i don’t usually comment publicly but i think your advice at the end might be the best woodworking advice on youtube. build a bench. now. build some furniture. now that’s advice!

@marcus3457

10 ай бұрын

Agreed. It is also great advice for life generally.

@RenegadestickyXXL

29 күн бұрын

I gotta admit, that advice is accurate for most things in life, especially art related things. Now woodworking is about the same amount of art/science, but still... just do the thing

@makeitbetter.1402

27 күн бұрын

Ha! I also don’t comment much but that ending advice was fantastic. I’m just one more fan in the choir. Let’s go make stuff.

I really appreciate how generous Rex is, there are so many youtubers that are just undercover tools salesmen, whereas he gives credit and points to so many different sources, kudos.

@thethirdman225

Жыл бұрын

*_"there are so many youtubers that are just undercover tools salesmen"_* My God, that is so true. Rex, Paul Sellers and Matt Estlea are basically the only ones I watch now. The whole 'Woodwork for Humans' concept is just great.

My Moravian bench is sitting in my dining room right now waiting for me to finish my tea and get back to work. I could NOT have built it without the advice and support form the gang on your forum. ❤

@thomashverring9484

2 жыл бұрын

And your work blew us away!

@A1BASE

2 жыл бұрын

You did a great job on it

@robgoodsight6216

2 жыл бұрын

👍

"We live in a culture that keeps telling us how different and how special we are and that attitude leads us to ask ourselves insane questions..." This statement alone touched my heart and I now want to carve it into my workbench

@FastEddieDee

Жыл бұрын

Its about time someone said it. God bless Rex.

Christopher Schwarz, reference at the end is THE ultimate authority on workbenches and their history. His books and articles are fabulous. And to think it all started with "The $175 Workbench"

@1pcfred

2 жыл бұрын

The $175 workbench will cost you at least $525 to build today.

Analysis paralysis is a real thing. Just make a decision, do it and learn something. Thanks for another great video Rex.

Rex's English joiner's bench is an EXCELLENT starter bench if you've never built a bench before. It's super easy to do with basically no skills, there's no complicated joinery to get stuck on. You might mess up a piece or two, but all you need to do is remake that piece and keep going. Edit: the thing that makes the English joiners bench so good is Rex himself. He walks you through step by step and he's a great teacher.

@colinmartin9797

2 жыл бұрын

I built his portable bench, and made a few small tweaks (legs are tapered and secured in bridles mortised into the batons, tapered cuts around the edges of the top) for aesthetic to let it also work as a piece of hallway furniture. And for eight freaking dollars in wood, I have a gorgeous mid-century styled hemlock hallway bench that I can carry outside and use to knock together other projects.

@gaylanbishop1641

Жыл бұрын

Lots of videos on woodworking but I enjoy yours most. I’ve decided to start woodworking, but I have a couple of challenges. First, I lost both my hands in an accident a few years ago. Second, I live in an assisted living facility, so I’ll have to do all my work by hand to keep noise down. Fortunately, there is a company (Fillauer) that makes a nice set of woodworking tools. I’m getting fitted for the new prosthetics soon, so right now I’m trying to decide on workbench as my first project. Any input would be appreciated.

As a total beginner who threw together the low work bench in two afternoons based on Rex’s video I can absolutely vouch for it being worth it. It was very approachable, I made a few mistakes but that’s fine because I learned a lot. It really built my confidence for my projects since and I use it all the time! Thanks for another great video Rex.

This is what I love about you, Rex. You not only make great in-depth videos but also include other sources for us to go and investigate. Thank you so much, Rex. I'll never stop recommending your videos.

I like the term Bench Slave. It fits. Slave as a noun: a device, or part of one, directly controlled by another. Slave as a verb: subject (a device) to control by another.

My first exposure to workbenches was, as for many, my father's and grandfather's built-in benches. As my own experiences grew, mostly on jobsites, whatever heavy, straight-ish boards that could be clamped or screwed to saw horses had to suffice. Then I converted my 2 car garage into a dediczted woodshop and the process began in reversed order from saw horse to modified gorilla rack shelves with a thick top serving to help me build a Woodsmith version of a Scandinavian workbench (which I have modified twice) from construction lumber and repurposed oak flooring. Then I bult a smaller version of your English workbench for my office/project space. Often I'll work in my driveway under pop-up canopies when I need more space. So now I'll build either a Moravian or a Roman low bench that I can pull out when needed. So if you can't make up your mind follow my path and build them all.

@1pcfred

2 жыл бұрын

Realistically something on sawhorses is the best first step. Unless you're flexible enough to go the Japanese route working on the ground.

I would also recommend Paul Seller's variation on the english joiners bench. He has a series on building the bench without a bench. I built mine about two years ago and I've built everything from small projects to eight foot dining tables and king size bed from using just that bench, and it's holding up great.

@jimcarter4929

2 жыл бұрын

Big fan of Rex, but leaving this bench out seems like huge oversight, whether intentional or not. Since he covered at least three English benches and makers I do not understand how Sellers could be left out, considering the huge influence he has had in bench building and its proven capabilities.

@RexKrueger

2 жыл бұрын

Paul has covered that bench well and people are very aware of it. You might see his bench as another variation on the Nicholson, or you might see it as a bench that's kind of unique to him. Either way, it's outside of the scope of this video....not because I don't love Paul, he's a massive influence.

@SteifWood

2 жыл бұрын

While watching this excellent and comprehensive video I was - all the time - waiting for Rex to mention Sellers' series on "How to build a workbench." Sellers also made a good and sturdy bench of plywood, the same as Pask Makes did. Rex could also have mentioned John Heisz version of the Euro-style bench he designed, which isn't too complicated to build with his detailed plans. However, as Rex said, there are no concise answer to which type to build, just go for #1 and expect #2 to be the one you will live with.

@matthewgartner5339

2 жыл бұрын

The easiest way to mention Paul Sellers on KZread Woodworking is by not mentioning him. Anyone who has googled a woodworking video knows Paul Sellers and will immediately comment that you left Paul out of the discussion. His work bench is awesome I built a modified version of it as a built-in in my garage. Does that make my bench a Seller's bench or an American built-in? I think Paul's bench is a version of the English Jointer bench with a heavier top and tool well.

I think your final thought is the most important thing in the video. The best bench is the one you have at hand to work on. Great info, Rex.

Rex, fantastic video. It is so comprehensive in its overview and then "links" to where one can find details on what they decide. Thanks again. You have become a KZread treasure.

An excellent and useful review of bench types. Much appreciated. Thanks!

This is great. Its excellent watching how you've collected all this great information for us.

really enjoy Chris videos but I used Rex's work bench as my inspiration and finished basic construction a few weeks ago an am throughly enjoying working on it now. So many thanks Rex for your help in coming up with it as well as the other projects you have inspired me to make.

Built my first ever joiners bench based off your design. Thank you for instilling me with the confidence to give it a go, it works well, better than I could have imagined.

great video and a real service to the craft. Thank you so much Rex

I’ve been planning on building my first workbench, this was really helpful. Thanks!

Thanks Rex, and your outtro encouragement was so valuable. I was watching too many workbench videos, but just need to actually make one!

As always, brilliant thanks Rex, keep em coming and stay safe and well

I love this video! I love the way you bring up the past about work benches from centuries ago, and I am going to build a work bench based on this. I subscribed to your channel and you are a most informative woodworker! Thanks!

I'm glad I found your pages. Alot of great advice and ideas. Wish I would have found you sooner because I just took off on my own and rednecked up a workbench from an old kitchen table top (I used the legs when I made an Old Farm House Table). It's worked out great for the 3 tables and 2 shelves I've made so far. But with all your shows I'm finding all kinds of new stuff I can add to the table and do it cheaper than normal. THANK YOU REX!!! Please keep on with the videos!!!

After watching your videos I built a version of the joiner's bench very similar to yours but with a tool tray added underneath. It's great, many thanks for the inspiration.

Well done. This should be a great help to those who are in the decision making process.

Thank you! New to the hand tool game and I needed this video's help!

Thanks for sharing your honest thoughts and amazing knowledge

Thanks for the great review and helpful references!

This is a damn fine honest, informative, comprehensive and inspiring video! Very impressive. The best I’ve seen on this subject to date.

wow...the last bit was amazing...encouraging and real...thank you

I got into woodworking a few months ago when I found your channel Rex. I just got the wood for my first bench (a knock down Nicholson) and can't wait to try to build it! Thanks for all the inspiring videos!

Just amazing, thanks a lot for the great overview and many many resources!

The best time to watch this video would have been before building my first bench. The second best time was today. Thanks for another great video, Rex - it has me excited to start building my new, all handtool workshop in my basement (after working in the garage for the last year or so).

Thanks Rex. I really appreciated the end where you talked about (paraphrase ahead) getting over your special self and just doing it.

I absolutely appreciate how you share credit with other woodworking teachers. Thank you for this and for your excellent instruction and insights.

outstanding! best short survey of practical woodworking workbenches i've ever seen, here or anywhere else, and i've been reading about this stuff for 30 years. nicely done. 👍

Excellent information. Thank you, Rex.

What a fantastic video. I really wish I’d had Rex when I was getting started. I started woodworking on a plastic folding table, the absolute worst workbench conceivable. When I built my first bench, I spent all my money to get the wood and hardware for a real roubo. The build took me about 3 months start to finish, as I was only 11 at the time and had to work around school. That bench has been the core of my workshop for almost 7 years now, and has helped me start and grow my woodworking business. Hands down the best part about it is that I left it bare. I simply built a framework, put on 1 vise, and started work. It’s had all manner of different work holding and tool storage devices screwed, glued, and ripped off of it in that time, and at least 6 different vises. Someday I will build it again out of nice hardwoods, with only my favorite features, but it has been the perfect bench for me.

Been watching your channel for awhile now. I have to say I've never had a video inspire me to open so many tabs at once on my browser...Thank you. You are a well of fantastic information. Thanks, Rex. Keep up the great work.

Thank you Rex! I really love your videos! I’m a beginner woodworker and your videos are just perfect for me! Again: thank you!

Great video. I needed this three years ago before I built my "forever" bench lol.

Great video. I love your thoughts at the end about just doing it. Stop fretting and just do it. I also like the idea of working with it for a couple of years to find what you like and dont so when you make your next one you know exactly (or close to exactly) what you want in your next one.

I have build the workbench from Paul Sellers, and am fully satisfied.

@MemphisCorollaS

Жыл бұрын

That’s awesome! Did you build his older version with a bench top on either side of the tool well or his newer one with only one worktop side? I’ve wondered which people prefer assuming they aren’t limited by extra small space.

This is one hundred percent the Video I was looking for. Especially the part on 12min about the low bench. I'll check out your channel. Thank you very much.

I also subscribe to the idea of building a bench and working with it but then rather than building another, have a think about modifiying the bench, adding features. There is a lot of snobbery about only using a bench of one style. I reckon if you think the tool well of a Scandinavian bench works and you like the apron of the English bench stick them together and make it work for what you do

Nicholson bench: "What would Meryl do?" we ask ourselves. She would lower the aprons so she can fit clamps in between them and the tabletop. Ingenious! Thanks for a great video as always, Rex!

@thecolonel-truesoutherngen2230

2 жыл бұрын

or at least cut some notches in it...

@johanneswerner1140

2 жыл бұрын

Doesn't work. The apron/top joint is integral to the stability of the bench. (I guess you were j joking, so... yeah, fell for that one) Build the top out of two or three boards, leave a gap between those to fit the clamps there. I do this myself (or just use a holdfast). For those who didn't get the joke...

@thomashverring9484

2 жыл бұрын

@@johanneswerner1140 No, it works really well, and no, I'm not joking, not at all. The bench is real. And Meryl is real too. There are many ways to build it.

I like your videos. You are a humble man and that’s nice to see. 😊

Fantastic historical background and explanation of bench design/function.

Exceptional video my friend. Thank you!!!!

I appreciate this soo much! Your voice is also easy on my ears so I can keep listening to you while working. Thanks a lot!

Brilliant vid, great overview- thank you

Dude mastered KZread video introductions. Well done, that had me hooked immediately.

Rex this video was a great help. You are a great "helper". 🙂

I built my first bench about 36 years ago. It was 12, 10 foot 2/4's bolted together face to face with all thread rod. It was my first and only bench. I still use it today. Thank you for sharing a interesting and informative video. Have a great day and stay safe.

Always appreciate your videos, thank you for the info!

Paul Seller's Plywood bench is a great bench...if you like gluing plywood for days. :-D

@lelandpurvis5004

2 жыл бұрын

Sellers' original design has no plywood. Vids for that are 9 years old and still up on youtube. It's a brilliant bench.

@sjlarue1

2 жыл бұрын

Correct, but after that one, he did one that was ALL plywood...from the top to the joints on the legs.

@lelandpurvis5004

2 жыл бұрын

@@sjlarue1 I'm not recommending the plywood bench. The initial design, still available, is excellent. I made mine out of Fir.

@sjlarue1

2 жыл бұрын

@@lelandpurvis5004 I know you are not. I was just saying that AFTER he did the wood bench like yours, he came out with one that was all plywood....Which is a great bench IF you like laminating hundreds of 3" wide 3/4" plywood pieces into a workbench.🤣

Very valuable video! New sub. The last 5 minutes was pure gold. So glad i came across your channel. Will be watching. Thanks!

What are great video! Appreciate the overview on the different styles and their respective histories. I clicked the “like” button because of your closing remarks. They are spot on in my opinion. Thanks

This was so helpful! I've wanted a Moravian bench for almost two years, but I never knew it existed. Thanks so much!

OMG! Just ran about your video; just one of the finest and most informative demonstration I've ever seen. Nice research, too. And a really good advice, thanx a lot! It was a great help!

You are ao generous, experienced and wise. Thank you. I made my mine not following any plan but my need, and also with "hard rubbished" wood. Its a disaster but i love it. It really solved what I wanted to. You helped me a lot.

Excellent video! Im gonna start with your low/roman bench of course but I look forward to my journey, maybe Ill build one of these in the future!

I have made two of your version of an English bench amended with an end moxon vice, bench dog holes and an adjustable central support between the front legs to support work. I also made a small split saw horse and bench mules. Great fun to build and use. Cheers Rex.

thanks for making this video. super helpful

This is what the internet is for. Very good work. I've inherited my father's pattern maker's bench from a foundry in the English midlands. It takes two of us to move it, but that's kind of the point. I have never been limited by it, but still Rex has ideas I might add and then they'll get passed on in turn.

Sir. Rex just a word ..THANK YOU ...a lot thanks...

I have James Krenov's first bench he bought when in Sweden. He ordered a larger one and sold his bench to another American in Sweden who eventually moved to the US near me. This person ordered another larger bench from Sweden and I bought his (Krenov's) bench from him. . By necessity, I lifted the base of the bench 3 " as Krenov was shorter than I. The bench includes his original deliver/order tag. I also have an upper end Sjoberg which my wife uses for her mosaic art. Another useful bench is self made from plywood and 4X4s. Strong, large. Disassembles with bolts and screws in the event it needs to be moved.

@joshwalker5605

2 жыл бұрын

man thats a bit of woodworking history, nice find!

I made the English joiner's bench in a few hours a year or so ago and love it. I didn't even have a vice for a while and that never slowed me down, now I've got a leg vice and an end vice. Even though I wouldn't rule out making another sort of bench, I like the idea behind the English joiner's bench. Do what you can, with what you have, where you are. If you know how to make that style of bench, you can put one together anywhere and at least manage anything the others can do. I added another 2x10 to the apron to make doors and cabinets even more convenient, as well as a tool tray at the back and one of those length-ways pop out stop boards down the middle. The first and last of those helped especially when I was only working with a crochet in the beginning. Thanks for the vids!

This is timely. Thank you.

Damn, dropping some serious wisdom at the end and calling people up and out of their introspective lifestyle into something more.. WELL DONE!

I built Rex's English workbench as my first woodworking project last year during the lockdown. It was very straightforward and everything went according to plan. It's pretty difficult to screw up. Definitely a good "general" sturdy workbench for a beginner to make. I literally built mine on the kitchen table then moved the parts into the spare bedroom (which then became a workshop) to assemble it.

Very well done as always! You're of one the greats! I'm thinking the roubo for my 1st full sized bench. I built a smaller version similar to your first real woodworking bench, but I did a single tooth box joint apron, which the box joint wasn't needed but I wanted to practice those cuts and it looks nice.

Best comparison between woodworking bench variations. A+ Rex

Top quality video. Thank you.

Always happy to see a new rk vid!

I have been woodworking for over 40 years and I find your shows informative and entertaining. You are a great presenter and do a terrific job on content and layout. I am almost done with my last workbench. I have seen all the various types and am just building one that suits my needs while utilizing features from various other designs. I am lucky enough to have two Emmert Pattern Makers vises which I have acquired over the years for free and am incorporating them into it. The biggest mistake I see most make in the videos is that they are trying to combine a work bench with an assembly table. To me they are two separate benches and not a good thing when combined.

"Just another project you have to do before you make any damn furniture!" Loved it. My current shop time situation.

@briandesjardin9381

2 жыл бұрын

Good luck, MM! After about a month of working at it, I just got my first workbench complete enough (though not really finished yet) to build my first not-part-of-the-bench project on it. The bench build and the not bench project have both been fun. But the un-bench one is WAY easier on my back and knees than working on the ground to get the bench going : )

I built the low bench first, then followed Rex's YT videos to build the English joiner's bench on the low bench. I still use it for every project, big and small, even after more power tools have crept into my shop. At the same time I learnt a lot building these benches since I was a complete rookie at the time

Thanks you you Ian approaching the completion of my bench .

@gfsimmons1

2 жыл бұрын

I do better woodworking than typing

Good comment about just picking one. I'm about 1/2 way through a roubo with a built top, but currently just on some sturdy sawhorses. Decided to whip up a moxon vise, drill some dogholes, maybe add a planing stop, and put the rest of the bench together in between my furniture projects.

Great video. Thanks so much for this Rex.

Just found your channel. Your videos are so great. Thank you!

Outstanding video! I did agonized, and finally just built an outfeed table with my table saw incorporated into the plan. I am now planning to build a smaller version of Rob Cosman's Bench. Thanks again.

Well said!! I've been using two wood saw horses, an 8' solid core door, and a tool shelf supported by two 8' 2x4's. Some simple notches in the right places and it locks into place. It's need my main bench for 5 it years and it has served me very well. It is time to build one that has a few more features and a little more stable. Love the information,.

Thanks Rex, great advice as always..

I am literally like 2 weeks away from moving to a new house and building a new workbench... nice timing Rex!

Such a great overview, Rex! My first bench was an MDF top one from a Fine Woodworking article and video series (I'm eternally grateful to Asa Christiana for getting me started in my woodworking hobby with that bench). I quickly outgrew it and built an English-style bench to replace it, but I just could not get used to working with those aprons and the construction lumber I used wasn't the best. Then I read Chris Schwarz's Workbench book and set out to build a Roubo... It literally took me three summers to complete, using only hand tools, in my unheated New England garage (you're not kidding when you say you need a buddy - maneuvering a 300 pound white ash laminated slab to cut the leg joints was no joke!) but I can honestly say it's the best and last workbench I'll ever need. The Roubo design was a complete revelation for me and I encourage everyone to build one!

Great video! And it's really refreshing to hear someone on KZread recommending books without using it as a segue into a sponsored ad for an audiobook service. Just signed up as a supporter! BTW I don't really mind the fact that other KZreadrs use sponsorships and it allows lots of them to make great content, but I'll admit I just skip past 99% of the ad parts.

I wish all KZreadrs were like Rex. Great videos! 👍

I started with the low Roman and I decided to experiment. I added Roubo style legs and an apron on one side for holdfasts. I also added a handmade wooden Moxon vise on the opposite side for dovetailing. Now I have a stocky low Roman that I really like. Thanks to Rex’s videos and Chris Schwartz’s books. Perhaps I should post it on the forum

thank you teacher for your lessons

Thank you so much for sharing all this knowledge. I really appreciate :)

I had a nice combination bench that I’d built with “free” cast off lumber that I’d gotten from the shipping department of a place I used to work. Was partially a “built in”, and partially a timber bench. I say this, and the top, and stringers were all 4x4 lumber. The two front legs, where found in the rafters of the old farmhouse I was in, they were true 2x2, with 12x12 pad feet, with 4 gussets, and steel dowel drilled center on the ends. I was able to use the dowels into blind holes in the underside of the top, the leg glued/and braced with straps to the face of the front stringer. The rear stringer was set shallow to allow the rear of the bench to rest on a piece of strapping that was lagged into the brick wall of the house. It was heavy, solid, and cost me only the hardware to assemble it.

I came across your video on idea to make my door bench operable and be able to knock it down your dowel idea was very interesting. It baffled me that you added that half dowel to the post. I've had a much simpler approach by drilling the holes for the dowels about 3/8 of a inch from the edge of the outside post and used a half dowel tapered and it does the same thing thanks for the vid

Will Myers: his videos are amazing . Thank you Rex.

Thanks for the great advice!

@Rex Krueger Thank you for including the Moravian.

Haven't had a good dose of Rex for quite a while. (I watch too many videos about table saw and band saw hacks.) It's just plain fun to watch someone who's this excited about working with hand tools.

Paul Seller’s workbench was my first to build and my current workbench. I really enjoy it, however the front vise is not flush with the apron so you have to do some improvising to hold long pieces. I also made a couple of dog holes that are not on his bench. But the inconveniences are small and it was a great first project as a beginning hand tool wood worker. The only tools I had were a Kobalt no 4 plane, harbor freight set of chisels and two cheap saws. I learned a lot from the experience. I’ve been using the bench for over a year now. Sellers has the complete video series free on KZread.