe you crammed so many techniques in 20 minutes. Great job.

[@RexKrueger]

And I was worried that the video was too long! I'm glad you didn't find it boring.

[@negotiableaffections]

Fine artist here; who likes to take just a piece of paper and a pencil, sometimes...and 'go native'. No pressure, just fun. Wonderful build and video Rex!

[@RexKrueger]

You have to take the pressure off once in a while. Everything can't be a show piece.

[@jnuscgek]

Rex, thank you for this video. I pulled some sycamore from the burn pile, and a short live edge sycamore plank from the pile of stuff I'm "going to do something with, really," and went to work. A cheap camping hatchet, an old hand saw I got from my dad 30+ years ago, and my cordless drill (because I didn't have a 1" auger bit), and I went to work. Took a bit longer than expected because splitting that sycamore was tough. I "cheated" and used my carving knife to cut the tenons, because carving them with the hatchet was near impossible without a good way to hold the leg vertically. I don't have a work bench with a nice vise. The bench looks good, and more importantly is quite useful. This afternoon I sat on it for a few hours while whittling away on my next carving project. I'll be building another one soon, with legs created from some dead limbs I pruned off a juniper tree in the back yard. Not sure what the seat will be, but I have plenty of options. For me, this was a great introduction to simple wood working. I look forward to taking on a few of your other projects like the mallet and the $30 work bench. Thank you again.

[@ezza88ster]

Really find your approach refreshing. Speaking as a 'recovering perfectionist' I think I have seen the light - a way to recover the simple, innocent, joy that brought me into making things as a boy.

[@ergezinger]

This kind of thing is very appreciated! Watching someone build something great, without having to use $40,000 worth of tools is inspiring and refreshing!

[@rolandkeys8297]

I love this kind of rustic furniture. I made a stool like this in school 35 years ago. Now i do bushcraft and make a lot of stuff with just a saw and a hatchet.

[@RexKrueger]

That's great! I was going to use these tools to make a mallet next, but I'm open to suggestions. What's something cool you've made with a hatchet and saw?

[@georgeksirakis8898]

just like ancient woodworkers !!! Thank you for showing us these purist techniques very informative and inspiring!!!!!!!!

[@scottm9605]

I find that living with limitations tends to help you find creative answers which improves the end product. I think it's an awesome exercise to do something like this. nice bench

[@pleappleappleap]

It's why I'm a good computer programmer. I grew up with the slowest computer on the block.

[@luisapaza317]

@@pleappleappleap great story, hope you are ok right now. With the theme of the woodworking i made myself a chisel out of a butter knife haha

[@JamesCromwell2047]

I think it's an awesome piece Rex. Whenever I think something I built isn't perfect, I like to remember that, something like this bench, 100-150 years ago, would have lasted a lifetime in the average person's home.

[@RexKrueger]

AND this was furniture people made THEMSELVES. It wasn't even a big deal. Everyone did it. Crazy.

[@mizot84]

It's amazing what you can achieve with these basic simple tools. Nowadays you get the impression that you cannot even start working without spending hundreds of bucks and much space for your tool set. This video is really inspiring and shows that it is possible to replace many expensive tools with the ones which are probably the most important ones: Human brain, experience and some talent. Thank you so much for this series!

[@stauffap]

Sometimes i like to go back in time and see how they did things. The best way of doing this to me seems to watch more "primitive" societies work. Of course if you watch them work, you quickly realise that they weren't that primitive after all. There are videos the inuit building kayaks. Surprisingly they've used an interesting type of hand drill to drill holes. Also interesting are videos about native americans and how they've built birchbark canoes or the egyptians and how they worked stone to build pyramids or orther things. So called bushcraft videos can also be quite educational. Watching such videos really expands the mind, i think. It takes us out of this modern box that we crew up in and shows us how to do things much more simply, cheaply and thus often with less enviromental impact. I used to just go out and buy a new tool that i thought i needed for a project. Now inspired by people like you, traditional woodworkers or even primitive societies i know that there's often a way around buying a new tool. And of course it's kind of fun to problem solve. It's like a puzzle. And it literally shows that knowledge and creativity are the most important and powerfull tools one has.

[@jackmurphy1724]

I love the moment, as far as I can see, in which it clicks in your mind about making the series of simple woodworking. I appreciate your content. Keep up the great work and I hope you never loose your enthusiasm for making these videos.

[@vgamedude12]

Ive never done any woodworking in my life but this really makes me want to give this a try. Nice video

[@RexKrueger]

You can totally do it! Just take it slow and give yourself permission to mess up. You might scrap the whole thing once or twice, but you'll get there if you keep at it.

[@akhiljoseph2799]

This video inspired me who was not into woodworking. Now I am.

[@Cadwaladr]

If you're looking for bench legs, and you have a house with a yard, or friends who do, I bet you or someone you know has some buckthorn trees that need to be cut down, since it is an invasive species in North America, and the wood is a pretty nice hardwood. That's what I used for the legs of my outdoor workbench, which is just a poplar log, split in half, with buckthorn legs stuck in holes, much like this bench.

[@RexKrueger]

I'll need to instigate buckthorn. I know a lot of trees, but I haven't heard of it. Thanks for the great tip!

[@andrewhuckstable5996]

Rex Krueger The nature preserves by my hometown in Wisconsin would have volunteer groups tear buck thorn down regularly. This could be a great way to weaponize carpenters who want free hardwood against an invasive species!

[@RexKrueger]

@@andrewhuckstable5996 I think that would work!

[@derekpacheco807]

Rex these videos you’re putting together are super approachable and really well done. Keep up the top quality content!

[@SpecificLove7]

Nicely Done

[@prof.crastinator]

You are everything right with woodworking on you tube.

[@RexKrueger]

You're very kind to say so!

[@PaulvanOsss]

Very charming introduction into simplicity with a cool result. Thanks Rex.

[@darkomtobia]

Your videos are great. Thanks for keeping them to simple explanations without condescending!

[@patricknelson1471]

i have no tools but the hatchet technique is pure gold

[@DavidPunsalan]

Just awesome. I just made this project following your instructions exactly. Learned a *lot* and had even more fun. Finally put an old camping axe to work and had good reason to put a good edge on it.

[@andrewkrahn2629]

for people without a heavy table, clamp, or vise, for the axe work you can work on the end of a stump/log or even a bit of scrap lumber on a hard surface. When you get to the part when he says to flip the board sideways in a vise, you can hold the board at an angle with one corner on the stump log, with the part you're working on over the *far side* from you. That way if the axe blows through it's more likely to end up in the stump than your leg. Try to change the angle/position of the board, and keep the axe moving up and down vertically in one place. This is a bit safer, and also easier on your arms (letting gravity do the work.

[@BillLowenburg]

From a new subscriber: This philosophy behind this type of project is exactly the way I do things. I'm a retired DIY type guy who can't be bothered with perfectionism and who likes to have fun. I recently built a woodshed and a separate tool shed without any plans save for a few drawings I made on scraps of paper. Both of them turned out fine and will probably last longer than I will, though neither follows the rules of traditional building and craftsmanship. Your video was very well-organized and instructive. I've been searching all over for how to drill leg holes at an angle the way you did. After reviewing the video a few more times I know I'll be able to do it. Likewise with reducing a 2x4 down to a square and making a round tenon with a hatchet. (I also use an old hatchet, which in my case I found in my barn - it must be a hundred years old) Thanks for sharing your experience and keep up the fine work.

[@LightFootMcBride]

Thank you very much for this channel. This is the most informative woodworking I've seen since The New Yankee Workshop. I work with hand tools and job site tools in my driveway. I often glare at perfect woodworkers working in their perfect shops with perfect materials. You are correct: these are skills that every woodworker should have!

[@clydebalcom3679]

Another tool often overlooked is a decent hunting style knife.

[@TheKenstarr]

This is so cool! I have loads of tools, build things, fix things, I'm an electrician, but I'm a rank amateur when it comes to wood working. I built this over the weekend using the basic tools he used to build it and it was an extremely satisfying experience! I love this series!

[@JohnBaglioTeacher]

The more I watch your videos, the more I love your work. I think the idea of keeping things cheap and simple, just picking a few key tools to spend some money on is really in line with my ethic. I also really like the emphasis on hand tools. Thank you!

[@jacobopstad5483]

I've always liked hatchets. Now I have a legitimate reason to want one!

[@davidthegood]

That's really a lot of fun. Thanks, Rex.

[@StuffUCanMake]

Rustic and beautiful. Thanks for sharing.

[@40jwthomas]

Rex. I've wanted to get into woodwork for so long. I started with this video and I did it. I built the stool. Just like yours. Thank you so much!

[@alphacentauri81]

Great job in all of your videos. A well thought and spoken path through the projects. I really enjoy this and the abscence of stammering around.

[@knuckledraggerfinance]

I'm grateful for these videos. I have watched most of them and some of them more than once and I have start woodworking and am loving it :)

[@RexKrueger]

I'm really glad to hear that!

[@michaelcrowley9008]

Really appreciate your explanations. Been trying to figure this stuff out. But, your explorations make everything so much easier! Thanks!

[@borcz100]

I love this project. I am going to start a second one soon.

[@jdhigginbottom]

Hey Rex, Great project! Keep the great videos coming!

[@nightcatarts]

Thanks, Rex. Lots of useful little tips in this one.

[@JuanRivera-wm2um]

Excellent research and presentation. Thank you.

[@bonsaiavia7902]

So, I've watched your 30 dollar work bench video about 8 times now and am planning on building it next week, but just didn't feel confident for some reason. I've seen the thumb for this video and you even bring it up in the 30 dwb video, but I didn't realize HOW much this video explains and how many questions it answered, as well as the awesome trick to rip a long cut the way you did (would have saved me some arm ache last weekend lol) but so glad I watched this, new patron and loving the content keep it up!

[@yellowdog762jb]

Great vid. There where an amazing number of vey subtle techniques demonstrated. I learned a tremendous amount from this video.

[@hernancoronel]

Mind, hand and legs, and the shop, and the table, and... can all be thought about as tools! Great video Rex!

[@KimosKreations]

Thank you Rex, I am enjoying learning!

[@clatechilders856]

Like the rump dip👍

[@anonimushbosh]

3.42 Japanese saw plus ear defenders - the Zen is strong with this one.

[@elektroluki1595]

Love this! Inspired me to get creative with basic tools. Thanks!

[@laurelyancey9466]

thank you so much for these teaching videos, you are a talented teacher indeed

[@chadwickpainter8212]

One of your best videos. You really bring out the spirit of learning this craft and also you have given folks a method of woodworking that is more for the craftsperson than for the end user of the piece. This is a very zen like project that almost seems like a treaties on personal growth as a craftsperson than a how to video. Sometimes as craftspeople we just need an easygoing project that focuses more on enjoying the craft than it does on the product of our work. To me it seems like a good way to occasionally pay heed to our own spirit in regards to our craft. As always, well done Rex. I think I've watched this video more than a couple of times. I think it is a good one to revisit from time to time regardless of weather I make this exact piece or not. I do plan on making this one though as I could really use a little bench like this in the shop. Thanks Rex!

[@daveb8598]

Great video! Thank you for making this. I'm really glad you went back and hit it with sandpaper, definitely worth the deviation from plan. I have always been amazed by the number of folks who don't think about splitting as a quick way to pare down some material (I usually use it more in carpentry projects for rough work vs. furniture making, but really cool to see how it can be more precise)

[@RexKrueger]

Thanks! I agree about splitting. Everyone thinks about sawing, planing, and routing, but there's this whole other way that wood can be shaped and it's nearly unknown to woodworkers.

[@ralphboomer5734]

Excellent job

[@lweismann]

I did this project. It was super fun!

[@rinsim]

Amazing video and channel, really. I have just started woodworking and my first 2 projects are the low bench and the English bench explained in detail in this channel (this video is for the legs of the low bench).

[@aSergeantMajor]

As a side note, a good style hatchet to look for at flea markets and antique stores it a carving hatchet. While more often used fb the green woodworker or bodger they also work on seasoned wood. The unique thing about them is that they have one flat side which is the side which is used against the material being carved, The side with the standard hatchet head bevel faces away from the material being worked. They come in right and left hand models. Which side is flat determines if it is for right or left handed use. I have found two of different sizes, the larger one is marked Western Auto which tends to date it a bit. Not a necessary tool to own but a very versatile one when you have one in your tool inventory.

[@charlesmay8251]

I spent half the day Thanksgiving making this! I learned so much and had so much fun! The 2x4 stool is next! Thanks Rex!

[@heinzbecker4087]

Hey Rex, really a great video. But here is a trick for you. When cutting the overlap of your legs, instead of applying the blue tape to the wood and try to cover the surface, put the tape on the side of your saw to lift the saw teeth up from the wood. Maybe not perfect for imperfect surfaces like on this project, but it works great on really flat boards. Best regards from Germany.

[@bulletproofpepper2]

Thanks for sharing

[@luigizabatta3688]

Simple and wonderful!

[@clarkwilliams4790]

This is one of the most educational things I have ever watched

[@wigennazarov6009]

I learnt so much watching your channel, thanks you for your efforts.

[@awantamta]

great project

[@TheRedhawke]

Nice little bench, and great video.

[@leigh4525]

I just bought the pdf version of everyday woodworking, nice simple projects and clear instructions, makes for great therapy on my days off work, thank you very much

[@kalanibean]

Thank you so much for this clear video and the free tip sheet!! I wish you could have seen the sparkle in my eyes and the smile grow on my face as I watched, knowing I CAN do this. I just got a slab of maple today, determined to make a stool and I've watched so many videos that were a little helpful but left me lacking confidence. I was hoping I could piece together info from different videos and wing it but this was so clear and answered any questions I may have come up with. Finances are slim for me right now but I'm going to subscribe and will hit that tip jar when I can. :)

[@kalanibean]

(btw the tip sheet link that is under the description and transcript stuff doesn't work)

[@cjk100694]

Haha the rump dip then I get a ad for pampers baby wipes the timeing was impeccable. Really couldn't help but chuckle

[@troyna77]

Ty. Nice tips and techniques.

[@jboatman81]

Dude, this was a nice build for those that are new and my not have many tools. Just goes to show that if you want something, nothing should stop you even your lack of tools or knowledge.

[@RexKrueger]

Thank you! It really is crazy what you can do with a handful of tools if you know a few basic techniques. Thanks for the great feedback!

[@raymondcava4669]

Outstanding sir

[@pops71]

You are the John Wick of hatchet play.. Great job and great concept.

[@sd0427]

Great job

[@WayneWerner]

I love this project and should totally make it, since I have all the tools. One interesting point, and might be better for a just show-up-and-build-it class - if you made your top more round/square and went with a 3-legged design it would work on all kinds of uneven surfaces! 4 legs wobble, but something about the topography of 3 legs mean any kind of surface you'll always have all 3 legs touching. Sure, it may be at a 45-degree angle, but you'll have all 3 legs touching!

[@patricknelson1471]

amazing

[@nicholastovarek6534]

You are the Bob Ross of woodworking!

[@garymaxwell3086]

Love the use of anti slip matting

[@markgoode4109]

Love the idea behind these videos. As you say, this is a great way to develop some new skills. I look forward to the next build. Best wishes

[@RexKrueger]

Awesome! Thanks for the encouragement!

[@adroitus]

This is an inspiring tutorial, thanks for doing it.

[@GenePavlovsky]

Skewing the axe bit cuts better because the effective cutting angle becomes smaller. If you ride a bicycle up an incline straight on, it's much harder than if you do it diagonally. In the second case you ride a bigger distance at a less steep angle, for the same amount of elevation gained in the end. This is also the reason a plane cuts easier if you skew it.

[@joejoelesh1197]

I am surprised. Really. I came to your channel, and have stayed because of your simple approach. When I think Rex K, I think Woodworking for Humans.

[@pamtnman1515]

the template idea earned my upvote, thank you

[@ragnkja]

"If you're a good woodworker, you should be able to show up someplace with a handful of tools and make - something." Like the main character in the Norwegian picture book _Snekker Andersen og julenissen_ ("Carpenter Andersen and Father Christmas"). The two title characters collide on Christmas Eve, and decide to visit each others' families - but Andersen has to change out of the "Santa" outfit he's wearing, because Father Christmas's kids see "nisses" all the time, but have never seen a real carpenter before.

[@Makers-Innovation]

I wonder if the end result would be the same with a nata style axe. I love the simplicity of this and its tribute to simple woodworking

[@ShaukatHakim]

Nice job!

[@janekgecnuk1776]

Dear Rex, I think, that somebody sent youdown to earth to lead us from maze. Really, I really appreciate the way you do things, I am now just beggining in woodworking and I am very glad that I found your channel. In the summer on a boyscout camp I want to make some stools based on this design and hopefully teach some kids some skills, it is amazing how you can just with three tools make things. Also using own weight for stabilize during cutting is game changer for me. Keep this please going on.

[@PeteLewisWoodwork]

"Co-planar"; fantastic word...! Anyway, I agree that making stuff like this is something we all should be able to do; our not-so-distant predecessors (another good word) knew how to make simple rustic furniture with the minimum of tools, back in the days when every home had basic woodworking hand tools. Great little project but personally, I would have took advantage of the length of the board to make a two seater.

[@leoveroude4492]

Awesome Rex! Great for folks on a budget or an at the cottage project. Well done video; again.

[@RexKrueger]

I was kind of thinking that you could slip these tools in the car and have a bit of woodwork on vacation. A nice front porch project.

[@michaelpeavey3264]

Love it. Sometimes the best projects start as tinkering, no consequence ideas like that. Nice job!

[@RexKrueger]

I really did start out by just messing around with the hatchet. After a while, I realized it could be the main tool for a whole build.

[@user-io9ln1or7c]

Thank you Sir 🎉

[@jigsey.]

Think I've learned me from this video than all the other videos I've seen combined.. Absolutely fantastic can't wait to try... Thanks rex

[@RexKrueger]

I'm so glad it was useful!

[@woolyyak89]

Thank you for this series of videos. I live in a very small place with no shed and only room for a few tools (they need to fit into 1 bag ... room is really tight)

[@nervouspenguins9982]

Great resource. Well presented and everything relevant and clearly explained. Pop and pare idea with the hatchet is genius. New subscriber. Looking forward to viewing your other content. Peter (uk)

[@mulekickhandmadeguitars8465]

I just completed my first Rustic Bench today and it was a lot of fun to make. Since I didn't have a hatchet, I used a draw knife and a chisel . Very cool. Very simple. Very rewarding.

[@RexKrueger]

I would love to see a picture!

[@toddsteuart9077]

This was a great video takes us back to the good old days......oh yeah picked up your lathe book love it so far thanks for everything

[@RexKrueger]

My pleasure! Thanks so much for picking up the book! It helps me out a ton. If you get a chance, please throw a short review up on Amazon. No need to give it 5 stars, but reviews are VERY helpful.

[@cdouglas1942]

This was a fun build and I DO have a piece of scrap 2x12 sitting around. As to pencils and tapes, neither are strictly needed. Dimensions could be approximated and the edge of the ax used (lightly) to score lines. Fit, shape and proportion are more related to pleasing result than dimension.