Quick woodworking with the ultra-fast nailed rabbet joint.

Learn to make fast and durable projects with this traditional joint.
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Tools and materials from this build (affiliate):
Joinery saw: amzn.to/2RI707k
Coping Saw: amzn.to/2E40v6K
Round file: amzn.to/38pen9H
Nails: amzn.to/35i4msY
Plane:amzn.to/2LHjAQs
Knife: amzn.to/2Ewrxo3
Wood Work for Humans Tool List (affiliate):
Stanley 12-404 Handplane: amzn.to/2TjW5mo
Honing Guide: amzn.to/2TaJEZM
Green buffing compound: amzn.to/2XuUBE2
Cheap metal/plastic hammer for plane adjusting: amzn.to/2XyE7Ln
Spade Bits: amzn.to/2U5kvML
Metal File: amzn.to/2CM985y (I don't own this one, but it looks good and gets good reviews. DOESN'T NEED A HANDLE)
My favorite file handles: amzn.to/2TPNPpr
Block Plane Iron (if you can't find a used one): amzn.to/2I6V1vh
Stanley Marking Knife: amzn.to/2Ewrxo3
Mini-Hacksaw: amzn.to/2QlJR85
Plans, t-shirts, and hoodies: www.rexkrueger.com/store
Get my woodturning book: www.rexkrueger.com/book
Follow me on Instagram: @rexkrueger

[@philtravis2093]

We need another installment of the adventures of Abraham & Josiah.

[@BillHartCooks.]

"Your children won't starve. That's a win..." and "Go make a thing it'll be great." Now those are words to live by. Thanks Rex. I really enjoy watching you do your thing on here....

[@sherizaahd]

Maybe!

[@RexKrueger]

I appreciate you watching!

[@MassiveGamersHD]

@@RexKrueger There's a million ways to die in the West

[@TheProjectHelpDesk]

It's nice to see that even a pro can occasionally install a piece backwards and bend a nail! Thanks for leaving those in.

[@RexKrueger]

We all do it. Not all of us share.

[@imranh5395]

Rex Krueger As I said before, GOOD OL REX! 👏🏻

[@nayosilver1180]

Yes...amazing but true, he's only a human like you and me...and the rest of humans.

[@ZeroTheHeroGOAT]

Rex, I've been lurking this channel a bit and I have to say; As a fellow woodworker and as a caprenter with 20 years experience, I think this channel is GOLDEN for amateurs and professionals alike. Two thumbs up!

[@lewisworkshop]

Nice project! Didn't know "Abraham" had access to Japanese saws. Must have been a world traveler!

[@BoringDad88]

You didn't know Abraham was an East Asian name? Original promised land was where Tokyo is.

[@lewisworkshop]

@@BoringDad88 Must be where he got those wire nails from, too! Seriously, though. Awesome project. 👍

[@James_T_Kirk_1701]

Hirahito is that you?

[@MeepChangeling]

Japan was trading with Europe since 1609, thanks to the efforts of William Adams who got the Dutch extensive trading rights and set up a Dutch East India Company trading outpost at Hirado. The company dealt mostly in Asian goods such as spices, textiles, porcelain, and silk, but also exported pretty much everything else, including tools and weapons. You can thank this guy for starting the "Asia is exotic!" meme that is so prevalent in the west these days. SO yeah, Europe and the US did in fact have access to Japanese stuff in "the olden times". It would have been entirly possible for a woodworker on the East Coast of the US to have a Japanese style saw, though likely very unusual. HOWEAVER, you can't tell me that some smith in Europe wasn't like "Hey, my clients really like them expensive Asian saws. I recon I can make them myself and sell them for way less than the Dutch."

[@bodgerdavesumner]

Abraham was a ships carpenter, before he retired to wood working. He traveled around the world. Spent some time on shore leave. Knew a good thing when he saw it. Brought a few home, handle less. Folks in the US, misunderstood & mounted the handles on the wrong end.

[@mypony891]

Thanks for leaving that blotched part in their. We had a warm, rainy day today so I figured I'd go out and try to work on my planing skills and make a simple shelf. I couldn't plane it correctly and messed up numerous times and thought to myself, "Self, you know, everytime you watch one of Rex's videos it looks so easy you feel you can do it. Then you go into the real world and fudge the entire project up. Maybe you shouldn't be doing this." Then i saw you mess up and it was kinda a sigh of relief.

[@mattkonrad511]

The book provides clear illustrations kzbin.infoUgkxbnOKZBE4evMO5V2vroHeCjq6d_MV6wJO diagrams that cover many of the essential topics. The projects at the end of the book are valuable for enhancing your skills and creating your own furniture. A digital platform linked to the book that could offer the plans for other woodworking projects with the cut sheets would have been a nice addition, but overall, the book is excellent.

[@24.k.g.f.97]

I'm glad this is woodworking for humans and not some other species. This really made it feel like a catered guide from the go! Thanks Rex.

[@tomdenny8507]

I think this is one of your better videos as far as content, but then I think all your how-to videos have been great. Thank you for showing everyone who watches how simple inexpensive woodworking can produce amazing items that may become family heirlooms.This simple box looks like something my grandmother might have had in her house for many years.

[@shopnwoods9901]

I really like the honesty. Putting pieces together wrong once in awhile. It's good to know I'm not the only one.

[@patersonplays]

We used to make pencil boxes as part of our assessment in woodwork class back when I was in high school using similar skills and methods. I can attest to how much of a hammering things constructed like this can take. I agree wholeheartedly on the feeling of accomplishment attained in the end result too. This video dug up some long buried memories and feelings for me and as much as I love the convenience of power tools, this way of building has a certain tactileness that is sadly fading away in this modern world. I too have a love for using our brains and hands to create in ways our ancestors did (as well as with said modern powered conveniences) rather than just purchase something which is subpar and feel it is important to not let these skills die out so thank you for sharing yours.

[@RapidCityJM]

Am I the only one who wants to hear more adventures with Abraham and Josiah?

[@worxharder9470]

Hey Rex, I just want to thank you. I have been working with wood for years and even I have learned a few things from you. Keep making great content and have a great holiday season.

[@RexKrueger]

You 2!

[@trueitbycjtruitt9546]

I ran into this recently, I needed some wood to make shelves for my kitchen well i had a old storage cabinet in the basement that was left here by.....well not sure but I took it apart with a 3 pound hammer , this cabinet was put together entirely with lap joints and just nails , let me tell you WOW that thing was Very hard to disassemble, but I saved 98% of the wood and well it's free wood so bonus!!!! , anyway I can testify to the rabbit joint and just nails Its super strong . -CJ

[@QlueDuPlessis]

I've used nails as pins, as rivets and once I even made a drill bit from a nail. I've really used a nail as a nail though...

[@johnwalker7592]

Clinch nailing is one of my favorite steel woodworking joints!

[@eyeballpapercut4400]

I believe you've *nailed* the woodworking with your skill

[@Guardian_Arias]

yeah i made a box for wood scraps on wheels using rabbets and brad nails plus wood glue using some cabinet ready plywood in 15 minutes and put to use on the spot. After the glue fully cured 24 hrs later that thing is insanely strong.

[@imranh5395]

I never thought anyone would persuade me to make a box like that, especially using those techniques! But, guess what? ....... Thank you, Rex!

[@RexKrueger]

I hope I get to see the one you make!

[@imranh5395]

Rex Krueger You'll be the first to see it........ but my workbench and workshop have a few issues to resolve before I can start. Meantime have a wonderful Christmas and New Year!🎄

[@coreygrua3271]

This has to be one of my favorite KZbin videos. I love history and I love woodworking, especially with hand tools. This Rex Krueger is amazing in a dozen different ways. How sweet it is!

[@davecarter3680]

Your attitude towards what you do is what makes what you do so great. Keep being you.

[@johnkelley9877]

I think nails are often forgotten in making boxes but they are very strong when the box is assembled. Thanks for sharing this helpful tutorial. It was great.

[@ikust007]

What’s more important then knowledge : originality & imagination. Bravo for all!

[@RexKrueger]

This is really just old techniques. I didn't innovate much!

[@lebensschueler]

Man thanks. Its very refreshing to hear something else than dovetails. I do love them. But I need to make boxes fast. So this fits perfect. So good content. Keep up the very good work! I really appreciate it!

[@bodgerdavesumner]

Cut nails, reclaimed nails make this type of project look so much better.

[@Harrydewulf]

Jeez I just spent 8 minutes racking my brain for the term used by cabinetmaking teacher 25 years ago. It's not like I haven't used it since. I must be getting old. "Rebate" is what it's called in British English.

[@hortshack7187]

Rabbet?

[@elund408]

@@hortshack7187 rebate is british, rabbet is americanized for the same thing.

[@moonrazk]

I kept hearing rabbit, I thought "ok, I guess those planes kinda look like they have rabbit ears?", then I saw the title of this one.

[@stxrynn]

I remember this type joinery on stuff my grandad made. He was a do it all, born in 1901. I still have a trunk he made, with very similar joints. Thanks for the reminder on "good enough".

[@hartleymartin]

Took nearly a year, but you did build that blanket chest! After watching this I built tool boxes with just nailed rabbet joins, though I did use more nails and a bit of glue. A year later and after banging about the back of my van, my garage and the garden shed, they're still going perfectly well!

[@imranh5395]

Good ol Rex- always informative and NEVER boring! Many thanks! 🙏

[@stephenholland6328]

Rex, as to your simple approach, it is greatly needed. I’ve gotten too few projects done over the years, in part due to machines complicating things up. I built a Joiners bench (modified down in length) and am delighted that I’m back in the shop again. Better to build a simple project followed by a better version than never building any version at all!

[@2dividedby3equals666]

I've got to say Rex, the box turned out awesome! I really like the lines and curves of it, and the nails don't detract from the project at all. Thanks for the tip, I will consider using nail more often in the future.

[@HeartlandMakesAndOutdoors]

Ha, yes sir, the kids not starving is always a perk for the wood worker. hehehe. Love your stories sir, keep up the fun videos. Very cool build. i love it. Takes me back to when I was a kid, we didnt have wood glue as a norm, or at least, we didnt have any in our garage when I was a kid, (it was probably around, just dad didnt have it laying around,) I build a lot of little boxes like this, not in this detail but nailed together, kinda fun to see it made with nails for a change of pace in lue of screws and glue etc. Thank you sir and have a blessed week. Dale

[@GUNBATOSINHISNAME]

Rex you have given me so much confidence in my work i made my first pair of winding sticks with a mystery hardwood i found on the side of the road. (most definitely popler) sharpened my first plane iron and had the most satisfying feeling of a perfect shaving. I wish i could be a patron but i’m keeping myself afloat. But every time i do one of these projects i’m gonna buy the plans. keep it up dude!

[@vincentrodak9734]

I don't know who's down thumbing this... but they're nuts. Your videos are awesome man. Thanks for sharing your knowledge!

[@RexKrueger]

Thanks for watching!

[@Eto_Kusay]

I've disliked this video, because "fast shelf" tooks nearly 3 hours. Why bother with handtools when you can make good shelf with power tools in 8-10 minutes? The shelf looks awful, front piece is MDF while he tells us that it is pine. Nah

[@vincentrodak9734]

@@Eto_Kusay then don't watch the "hand tools" video's? lol. The video is to demonstrate the form, function, and viability of a nailed rabbet joint (with hand tools) which i think Rex did a phenomenal job at.

[@robertkarlsson1960]

@@Eto_Kusay Why watch a video about handtools when then if you prefer powertools? The front piece is pine, not mdf? Please upload the video where you make a better looking shelf in 8-10 min. Idiot.

[@SmilingDepression]

to play devil's advocate here, nowhere does it say "hand tools" in the title or the thumbnail or even description. someone unfamiliar with the channel will see the video title and expect power tools or at least a sub 1 hour build since it has the word "ultra-fast" leading to dislikes. but in reality it doesnt matter, youtube algorithm has been shown to not discriminate between likes and dislikes it uses a combination of both to determine how much people "engaged" with the content. plus im sure rex knows how much people enjoy his content even if he had the like/dislike turned off.

[@elanman608]

reminds me of a quote of my grandfather who was a cabinet maker who always asked this question when he wanted to know what sort of finished product the customer wanted, "and would you like that dovetailed or neatly bradded"

[@RexKrueger]

If he had any more jems, I'd love to hear them.

[@Alpemomi]

Fantastic video Rex! Thanks so much for this awesome project!

[@GaryT1952]

Great job Rex, always an inspiration to get off my butt and make something useful!

[@mercoid]

You made a very good presentation here and I appreciate it.

[@FelixGuitarCovers316]

I've used the nailed rabbet joint on a big bookshelf and it worked just fine!

[@erikgranqvist3680]

The pre industrial nailing held better then those modern wire nails. The square nails hold wood a lot better then the round type.

[@ahikernamedgq]

That's a wonderful video. Thank you very much, Rex. I'm going to give this a try.

[@eternalfizzer]

Thanks for the really clear instructions. I'm gonna go make a thing!

[@michaelfarmer537]

Man I love your style!! Thanks for teaching and inspiring!!

[@roberthornwoodturner]

Another great and well produced video!

[@woodsniffer]

Your Best asset Enthusiam and just plane simple Techniques. Nicely done Rex. . .

[@andypaddon690]

Great film - love the weekly video - keep up th great work.

[@kcirful]

Nice project. Well done and great instructions. Loved your monologue too !

[@arthurrsaker8893]

That's pretty work Rex, keep'em coming.

[@phil.pinsky]

I just found your channel, and I love your content. You're great on camera and it's a pleasure learning from you.

[@anarchism]

you just made my woodwork way better!! thank you very much

[@JoeCarron]

I really enjoyed this video, a lot. Thank you!

[@claybowser698]

I really enjoy your content. You are down to earth and practical. I notice you are always pulling out wood that you've managed to salvage from somewhere. I am always doing that. I just built a pretty elaborate drafting desk with hand cut dovetail drawers and an inclining top. I made it from and old beat up dresser, a wooden frame for a twin bed, and a strip of leather from an old cowboy boot as a drawer pull. Plus some scrap plywood. A Frankenstein drawing desk made of pine, maple, poplar, birch, red oak and mahogany. The only stuff I bought was a dowel rod, two exterior door hinges and paint. Many other KZbin woodworkers seem to mainly be marketers where essentially I am watching a commercial with other commercials interrupting the commercial I am watching. Your approach is educational and refreshing.

[@edwardleroy7648]

A good thing about town, alleyways and trash pick up spots.

[@thepensivepenguin]

Best woodworking video I’ve seen in years.

[@RexKrueger]

Thanks for watching!

[@vincent7520]

7:20 Pounding nails in a piece of woodwork ???… YES ! It has been done for hundred of generations : since the existence of nails actually ! The use of screws or / and glue generalized in the last generation thanks to cordless drills and the development of very efficient glues which were not available (or remained somewhat too expensive) before (till the late 50's, mid 60's). I still have nails in my workshop and toolbox. I confess I don't use them so often, and when I stumble on my nail organizer that have been with me for forty years I sometimes think that I should use them more : nailing is fast, straightforward, clean and cheap (*). It gets the job done easily with only a single tool. So YES use nails !!!… (*) it also prevents woodworkers from spreading glue with their fingers ! … A messy job, and not so healthy : would you eat your salad with the plastic bag it comes with ?… ;/

[@phs125]

It's kinda reverse where I live. My grandparents have furnitures from over 150years ago. None of them have a single metal part in them. Metal was crazy expensive back then. And because of high humidity and temperature, nails would break off after a couple of years. Everything is held with fine joinery and bamboo dowels. I have a chair from 70 years ago in my room. Still looks good as new and sturdy too. But nowadays because of modernization, they put nails and screws in everything, After a few years, they're all garbage. They do it to keep the market flowing. Anything with dowel construction is considered premium now.

[@garethbaus5471]

Nice demonstration.

[@simonrourke9817]

Another great and easy project. Still loving the videos. 👍

[@alrives]

Thanks for showing your mistake, it makes the rest of us feel better knowing we're all human.

[@northshorepx]

wow what a great tutorial! Thanks

[@SteveC38]

Nice Work Brother!

[@bwabbbwabb3397]

🤔simply amazing techniques.. bravo !

[@tpobrienjr]

Nice, simple piece. Thanks for the reality check.

[@RexKrueger]

In reality, simple is good.

[@ikust007]

You are refreshing! Bravo !

[@Scubadog_]

This kind of stuff is why I also like Rag'n'Bone Keith's videos. Using reclaimed materials effectively, to create something useful. Making a "rainbow riverbed live edge charred dining room table" is really exciting right up until you get to the tool, material and time investment.

[@RexKrueger]

Ha!

[@kongkunin]

Great video!

[@corncobjohnsonreal]

You should be a woodworking speedrunner. Maybe we can get GDQ to accept it as a category

[@64maxpower]

Thanks for making videos

[@spayced]

I used to pull out a router and guide for all my rabbet joints. Until I tried it with hand tools and wow it is truly faster. Put away the routers guys, this is the way to do it!

[@RexKrueger]

I mean, for a LOT of rabbets, then okay, but for a small project, skip that noisey thing.

[@henryeccleston7381]

In the time period, you’d have been extra unmussed about being only almost done when what’s his name got back, as then you’d get a chance to properly catch up and swap stories as you invite him to have a beer with you while you work and then you also get to show of how it looked just before finishing and how well you turn it into the final product, impressing him as well.

[@sethwarner2540]

Thanks for the videos! I used this design to make a dog bed box; added length&width, but bsicly the same! keep it up bro. In these covid days, somebody is going to make money to eat, and feed their fam. Wood is free eerywhere; even planed flat 2x12's around housing projects. I found a plank 21/2"x 16"x16 feet! sitting right in the dumpster(free fer the takin'). I could barely handle it, and had to leave it in the end, but wood is out there, for free!

[@franciscopereirajorge2050]

Oh boy I'm getting inspired to build a bureau cabinet seeing your work man xD

[@Cadwaladr]

I made a tool tote similar to one you made in a previous video, and I used glue and nails. The sides on mine were pretty short, so movement was not as much of an issue, but it was cross grain. In that case the nails are clamps, and also insurance in case the glue fails.

[@cmw184]

When i finish stuff, i use raw linseed. It does take a few days to dry, but its worth it for me because it gives a really hard finish. I just discovered your channel today, and i like it. Keep it up!

[@23Kaotica]

Another excellent video dude. I am now gonna go make a thing.

[@RexKrueger]

I know it will be great!

[@paraplegichistoricalsports5700]

You just got another subscriber!

[@wweiss3088]

Thanks Rex. 👍

[@chris_thornborrow]

I like woodworking that doesn't dis SPF. Here in Poland in big box shops, we only have SPF. Nailed rabbet? SPF? I love your channel more and more Rex. Oh and dont forget the smell that boiled linseed oil adds, when its fresh people seem to love the wood more - happy customer.

[@RexKrueger]

Agreed! BLO smells great!

[@shopnwoods9901]

Great stuff!

[@jerryjohnsonii4181]

Awesome !!!!!!! I prefer Dado joints , but Rabbit joints are great too. Thanks for the knowledge , Rex !!!!!!!!!!!!

[@johngilbert974]

Awesome 👏

[@truus5653]

Thanks for yet again a really nice project :), think i'll make it next week , don't think it will be finished in just a couple of hours though. I enjoy your woodworking for humans series very much, keep them coming….

[@BensWorkshop]

Fair enough for quick work.

[@sherizaahd]

"Maybe your children won't starve... That's a win!" I like the optimism expressed in our collective ancestors.

[@AutotechWoodworking]

"...maybe your children, ah, won't starve. And, that's a win." Best incentive ever!

[@lobosalexis17]

high end furniture in my country always include nails in their work.. if you see screws holding your piece mainly, it is done by someone looking only to mass produce and have quick turnaround. real carpentry is done using hand tools only and that is highly sought after.

[@GrasshopperKelly]

If we're staying "with what we have" grabbing another nail with a nice flat heat, to use as a poor man's nail set can slash work, as long as your careful not to let it slip.

[@noisepuppet]

Oops I imagined I was a CRUNCHY carpenter

[@josiahpeters4717]

Dig the name selection 👍

[@lincolndickerson1293]

Great story to go with the build. Great build as well. I have been looking at the 1/4 1/4 1/4 or 1/2 1/2 1/2 technique for building drawers and trays and am now wondering about combining that process with what you have shown here. Thanks

[@drigondii]

I’m so glad this video popped up. I need to build a box to protect an expensive gadget in my sons’ room from getting broken

[@axegrinder3746]

Nice Rex. It looks great and I like your "non-power" tool method. I have been buying tools for some time now with no cords. Great looking box and nice gift idea as well..

[@RexKrueger]

Thank you! I'm glad you liked the approach!

[@Klaevin]

"your children won't starve... That's a win" Okay, noted : one of the ways to win the game, is to keep your children alive

[@josephs2581]

Just wanted to say I really appreciate how you did the rabbet two ways. So many tutorials just skip over the methods with fewer tools, or give flat out bad advice. Even a college teacher did that to us, and gave us terrible advice (that only makes sense if the only hand tool you own is a screwdriver...)

[@josephs2581]

Also and more importantly thank you x 1000 again for making the Woodwork For Humans series. I had to rewatch the spokeshave episode twice, it was really good! All your projects are approachable to weekend woodworkers and it's cool to see your thought process come out too. I actually bought one of those garbage $6 spokeshaves you junked hoping the blade would fit a 151 I found (it doesn't) and now I have a use for the blade! :)

[@RexKrueger]

I bet it will come out great. I just made mine for the video, but now I'm using it even when I don't have to.

[@balwindersinghvicky3530]

I think I already knew it. Actually I use em almost every time

[@jimcarter4929]

Great project for beginner, I like that you used salvaged wood. This would have been a good opportunity to show how to hammer finish nails flat and their installation for a more authentic look, of hammer made nails of this era.

[@zidnyknight3611]

Thanks

[@ikust007]

Agree files are sublime tools: one day I will treat myself to Liogier files :)

[@GuthD]

I will go make a thing!

[@BoringDad88]

I was thinking that you could show people how to make hide glue. I made some and love it! Strong and super easy to fix mistakes (water). Boil a bunch of rawhide bones for a few hours and let it dry out to the point you want. Boom, you got glue. It's what everyone used forever. I recained a chair from the 1890's and it's still working with lots of use.

[@RexKrueger]

I'm a vegetarian!

[@BoringDad88]

@@RexKrueger The neighbor's dog isn't. You're just taking collagen out of it. Then give it back to the dog after the rawhide has dried out again . No wasted anything.

[@Ed-lz4jv]

Also you use primarily non power tools, So many on here have a Norm Abrahms spinoff noise shop. I do have a small tablesaw. but I relish when the noise is done and I can use my planes, saws and chisels

[@ironmantooltime]

Cool 👍

[@Aeronwor]

Watching this I realized, our local church had the pews made with nailed rabbet joints. I am now thinking that nails are not only for construction. Also on what to make out of the salvaged pews...