The Truth About The Rex Krueger Bench Hook From Compass Rose

[@RexKrueger]

Man, what a fair review! You also totally nailed the difference in our approaches. You make it fun, I make it accessible. Thanks James!

[@WoodByWrightHowTo]

thanks, man. and thanks for another great option for people. I can only imagion the back and forth with manufacturers to bring these to market.

[@otakarschon]

For me, accessible is fun, you are not do different and you know that :)

[@Clem68W]

You two are by far the most accessible woodtubers I've found. There are many great woodworkers doing this stuff, but both of you kind of talk to the average joe...like me. I'm not worried about my tablesaw setup and the million and twelve accessories for table saws because I don't have a table saw setup. I don't have a bandsaw, drill press, router, chainsaw, or many other power tools and I can't frankly justify the expense on a hobby. Hand tools are (imho) more "democratic" if that makes a good analogy. Big thanks.

[@SaintFredrocks]

@@Clem68W Buy fine tools and keep them in good shape. If you are like me you will enjoy using them more. If you buy really nice tools and decide you don't like them you usually can get what you paid for them. For instance, LN and Veritas planes frequently are backordered, so people will pay to not have to wait. Now go spend all of your free cash on tools.

[@Clem68W]

@@SaintFredrocks I'm firmly in "cheap indian hand plane" territory to be honest. I have a stanley 4-1/2 and that's the biggest splurge I've made so far. Still using them cheap plastic handled chisels and crappy saws.

[@BeauChampion]

You got a thumbs up 100% for the "Wright way and a Rex way" joke. 😂

[@Joe-zk7ps]

Love seeing the YT woodworker community come together, be fair to one another and STOP CONFUSING PEOPLE.

[@frankbrown3047]

I truly enjoy the little bantering you both share and your respect for each other!!

[@johnbart3746]

Having truly square stuff, as a beginner, is a massive difference. Thank you for this one! Edit: you're bang on about Rex's channel. I watched a lot of videos about benches, but his was the first one I ever built.

[@mikesalmo]

It took me 3 tries to get square bench hooks. And you really need something square to bootstrap yourself. If I was starting now, I’d buy these. They’ll get you going a lot faster, but not in a way that cheats you out of developing skills. I too built a Rex bench. It’s evolved from there, and I’d probably make a different style if I made one today. Turns out I don’t care for an apron, but I never would have known if I hadn’t been using it for months. But it got me working and I use it almost daily. Maybe 6 hours, maybe 30mins. My tool wall is a weird combination of improvising based off memories of both Rex’s and James’s. I love both channels and live somewhere between them in my methods as I’m still learning.

[@mtmwoodworking6628]

Wood By Wright How To is an amazing channel that I have enjoyed for years. Thank you James for creating woodworking content that feels like it's just for me. Your style of woodworking for the joy of it is exactly what I aim to do. Keep it up!

[@ga5743]

Love seeing makers kudos other makers. Way to go James

[@TomHutchinson5]

What a sweet video. I like when y'all uplift each other, and build community.

[@wayneswonderarium]

"Not always the Wright way, but the Rex way, too" - I am deceased 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@wilcooley]

Yay! James finally made a pun that was funny!

[@arctic6756]

You really helped me get into woodworking , I use both hand and power tools . I got a Stanley no.7 for 20 aud (13usd ) and a no.4 for 10 aud (6 usd) and they both work great just a sharpen and I flatten the sole a little bit

[@jennessalynam7682]

I like using both, my bench hooks for making cross cuts and my vise for rip cuts. Also it's awesome that you really do actually read everyone's comments. If they've asked a question you reply rather quickly too. Speaking from experience. Thanks James!

[@mariasaha8303]

I absolutely love both of you guys’ videos, you each are invaluable in your unique ways of teaching, and as a beginner, I learn so much from both of you. As you mentioned, as a beginner, the two things I struggle with most are sharpening my tools and getting things square. My first bench hook is very dear to me but is it perfectly square? Haha, no. So I got these Sawyer hooks and they are wonderful!! So great to have a perfectly square shooting and sawing bench hook to start a project. Eventually, I will get my sharpening and squaring game on point. But I appreciate having this easy win that decreases frustration and increases the fun as I learn. ❤

[@mrleverage2006]

When I'm not doing a project (usually a custom box) I'm making jigs or "thingys" to help me make better cuts or sanding blocks, etc. I love people who make helpful jigs. I'm going to make myself a pair of bench hooks, THX.

[@jacohop]

It takes a lot of work to find such simplicity. Nice review. Plus love seeing communities support each other.

[@ssrattus]

Thanks James and Rex.

[@danielfasang4983]

When I first started I wanted to build everything my self. And I did. Sort of the Rex way to do it, because it´s the cheap way to do it. Making two bench hooks cost nothing because all ou need are left over scraps. But as time went on I discovered, that it also takes a lot of time to build all these jiggs. It´s good practise but it takes time and I notices that my "real" projects didn´t come a along as wuickly as I hoped. So now I´m way more open to just buying a jig for the task... And it´s also a great way to support the producers. Keep it up guys!

[@toonybrain]

Agree. I also walked that path. Now I’d rather focus on and get projects done: “blowing off large chips” as James put it. 🙂

[@GillTeeGifts]

What a great product review and a stupendious compare and contrast between you and @RexKrueger Great work. Im not a dedicated handtool wood worker, but they are certainly mixed into my workflow, as are both you and Rex mixed into my "view flow"! You both add great info to the world in a fun way...even if Rex is in the Mistake on the Lake with those Browns... 😊😊

[@stephengifford3621]

Love watching both you and Rex! Just got my CR bench hooks last week (bought the seconds also). T-Rex, that was great!

[@GrantHendrick]

Great support for the community. Thank you.

[@Vikingwerk]

Getting started is half the battle!

[@TheTechRep1]

These are great for someone that doesn’t have a bench vise yet, or foe someone who just likes to have options

[@eloscuro704]

I actually do have a vise - a sweet Jorgeson. But when I made the bench, I failed to account for it's dimensions correctly. So I had to install it in the middle which limits the types of cuts I can use it for. Those cuts happen to be the ones that you can use these bench hooks for. So I will probably pick up a few.

[@LivingWellWithTheShaffers]

The T-Rex! I enjoy your videos, looking to do more hand tool woodworking. Your videos and Rex’s are very informative. Keep up the good work.

[@OtherThanIntendedPurpose]

I watch a lot of woodworking channels. I do not agree with everything any one person says or does. I do watch Rex, and I have gotten a few ideas from him. I also ( obviously) watch your channel, and have takes some ideas from you. I have been working with wood since my dad started teaching me when I was 6, and I will be 56 in a month, so I have had a lot of varied information over the decades. I just take what looks good, and let things I don't care for slide by. I am glad you didn't slam Rex here. and I want that shirt ;P

[@tonyupton8980]

made mine last century, thanks for letting me know what they are called.

[@patriotrooster2480]

Thank you for everthing you do. I really enjoy watching and learning from you.

[@skippylippy547]

OMG! T-Rex! 🤣 Gotta get Rex's T-square next!

[@georgemuff5482]

Nice review, thanks. I like both of your channels for the reasons you stated!

[@johnford7847]

My bench hooks have always been like the ones you showed - a wide base with a thick piece along the far end. I often use the base as a work surface for chiseling or other such operation. But it would be convenient to have a matched surface for cutting long pieces. The Compass Rose hooks sound like a real bargain. Thanks for the review.

[@johnford7847]

I didn't realize it, but Rex's instructions (available for free at Compass Rose) also include instructions for making your own bench hooks AND instructions for making solid wood bench hooks in the style Roy Underhill used demo'd in "The Woodwright's Shop."

[@unrealheadcase]

"and I shall call it, the T-Rex!" lol gotta love it

[@offidano9587]

They seem to be most useful as a pair so as to support both sides of the work. Would a single board the a gap in the middle be a useful variation?

[@WoodByWrightHowTo]

Both have their uses. For working on shorter stock I usually just use the one.

[@offidano9587]

​@@WoodByWrightHowTo Thanks. I later remembered that years ago I had a miter box that came with a lip to serve the same bracing purpose. I can see that having two hooks can really give one flexibility and avoid any feeling of being cramped.

[@Trashed20659]

Very interesting idea for an "any size" bench hook.I imagine that the user would want to have a straight and true edge on his workbench to hook them to.

[@jeswe_8460]

Thank you for the wonderful review!

[@riccardo-964]

They work for pulling saws as well, Sir.

[@davidpascoe293]

I look forward to buying your book when you write it.

[@gaylanbishop1641]

Great vid. Two of my favorite KZbinrs

[@jamesbarros950]

Got them last month. Tossed them together while another project was gluing up. I’m all about building my own stuff but without a table saw, it would have been a fair bit of trusting in my not yet there skills, and beside, I think buying a hobby board to cut them would have cost about what I paid for them.

[@WoodenBoatBen]

Enjoying the varied camera angles. Not too square ;)

[@jameslouder]

Did you ever mix up a batch of epoxy, be it ever so small, where you didn't have a bit left over? Maybe quite a bit? Filling up those inadvertent but inevitable saw-cuts in your bench-hooks is a great use for the stuff.

[@brooklynpaul4003]

Really nice shoutout to a "competitor," though I know you two have actually worked together. And the video must be working, because the item is sold out!

[@thomashverring9484]

Great review, James! You're Wright! And I could really use a T-square!

[@IraRomfh]

This is a very neat product and you are right, it is very Rex. I just have one question: why send out pegs in a baggie and worry about the additional alignment hole? Why not just send them glued up? From a user stand point, like you said, it does not seem fun or rewarding to put together and from a business standpoint you could simplify your packaging. Just my 2 cents. Thanks for the review.

[@WoodByWrightHowTo]

Surprisingly the amount of work it requires to do that assembly would probably add another $10 to the peace. And that would put it out of the price point of most people. Most everything else in the kit can be done by machine but the manual labor is the expensive part. And I spoke wrong they're not locating holes they're just identification holes. You have to put some identifying Mark in either piece and the easiest and most cost-effective way is just to drill a shallow hole with the same bit you use to cut the peg holes. The world of manufacturing is a wildly interesting one.

[@martingiordano7616]

There is several right ways to do things including the Wright way and the Rex way. LOL

[@TheJohnreeves]

No, YOU worry about making them square. I didn't even know that was a thing I should be worrying about and now I need to make new ones!

[@davewest6788]

You both rock hahd as we say in New England

[@ferguscosgrave7510]

Thanks

[@christophermahon1851]

"T Rex" Absolutely beautiful! I just hope he takes it well. Don't want you guys to square off over it!

[@DraganIlich-r1s]

Thanks!🎉

[@marcbarash6045]

Thanks James

[@AdamDrew]

Now you need to make a set of super fancy, complicated bench hooks.

[@cliffwood7386]

Ah yes, the Wright way and the Rex way. Clever!

[@MCsCreations]

Fantastic work and review, James! 😃 I'd love to get some as well! Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@DeDraconis]

I know how you feel, James. I also have friends I want to roast and jab at, but now that they're older, they don't screw up or cut corners nearly as often. Some of them even hold themselves to a professional standard now, the jerks.

[@Keithmwalton]

Rex doesn’t take into account people who aren’t in the best of health. My joint and back issues limit what I can do in the shop. If I switched from using my vise to using a saw bench and bench hooks and holding everything in place, I would be in a lot more pain. I know it’s not for everyone, but he dismisses this fact as if vises are silly

[@arick_mnc]

rex uses the vise quite a bit. he doesn't say the are silly so much as advocates you try other things and usually gravitated towards simplicity, speed, and low cost. you are entitled to your opinion and preferences. I have had an exchange about the value of work holding on a saw bench. I love my hold fasts on a split top saw bench because it works for me quite well when I need an extra hand to hold the off cut or for a rip etc.. he doesn't see need for that. to each his own... observe, assess, incorporate what you think will work for you. All the best.

[@hassanal-mosawi4235]

Thanks for sharing that!

[@markbaker9459]

Roy Underhill had bench hooks highlighted in his show decades ago. Way2Go Rex, revisiting old ways done today is always great… Watch Roy’s video for his normal slap-stick humor…,

[@danielr.schafer9504]

Hay’ if it works…..ya baby! Go for it! Its nice to see other guys using stuff that other figuer out! I like it! T Rex thats awesome!

[@kencarlile1212]

Yup, I'm going to second (or third or hundreth) the T square idea!

[@TheMetamarx]

Great work guys

[@SeanoDragon]

Such a clear review 👌

[@artswri]

Nice hooks, thanks for showing

[@forrest-w2h]

Do a video on the Stanley no 3.

[@robertberger8642]

Good, fair review. 👍

[@NathanP711]

Yes, I second the T-rex idea.

[@tobiasfrancisco5879]

Nice work Tex Goober! 🥳

[@AndrewMu]

thanks for the content ❤

[@hubrigant]

With the video title, I was expecting James to be throwing some shade on Rex. I'm happy to be wrong. I guess there's a first time for everything.

[@paulsylvester1394]

So the truth is that Rex has hit it out of the park! And this is a great little video! I like building my own jigs, but I can spend time making projects or spend time making jigs. It is always a choice.

[@clydedecker765]

One of the first things I envisioned for my getting into woodworking was a bench followed by Bench hooks. I built the bench and then ... a couple of hundred other things got in the way and I never really turned to hand tool working because I was in such a hurry to get those other things done -- with power tools (they were fast) ... My words to others .. DO THE BENCH HOOK thing first - it will encourage you to actually USE those hand tools instead of the power tools.

[@kennethnielsen3864]

Thanks for sharing.

[@lmaoooo-hn5fn]

Can't wait to make Rex's hook + shooting board combo... I'll burn some designs into it, rub on some wood stain, and use wooden pegs instead of screws. After finishing with a card scraper, I'll have the prettiest bench hook there is... until I finally use it!

[@egbluesuede1220]

I enjoy making my own tools and jigs but can see the value in this for some people.

[@jraglob5924]

Thanks again!

[@AllanMacMillan]

Have these got you hooked on compass rose?

[@richardhart7652]

A fair review

[@hornetsv3014]

What a great review

[@warrenmunn3224]

Evening James

[@WoodByWrightHowTo]

morning!

[@christyshultz6443]

Nice vid. 👍

[@MrHandOfDoom]

love the vids, keep it up!

[@athmostafa2462]

I like both channels rex and wright , just wait until you see my bench hook 😂.

[@lejlej]

Sometimes I wish I could give more than one thumb up on a video, for example when your closing pun is a funny as this one.

[@davidgleason2519]

This video is 9 hours old and already I’m late to the party -Rex’s bench hooks are sold out. Congrats to Rex and congrats to James for an informative and lively review. It certainly made me want to purchase the bench hooks. Alas…

[@WoodByWrightHowTo]

He said he already has the next batch going. Apparently more people wanted them than he had expected.

[@jerbear7952]

I can't believe Rex responded like that on his patreon. I've never seen such a thing. It would almost be worth joining his patreon just to see what im going on about.

[@WoodByWrightHowTo]

Now you got me interested. I am one of his patrons but I don't know what you're talking about.

[@kennethleitner1337]

While these are great bench hooks could you do a video on building a 'bench hook' miter board? Issues of 'squareness' are obvious, but getting a saw slot that is 90 and 45 degrees and doesn't bind (saw plate + offset) and doesn't allow for 'wobble' (a saw with plate and offset of .0025 in a slot that is .0050) is challenging.

[@shanksjeffcott8598]

I so want a Trex

[@ozzy6900]

Nice review!

[@lelandallen]

I’m hooked

[@knight4today]

I think @RexKrueger makes stuff not for people like you, but for newbies, first timers, etc.

[@barryminner8749]

Awesome!

[@doctorwalker1]

Nice!

[@jerbear7952]

You can make friends as an adult. These two did. I saw them skipping through a field of posies together the other day. Looked like a nice time but my ankles aren't what they used to be.

[@Fusion_Woodworking]

James is hooked. Not sure if he's goona use that post credits.

[@WoodByWrightHowTo]

Wait untell you see the short coming out early next week.

[@shanksjeffcott8598]

Awesome

[@davidwhiteley3879]

Oh man, I thought you had a REAL BEEF with Rex - I was going to have to unsubscribe to your channel. So glad you don't have a beef with Rex and that I don't have to unsubscribe from your channel. Thanks

[@toyfiretrucking]

handy

[@dpmeyer4867]

He should make gardening stuff ….it would be called Compost Rose

[@madtitan9639]

Wright or Rex, I love a good pun!

[@wiseoldfool]

Yep, we need a T-Rex. I'll be a beast of a jig.

[@mikedurkee7296]

Don't ever give up the "Dad Jokes"

[@markbaker9459]

As to the use of materials: Plywood- maybe fine for a one time use and throw away My own are solid oak and years old and true.

[@MrMNRichardWright]

Great review, and jokes too