If you might benefit from therapy, be sure to check out BetterHelp.com/franksworkbench

One of the few vids where someone uses hand tools instead of an electric planer or jointer. Very refreshing.

@FranksWorkbench

6 ай бұрын

Thanks man appreciate that

Love your approach. I think it will encourage budding woodworkers to not be over anxious about unimportant details on the first bench or projects.

@williammaxwell1919

6 ай бұрын

When your starting, "Nobody" has told you that "you can't do that because...". So you're like, "Hell yeah! I can do that! No Problemo!". "Nobody" should STFU ~ if we haven't been told "you can't do that", the odds are, we "can do that". Science is littered with many "doing the undoable". Hmm, there must be a theorem on this.

Finally someone who is building a “first/beginner” workbench without $1500+ in tools

I like your simple design. Please eventually make a follow-up video with your thoughts on what was good and what you’d like improved.

@FranksWorkbench

6 ай бұрын

You got it!

Great video all round, loved the simple but effective bit where you only flattened the underside where the bearer boards were going. Genius!

@FranksWorkbench

6 ай бұрын

:)

Cool. I used a cork for inside jaws, glued it with little bit of superglue. Cheap and it grips really good.

Awesome bench. Been contemplating a similar design and really appreciate the demo on how you did it. Mistakes and all. I’m new to wood working and really appreciate that you include the oops moments! need to get mine to be able to fold up the legs as I have limited space and winters here in canada require the car inside unless you enjoy sitting on frozen solid seats in the morning 🙂would love to see an example of how you would do that. Been a follower for some time now and really enjoy your content and style. Thanks for all you do and enjoy your warm weather!

@Prowler9000

5 ай бұрын

I've seen a folding workbench which stores flat against the wall when folded. I think the plan was in an easy shop, but saw the original picture on pinterest? Iirc it may have even had casters on the wheels, but I can't remember whether that's the same table for certain.

This was great, I've been trying to research my first bench for a small space, have only a few tools and experience and so most videos put there have been overwhelming. Thanks for keeping it real

I've been watching workbench videos on KZread for weeks now and was feeling overwhelmed by it. This video totally alleviated that and I thank you for that. Relatively easy to build, constrcution lumber, no need for power tools besides a drill and it looks nice and functional. I can't wait for tomorow so I can get started on this project.

Great honest instructions on simple, but effective workbench. Thanks for making quality content!

Nice job on the bench. I did not know about the structural construction screws. I'm definitely going to try those for my next project. I have one of those front 10" vises (Eclipse, I think) and I love it.

@FranksWorkbench

6 ай бұрын

Yes sir they are pretty solid!

the narration and the methodology are superb in a most efficient and elegant way.

Loved this video! Thank you Frank. Lots of great ideas.

@FranksWorkbench

6 ай бұрын

Thank you!

It's a joy to watch your videos and thoughts. Amazing work!

@FranksWorkbench

6 ай бұрын

Thank you very much!

Great work, thanks for sharing!

Brilliant simple design

@FranksWorkbench

6 ай бұрын

Thanks a lot!

Nice build. Thanks.

This is perfect for me, I am a woodturner who needs a basic bench for prep/finishing. Sadly I will be using power tools to cut the material. Only addition I would make is putting casters on it. Thank you for posting this.

@FranksWorkbench

6 ай бұрын

Great! Nothin wrong with some power tools my dude!

Type of videos love to see ….a back to the basics in lieu of of a garage filled to the brim with every imaginable Festiol tool, dust system that requires a 2nd mortgage. Something about the mind body connection of hand powered tools, the only sound is the hand tool on the wood…🙂

@FranksWorkbench

6 ай бұрын

Thanks man!

I think you're right about this bench being accessible even to beginners. And it looks quite sturdy. Paul Sellers has a good example of making a laminated benchtop from 2x's although his approach does use a handplane to joint the boards roughly. That might be a bit more than an inexperienced builder would want to try. Good video. Thank you for sharing.

@FranksWorkbench

6 ай бұрын

Absolutely

Thank you for this! I'm on limited funds just before going into carpentry (training and all), so this vid is really helpful.

@FranksWorkbench

6 ай бұрын

Awesome good luck!

Awesome video! I love the fact that you used basic handtools and also didn't need a work bench to make a work bench unlike most youtube videos 😂

Really beautiful work, Frank! Fantastic looking workbench!!! 😃 Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

@FranksWorkbench

6 ай бұрын

Thanks, you too!

So good as usual Frank

Thanks Frank great job and thanks for making a video for wood workers not for tool collectors

I just kinda keep coming back to this one. Thanks. Hope to need to build one in the next month or so.

@FranksWorkbench

6 ай бұрын

Awesome glad to hear it

this is pretty much how I built my first bench, but when gluing the top I glued 4 boards at a time and then glued the three existing panels, much less stressful. The second bench I made was actually largely influenced by the video you made around year or two ago, and I'm quite happy with that one. Keep the content coming.

@FranksWorkbench

6 ай бұрын

Thanks man!

@d3snuts

6 ай бұрын

Year ore to ago? What hi posted this video yesterday? 😂

@petrsidlo7614

6 ай бұрын

The complicated bench he mentions in the first few seconds. He made that one some years back and then moved and built this one.@@d3snuts

Im glad i stumbled on this video. Searching for similarly made bench videos usually yields the opposite result. Where theres at least some tool, product, or joinery method that isnt friendly to a new person wanting to make a half decent first bench thats strong and stable

@FranksWorkbench

6 ай бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

I would love to see how you maintain your planes and other tools, great videos!

@FranksWorkbench

6 ай бұрын

Thanks!

Great idea just flattening the bottom where the base attaches.

@FranksWorkbench

6 ай бұрын

Yes sir, especially with 2x4

Every second of this video was awesome, to me anyways, because my workbench 15years ago was surprisingly similar to yours! Except you're smarter LOL and I've learned some tricks that really would have helped. Inspired to do it again with better experience and knowledge!

@FranksWorkbench

6 ай бұрын

A bench is always a fun build!

Great job Frank!!

You can tell a lot about a person by how they build a workbench (without already having a workbench). I remember how I struggled when I made my first.

@jgo5707

4 ай бұрын

But what a blast it was to build the first bench without a bench. I didn't have saw horses, but I had two 1.5ft tall wooden boxes that were makeshift, awful sawhorse stand-ins

Heh! I did glue "mortise and tenon" framing on my first bench! I think I'm going to upgrade mine. I need to flatten my top, put on a tail vise. It's been sitting a while now so the wood has warped to its permanent position, though it didn't really warp much. Maybe I'll add a nicer hardwood to make the top, because right now it's just 2 inch thick 2x12 fir, English bench style. Then I can take out the screws since it's all glued together, add a finish, drill my final dog holes. That would add some nice mass and flatness. I could add a trough as well. Yeah I'm gonna upgrade, this'll be fun.

@FranksWorkbench

6 ай бұрын

Always fun to work on a bench!

Hey Frank, I love your approach, simplicity and design. Do your plans contain the corrected revisions things you said you'd do differently. Such as gluing up the laminate top in sections, then joining rather than one slab?

Where can we find the plans to the bench? For build list & such.

I'm in the process of building a new workbench and the base is definitely where I'm struggling strength is a must because I have to move it every time I use it

Just beautiful!

Great design. I plan to buy the plan and build it when I move soon. You are a braver man than I wearing Birks in the shop or at least have better health insurance.

Are their plans or a video for your saw horses?

Nice. I also only flattened where the bearers go on the underside of my Paul Sellers style workbench. I haven't seen anyone else mention doing that. But it's much easier.

@FranksWorkbench

6 ай бұрын

Right on

@matthew4878

6 ай бұрын

@@FranksWorkbench didn't realize I had so many typos. That's what I get for trying to leave a comment first thing in the morning. Fixed now.

Don't stop and might I be so bold as to request a speed up of your videos drops, I need more. Love your content, you'll be rubbing shoulders with stumpy nubs and wood whisperer in no time. 🤜

Great job

Really helpful. I'll steal that cross-brace design! ^^ I do have a question though. Why do people either have their vise offset like yours or flush to the bench face?

@FranksWorkbench

6 ай бұрын

Personal preference my other vise on the other bench is flush to the face but really it isn't because the crubber or leather on the bench face offsets it anyways

Vice will be ductile iron, invented by Record in Sheffield, UK , interestingly its a very similar design & color to the old Records, now Irwin Record. Happy to be corrected

@FranksWorkbench

6 ай бұрын

Thanks for the info!

You can get steelcap flip-flops/ jandals /sandles. You can also get fur-lined Crocs. Fur-lined Crocs with steel caps? Apparently not. 😢

@FranksWorkbench

6 ай бұрын

😆

Hello, Mr. Frank; Thank you for this as I'm about to build a workbench. I think your sawhorse brace is a great idea, it has a lot of applications. How long is this bench? (Didn't see dimensions, sorry if I missed it.) I checked your site & recommendations but I didn't see the tung oil. What do you recommend? I have a few tools but I'll have to get a couple of saws. I want an extra iron for my plane, a camber & smoothing iron makes 1 plane into 2. I really appreciate hand tool woodworking & you seem to be pretty good. Are you going to offer discounts for the season? Have a GREAT day, Neighbor! PS How many structural screws did you use? Those look like really good screws.

@FranksWorkbench

6 ай бұрын

Thanks man it's 6ft. I'd suggest longer if you have the space. The tung oil is realmilk paint brand, there is a link in the description if you feel like hooking me up with an affiliate commission 😉. Depends on the screw length, the longest ones 4" used 24, shorter ones into the top used 12, the ones into the face vise were more narrow and only used 2

nice work

awesome video!

@FranksWorkbench

6 ай бұрын

Thanks man

Thanks for the videos Frank, I’m enjoying the content. I’m in a very similar stage of life and situation, so the tips (and jokes) are very relevant. One of the biggest obstacles to my woodworking lately is the lack of desire to work after 9pm. Ha! Any idea how the Yost and Eclipse vices compare? Seem similar, not sure which one to buy…

@FranksWorkbench

6 ай бұрын

I hear you man! I'm not sure between the two, as long as it squeezes tight, no problems!!

I’ve said it before elsewhere, but it always puzzles me when people make huge slab top work benches from $$$£££ hardwood and then add $$$£££ bench hardware just for it to become an expensive assembly table in a machine based workshop. This is all you need. I have similar but it’s more of a Nicholson design.

Appreciate the video.

Nice! I wonder if it would be just as strong if I used 2x6's for the legs, then after putting the cross beams on top and bottom, use other 2x6 to sandwich them. It will be easier to cut 2x6 instead of 4x4 on a miter saw, I just wonder if It will be just as strong.

@FranksWorkbench

6 ай бұрын

Probably even better that 4x4, that plan should work great

How stable is this bench? Seems like it would rack. Does it?

Nice, Franky!!

@FranksWorkbench

6 ай бұрын

Thanks buddy!

When they cut a 4x4 out of one quadrant of a log it shrinks to a diamond shape. That’s why traditional post and beam Timbers are cut from the center. As they shrink the sides become convex but they stay fairly square.

Sweet vid! Whatcha got against government work 🤣🤣 PS I like your Texan rope lasso

@FranksWorkbench

6 ай бұрын

Meant it as a high compliment ;)

Is "crubber" a rubber-like material made from cork?

Thanks Frank

@FranksWorkbench

6 ай бұрын

You bet!

Do you dilute your tung oil with solvent? How many coats?

@FranksWorkbench

6 ай бұрын

I don't dilute it, did one heavy coat and let it soak in.

You need to do a video just on how you did that rope trick!!!! Please!!!! lol

@FranksWorkbench

6 ай бұрын

Haha 😆

About how much would this cost in lumber ?

Hah! Frank, you gotta be past seventy to say 8:00 PM is midnight.

Hey Frank! What cross cut saw do you recommend?

@FranksWorkbench

6 ай бұрын

My preference is ~10 points per inch and 20-24" long for good general purpose crosscut saw. There's one linked in the description if you want to buy new or any vintage saw should do too

Maybe you should add a saw set and triangle file to your minimal tool set!

@FranksWorkbench

6 ай бұрын

Yep that's gonna be needed too!

I’m curious. Why are you downsizing your work space, and tool collection?

Instead of rope, ratchet straps are pretty useful.

Very beautiful You are a smart man I wish you all the love and success Bro ❤🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸

@FranksWorkbench

6 ай бұрын

Thank you!

You definetly should exlplain the rope trick in another video, maybe a short, simply what knot is that and how it works.

Frank, at 2:37 in the background, you have a light-color wooden plane with a dark bottom. It looks new; can you tell me about it? Was it built by you or another woodworker? I need a wooden jointer (I'm a 73 yo woman and can not handle a #7 or #8 metal hand plane). Thanks.

@FranksWorkbench

6 ай бұрын

Hi Susan, that is a rabbet plane made by ECE.. they make longer jointer planes too. I haven't used one, but based on the tools I have used from then I'm sure it's extremely high quality.

I think the truck is to not use 2x4s. Use 2x10's or 2x12's so that you can cut out the pith.

I put about 3/4th amount of glue and spread even with less boards across for longer time and they still WOULDN'T stick... (5 clamps + title bond3 ultimate wood glue)

@FranksWorkbench

6 ай бұрын

The glue went bad?

What happened to your old one? It looked beast

I thought you wern't supposed to put a finish on workbenches because it can skuff the work, is this different because it's an oil?

@FranksWorkbench

6 ай бұрын

Oil finish works great but I probably wouldn't use a slick, film type finish like polyurethane, lacquer, or shellac

@WoodworkAppalachia

6 ай бұрын

ok, thanks!👍 @@FranksWorkbench

DUDE'S GOT $30 IN HARDWARE...

Flip flops, I'm out, carry on

How is this bench “fast” to build? By my calculations it took 74 days for you to build it (your last video was August 28). 😂😂😂. Just kidding bud! Good video. I enjoyed watching as always. Thanks for the video!

@FranksWorkbench

6 ай бұрын

Good night hard to believe it was that long ago!

btw, better help is known for selling out people to the state.

@CaseyTheDuderino

2 ай бұрын

His little "while wood working i thought about mental health. You should try betterhelp" 2 minutes in was a little rough. We get it, you have sponsors! But you don't have to pretend it's something it isn't.

👍👍🙏🙏

I'm 38....I'm in bed but 1030 latest. Up at 4am

Not a bad starter bench. It's a shame you can't find any good help these days 🙃.

@FranksWorkbench

6 ай бұрын

Haha 😂

Why didnt you flush the face of the inside jaw of the vice with the face of the bench?

@FranksWorkbench

6 ай бұрын

Could have, but didn't think it would add much for the effort

Think PDF is the best workbench top as its flat

@FranksWorkbench

6 ай бұрын

Seriously considering doing a few sheets of ply or mdf for the top to make it even more approachable, I just hate the stuff...

@jcoul1sc

6 ай бұрын

@@FranksWorkbench @10minuteworkshop on here has black MDF and swears by the moisture resistant stuff

@jcoul1sc

6 ай бұрын

Also cheapest

Open toe work shoes !!!!!!

There is a barrier...it is called subconscious trauma based on toxic shame.

@FranksWorkbench

6 ай бұрын

Interesting!

There are now these called circular saws. They are really fast and efficient. Just in case you didn't know.

"ultimate" and "first" is a contradiction in terms my dude

@okiwatashi2349

6 ай бұрын

Sorry, I’m that guy. While you could be right, it’s not necessarily the case. If you take ultimate to mean last, then it could mean the last first workbench one builds. But of course, every first workbench anyone makes is the last, first workbench! God, I need a hobby!

@cpzmelbs

6 ай бұрын

​@@okiwatashi2349it's not you who's being "that guy". haha you're right. the thought process behind the original comment is nonsense. Or lack thereof, I suppose.

dislike for the way you tell us about your sponsor . like you cared but oh no its just for the money

@FranksWorkbench

6 ай бұрын

I got paid by them and also absolutely hope anyone who needs therapy or mental health treatment of any kind gets it

I'm sure you're a decent bloke, and that your workbench is great for you......but do you HAVE to fall into the KZread trap of declaring something " the ultimate"? Good luck with your channel, and I hope you have years of great woodworking on your bench, but please avoid such tiresome cliches when you can.

Bro don’t you do this last year

@FranksWorkbench

6 ай бұрын

Built a bench yes but it was much more involved with the joinery and stuff and bigger too

As every great video 👍🏻, brave man doing this build with just 💪🏻 and 🪚🔨📐 Keep up the good work 👏🏻

@FranksWorkbench

6 ай бұрын

Thanks buddy