Exclusive Video: Testing the Minimum Timber Bench
Added 2022-10-08 11:00:05 +0000 UTCFriends:
The Minimum Timber Bench is finally done! If you've been following the whole series, you know that this design was a big experiment for me. I didn't know if it would work and the whole idea of using the least possible wood for a bench seemed....questionable at best.
Here's me running the bench through its paces and seeing what it can handle. The results might surprise you.
I'll be doing plans and a course for this bench and they'll but be ready in late November/early December.
The plans will be free to Patrons, just like always.
I'm currently at the Hershey show and I'll be back to work on Monday.
See you soon!
--Rex
Comments
When you were planning across the wood, it looked like the piece was rocking a bit. Some of your perceived bench movement could be from that. Try planning the bottom side after you've flattened the top of the board.
Iron Regimenti
2022-10-31 16:22:23 +0000 UTChow would this compare with the Moravian Bench, I got my eye on that one!! I like the idea of being able to disassemble it and I loved your video on "it fit in my trunk". thanks I will consider this one as well currently using the Roman bench
Dr RAUL ZAVALETA
2022-10-19 17:14:58 +0000 UTCI think you could add a shelf at the bottom with a couple of pieces of plywood sandwiching the bottom stretchers. You could fill the void with play sand to add weight. I've read about that trick somewhere in the distant past. Probably an old Wood magazine article. Something you could add later after saving some extra money for the bits.
Damon Conway
2022-10-11 23:00:54 +0000 UTCThanks for the advice!
John Hiemstra
2022-10-11 16:12:14 +0000 UTCAbsolutely! That's why this is the prototype. I wanted to just get one built and make sure the damn thing works! I plan on a whole course showing every detail of the hand-tool build. I had hoped for Christmas, but I'll probably have to do it for the Spring instead.
Rex Krueger
2022-10-11 13:31:35 +0000 UTCIt's pretty easy to drag around the shop, even by yourself.
Rex Krueger
2022-10-11 13:30:15 +0000 UTCI think it would handle the moving just fine. It's plenty stiff and not too heavy to move. That being said, a knock-down like the Moravian or my own Quick-Stack is probably more reasonable for moving around.
Rex Krueger
2022-10-11 13:29:55 +0000 UTCThe top won't work for holdfasts, but dogs will be no problem. I'm planning on using this bench in the traditional English style where there are only holes in the aprons and not the top. Of course, other people can modify in a million ways and I hope they do!
Rex Krueger
2022-10-11 13:27:57 +0000 UTCThat's a great idea!
Rex Krueger
2022-10-11 13:26:51 +0000 UTCYou're totally right about all the ways to add weight! It's not a big obstacle.
Rex Krueger
2022-10-11 13:26:44 +0000 UTCI'm delighted that you think it's solid. I'm pretty pleased and looking forward to improving it.
Rex Krueger
2022-10-11 13:26:06 +0000 UTCI love it, but put those bolts through the back-top apron. I think that will give better hold and stability.
Rex Krueger
2022-10-11 13:24:37 +0000 UTCI don't plan on this bench being compatible with hold-fasts. There's not enough wood in it. Many English benches don't use them. The original Joiner's bench is great with hold-downs and you can totally modify this one to use them, but I'll leave that to the user.
Rex Krueger
2022-10-11 13:23:40 +0000 UTCI'm really glad you like the bench! As to planes, I generally do put them on their sole, but sometimes when they're freshly sharpened, I put them on their side just until I use them once. It's unconscious.
Rex Krueger
2022-10-11 13:22:13 +0000 UTCThank you!
Rex Krueger
2022-10-11 13:20:37 +0000 UTCWood doesn't really care about heat so much as humidity. Changing temperatures don't matter a lot, but heating also tends to dry the place out and wild swings in moisture will affect things. That being said, this bench should be just fine. For your situation (and my future versions of the bench) I just wouldn't glue the apron to the front legs. That's the only joint that would concern me.
Rex Krueger
2022-10-11 13:20:16 +0000 UTCAll good tips! I've never had a bench against the wall...well, not in years.
Rex Krueger
2022-10-11 13:17:58 +0000 UTCI hope the design will only get more attractive as I add things like a shelf and a vise.
Rex Krueger
2022-10-11 13:17:16 +0000 UTCThe tool well will hold any common tool except hand-planes. Those are too wide. Everything else, including saws, chisels, and hammers will fit and you can store a LOT of them.
Rex Krueger
2022-10-11 13:16:52 +0000 UTCThe Hershey video is getting made this week!
Rex Krueger
2022-10-11 13:15:48 +0000 UTCThis sand thing is very popular! After I add a shelf and some tools, I'll try sand if I need more weight.
Rex Krueger
2022-10-11 13:15:30 +0000 UTCMan, that's great to hear. I was hoping for under $70 for most people now that lumber prices are coming down.
Rex Krueger
2022-10-11 13:14:11 +0000 UTCWill you be making a series of videos on how to build it with only hand tools? That would be a great project/idea.
Azzedine Lazizi
2022-10-10 21:01:35 +0000 UTCVery nice bench. I think that's exactly what I need in my garage.
Azzedine Lazizi
2022-10-10 20:59:07 +0000 UTCNice! If I hadn’t already built a heavy bench I would make this one, which I could probably move a lot more easily😀
Laura Reutter
2022-10-10 17:03:10 +0000 UTCThat is pretty cool, how well do you think it would hold up if it was used for onsite jobs and moved around?
Jim
2022-10-10 10:32:31 +0000 UTCAny thoughts of holes for bench dogs or holdfasts? Is the top thick enough for those?
Gil Grimes
2022-10-10 01:38:20 +0000 UTCWhen you film your build for real, put a houseplant on the other end of the bench when you demonstrate the movement during different operations. That will make it easy and intuitive to see how much movement and vibration is happening!
Russell Neches
2022-10-09 17:21:38 +0000 UTCThat bench came out very nice Rex. It is a perfect getting started bench. I have a number of small 5 and 10 pound dumbbells that I use when gluing sheet goods up and they would be perfect for weights on this bench. Even barbell weights would work on a simple stretcher from end to end. Thank you for taking the time to develop this series and this bench.
Matt Evans-Koch
2022-10-09 04:09:02 +0000 UTCPerfect project and tool for someone just starting out. I agree will will be plenty stable once the bottom shelf is loaded with stock & tools. Congratulations on the successful design and build.
John Shufelt
2022-10-08 23:28:04 +0000 UTCThis looks to be an ideal design for the garage bench I've been planning. I planned to put against the existing interior wall, a couple lag bolts through the bottom of the back apron, and Mr. Bench becomes one with the garage. It won't move a bit.
Robert Garlinghouse
2022-10-08 23:07:38 +0000 UTCPriced out the lumber at the orange store Doug Fir/Spruce (appearance grade) and it came to $65.84. I'm really looking forward to building this as it will be my first bench.
Matt Lorfeld
2022-10-08 21:02:59 +0000 UTCEnjoyed the video series! It's inspiring and educational to see how your design progressed and having the benefit of your explanations. I was planning to build your original joiners bench, but given space limitations I can see this one being the better choice for me. Question: will your plans include suggested locations for hold downs?
Tom Stahl
2022-10-08 20:07:29 +0000 UTCI don’t know where to start to comment on this video, there’s so much happening. The bench turned out great. Don’t sell it short. For the occasional hand tool user like me it’s perfect. Now I’m torn between the space saving tear down bench and this one for my small and getting smaller floor space workshop. Next, every week I look over your shoulder at how your shop is evolving. It is really looking pretty slick. No comparison to that joint you introduced us to. It’s bright and organized. You’re adding tools and work stations every week. Lastly, seeing your everyday use of hand tools alone is worth watching the video. One of these days those techniques will stick and I’ll emulate them unconsciously. There’s one point of confusion. To hold its alignment I was told to place your bench plane on its sole when not being used. You put yours on its side?
Richard C von Brecht
2022-10-08 19:19:45 +0000 UTCLookin good!
mshafer1
2022-10-08 18:56:54 +0000 UTCThanks for your hard work on this. I inherited a Sjobergs bench from my father in law a few years back. He said to me that it needs a shelf underneath but didn't explain why. I understand why now. Question: If I leave a bench like that in an insulated garage in winter would it cause problems when I heat up the garage on the weekend to work on projects and keep it cold the rest of the time? I do live in a cold climate in Canada.
John Hiemstra
2022-10-08 15:24:01 +0000 UTCLooks nice and solid. could actually see the pounding energy transmitted through your framed floor to the camera while the bench seemed not to move. A recommendation on use, if you plan to use it against a wall, skip the tool well, and store tools underneath on the shelf or on the wall. If you can place the bench in the middle of the shop you need the well to keep tools at hand. Up against a wall it tends to become a black hole of tools hidden by shavings and chips. Leave the division between top sections for stops, clamping, and temporary tool storage ,drop the business end through and the handle sticks up where you can see and grab it;)
John Griswold
2022-10-08 15:03:02 +0000 UTCI will have a basement shop soon and intend to make new bend. Perhaps this one. If so, I’ll let you know.
Don Heselton
2022-10-08 14:19:42 +0000 UTCAlso I am using 2 bags of sand. Seems to work well.
Don Heselton
2022-10-08 14:16:39 +0000 UTCI must say: it looks like a good bench. It's good the weight is not an issue. Is the tool well big and deep enough? I find it hard to see. Although a tool well that doesn't allow you to keep lots of stuff on the bench, might be a good thing. Mine's a mess
Wouter Engels
2022-10-08 14:11:10 +0000 UTCI think this is awesome! I have not been able to build anything more than a lightweight travelers bench because of costs. I would hope to build one of these to get something more full size. Side note: are you doing a video on the Hershey trip? Would love to see what you found and saw while there.
Bryce Carver
2022-10-08 13:57:24 +0000 UTCLooks very promising! You are right that adding the weight is no big deal. I have 2 50Lb bags of play sand that I use under my very small bench. They add weight and do a great job of dampening, l think more so than a single sold weight would do. Also they are easily removed so the set up is easily portable. I have really enjoyed watching your process. Thanks for the look inside.
Robert Bullock
2022-10-08 11:28:30 +0000 UTC
