Early Access Video: How to Pick a Workbench
Added 2021-09-18 11:01:01 +0000 UTCFriends:
This video was years in the making.
For a long time , I've studied classic workbenches from around the world. I've read dozens of books and articles and examined countless benches in person. Workbenches are so varied; every culture seems to have it's own take on the simple work-table. All the shapes and options leave people paralyzed when it comes time to build their own bench.
I'm hoping that this video will solve that problem.
I compare all the most common forms for their strengths, weaknesses, cost and difficulty to build. There's no solution that will suit everyone, but I think I've presented a bench for every situation. So, if you're agonizing about which bench to build, suit back and watch.
I've got you covered.
--Rex
(Extra shout-out to my editor Nate H. and my 3D designer Nate D. for really going above and beyond with this technically demanding video.)
Comments
If I build one of these work benches, am I able to put heavy duty wheels on them so I can move the bench around my workshop? I have a small workshop and I need to be able to move It by myself.
Ken Burgess
2023-09-01 21:08:28 +0000 UTCGreat info, just too bad I don't have the room for any of these choices. I live in a cabover camper so space is extremely limited. I actually found plans for a small workbench that can take a lot of abuse. It uses the half-lap joinery with through bolts. It's a bit hefty, but works great with hand tools. Actually pretty stable, even when planing.
Dale
2021-10-13 00:35:22 +0000 UTCI think the best reason for wider boards on the English bench is to avoid glue ups. That will really slow down a quick build. That being said, use what you've got! I'm sure ash would be fine for the top, as long as your base is sound. Considering that you'll be throwing hundreds of pounds of wood on top of your bench, planing, sawing, and pounding against it, the difference between the two tops should be negligible I have a Nicholson bench that I built from Mike Siemsen's Naked Woodworker video. It was my first real project, made with home center wood and tools except for a low angle jack I didn't know how to sharpen. It has held up very well, as much as I would like to make another bench I've got absolutely no reason!
Jonathan Musselwhite
2021-10-02 14:15:12 +0000 UTCI've been considering building a Roubo for a little while but I just don't have the experience and it seems daunting. The Anarchist's Workbench is a great overview of what I'd need to do but I am still making that transition from rough carpentry to quality woodworking, so I'm not sold on it just yet. After watching this, I'll probably end up making the English workbench. I downloaded the plans for it. Any reason 2x10s rather than another suitable wood for the top (e.g., an equivalent space of 2x4s)? I've got some rough slabs of ash I could try to plane down and maybe top it with but idk if that would be overkill, or maybe even not supportable by the cradle/frame.
Pedro Sarsama
2021-10-01 23:27:15 +0000 UTCI built the Joiners Bench a while back, and I love it! At least I do when I can get to it! Right now I'm sharing some space with my son-in-law, and it gets a bit cluttered at times. But it's all worthwhile, when I walked into the shop (it's a 10x16 Amish-built Dutch Colonial with a couple extra windows) and I saw what son-in-law had just finished installing - a (used)55" LED Smart TV, and my old, injured but repaired (thats what he does) laptop, all networked together on my WIFI, and there, big as life, was Rex Kreuger, working on one of his excellent small benches! So, I can start up a project, and when it goes awry I can watch the video and see exactly how Rex done it! And it's right on the wall where I'd normally have a ton of tools that I'll never use, hung up, taking space, and adding to the clutter. But I learned from Rex, and am tossing or selling most of those old things, and concentrating on getting a quality set of basic tools that I can really learn to use correctly. And that solid English Joiners Bench is simple proof that it can be done.
Howard Tuckey
2021-10-01 02:54:51 +0000 UTCI think they're all in there.
Rex Krueger
2021-09-30 12:34:32 +0000 UTCYou won't regret an English. So little time and wood for a real bench.
Rex Krueger
2021-09-30 12:33:51 +0000 UTCI've been need this video I plan on making a bench next year. Although I'm still trying to decide will probably go with the English style but am considering the rubo just don't think my woodworking skills are quite ready for the rubo.
Joff
2021-09-28 00:09:22 +0000 UTChi Rex, please put the links at the bottom of the video books, videos etc as you said on this workbench video you just did. I really like and value the resources you add at the end of your videos. Can you do it for this one as well. Best wishes Rex
Paul Mouradian
2021-09-26 05:06:39 +0000 UTCThat was durning the Premiere period, where they do dark for a few hours. Sorry!
Rex Krueger
2021-09-24 18:56:51 +0000 UTCI'm afraid I don't know, but is very common on the internet if you google a bit.
Rex Krueger
2021-09-24 18:55:55 +0000 UTCRex, just curious but what is the name of the painting shown at 4:30?
Mike M
2021-09-24 13:21:46 +0000 UTCWell, I'm back, and I think everything's good for now. Covid, with cancer and a couple of other things tends to mess with the mind, but for some reason, the only things I missed were the Ford forums and THIS little corner of the universe! I *was* able to see some of your stuff, Rex, and have settled on the Lightweight Traveling Bench, The Frontier Desk, (for my new great granddaughter) and the shaving horse/bench for my next three projects. And depending on build time, that little traveling bench may turn into three of them, for a couple of my grandsons beside myself! Nice Christmas presents! And this video presentation looks to be exactly what I need! I did manage to find a couple of older saws to restore (more on that later), and dug a couple of antique tools out of the old barn, but now I'm gonna concentrate on catching up. For some reason I couldn't get you in Patreon and Youtube was acting wonky, and I couldn't get any help for either of them. But I finally got here, so point me to an empty seat for the show and lets have at it!
Howard Tuckey
2021-09-23 21:23:29 +0000 UTCBut seriously, advice around 16:00 is the best thing ever: just build something. I'm still learning how to use the one I built (based on Rex's Traveller's) , and I'm constantly making modifications, but it is so gratifying and useful to have a proper bench. Maybe I'll build something higher/bigger at some point; maybe I won't. But getting past the bench let me start doing actual furniture again. And that's the best part.
Kenneth Carlile
2021-09-23 02:31:44 +0000 UTC2:10 bench envy kicks in
Kenneth Carlile
2021-09-23 02:10:36 +0000 UTCsad face
cody campbell
2021-09-22 16:03:47 +0000 UTConce its marked for premiere on youtube it stops being watchable until it goes live even if it was previously unlisted like how these are
Khitiara
2021-09-22 15:27:25 +0000 UTCFor some reason this "early access video" is not letting me watch it.
cody campbell
2021-09-22 14:06:14 +0000 UTCI’m in the process of building a new bench for a second, very tiny, work location mainly focused on hands tool work. Perfect timing! Thanks!!!
FixMasterMike
2021-09-22 12:22:36 +0000 UTCRex when you say even a beginner can knock this project in a day, I want you to remember that as a true beginner who had never built anything before in my whole life, making my first workbench using your video as a guide took me 3 quarters of a year. I also worked on it several days a week for at least an hour. I could build it much quicker now though! Thanks for the lessons.
Russell
2021-09-22 00:45:06 +0000 UTCInteresting you should mention that. My current plan is to finish building the BMW I got all the pieces for, *and* build Rex's joiner bench. Even though I use almost nothing but hand tools now, I can see that BMW is still going to be a useful workstation for holding things. In fact, I just realized that I should build it the same height as whatever height I pick for the joiner's bench, so it can act as an extension.
Gordon Brandly
2021-09-21 03:50:22 +0000 UTCthat was my Point, Rex. I ahve no skill, it was just all about attaching long flush legs to your LRB benchtop using techniques you described in your videos. I have enjoyed planing the top using pencil marks and winding sticks... That said, the biggest obstacle is to stop thinking about building a bench and start doing it. Your videos help in that aspect a lot so thank you for that
Otakar Schön
2021-09-20 14:42:36 +0000 UTCThat sounds like a fantastic experience!
Rex Krueger
2021-09-20 13:24:12 +0000 UTCYou're so welcome!
Rex Krueger
2021-09-20 13:23:45 +0000 UTCShaker benches are amazing. Those people didn't mess around.
Rex Krueger
2021-09-20 13:23:37 +0000 UTCReally? That's awesome!
Rex Krueger
2021-09-20 13:22:53 +0000 UTCDo you read the høvelbenk blog? It's amazing.
Rex Krueger
2021-09-20 13:22:39 +0000 UTCI feel like the Sellers bench is another good choice.
Rex Krueger
2021-09-20 13:22:18 +0000 UTCPlease do!
Rex Krueger
2021-09-20 13:21:42 +0000 UTCSteve is a great one for getting people started!
Rex Krueger
2021-09-20 13:21:10 +0000 UTCI have also built benches to use as a Sawstop outfeed. Worked great!
Rex Krueger
2021-09-20 13:20:53 +0000 UTCWell said!
Rex Krueger
2021-09-20 13:20:24 +0000 UTCI bet it will come out great!
Rex Krueger
2021-09-20 13:19:49 +0000 UTCI have only ever used benches with traditional height (33-34 inches). Does my back hurt sometimes? Yup. Did it hurt sometimes before i every touched a woodworking tool. Yup. I really wish i had better advice to give.
Rex Krueger
2021-09-20 13:19:32 +0000 UTCThe difference is that you have done something in the past upon which you can base some talking. Me? Not so much. Got to get to that half-finished joiners bench and my shoe cabinet...
Sean McGown
2021-09-20 13:18:06 +0000 UTCThank you for the kind words! We really worked hard on this one.
Rex Krueger
2021-09-20 13:18:00 +0000 UTCThat's good advice.
Rex Krueger
2021-09-20 13:17:43 +0000 UTCIt's totally possibe.....but then the screw portion of the clamp is always pointing up, which is less than ideal.
Rex Krueger
2021-09-20 13:17:29 +0000 UTCYou're kindly very welcome.
Rex Krueger
2021-09-20 13:16:50 +0000 UTCYou're right that there are MANY hybrid benches in the historical record and I wouldn't dissuade you from a bit of the old mix-and-match.....unless this is your first bench. That's a terrible time to experiment. Build a very basic bench in a standard style and try it for a month or two at least. Or ignore me and best I wish you all the luck!
Rex Krueger
2021-09-20 13:16:10 +0000 UTCI decline to weigh-in on geometry, of which I know so little, but I think it's telling thatso few historical benches have slanted legs, especially since VERY old benches did have splayed legs and woodworkers gradually ditched these for the basic rectangle.
Rex Krueger
2021-09-20 13:13:01 +0000 UTCVideos and books are really perfect together. Neither one alone can teach you the craft.
Rex Krueger
2021-09-20 13:10:50 +0000 UTCI did my best to cover them all.
Rex Krueger
2021-09-20 13:10:08 +0000 UTCThat's wonderful to hear!
Rex Krueger
2021-09-20 13:09:50 +0000 UTCI'm delighted that you think so. This one was a lot of work.
Rex Krueger
2021-09-20 13:09:36 +0000 UTCI could totally be wrong about the difficulty of the Roubo. So hard to gauge other people's skill lever.
Rex Krueger
2021-09-20 13:09:12 +0000 UTCJust one? I gotta try harder.
Rex Krueger
2021-09-20 13:08:31 +0000 UTCI work on one every day. No complaints.
Rex Krueger
2021-09-20 13:08:19 +0000 UTCI'm so bad at less talking!
Rex Krueger
2021-09-20 13:08:06 +0000 UTCI never thought that tightening the vise would have that effect, but it makes sense.
Rex Krueger
2021-09-20 13:07:53 +0000 UTCYou can ask them yourself since they are the guests at this month's WBS!!!
Rex Krueger
2021-09-20 13:06:10 +0000 UTCFor sure! Those boys wanted to get paid.
Rex Krueger
2021-09-20 13:05:43 +0000 UTCOkay, point taken! Remember that I was born in '79. A lot of the YT audience is pretty young, so the 80s seem distant.
Rex Krueger
2021-09-20 13:05:14 +0000 UTCGood luck on the build!
Rex Krueger
2021-09-20 13:04:24 +0000 UTCI wish I could have made this video years ago, but it took a long time to understand the topic.
Rex Krueger
2021-09-20 13:03:58 +0000 UTCI do think the Roubo is a great hybrid bench.
Rex Krueger
2021-09-20 13:03:31 +0000 UTCYou really can't go wrong with either.
Rex Krueger
2021-09-20 13:03:10 +0000 UTCWe’ll done. We went with the Moravian a little over a yr ago and the skills learned and practiced have been invaluable. Sturdy, portable, wonderfully usable and great springboard in the journey to mastery of building. I’ve watched my wife morph from curious novice to incredibly skilled artisan. You’re point on doing the work is spot on.
Cyn R Johnson
2021-09-20 00:29:48 +0000 UTCOmg, I have been needing this video, thank you!!
Helanya
2021-09-19 23:28:52 +0000 UTCThe 80's were a difficult time to be a writer. I remember the Great Quill Shortage like it was yesterday. Luckily, I graduated in '83, so I missed most of the hardships.
Jeff Tinsley
2021-09-19 23:21:28 +0000 UTCRex, I’m one of your non purest woodworkers. My primary “workbench” is the fence extension for my table saw. I’ve been designing a work bench in my head awhile. A lot of my thoughts are based on a modified version of your Nicholson bench. It’ll be mobile with those retractable wheels so it can double as a saw outfeed table for sheet stock. I even bought and began seasoning two by sixes for the top. The one change I’m considering is moving the K brace to the center line of the bench. I’m always short of storage space that gives me the option of adding some drawers. I’m not sure how to incorporate those aprons. I use clamps a lot with my Moxon vice and glue ups. BTW I totally agree with your philosophy. I worked at a process engineering company we weren’t allowed time for introspection. The schedule had to be met. But this bench is being worked in with other big projects but it will be finalized soon. This video was extremely helpful in solidifying its design. PS: I took your advice a bought Scott Landis’s book. It is excellent. I might model my bench more along the lines of a Shaker bench. The Shakers incorporated drawers and cabinets in their basic design. Since I’ll have a top made from two by sixes I might add an x-brace below the top to prevent racking. A project like this is a journey. This isn’t my first bench and likely it won’t be my last.
Richard C von Brecht
2021-09-19 19:00:10 +0000 UTCI built your English Joiners bench. I used pressure treated construction lumber and it sits outside under the lean-to patio cover of my shop. I use it all the time for heavy messy work. It is an awesome design that is easy to build. The bench just survived Hurricane Ida.
Skully Wood and Metal
2021-09-19 14:55:10 +0000 UTCI’m not so sure that rectangular construction is such a fatal flaw as you make it out to be. Yes, if each pair of components was only attached to each other at a single point, it would ABSOLUTELY be a fatal flaw, but the thickness of the lumber stabilises it, and if you’re really worried you can always add a diagonal brace, like Rex did on his English joiner’s bench. Remember that you only need two points to define a line, and three to define a plane, so once you use sturdier joinery than a single nail or screw at each joint you no longer have that parallelogram problem.
Ragnhild
2021-09-19 09:50:29 +0000 UTCYou might find it interesting to note that the Norwegian name for the “European style” bench that is typical in woodworking classrooms in Norway is “høvelbenk”, or “planing bench”. That probably tells you a bit about its strengths and weaknesses.
Ragnhild
2021-09-19 09:31:13 +0000 UTCThank you for the great video Rex. My first workbench was an 8' 2x12 stretched between two dining chairs. Now almost 50 years later I am working on a Paul Sellers style workbench and have been through about 4 different benches made in anyway I could put them together. As you said just build the first bench and if you build a second it will be amazing. For some of us it may take a few more than two benches but as you change the way you work, don't be afraid to change the bench to suit. Thank you again.
Matt Evans-Koch
2021-09-19 03:42:26 +0000 UTCI built a Euro bench about three years ago for the white oak scrap pile at the boat build I'm volunteering on. Because of the complex vise which necessitates setting back the legs the bench, at about 5'6", doesn't balance well. If I lean on the end the bench tips up, even though it it quite heavy. That bench I moved down to the boat and I have built a second bench that is a bit of a hybrid. It has the heavy legs and joinery of a rubou. The top is over 2" thick white oak with a wagon vise. There is a wide Nicholson apron on one side only so I can still clamp to the other three edges. I'll post some photos on the discussion group.
Fred Gosbee
2021-09-18 22:30:40 +0000 UTCI’d like to add a vote for Steve Ramsey’s BMW style bench, it’s a quick easy build that gets you to a bench owning starting point and you can always manipulate the size to fit the space you have. By no means a classic beauty but you can do work on one.
Wayne
2021-09-18 22:08:16 +0000 UTCI finally built Rex's English bench with modifications to meet my needs. Loving having a good bench where I can finally plane, etc. It's perfect for what I need. I built it so same height as stopsaw so it's also acting as extension table for long boards I need to cross cut. Anyways I enjoy video and it's information
Thor C. Ritz
2021-09-18 21:14:50 +0000 UTCCan't help think of the comment about cameras - the best one is the one you have with you. With Benches, it's more what's within (or at least not too far from) your capabilities, fits the space you have, and enables you to do what you need. I built a Low Roman from your plans because that was going to be straightforward, and while in some ways I wish I'd seen the lightweight version - because I can only just move it without help - for the space I have available it worked. I have very limited space, so am attracted to a knockdown design like the Moravian that I could potentially store in parts and assemble when needed; does that make it the best? No, it just makes it the best for me. What type of bench you have is ultimately less important than what you do on it and with it - it's a tool to help you do stuff, not an end in itself!
Rob Weir
2021-09-18 21:05:44 +0000 UTCMost helpful. Interesting and educational. In the process of cleaning up all the raggedy old 2x6s I have to laminate a top for my workbench. It's likely to be very much the timber frame bench, since I have the wood and the space.
Joel D Canfield
2021-09-18 20:03:37 +0000 UTCGreat video, Rex! Thanks! As a beginner woodworker, I used the picnic table in the garden so far. Needless to say wife is not very happy ;-) I was planning to build one simple bench but recently broke my back. Do you have any tips for beginner woodworker recovering from back pain? A low bench seems to put lots of pressure on the back - while in use. The English one seems simple enough (for my skills) and doesn’t seem to use heavy material (not too heavy to carry to construction “site”). Any tip on the height of the finished bench? Thanks again!!!
Jean-Etienne Poirrier
2021-09-18 19:39:44 +0000 UTCRex, you knocked it out of the park with this video! I believe it will undoubtedly become one of the most popular, go-to vids on workbench choice. Awesome presentation, my friend!
Russell Gough
2021-09-18 18:09:16 +0000 UTCA piece of advice: don't build a knock down bench unless you know the lumber is truly dry enough. My bench isn't knock down now that it has dried. On the plus side, it's solid and does everything I ask. Just don't ask it to come apart for travel.
Tom Manseau
2021-09-18 17:34:05 +0000 UTCYea- same! Finishes HS in 1988- its been pointed out to me that I’m ancient (body agrees, brain does not). Still a rank newbie at this but loving the journey. I’m leaning towards some kind of tail vise but the sliding dog hole option would be wonderful. I plan to build a few more things (boxes,shoot storage/cleat wall) and use those things to bring skills up for a bench build. Also, to clean up the garage/shop so I have room to create a new bench. 😁
Jeanine Hoffman
2021-09-18 17:02:25 +0000 UTCMaybe add a few square cutouts, similar to the bench dog holes, in the apron sized to accommodate the end of the F clamp you showed?
Daniel L. Quigg
2021-09-18 16:08:21 +0000 UTCI was going to build a Euro bench, but then I spent some time watching a guy work on one who had been working on them for 30 years. Those vases were completely in the way in every single operation. Then I saw a Nicholson bench. I built one in an afternoon, using construction scraps. I repaired 10 1896 six panel doors on it. I was going to put a vise on it, but could not find a woodworkers vise locally, so I learned to do everything on it viseless. And yes, you can clamp to the sides or to the top, you just need a clamp that is long enough. Not sure why anyone thinks it's a problem, it really really isn't. Really. In fact, the aprons actually support the clamps, making clamping to the top across the apron more stable. It also gives you the option to clamp to the apron. Anyway, another fantastic video covering a HUGE and highly controversial topic. This is why I keep coming back. Thanks kindly once again.
William Allen
2021-09-18 15:48:40 +0000 UTCmy first workbench, and the current one I have, both very simple. Sheet of plywood on a deck frame like base. It's not great, and I added some diaganol bracing to keep it from shifting side to side... but it does what I need it to, for now. It's like a cheap knock-off of an English bench. Planning on building a low bench (that will also act as a seat) and eventually a sturdier bench of some kind - probably a better English bench, though I had drawn up some plans that take features for the timber frame, morovian and english benches. Why the chimera? Because, features. Ultimately the base is going to be an english base, but with the legs angled out a bit like the morovian - but won't be removable. I'm also planning to make it shorter than most benches, as I find it much more comfortable to bend over just a bit on smaller items than to have to raise my arms for bigger pieces. And with limited space for my workshop, I'm going to be using this bench as an extension to both my table saw and chop saw - which will probably be on their own stands. Looking at these styles, with the little bit of engineering I've studied, the angled legs, laminated 2x3 top, tool trough, storage shelf on the bottom that will double as leg support, and frame similar to the english bench's for under the top. And it's going to be 24 or 26 inches to the top of the work bench. That will let me stand at it to work comfortably (apparently, my arms are longer than average or something), or sit on the low bench for more detailed tasks. I'll have to build it to know how sturdy and useful it is. I was ready to build it, and then 2x3s shot up to nearly $12 for an 8' board. Prices are coming down, but I've since had to repair my truck, so *poof* goes the bench lol. Does this go against what Rex said at the end? Yep. Do I care? Actually, I do. It makes me wonder if I've gone down a rabbit hole that I shouldn't had. But I've also seen other combined feature benches that have worked really well. And who knows, maybe in 500 years, they'll be calling it the Denslinger Bench. (doubtfully lol!) Innovation is as important to civilization as invention. If the innovation is any good, that is. And if it's not, at least someone can learn something from the failure.
Jeremy Denslinger
2021-09-18 15:42:50 +0000 UTCGreat video. Agree totally, first build a low bench, it will make building a high bench ten times easier and you will continue to use it regularly, at least I do in my small, one car garage shop. Second, all bench versions but the Moravian have one fatal flaw...the right angle legs. Rectangles are inherently unstable. All equilateral four sided shapes (the floor or the stretchers are the fourth side) can also describe an infinite number of parallelogram shapes, and unless braced and joined with skill and care, all benches based on the rectangle will be prone to racking. There's a reason why nearly all saw horses, saw stands, and other such work fixtures, including the low Roman bench, have legs that splay, usually around 16 degrees from vertical, the splay fights the racking and makes the fixtures inherently more solid. The Moravian can be constructed from standard construction lumber using 4x4 or even better 4x6 for legs and 2x6 or 2x8 for stretchers...no need for the fancy dove tail spreader in the Meyers leg assembly, 2x6 for the bridal joint top and 2x4 for the through tenon bottom spreader are plenty and rock solid when glued with a draw peg. The tusk tenoned lower spreaders are a little challenge but MUCH easier than the Roubo double through tenons attaching legs to top which must be well executed to long resist racking. Even a sloppily executed Moravian mortise and tenon spreader assembly will lock up solid simply due to the geometry.
John Griswold
2021-09-18 15:10:48 +0000 UTCThank you for another excellent video. Thanks Nate and Nate for supporting Rex. I think it fantastic that you promote reading books. The written word promotes a higher level of thinking that can not be obtained in any other way. For those who do not know how to use a book, please refer to this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUQRbqc2qtY
John Hiemstra
2021-09-18 15:05:05 +0000 UTCBut I was curious about the other designs. Thanks for the info!
warren stockwell
2021-09-18 14:08:08 +0000 UTCGreat vid and info, I built your Joiner's Bench and I made a few additions/alterations, but I have been happy with it so far.
warren stockwell
2021-09-18 14:07:09 +0000 UTCRex, You did it again!!!! Excellent video, inspiring, detailed, show incredible research, down to earth, and provision of many resources, explanations are clear, concise, no nonsense and prolific Great stuff !!!!
Paul Mouradian
2021-09-18 13:57:47 +0000 UTCI know I am hardly an accomplished woodworker but I think you might undersell the roubo style a bit. I build roubo inspired bench just following a simple logic - its a higher version of your cheap roman bench. Before that I have built some DIY stuff like a speaker stands and slatted bench with no real joinery and laminating the mortices made it doable even with my limited tools and skill. Having a top made of 2x4 like material means you have enough depth to use holdfasts effectively, you can securely mount a face vise or even make a leg vise. The final advise is something I cant agree more on. Just do it. Making anything on real bench is so much easier and more ergonomic... I am happy your low roman bench video made me build my bench.
Otakar Schön
2021-09-18 13:52:16 +0000 UTCWell, you got me to buy ANOTHER book.
Larry W Thayer
2021-09-18 13:52:01 +0000 UTCI’m almost done with your English Joiners Bench (Nicholson), then making a low Roman. After watching this video, I’m still glad I went with the Nicholson style.
Pete seddon
2021-09-18 13:09:00 +0000 UTCOnce again, great work and advice that works for everything. More doing, less thinking. Definitely less talking.
Sean McGown
2021-09-18 12:26:37 +0000 UTCThank you. Great advice. I started your low Roman bench bench then pivoted to a Moravian/ English bench. Undoubtedly influenced from many of your video. https://forum.woodworkforhumans.com/t/new-workbench/5041 I was concerned that it would have a lot of movement because it can be knocked down (someday I’ll have to post pictures when I do that). There is movement on the long axis if the vise isn’t tight but a little tension there and is remains solid. I’ve since added a simple shelf sitting on the braces. If it ever starts to loosen I’ll throw some long lag bolts through it and the legs.
Brian Bell
2021-09-18 12:17:19 +0000 UTCThis was very good. Thank you. I watched MortiseandTenon's you tube on workbenches and theirs seem to be English style. But they said they regularly take their smaller one down and move it around to shows. Do you know how they do this? It looks much like your joiner's bench only portable.
Madeleine Yeh
2021-09-18 12:04:06 +0000 UTCSeriously though, good video. I loved the way you ended by saying “stop agonising”. I get somewhat annoyed by woodworking purists who feel that there’s a “correct” way to do woodworking. Can you imagine how silly that would sound to an 18th century professional carpenter who would probably have orgasmed at seeing what our modern power tools can do? They didn’t care about artisanal correctness. They had a job to do and they would do it with whichever tool got them to the end result faster. Thanks man.
Matthew Odendaal
2021-09-18 11:52:27 +0000 UTC“He wrote this WAY back in the 80’s.” Way to make me feel old Rex. 😂.
Matthew Odendaal
2021-09-18 11:46:31 +0000 UTCBest 20 minutes of my weekend! Last week I finished my low travelers bench. The lumber for my joiners bench is acclimating in the shop. I bought half the lumber back in March. The rest needs to be purchased and is a third cheaper as lumber prices have finally come down.
Marc Barash
2021-09-18 11:46:26 +0000 UTCWhere was this video when I was getting started? Just kidding, I would have built your version of the Joiner's Bench anyway. I never really considered doing a different style.
Geoffrey Wilson
2021-09-18 11:41:43 +0000 UTCAnother dandy video, Rex. I have been studying workbench designs for a while now and I have been heavily leaning toward building a Roubo. I'm a hand/powertool hybrid guy. I don't know if my skill set matches up with my intentions, but thanks to this video, I have definitely decided on my path. The Roubo it is.
Jeff Tinsley
2021-09-18 11:37:58 +0000 UTCGood round up on all the different types of benches. Made the light weight travelers bench for my use currently as that's all I can use. In the future I will definitely refer back to this video for ideas. Liking the Roubo or English bench.
Philip Edmondson
2021-09-18 11:31:52 +0000 UTC
