Patron Edition Video: Building the CT Bench
Added 2023-07-08 11:00:02 +0000 UTCFriends:
It took a bit longer than expected, but I just finished the Connecticut Bench from my recent Furniture Forensics video. The build should have been quick and easy....which is the first clue that it's going to be long and frustrating.
This "simple" nailed bench was pretty complicated and I found a deep respect for the carpenters who built it. I overcame several obstacles, but I also learned a ton.
Just like usual, the plans are being drawn now, but they'll be available for FREE on Wednesday. They'll be posted here and on the Plans Archive. We'll also be posting the Nailed Furniture Bundle. All of those plans are already available for free, but we know Patrons enjoy the big bundles and we'll post those, too.
We have a lot of fun content already filmed for this month and we're so excited to share it with you. It's going to be a great summer.
Happy Saturday!
--Rex
Comments
How does one get access to the archived plans
Doug W
2024-04-12 11:34:33 +0000 UTCI very much appreciate your projects which do not require expensive materials or expensive tools. The nailed projects actually create a very unique and authentic look. Thanks.
Mike Griffin
2023-07-11 14:09:47 +0000 UTCI've never been able to get a handle on toe-nailing. I've ruined more boards than I can count trying. I usually end up drilling pilot holes. But that doesn't help nails "bite into the wood". That hag's-tooth nail is a good trick that I'm gonna have to remember.
Michael Bennett
2023-07-10 08:51:38 +0000 UTCCool! This is my first Patron early video. Awesome! The hole in the legs is definitely to prevent splitting. It might also be for looks. You can make the hole with a larger diameter if you want a different appearance. Photos of the CT bench at the beginning of the video ... I thought the bench was smaller. Like, a little bigger than a foot stool.
Eric W
2023-07-09 03:59:50 +0000 UTCMy partner watched this with me this morning, and she just sent me a link and said, "I found a Rex Krueger bench" lol. I'm pretty surprised at how similar it is: https://www.m37auction.com/bidding.taf?_function=detail&auction_uid1=6566078
Kaleb Smart
2023-07-09 01:57:59 +0000 UTCNice work Rex. Good to see you back. Great tips on nailing. I've used the toe nailing technique on studs when framing sheds but have built so little nailed furniture never thought to use it there. Thank you for the video. Have a good weekend.
Matt Evans-Koch
2023-07-09 01:48:21 +0000 UTCThis might sound silly, but I've used a nail as a drill bit to start a hole. Clip off the mushroom end and place in the chuck. From the few times I've done this, it works pretty well. That way you could then place the nail in the leg, place the leg on the top and hammer home. No guessing which size drill bit to use.
Tom Manseau
2023-07-08 20:12:34 +0000 UTCAnother great video! I am a professional scenic carpenter, and I use that "poke the tip of the nail through" trick all the time to keep awkward pieces in place while I secure them. It's rare for me to see anyone on YouTube build furniture using the techniques I actually use at work everyday. It was nice to see the two worlds collide for a minute. Keep up the great work, Rex!
Will
2023-07-08 19:25:42 +0000 UTCRex, I wish I had this video before the July 1 long weekend. I had the exact issues as you and my solutions were not as good as yours. On the legs 3 pairs later I ended up doing a 3/8β dado. It worked but not as strong as the one I used from your lesson today and much less time. It is so much more stable. I did go with 1 1 1/8β finished fir. Overall a great video and education. Thank you.
Blake Webber
2023-07-08 19:23:42 +0000 UTCNice video Rex! I thought this was quite a handsome looking bench from your original forensics video. Love the idea to do a different colour undercoat with the milk paint. That will wear quite nicely. :)
Stefan Tarras
2023-07-08 16:53:40 +0000 UTCRex, I like the "less popular" videos you produce, too. Perfect for my skill level and skill-building. I'm never going to replicate 95% of the elaborate projects on YouTube (many of which are made in fully-equipped shops, which I will never have). So thanks as always. Oh, I'm currently embarked on the Moravian bench, which is definitely a skill-builder for me. Sliding dovetails are a lot different than plain old corner dovetails. Whew.
Dean Wight
2023-07-08 16:15:55 +0000 UTCThis video had a lot of really valuable tips in it that I had never thought about, even if I consider myself to be somewhat experienced in hand tool woodworking! The sawdust around the dead knot alone was worth the price of admission!
Kenneth Carlile
2023-07-08 15:05:01 +0000 UTCThat was my thinking even before you started nailing
Richard C von Brecht
2023-07-08 14:33:05 +0000 UTCThis is the type of video I love. Lots of technique on display. From the winding sticks made from painters tape to how to avoid blowout while end grain planing. So how many nails did you use to hold the legs to the seat?
Richard C von Brecht
2023-07-08 14:30:13 +0000 UTCNice work! Thanks for showing that you also can learn new things from mistakes.
John Hiemstra
2023-07-08 14:22:56 +0000 UTCRex figured it out π
Wouter Engels
2023-07-08 13:52:04 +0000 UTCUffda! Best word I got for your frustrations on this. Uffda!
Bradley Barth
2023-07-08 12:01:55 +0000 UTCToe nailing has always been the bane of my existence, so I feel your pain. In your place I probably would have drilled a starter hole, but that would make for less interesting video. :-)
Brian Taylor
2023-07-08 12:01:55 +0000 UTCNicely done. One question: Is your Compass Rose Hero placed perfectly so as to catch the light and glow as if a beacon? If not, don't change it. Great subliminal marketing!
Bill Brisky
2023-07-08 11:32:44 +0000 UTC
