Slim's DIY Log Bench (and Couch too!) Recycle Project

I needed two things at the cabin: A weather resistant bench for the deck, as well as a comfortable couch for indoors. Why not have both? I show you how I made it from scrap wood using no nails or screws, and how I got to use something from my old Aliner camper as well!
Suggested Tools:
Mitre Saw (or hand saw)
Machete (Axe or Draw knife also works for removing bark)
Hammer and Chisel
Reciprocating Saw for knots (or hand saw)
Tenon Cutter (1" or 1/2" preferred)
Power Drill for 1/2" shank
Forstener Bit (same size as tenon, one size down for soft wood)
Flush Cut Saw for pegs
Mallot
Sandpaper and/or Sander (80 grit and 120 grit)
Wood Glue
Polyurethane
Paint Brush
DISCLAIMER: Proper and safe use of tools is essential. Do not attempt if you are not efficient in their use.
Products Featured this video (Amazon Affiliate Links*)
Log Furniture Tool Kit: amzn.to/45HQHuq
Music Credit: One Time - Jeremy Black
Visit My KZbin Channel for all my videos!
/ slimpotatohead
Website: www.slimpotatohead.com
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* Amazon Affiliate Links provide me with a very small percentage of the sale with no additional cost to the buyer. Please support Slim Potatohead by using my links for any Amazon purchase. Thanks!

[@alexanderlawson1649]

Stop apologising for the outstanding work that you do, embrace the reality . Most of us would feel like masters of the Earth if we could do what you have achieved with the cabin. Its a priviledge to be a part of you're journey.

[@redsorgum]

It’s 3:56 am and I’m watching Slim………..cool✌️🇺🇸🇨🇦✌️

[@qwer12345table]

4:30 a. m.... having early bfast 🤣🤣

[@richardthomas1743]

HEY! Gooooood morning Slim ! Thumbs UP! 👍

[@SlimPotatohead]

Good Morning Richard!

[@YudronWangmo]

You not only kept those cushions from your A-liner, but you moved them across Canada when you relocated. That’s dedication!

[@SlimPotatohead]

They made great padding for the movers!

[@davidmcclelland9263]

Hi slim that log bench excellent thank you.

[@YudronWangmo]

@@SlimPotatohead No one is ever going to accuse you of wasting stuff.

[@nickboucher1884]

Hey Slim thanks for sharing really enjoy your videos!!!

[@doramather4729]

Wow, awesome, I love this bench, rustic and practical perfect addition to your cabin. Great job😊

[@carstars]

I came long ago for the A-Liner disaster snowstorm videos and now enjoying the DIY furniture build.

[@sylviajones4907]

"If it doesn't kill the maggots, at least it will make them a brighter white." 🤣 Good job, Slim.

[@MTreatVO]

I have been subscribed to you since your A-Frame days and I have to say Slim, at this point I feel like your a friend. My life is hectic and stressfull, but tuning into your videos give me a significant amount of peace. Thank you for sticking with it even when it was really tough. There are those of us who almost NEED your videos and your calm cool personality. Again, thank you.

[@620john620]

I just bought my first smart T.V. This allows me to watch Slim’s videos on the big screen instead of a small iPad. This was the first video to have the honor.

[@luk_deg]

My wife asked me where in NB you where, told her I didn't know... Few seconds after, we hear the blue jays in your video, few seconds after, one blue jay responded outside our cottage! Wife said "maybe he's the neighbor we've never seen 🤣

[@Phscydin]

The tie in with the "A" frame was awsome!! Another great video by Slim!

[@jwong88]

Hi slim I've been watching your videos for years and I love watching your DIY builds. I still think your portable stove is the best I've ever seen and this bench is aesthetically beautiful and functional. Don't change. Yours from a stranger from the UK.

[@chrishuston4445]

This is awesome. It reminds me of a 2023 version of the old 1970's program Hodgepodge Lodge with Power Tools 😀 Thank you for filming it.

[@DGardhouse]

I’m also imagining the beautiful smell of cut wood. Along with the fresh air of your location.

[@Dr-Zoid-Berserk]

Nice nostalgic twist reveal. I was wondering why he picked those dimensions. Then it all fit into place at the end.

[@Tom-In-Ga]

Vasectomy? I'd be more worried about castration. 🤣 Great job, Slim!

[@garczar5712]

Good morning Slim from Texas. Super job on the bench!!

[@jackielowe2895]

Love your humor. Keep up the good work.

[@derekwalters4980]

The bench looks so dang good!! When you have the time, learning all the quirks, you might want to make another one, so you don't have to move it in and out. It really did look much better in the house with the cushions. The only thing left, imo, is making a table/footstool for puttin' the dogs up after a long day of hiking the land!!

[@glynnisross7974]

The new bench looks absolutely wonderful, and the idea of turning it into a couch - priceless! See you soon.

[@TheSkite575]

Hey Slim Good morning from Minnesota

[@SlimPotatohead]

Good Morning Minnesota!

[@OrlandoKissimmeeHomes]

Mr. Slim that bench really looks fantastic and goes well with the cabin. And amazingly it was cut and assembled from tree parts to make real bench seat.

[@JEMCochran49]

That bench ought to last a very long time.

[@ndautomotive]

Can't wait for winter videos by the wood stove in the cabin.

[@snpnishanth9905]

You are a great man... Great Traveller. Best driver... Best carpenter... Best fisherman... Best camper... Best mechanic... Best soft offroder... Best cooker... Best wild West country lover... Best pollution control lover... Best economic man... Best flexible man... Bust animal trees plant flower lover... Best KZbin channer... Your are great man...

[@SlimPotatohead]

Not best fisherman. I don't fish! SP

[@snpnishanth9905]

Mmm... But your are best all rounder...

[@d14551]

It was good to see the old A-frame cushions being recycled. Nice work!

[@pattiwhite9575]

Bless you heart. That is a project for beers.

[@jasonwilliamson8346]

Great morning slim

[@SlimPotatohead]

Good Morning Jason!

[@davidcolinstillman5585]

HI SLIM 👋 EVEN THOUGH IT WASN'T YOU MADE IT LOOK SIMPLE / EASY ! IT TURNED OUT REALLY NICE & ❤ THAT THE ALINER IS VERY MUCH ALIVE / WITH YOU IN MEMORY ! LOVE THE COLORS BLENDS IN & STANDS OUT NATURALLY ON ITS OWN ! BE SAFE ! HAVE FUN ! ENJOYED 🍨 🍨 🍨 🍨 🍨 🍨 🍨 🍨 🍨 🍨 GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS ON YOUR ADVENTURES & PROJECTS ! THANK YOU 🙏

[@janicepaisley6799]

Your bench/sofa is beautiful ! " don't give yourself a vasectomy ! " lol. I love your sense of humour . Thank you for always giving me a good giggle .

[@Troutay]

you need to make a foot stool/coffee table now. Great job Slim!

[@rosesevers5181]

Great job 👍🏻… love your sense of humour too 😁

[@mommam.6101]

I had a good chuckle with the vasectomy comment. It caught me totally unaware. Great job on the bench!

[@Bum_Hip]

Slim, that bench is gorgeous! You should be super proud! I have a feeling you are going to have some viewers ask you to make one for them as well. Could be a good side business maybe.

[@championslayers]

Fantastic reuse of the a-liner cushions. Such a cool callback to your origins on KZbin.

[@tim_gifford]

I’m surprised NB doesn’t make you hire a professional for your DIY bench project 😂. Great job with that bench making lemonade out of lemons! Your humor while narrating is hilarious!

[@therusticcaveman]

I baught onevof those kits years ago ant it is definitely not a toy. I used it on green maple with a 1/2 construction drill. It caught a knot and yanked me (300 lbs big guy) out of my seat. Even with hardwood the connection is loose and as the wood dried it got worse. I used a small wedge on the end of the tendon and that helped as i drove it in. Great tool but make sure it is well braced. Great video. Thanks

[@dianapagan8991]

Slim, it doesn't matter to me. I like every bit of videos you do.

[@cherylfarrell1638]

That bench looks damn close to being a professional build you’re good I really enjoyed this video

[@virginiatolles1664]

Beautiful! So well made. Not only that, but the Aliner lives!

[@idaliacorrea3414]

The bench is better than Going to a furniture store. I love it👍👍

[@projekt6_official]

Hey Slim, If you knock the corners off the end of the logs before starting the tenon cutter and start the drill a little before you make contact, it makes it much easier. The vasectomy comment caught me off guard and got a good laugh out of me. :) Smart solution for the missing knot! Final result is fantastic! May you enjoy it for years to come :)

[@tinaprice6180]

That's some fine wood working Slim! 😊

[@herbieg.1819]

The A-liner memories will always be part you slim..😅❤

[@MrLangDog]

Wow!!! Chiseling out those areas!! You underplayed how much work that was. Well done!!!

[@michaelsmallarz7183]

Anytime is a good time.

[@richardthomas1743]

It looks awesome Slim , very nice indeed. Thank you for taking us along , I really appreciate you and your videos. You are witty, entertaining, educational and are really good at creating quality videos! I really enjoy and appreciate you! 👍💯

[@originalsixx]

Nice bench, Slim!

[@LollyGaggler]

I just love the way you narrate your videos.... a samurai on a caffeine buzz 😂😅😊 Great content!!

[@firstmate015]

This meets 2 needs or wants. Awesome use of your free lumber and your imagination. Slick-Slim

[@richardnwilson]

Great video thank you! If you decide to make more log furniture I would recommend cutting your trees and de-barking in the spring after the sap starts flowing, you won't believe how easy the bark comes off! Once your get your fingers under an edge you can often pull off huge sheets at a time without using any tools at all. And as a bonus no bugs and it dries much faster.

[@billh28025]

I remember the first day you saw the cabin and your hurt look after buying it sight unseen. You certainly came a long way since then. Love your cabin.

[@donnasnorthernlights2089]

Beautiful bench! You should recover it in red, black or brown.❤

[@russellbrumbaugh1767]

I love the new to you couch you made and you have me laughing all the time as I watch your video

[@Gary-fc5tk]

Great job, it reminds me of my Boy Scout days, your very good at what you do, thanks for the video,

[@jimbridge4166]

He's a lumberjack and he's okay ⚒

[@ginabrown3901]

I doubt there is anybody else as creative and as purposely as you Slim!! Oodles of admiration are being sent your way!.🎉😮😅

[@dewdropn5619]

Way cool Slim! Perfect bench/couch for your cabin. While constructing, you created excellent of fire starter/kindling material for your wood burning heater. Stay safe. 🕊

[@susanstrickland6774]

Definitely enjoyed the video. Honesty , humor, witty and educational. Like how you always recycle. That couch/bench is perfect!! Dual purpose. Saving those cushions eas smart. Had two Aliners, those cushions are dense and made to last. 🙂👍👍

[@Judy-fi7ce]

The bench/couch turned out well and is very attractive. Making it from free scrap wood is a bonus. The wooden pegs to hold it together were clever. Reminded me of Dick Proenneke's "Alone in the Wilderness" where he made everything from wood.

[@rl5271]

WOW! I'm impressed with your log furniture skill. That is a fantastic bench. I recognized the cushions and they are perfect for it I bought my first Aliner because you and your videos made it so so easy to fix and upgrade. That was almost 4 years ago and now I'm on ALiner #2. Little did I know that, just like buying my first boat, the first ALiner came with a dose of "2 foot-itis"! 😊 Thanks for all the great videos, hints, tips and suggestions on camping, the ALiners and the cabin. My best wishes are for you to continue doing what you most enjoy and doing it safely. The door to my house and my Aliner will always open for you. Magic Man Nashville, TN

[@ralphthomas5798]

Every time I see a hurricane headed up that way I think of you riding out one in your little trailer that was interesting 😬at least it was interesting from my family room 😎

[@bubl8015]

Your videos are always - always - enjoyable and well made. I look forward to your videos - thanks for everything

[@BuccaneerOverland]

What a nice job! I really enjoy your videos. Greetings from Florida.

[@daviddarlingauthor]

Love that view from your deck. I've been enjoying the cabin series. Keep it up!

[@theresadupuis8475]

SLIM GREAT WORK GREAT LAUGHS 😅YOU ARE GREAT

[@Jonty_and_Chantal]

Add a foot stool and voila! The most comfortable couch! Well done!

[@Jo-uy6pl]

beautiful bench! enjoy your view of the forest!🐿🐇

[@iansvecs]

That test piece would make great door handles! Love the bench,.

[@Frank-James]

I love all your videos, but the DIY on the cabin videos are my favorite!

[@G4LIFE74]

Great Job Slim !!!

[@johnhuff393]

Good morning from Godley Texas, your videos are always informative and inspirational. You possess amazing carpenter and problem solving skills. Another great project. Stay safe and happy travels 😎

[@SlimPotatohead]

Good Morning Texas!

[@hgj2019]

Sounds like the Red Green show with all the background chainsaw sounds between 2:20 and 3:00. I like it! 😄

[@rogerkrysalka2529]

My grandfather once said in one of his sermons on baggage. "If you keep something for 7 years, you might find a use for it."

[@nzdatsports9659]

ha ha it looks like Fred Flintstone's car seat . nice work M8 !

[@davros517]

Quick tip for the tennon cutter, cut the end of the wood into a cone before using the tennon cutter - makes alignment and starting the tennon cutter a whole lot easier. Thanks for the video

[@lindaroyal8161]

Damn nice bench! Nicely done, it looks great, perfect fit for your signature cabin/cottage. Suggestion - Your little cabin/cottage needs a name and a cool sign!

[@azclaimjumper]

I love watching DIY projects that come together. Surely your neighbor enjoys visiting so they can see how things are coming along. Warm Regards from Reno, Nevada.

[@JanelleVocate-Ames]

YAY OH YAYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@JanelleVocate-Ames]

Good Morning SLIM, glad you made mine in Colorado!

[@SlimPotatohead]

Good Morning Janelle!

[@richardthomas1743]

🐿

[@JanelleVocate-Ames]

and morn'in to you!@@richardthomas1743

[@JanelleVocate-Ames]

bout time😄

[@karenhorn8876]

Now you need to add a footstool when indoors! Love the bench!

[@micamp45hc99]

Good job Slim. A four person table would be a cool video!

[@jan6293]

Beautiful Bench & Cushions! 👌

[@Bl4ckFjsH]

When I grow up I want to be like Slim potatohead 😊

[@samdevallance1527]

Me too.

[@gail2616]

Now you need to make a table, to put your ice cold beer 🍺 on, after a job well done!

[@flyinggyros9745]

What a great project with material you have on your property. It looks great. Alan

[@smithcon]

Good monring from Oregon! Always happy to see another Slim video. Was thinking you were doing a little benchwarming when I didn't see a post yesterday. Turns out I was right! P.S. I think the Pine-Abner bench would be a fine name for your new creation.

[@judysursely7511]

now you need to make a small table to sit at one end for that can/glass. It too can be moved where ever you want. You did a great job.

[@fionaludbrook8193]

So impressed. The cushions take it to the next level. Memories of my grandfather who was a cabinet maker and joiner and the incredible furniture he made. I am still using it today. He too recycled and repurposed other items, and used salvaged materials in the Great Depression!

[@terriwilson511]

Well done. I love how you use nature in your remodel. I personally love the look. Take a bow sir Well done

[@richstanton8545]

A couple of pieces of Abner live on!! 👍👍

[@johnnylightning1491]

Nice bench Slim. It would be nice if they would put a drill in the middle of that tenon tool to help locate it when you first start. Keep the good stuff coming.

[@bosse641]

Lovely rustic bench. A beauty.

[@thizizliz]

That's perfect for your application. The price was right too. I suspect we'll see more log cabin style construction in the future. This piece is well suited and will add to your enjoyment of the cabin.

[@jeanschultz8857]

Very nice projects Next a footrest to go with the couch

[@happydays59]

Love your bench/couch, looks 👌🏻. ❤️✌🏻🇨🇦

[@barbm3660]

You are so amazing… doing things & we THANK YOU for teaching us all..❤😊

[@MrCPPG]

I have lots of scrap log and dried saplings on my property. You have definitely given me some ideas.

[@marianfrances4959]

Now there's an awesome project! 👍😎🇨🇦

[@graciel3725]

Be watchful of Hurricane Lee. :) I watched your camera video last night but I don't see it now. Just wanted to thank you for the info. That drone gas really good quality footage. We might get one for messing around out in the wilderness. Be safe, Slim! We always enjoy your videos!

[@gaming821]

I love your videos! All the creative things you do are a blast to watch.

[@susans7091]

Love your new couch. It is better made than some I have seen for sale.