Testing the English Joiner's Bench.

Can my fast and easy Joiner's Bench survive the toughest tests in the shop?
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(The Deluxe Plans are full-color, 15-page plans for the bench only. These plans are for people who don't want the vise or the work-holding. A complete stock-list and cut-list are included.)
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[@johnarnold6623]

I built the bench about a month ago. I love it! Mine isnt nearly as pretty as Rex's but it is as solid and works great. By FAR the best bench on the DIY tubes. I did add a shelf at the bottom and a removable plane stop into the table top. I started the bench because I found a plane I had bought pre-internet and didn't know how to use it. Then I found Rex's "how to use a plane" vid and decided I needed a bench too! An easy build, highly reccomended!

[@RexKrueger]

Thanks for the great review!

[@johnarnold6623]

@@RexKrueger thanks for the videos! We're stuck at home here in MA so it keeps me busy. I've built many of your projects. I'm about 50/50 success rate. It the execution, not the instruction. Keep them coming! Only thing is, I'm running out of wood and I'm not allowed out to get more. Oh well.

[@rjmills126]

Pictures?

[@nathanalexander9127]

I've had the chance to use this table a couple of times now. It's fun to whip out in front of people:) I can see what people are talking about when they say the legs are delicate, but they're design to support a "mostly" vertical load, not be torqued from the side or pushed back into place. If you just let the table open or close on it's own and don't force anything, it works great kzbin.infoUgkxyFZUPFEey-PuqsPMxqaykBhgA1LWxFHh Once it's set up, it's pretty solid. My only gripe would probably be related to the clamps provided. They're not the highest quality. They do the job, so no big deal, but they could be better. All in all, pretty cool gadget.

[@mikeg2046]

The best part of the video is where he just nails the stock straight onto the surface

[@nevermorewoodshop7164]

I 100% agree with you, making both bench’s this one and the low Roman would be your best option. Neither are very expensive to make and combined you can accomplish everything you’ll need to ever do. As far as your English bench having flaws, let’s be honest the vast majority of people pointing outs it’s “flaws” and comparing it to a hardwood bench should understand that it’s $100 to make and it’s not a professional bench. my opinion if you don’t like it don’t build it. Personally I like both bench’s 👍

[@drigondii]

I love how he acts like fifteen bucks wasn’t already a great deal

[@tuppybrill4915]

“It’s really surprising how slender some historical benches are” - especially when half the bench is covered in old tut like scraps, half finished jobs, stuff you took in the shed and just put down, tools that havn’t been put away ...

[@Opalbird1]

I want to build this bench but….a shrunk down version to accommodate my using a wheel chair or stool and sitting. I have the plans (thank you) and will set up a grid to change the measurements. The only thing is how tall to make it so I have some power while sitting. Any suggestions? By the way I am a 65 year old lady with wood work experience who is now doing miniature work and Japanese woodworking, along with my leather work and sewing. I try to keep busy as I can no longer stand or move around much due to a poor heart. (Ah I’ll get over it). It can’t be fixed anyway. I do some full sized work as well but not too big. Working on making my kitchen a better place to work. Thanks for your videos you are a marvellous teacher. 😘

[@TheHandToolery]

People get really hung up on details... like there's a million excuses NOT to just get out there and make something, I know. But you've shown time and again that perfection isn't needed to do good work; that's the whole point of the woodworking for humans idea. My bench top is not flat at all, and every once in a great while it's slightly inconvenient. I might flatten it, I might not. For now, I'm doing a lot of work on it, and I just don't care that much!

[@RexKrueger]

That's pretty much my view!

[@nicmasterdude]

Perfect is the enemy of good....

[@michaelthompson5875]

"Cheap and easy and fast?" There's a joke in there somewhere.... 😁 Great information Rex, thanks so much. I've been considering this style bench for a little while now as I'm not happy with mine. Youce convinced me! Mike T.

[@1pcfred]

Sounds like the date I was looking for in high school.

[@kretieg2943]

Pick two. You can't have all three.

[@just-dl]

In project management, the joke is quick, cheap and good...pick two. In high school, the humor ran along similar lines.....

[@louisvictor3473]

About the bench isn't flat bit. I honestly don't think it matters that much. Sure, it is neat to have a rather flat table... but this ain't machining, this ain't space probe or surgery robot building. For the table being too light "problem", one can fasten a few strategic metal weights and it will be as heavy or heavier than a hardwood table. Might as well make it removable so mobility isn't permanently compromised. Taking about costs and soft woods and the future. I wonder if your wood working for humans (and in general really) you wouldn't start addressing and using reclaimed wood, like palettes for example. I mean, between the crap pine chairs we can find on google and this dude kzbin.info/www/bejne/qGauh3Shj7h3Y7c , I think we can find a comfy middle ground. Varies from place to place what you can find, but people throw out a lot of decent wood all the time pretty much globally. If you can put a bit of effort into finding, cleaning and turning them into stock, you can cut down a lot of material costs.

[@SkylersRants]

I put about 30 or 40 bricks on a shelf on my bench to make it heavy. I like using the bricks because if I need to move it, they are easy to take out again.

[@SkylersRants]

@Maxx Kroes Yeah, bricks are expensive, too. I just happened to have a stack in the corner of the garage since the house was built 20 years ago. Finally found a use for some of them!

[@louisvictor3473]

A few pieces of metal are compact and easy to make removable too.

[@furiousfurby]

Cinder blocks are pretty inexpensive and heavy too.

[@magicdaveable]

I have a different style bench made from Clear Southern Yellow Pine (SYP). The wood has plenty of stiffness and hardness that I just don't need a "hardwood" bench. I copied the bench from my childhood. I am not certain if my Dad built it or it was in the house when he bought it. I suspect that he built it. He was a very skilled craftsman.

[@MichaelCampbell01]

"rookie mistake making the bench too wide". Yup, rookie here. Did exactly that.

[@suburiboy]

Michael Campbell yeah. My bench is like 30 inches wide. Too bad I made mine before Rex started this series.

[@TomBuskey]

I made mine ~ 2 years ago, just over 30 inches. The good thing is I Iearned what I like and what to improve. And most of that agrees with what Rex has built. So my next bench...

[@nicmasterdude]

Split too here, 18" each. That means I'm either brilliant, or a complete idiot. I like to think it's two in one but....

[@galenbevel9622]

I just built the low bench and I'm fitting it out now. I am lucky in that I am helping a friend mill out some oak on some property he has so I was able to get a 7' x 14" x 3.5" thick oak slab to make the bench at the fairly decent price of $0. As soon as I am finished flattening it and fitting it out with stops, crochet, etc. I plan to use it to make the joiners bench. My one question is whether there is any reason I could not use this free oak to make a much thicker slab top on the joiner's bench? Is there a reason other than cost to make it thinner?

[@jeffreymilarsky3246]

I built a version of Rex's bench a couple of weeks ago, and it is a tank. Rex, you explain everything SO well. I also appreciate your idea that simple changes are welcome. I used two giant 4" slabs of old white oak and the table doesn't move at all. I tested this by jumping on it and trying to twist it in all directions. It will surely outlast me on this planet. Oh, and I didn't realize that the cross braces are supposed to be on the front. I put them on the back and added the shelf access upfront for storage. I actually forgot about the cross braces initially, and still, the bench didn't move at all. Later, I added them. Simple and effective. Rex, you are a master teacher!

[@RexKrueger]

You're not the only person to leave those braces out. They seem to be optional.

[@JWLamph]

I’ve really enjoyed your channel lately. I can’t wait to build my own bench. Have you ever considered building a Dutch tool chest? I would love to watch that

[@RexKrueger]

I think I'm going to do a wall- mounted tool cabinet. I need the floor spac e

[@wilkinson8707]

I remember being at school and the benches were styled exactly like these. That was only about 7 years ago. They must still be common place here in the U.K. but no so elsewhere.

[@tonyennis3008]

5:30 re: flat bench top. The wood at the home center, though sold as "kiln dried" is only nominally so. If you get it and use it immediately it will move. If you let it acclimate, it can help. Unless you're in Ohio in the winter. Then it's going to move anyway.

[@mandowarrior123]

He already did, actually. See his build video.

[@MCsCreations]

Fantastic, Rex! 😃 Soon I'm going to have to build something like that as well. 😬

[@pyrokiller4682]

Hey in one of your episodes can you show how to make a lockable opening window please ? I know it’s a very big ask but a lot of people may be thinking about building a workshop-shed if you will and a fixed pane of glass can get a bit warm especially if it’s well insulated

[@David-hm9ic]

People unfamiliar with Southern Yellow Pine might underestimate its density and toughness. It is more dense than soft maple and red oak and is almost as dense as white oak. It can be very hard. I've had nails bend driving them into SYP and it wasn't faulty technique. A bench built exclusively of SYP will weigh 93% of an identical bench built of nothing but red oak. On bench size: Someone gave me a well built 4'x8' workbench. I had room for it in my shop so I accepted the offer but I could only use it by putting the 8' side against a wall. I thought it would be great for my larger RC airplanes. Of course, I couldn't reach across it. I've built four benches for ammo reloading and all were 24" deep. Sometimes I wish they were 30" deep so I could set small parts cabinets at the back but that would still result in about 24" of useful depth. More than 30" is not useful for most people, even for building quarter scale model airplanes.

[@jeffspaulding9834]

I love that book! The way it starts with the basic bench designs and then discusses accessories separately is genius. Once I get a better workshop setup I've got a 12 quarter 20" maple slab that's going to be the top for a Roubo-style bench, and that book has given me so many ideas for what I can do with it... I've been thinking about getting Christopher Schwarz's other workbench book as well.

[@123hurst3]

When the top is ready to replace, flip the three boards and reinstall.

[@richard392]

I wonder if you can build the joiners bench and have the small bench that fit UNDER the large bench , my garage is full. btw love your work.

[@isowannabeleftalone1023]

I am so glad I found your site Rex. I just broke my arm recently, so I will watch all your vids over Christmas and be ready to make your bench when I am back to full strength.

[@jimcarter4929]

Great bench, Thanks. I built my bench similar to Paul Sellers with the skirts (2) wedged to legs and lapped into legs and have no movement. I built my bench with laminated 2x3 and a single cross support in the middle so it is very stiff.

[@1pcfred]

I hate skirts on benches. I like being able to clamp work to the bench top. The Paul Sellers style is a sensible bench though.

[@MichaelCampbell01]

I hate to be the guy to move your thumbs up from 666 to 667, but alas I had to.

[@richardchamberlain2014]

A simple effective workmanlike bench, which unlike some of the beautiful creations that people build is easily customisable, and repairable if needed. 👍

[@colrodrick8784]

I love that comment ' I did just nail that into my benchtop...' Nice dry humour there Rex. Aside from a nice wine that's the best dry I can find. If you hadn't guessed, the weather is pretty ugly so working outside is less than ideal. Binge watching your videos I've already watched.

[@FrankPace54]

If you read Chris Schwars book and wanted a solid bench, you should have gone with the roubo.

[@coburnlowman]

Blah , Blah if I had a quarter for every perfect bench I ever made I'd have zero $$$$$$😵🤣😅!!!!! I've built a bunch for metal and wood. I'll think about them in my head and after they are finished they do work well enough but every one does seem to lack something that you wish you had for thought of in the planning stages. I need an Inspector Gadget bench

[@1pcfred]

If I had a quarter for every time I dreamed of making myself the perfect workbench I'd be able to afford to build it a dozen time over by now. I built the bench I have now before I was on the Internet and it's just how I thought a bench should be. There's definitely things I'd do differently if I was going to build another one. But it works well enough so I don't invest the money in materials.

[@zacdredge3859]

I'd love to hear Rex's perspective on the portable Moravian workbench. It's the one I'm most interested in currently; no offense to the English joiner but I'm not a home owner and something that's designed for easy dismantling and reassembly is really appealing. Mostly can be softwood, just ideal to have one solid slab of hardwood from what I can tell.

[@Riffme81]

Hi Rex. I have a question regarding the cross braces that you say get in the way and I fully agree they would drive me nuts. In a lot of your videos you've made reference to Paul Sellers. My question is why you didnt build his joiners bench? I'm sure your aware of his build series on KZbin. His wedge concept joining the legs to the aprons is pure brilliance.....I should know cause ive just finished building one. As he says it removes all racking from occurring as the wedges coupled with the bolts and screws eliminates any racking. This is in no way a criticism to your build. Just a curious question. Jason

[@KuntaKinteToby]

Historical benches being narrow makes sense if you think about it, walls would either have been plywood (once it was available) and before that just lathe and plaster, and in either case the joiners and carpenters on a job site simply would have no need for a wide bench. They could use saw horses to rip cut plywood, or have it delivered from the mill cut-to-size. Lathe just goes on as is.

[@DonnieBigBucks]

I'm going to start out with the low Roman first, then move up as I go. Great ideas! Thanks a bunch, man:)

[@gebhardt244]

Mee the same

[@mralabbad7]

Thanks a bench

[@arankaspar5165]

Great bench and good detail but PLEASE buy a shotgun microphone. The shop echo is very low quality and you can find one for cheap.

[@scottburnett8551]

Going to build English bench . Got most supplies, I'm guessing bolts are 6,7 inch in to go through 4x4 and 2x4.? Also wing nuts better?

[@TobiPHartmann]

Thank you rex Iam planing to build a bench but this diagonals dont fit to my needs my Workshop is too small to waste this space so i think that paul sellers design fits more But i have to say you have made me love handtools before i have seen your Videos about handplanes i had no idea that it is so much fun By the time iam pretty good in handmade stuff but iam still a beginner Thank you a lot Stay healthy (My daughter loves the tic tac toe game and the rubber rifle you inspired me to make)

[@mhhsy2kadrequiem]

What about instead of removing the diagonal braces, move them up and make them shorter? It would be a compromise between the support and having storage space under it? I'd me interested in see that...or trying it when I build mine

[@HammerandNeil]

Maybe those angles braces on the legs could be moved closer to the center that way you could keep most of the benefits for anti racking but add shelves.

[@dannewton7873]

Hello! Is it ok to drill your holdfast holes through your 4x4 cross braces? Thanks!

[@williamoconnor2916]

You said it could be thinner than 24in. How thin? Also as a space saver could this be modified to a wall attached fold down table?

[@jeffstiles7850]

I wish I had the money to start. But I'm poor enough even getting the cheap stuff is too expensive for me right now.

[@lorettacrabtree7816]

Hi is it possible to make the bench shorter as I’ve not got a lot of space? Say 4 feet or 4.5 feet?

[@מעייןהמלבלבתחייםםםם]

Thanks, just missed the live chat. I downloaded all the plans for the joiners bench, more than a month ago, and i even porches few items from Amazon and i was planning on building it at the spring time, but the Corona came and in Israel we are quarantine so we can't move more than 100 meter from our home except for work or buying food supply and health care😔. Thanks again be 💪, take care and keep your family health.

[@RexKrueger]

Good luck to you! Hope you stay safe.

[@jgo5707]

I just built this bench, the one thing I'd have liked too is a shelf underneath. My solution to this is a tool well on the far side

[@markhrabe]

Rex I made this bench last weekend. Couldn’t be more happier! Thanks for the videos!

[@jgo5707]

Great video, Great work! Have a comment and like for the YT algo

[@cameranikon]

I tried to place an order for your plans but I'm not sure if it went through. I the offer still open?

[@russellmckay8896]

I left the front and rear diagonal braces out. I lapped the 4x4 legs out to fit a 2x4 really snug so I could build drawers under the bench. I have no racking at all thankfully

[@johanneswerner1140]

That. That's what you should do. Came to say exactly that.

[@russellmckay8896]

Johannes Werner I haven't been able to build the drawers yet, but with just the 2x4s lapped in, it's solid.

[@brucelee3388]

Bench appliances - bench hook - make it extra wide then cut off about 2"(50mm) or so. Use this extra narrow bit to support the far end of the piece of wood you are working on. Much the same applies to the shooting board - make the base extra wide, cut off a bit and use it as a support for the loose end (unless you really like cutting compound miters all the time).

[@gleggett3817]

I was looking at the unsupported end of the plank and thinking "could do with something under there". Your idea makes more sense than scrabbling around for an offcut the right thickness each time.

[@chuckalessi9516]

Sitting here in 2022 dying when Rex says "There's maybe $15 worth of material in this top." Well, yeah, maybe in your crazy early 2020 money!

[@RexKrueger]

Just wait until I release my NEXT bench in the spring.

[@unglaubiger5645]

I made the bench top 4 inches thick and that prevents a lot of these problems

[@gregmislick1117]

Rex, thanks for bundling the plans for this bench, pretty sure I have enough stock in the basement, and while trying to build a lumber rack, I'm finding that a bench would be REALLY helpful lol...

[@1pcfred]

Forget about doing hand joinery without a woodworking workbench. I'm sure it is possible but it's going to be so far from the ideal as to be not worth it. My bench sucks but I still love it for how useful it is. It's better than nothing.

[@benjaminhellmann400]

I am trying to get a plane to start wood working. Was the document as to buying and finishing budget planes ever published?

[@stephenholland6328]

Buy a smooth plane such as a Stanley #4. $40-$80. If you really start doing projects you’ll quickly how much you are spending on wood. Tooling costs end up not being that much in the overall cost. If you make cabinets, for example, you end up saving thousands of dollars, and you end up money ahead.

[@maxwaldburg4286]

Rex the link to your plans don’t seem to work :(

[@hopper1]

Years ago I built a new bench to replace the POS I had been using. It was a toss-up between an English joiner's bench like this or Mike Siemsen's "naked woodworker bench". I went with Mike Siemsen's bench. It's not much different than what you have here and I have no complaints. I have a leg vise, planing stop and a gap between the top boards that allows dropping in a board for cross grain planing (or clamps as needed. A woodworker can't go wrong because either bench design is good. Like the Schwarz has said "It's the biggest clamp in your shop."

[@TimRoyalPastortim]

You could also use a saw bench in lieu of the low bench. though I love the low bench.

[@bitnertinkers]

I downloaded the plans. Look forward to building it!

[@h0pfaith]

Huh never knew Joe Satriani gave up playing guitar and started woodworking.

[@Fyrmann]

Rex, love the down to earth vids, thanks- just one question- due to space, my bench must be mobile. throwing casters on the legs of any bench takes away a load of stability- any suggestions? Thanks

[@nicmasterdude]

A few companies make flip down casters. That way, it only rolls when you want it to

[@KalebsRevenge]

@@nicmasterdude second this

[@forsakenfortnite5771]

if it wasnt for this dam corona and the unsure nature of things right now i would become a patron and supported you as much as i could we need more people like you on youtube

[@1pcfred]

Just when you thought the world couldn't possibly get any crazier it exceeds expectations. No one alive has ever seen anything like what's going on right now. I mean ever. I think I have a grasp on what's happening but there's a nagging doubt in my mind at the same time. Like I haven't seen or fully appreciated it all yet. So all I can do is sit here waiting for the other shoe to drop.

[@biomcanx1]

Hello from Ohio as well! Thanks for all the information!

[@jcherry335]

Thank you Rex , I have just finished building this bench in the basic form ( without any additions ) and i look forward to building tools and parts for it , you've got me interested in learning again. Again thank you . Time to make the sawdust :)

[@jayempress4203]

Time to make the sawdust? Only after you make the doughnuts! 😀

[@jdcrtchfld]

I'm building the bench now (slowly because I've been sick), using the original video & the plans Rex sells on his web site. The plans don't include the modifications he recommends in this video. That's kind of a drag. It's not so bad for me, because I'm going slowly but it's still a nuisance. How a out an updated set of plans, Rex? And, while you're at it, how about some instructions for us lefties? We have to reverse the work-holding gear, and, bei g a beginner, I'm not sure I'll do it right by myself.

[@maxw-h]

I'd love to hear your thoughts on the portable Moravian bench.

[@princekermit0]

He briefly covered them in his video about various work benches. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iH64ZZ5ngLmXpNk

[@joshuavacsi415]

Ohio! Columbus here!

[@vjamodeo]

Building this bench now. I've made the tresses. I am a beginner woodworker and am getting my first real shop decked out. I decided to build it 27" wide instead of 24". Well see how that works once I start using it. One question I have is, no one seems to sell 4x4 lumber that is not pressure treated, so that's what I'm using for the legs. We'll see how that goes as well. I'm gonna make the top from 2" poplar boards that my friend just milled for me. Again, we'll see.

[@HellaDopeGuy]

Purched the 10$ bundle. Except the top I laminated 3in strips od maple for the top. Rex really figured this one out ;) it works great

[@stephenholland6328]

Here is another reason the English jointer’s bench is great. It is so cheap you don’t worry about damaging it. I designed a version of the bench and installed a woodworking vice in the front left. I needed to work on a set of 14 drawers each 20 inches long. The vise has a dog that slides up. Without hesitation I just screwed a small piece of plywood to the top of the bench as the back stop and I was able to easily clamp the drawers while working on them. When done I just unscrewed the block. Essentially invisible after a little sawdust got in the tiny holes. If I had an expensive hardwood bench I’d never have done that and would have had to develop some clamping system. Instead I just got the job done. Now that I’ve had the bench for a few months I realize it is too small. A 22 by 48 inch top isn’t as big as I need. This economical build encourages you to just try it and then learn what you do and don’t like about it so the next (cheap) bench will be better. I so like the solid build of economical material that is gentle on my hardwood projects that future benches will have a similar design.

[@tonyennis3008]

Sorry for the late comment, but here's another Nicholson bench. This one will require more skill. I like this guy's attitude. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJ7KYpqspr9lo7M

[@raymihurtadostuart7052]

Hey Rex, I’m really enjoying binge watching your videos. I initially found them while looking for work bench ideas. They have been truly inspiring! I’m writing from New Zealand and I have 6 seven-foot lengths of 6x2 Jarrah. I’m sure you’ve heard of it, it’s a tropical hardwood from Australia. I’m trying to decide if I should use it for a low Roman bench or the English jointers bench. What would you do? Thanks again for the high quality content.

[@maxgo1d]

Have you ever made a how-to video on chisel sharpening?

[@zacdredge3859]

I think he has several, here's one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e57ciGuke6l_qJY

[@philanders6902]

Wheight? Put a board underneath the Workface and put some bags of cement in the "Box" - not really expensive but adds (in Europe) 25 - 50 kg per bag to the bench (about 50 - 100 pounds)

[@theeddorian]

You can find old designs in quite a few old books on wood working. Cassell's Carpentry and Joinery (1913) for instance has three examples. Two are typical "ordinary joiner's" benches. A third is smaller, much more carefully made with dovetailed aprons, and both front and tail vises. It also has dog holes and a "bench slave." All three use flat or rift sawn boards for the tops. None use diagonal braces.

[@pyrokiller4682]

Hello u amazing man love from the uk, can u show some stuff using a bulk standard work mate, the closest thing I have to a workshop is my shed which is only 1150mm x 1820mm on the outside and I only have a workmate would greatly love tips on how to get the most out of it. Many thanks

[@pyrokiller4682]

Maxx Kroes I’m lucky i own some saw horses that are a little taller then my bench at full height and they fold away I like the idea of the extra weight as when I try and plane it tends to buck and rock so I’ve started to copy Rex when I can and sit on it to hold it down

[@alanmumford8806]

I feel for you. My first 'workshop' was a semi-circular space with about a 4ft radius. I made my bench out of 2x4s and 3/4 ply using a workmate. It's only just over 4ft long but that's enough for my needs. It has 3 H-frame legs, each with two horizontals, draw-bore mortice and tenoned. The top is two, glued layers of 3/4 ply with twin 10mm dowels into each leg top and just held down by gravity. The 'leg' frames have a horizontal, inset 5" wide 3/4 ply stretcher front and back, about 6" up from the floor, held with 4 screws into each leg (I need to be able to dismantle this thing and carry the parts!). I have a 6" vice at the top left front, close to a leg. The whole thing stands on an upside-down off-cut piece of industrial heavy carpet with an apron area for me to stand on in front, as some kind of sound deadening function. This way, when I'm working, I stand on the same substrate as the bench. I know it doesn't sound very sophisticated, but it doesn't rack when I'm planing and doesn't run away from me! It's certainly not perfect, but it does what I need without flinching. :-) Btw, I used to do homemade pyro myself but had to give it up some years ago. Pity, I miss it. Takeaway: don't let a restricted workspace stop you!

[@1pcfred]

@@alanmumford8806 having a workshop is quite the luxury. I should use mine more.

[@pyrokiller4682]

Is there any way to know if he’s actually making a video about this ? He said he was going to dig his workmate out but haven’t seen anything on instagram so not sure.

[@1pcfred]

@@pyrokiller4682 I dug one of my Workmates out yesterday. I had to wire wheel some paint off some outdoor metal chairs and didn't want the dust all in my garage.

[@fretlord4201]

I really dig this channel. Maybe you, or your viewers, can hook me up with some advice. So...I'm a total amateur. A couple years ago, I decided I wanted to make a little stash box for a friend. At the time, I was on a very tiny budget and only had my bedroom to work in, so I got some of those little craft boards at the depot, a little Japanese style flush cut saw, and a set of mini planes from Harbor Freight, and the hinges and latches I would need. It took me a few tries, but I ended up making a fairly decent little product. As I worked, I sort of fell in love with the smell, if that makes any sense. Since then, I keep getting this recurring thought of making an entire woodworking setup, but in total miniature. What do you think? Is that a workable idea?

[@RexKrueger]

Sure! Seems totally fine. Everything you need is available in a small size and you can make little stuff all day. Actually, sounds like fun!

[@fliplucky8813]

@Maxx Kroes check out some of the older videos of Adrian Preda. He used to have a very small workshop. He also does a lot of tiny projects, like boxes, kumiko panels etc.

[@arimill1045]

I'm going with the Roman workbench myself, my workshed is very narrow and doesn't really fit a full table unless I want to stick it in a corner, which defeats any purpose of working with material over an edge. The Roman workbench I can move outside on hot days and it keeps my shed basically empty so there's space!

[@kevinsorensen367]

Has anyone used this and the Moravian workbench (channel: Wood and Shop)? I'm curious how they compare and if someone has a preference.

[@Seanfrtd]

wood shavings and sawdust - how many uses and reuses are there for them? paper mache? make your own press board? compact charcoal bricks? how to bet 120% out of every fiber of wood.

[@mandowarrior123]

We usually have a lower centre board. It allows you to put your cutting block in the grove and pull towards you. It also allows you to store your tools under your work piece so you can't find them. You can cut the ends on long pieces with it, you can set a table edge into it, round tools don't roll off. Surprisingly little a detriment to have it missing. And you put your plane down so it isn't blade up, nor dulling the blade in it. You can clamp to it too. Its a shame you didn't try that traditional one. Theres other neat tricks like putting a bag off one end, you can brush your sawdust into the central lower area and brush it down into the bag. So many other tricks with it.

[@k1ng401]

I made my bench out of recycled timber (I think they are 2x10s or 2 x 8s) that was old decking. It was built to my own design and I didn’t have any idea what I was doing. It wobbles like jelly when I am planing but your videos have shown me how do do the various bracing which I think will improve things a lot.

[@ggroube]

KZbin just decided to add your joiner’s bench to my recommended list, probably because I spent most of yesterday looking for workbench plans on the web :), so I watched it. Then I watched the other three in the series, subscribed, and bought the bench bundle plans. This is perfect for what I want. Thank you! BTW, one of the other Tubers I subscribe to is a hobby machinist guy named ThisOldTony. Your style is different to his, but you seem to me to be the ToT of woodworking. Keep up the great work! G

[@Vincent-S]

Man, I wish I could make this bench. But I can't because of a pretty severe lack of space, so whatever bench I use spends pretty much 100% outside, with my low variant being an aluminum bench with a wood board on it so I don't cause massive damage to either what I'm practicing on or cut too deep and gouge both the aluminum or the tools if I go too deep. Full wood benches would just get wrecked by seasonal changes However, I do have another waist/up to the hip high aluminum or steel table that I think I can adapt using some thick plywood laminated on top with holes bored into the top layer for short dog holes and a simple and smallish moxon vise to clamp on when needed, then drape a tarp over the table for additional weather resistance after bringing the vise and pegs inside. Gotta figure out the side apron though.

[@dougwigginsnco]

Curious about sawing technique. Seems one might let the tool do the work for you and struggle less. Utilize the entire saw not just the middle third with a lighter grip. Would this be as effective?

[@dirtyvet5404]

I'd like to know how the adjustable plane support was setup. That is pretty 'high-speed' tech. great video. I also like that free standing vice in the background. Keeping the vice off the bench is nice for open space.

[@neilhansen5830]

why don;t you use power tools when you can.

[@eageus7844]

hey rex. i live in washington. and i know this is kinda an older vid but i want to build a workbench but the prices of wood are super crazy right now. i am wanting to build one out of old pallets. is it possible for you to do a vid on how you would go about making a bench from pallet wood.

[@QlueDuPlessis]

You started early this week.

[@RexKrueger]

No, normal time. Promise.

[@QlueDuPlessis]

@@RexKrueger you'all messed with your clocks again in the Northern Hemisphere recently?. Last time I had a chance to catch your premiere, it was 21h30 our time. But today it was finished by 20h50. :p

[@tomasjosefvela1]

What about the "low thin" area on the original pictures you showed? i am curious what those low areas were used for. Thanks for all the great info, I've built a lot of scrap wood benches in my days and it's cool to see that following my gut seems to match a lot of what you point out about these historical benches, but still I've learned a lot and know now what i could and will do different the next time I find myself building one scrap wood or not.

[@lotharerkens8154]

Rex, This is not a comment about the bench, but is inspired by the first part of your test. I noticed that your hand is clamping the stock to the bench hook and later to the shooting board. Not only does your hand have to push the material into the hook to steady it, but you also have to clamp in order to keep the material horizontal. If you can find some scraps of the same thickness as the bench hook and the shooting board, you can support the other end of longer stock pieces without cramping your work holding hand. Just a thought!

[@stevenzampano3492]

Just ordered the plans. What a phenomenal job you do man, I just watched your videos for about 2 hours straight. This is the type of woodworking I am interest in learning, using classic techniques but when another avenue is available on the market (tool wise) you utilize that technology while keeping true to the roots. I'm a young buck (29) and am just getting started into woodworking as is the family tradition. I'm going to build this bench, and if it works out I'll become a patreon member. Expect to hear more from me soon, I appreciate these videos immensely and I'll keep you updated.

[@thewoodweldingfabricator9300]

Excited about how well this bench works out!

[@lamb7780]

Just noticed your extension cable in the background. My grandfather used to make his own storage for these. He used to get two boards maybe a foot or two long, round the ends and join them with two wide pieces of dwelling a few inches wide. Then you end up with a nice frame to wind your cord around and keep it tidy. You can put an eye hook or drill a hole to hang it and put some oil on it or varnish it to make it durable

[@gabnuth1ng559]

i mean no offence, but you look as if your blazed out your mind whilst being completely sober. also love the build and gave a sub lol

[@bencoombes2711]

Nice job 😊 total agree with the narrowness of the bench I teach fe carp joneriry and wooden baot biulding and a nice narrow bench makes life so much Easyer 😊

[@tolliereed6426]

Hey Rex, love the bench. I had an idea you may like. Recess a 2x4 under the holdfast holes the entire length of the bench. It should allow you to add holes anywhere along that line and stiffen the bench even more. I would like to know what you think about this idea.

[@mikeg2046]

Hey Rex! Talk about Mora knives for woodwork for humans!

[@roberternest7289]

We have a bench in the garage that's literally three large boards of wood on a pair of stands, those sort of triangular wood stands. It's Sawhorses.

[@BensWorkshop]

Did you find anything useful in the Paul N Hasluck book?