Quick tip for everyone who lives in Mediterranean zones. You won't find forniture quality wood easily to make the wedges, but any firewood seller have olive wood, holm or mediterranean pine, just ask for a split they have left, those woods are hard as a nail but since the trees are usually small and have a ton of knobs, are not used to make forniture and the wood is cheap
The first half of the ruclips.net/user/postUgkx3ICSK6nSknaL_45CU2NmFSoXjarGMDiJ book is everything about wood: types, tools, finishes, setting up shop etc. The second half is all about doing projects for inside and outside of the home. The color pictures are helpful. After reading a dozen of these types of books, this is probably the best overall (layout, color photos, plans). Only detraction is that many of the projects use a table saw/router/planer, which are usually expensive and take up space, so the plans are less friendly to newcomers and the budget conscious. But I know I can use a drill, circular saw or a jigsaw to make the projects.
One work holding option that I don't see mentioned very often, but works well on low benches that are relatively narrow is just a strap of some sort. Make a loop, stick your foot through it and step down. I used to use that a lot when I had to do chisel work sitting on a half sawhorse. Easy to quickly adjust your work as well.
Rex: enables the people of the world to start affordable woodworking with the Roman bench and woodwork for humans World: increases lumber prices Rex: ... ... ... o_o Makes an even smaller cheaper Workbench to help people to get started anyway World: -_-
The Mark 21 Low bench will cost less than $3 and the structural members will be made of sand and dad-jokes. The challenge will be dealing with inflation which has forced the removal of all currency smaller than a $50 bill from circulation. There is also a $37 coin commemorating Puerto Rico still not being a state for no clear reason, but that’s of no help here, I’m not even sure why I brought it up.
@@HeartPumper you’re correct, I had no idea. SawMillDatabase [www.sawmilldatabase.com/country_companies.php?id=11] has 69 registered sawmills in the United States plus 9 companies of foreign registration who do business here. That number is deceiving, though. Most of those ~70 Mills produce less than 50,000m^3 of lumber per year, and many are “Coniferous lumber only.” North America produces around 1/3 of the conifer lumber [Thanks Canada!], and around 1/6 of “Non coniferous” [largely hardwood, but extremely mill dependent]. Of the ~70, only 12 are considered “Top Producers” ranging from J.D. Irving, LTD at 170,000m^3/yr to West Fraser Timber Co at 846,000m^3/yr and Canfor at #2 with 690,000 [www.sawmilldatabase.com/productiontoplist.php?continent_id=998] that’s not a lot of surplus production if, say, huge swathes of people are told to shelter at home or sawmills are shuttered out of fear of spreading the virus. Speaking of Canfor & West Fraser; they’re dropping 150M & 160M respectively to build sawmills in Louisiana to get in in that sweet Southern Yellow pine absolutely nobody outside of construction is eager to get their hands on. Here’s a whole article about it [www.google.com/amp/s/fortune.com/2021/06/10/lumber-prices-2021-chart-price-of-lumber-production-wood-supply-costs-update-june/amp/] And here’s a simplified explanation of why lumber prices are currently pants-on-head retarded. [www.kotatv.com/2021/05/05/what-happened-to-americas-lumber-industry/] Thanks for pointing me in that direction, sorry this post got away from me in terms of length….
@@0ddSavant No problem at all. Always interesting to see someone digging into the real numbers. One would say "Hey, but that's a pure capitalism in the core", the other "Few greedy sharks are speculating & exploiting covid situation". Suffice to say, I'm in found certainty, that we won't see pre-pandemic lumber prices anytime or back, at all 🤷♂️. Also, I'm EU based. Exactly analogical situation. Covid for big capital was a godsend.
This channel is amazing. Not knowing where to start and at a crucial moment (I have only a small amount of money, a house that’s begging for repairs, and little history with wood working) I do what seems sensible and start my research. Then, falling ass-backwards into finding this place via the YTube algorithm, I now know exactly what I need to get started. For the work you’re creating here, thank you. (I’ll be ordering your book directly).
Two and a half decades ago when I still lived in an apartment, I wanted to have a machinist vice so I could work on guns et c. Problem was a normal bench makes the noise worse, and takes up a lot of room. So I went out and got a big stack of pine shelves and some threaded rod (I wanted to be able to dissemble this heavy bench when moving). I then made a bench from this with a small plinth for the vice to a comfy height. It had three contact points to the floor, with big rubber feet on them. It worked great and did deaden noise from filing and hacksawing very well. The only problem is that it's easy to be tempted to lay small sharp tools near your crotch, which can be dangerous. It is though, the best way to work when doing checkering! The bench you show here looks fenomenal!
Being a good woodworker and a good teacher require two completely different skillsets, and it's rare to find someome who's excellent at both. Obviously you're one of them, so I have no doubt that the book is going to be great.
@@RexKrueger I wouldn't say you're a mediocre woodworker, but I agree that teaching is your forte. That and the ability to run a successful youtube channel, which is again a different and difficult thing to do. Keep up the good work!
I love that this is, essentially, a full woodworking station that uses about as much lumber as the average sawhorse (at least in terms of cost). This really is a fantastic idea and one of the most truly useful woodworking videos I've ever seen.
Rex. I've been watching you for years, and I'm so excited for your book. I've seen the admiration you have for other woodworking books and bet this means so much to you to be sharing your experience. You're part of this history now. It's been a pleasure to be along for the ride.
Got these plans a year ago and FINALLY got around to making it. One thing I noticed, the plans for the "palm" attatchment have us bore a hole in a location that makes the back end of it flush with the end of the bench, rather than overhang so the end board can be against the back. Since I didn't notice this until after I had everything cut out, I just cut enough off the back end of the bench to accomodate the back board. Making the palm and plane stops (I made two of different heights) took me all day, and I'm still not quite done. But I chalk that up to my own lack of experience and trying to figure out how to do what Rex makes look so easy. lol After the plane stops and palm are finished, my next modifications will be to add a removable shavehorse and add peg holes and even a side notch for a wedge. Here's hoping the yellow pine I made the bench out of will hold decently. :D
Just finished construction of the palm and plane stops and sanded everything down. Overall, I'm pleased with the design and my execution of it. The palm still needs done running on the inside wedge as it isn't straight up and down, but otherwise it's good to go. Thanks Rex!
It is a very robust structure. This workbench looks like a village stool. In Poland you can find many similar furnitures from the 1930s and 1940s. No glue, no screws, but still in good shape. One interesting thing: the word spruce comes from Polish and means "from Prussia". 🙂
It's an amazing design! It's scale able and can be used to make chairs and small stools, heck, even something like a coffee table by making it's a board or two wider would work! It's super robust.
I've watched this video and a few other "beginners/basic" build videos by you, and I just realized this - you are the "Primitive Technology" of woodworking!!! You show people how to build from basic things and build their way up. Unlike some youtubers who are like "here's how to get started for less than $1,000", like that's cheap lol. Btw, if you have never seen or heard of Primitive Technology, go check out his channel (and turn on captions) and he is the original and amazing "wilderness" primitive builder from New Zealand.
Luckily I was able to build my bench a year ago at decent prices. Its a modification of your low Roman bench, and I use it as a basic portable bench. I left off the legs, instead using two collapsible sawhorses to raise it up, but am still able to sit on it. A pair of grooves were cut on the bottom side to hold the top steady, matching the sawhorses. Finally I left one of the top boards long, for the same reason you did here. Thanks for the education Rex!
I just went and preordered your book. Under $16… you’re a champ! I also noticed your book is a #1 bestseller in a couple of categories! And it’s not even released yet. Congratulations can’t wait to get my copy! I’m sure it will be worth the money even with the $15 postage to australia
Let the saw do the work. Hold lightly but firmly and just pull at a shallow angle. Less chance of bendy ryoba. Read this: blog-diyjapanesejoinery.com/japanese-saw-rip-cutting/
Finding the "zen" of sawing by hand is a journey... often traveled multiple times. Chant if you have to, to keep in mind "The saw will do the job if I let it." Remember to breathe. It's a dance, not a wrestling competition. (weird as that sounds) AND of course, practice. ;o)
My absolute favorite part of this video is finding out the my favorite woodworking youtuber is writing a book about woodworking. You can count me in on buying that book for sure 💯👍🏼
Nicely done! Glad to see that powered drill, no need to pretend that a brace drill is more accessible or better than a electric. Love the simple tools used. Keep it up!
Rex, thank you for making this video and for the plans that go with it. I made this bench (my first adult woodworking project - it's been a minute since wood shop in middle school). I cannot begin to tell you how handy this bench is. It is so useful around the house and the barn, it has replaced my makeshift work surface using sawhorses or the pickup truck gate when I'm at the barn. I thought about making a second one, but this is so portable that I don't see the need right now. I'm about to embark on the quick-stack bench for a full-sized option. Cheers!
I love this little bench! I actually have a nice traditional roubo workbench. However, we are currently renovating our house, and my family and I are living in a very small rental house for about 6 months. This workbench has been the perfect solution for me to get my woodworking fix while away from my "real" shop. Thanks for the great design!
Finally got round to making this. Tired but very pleased (pity YT doesn't do photo comments). 2 points: I'm glad it's one plank thick as it seems heavy enough to carry. Secondly, I'd add that the hardest bit is getting the round tenons just the right shape. Too big and they dont fit thr holes. Too small and they'll be too loose. Finally managed to get them right (and without glue so far). Thank you for this fabulous video, I'm using my new bench already.
@tikkitikkitembo148 It's made from a couple of 2 inch thick planks joined together. I think it's just exterior treated pine from Travis Perkins (builders yard). Angle the legs and cut them correctly to length on a flat surface. Very solid, very happy. I have a notch cut in one end to aid sawing.
Thank you for your videos and book. I'm a new woodworker with very limited space. Just finished my little Roman bench. Looking forward to using it creatively.
I've got 3 boys oldest is 8. And I am a complete newb at woodworking. I am very excited to use your book not only for myself, but to help my own boys get started making their own benches and tools from a very young age
I built it. Didn't use any screw (I did manually plane a little bit the glue contact areas for better adhesion) nor have I glued the legs and it feels *very* sturdy. Very happy. Thanks.
My grandfather (b. 1898) and father-in-law (b. 1917) were excellent carpenters. (You should see their joinery.) They had workbenches like this, with a “V-stop” at the far end. The benches doubled as benches for the dining table. ❤ Miss them.
Dude I quickly built this one with reclaimed barn lumber. It was fast and nasty because I needed it quick. I made some mistakes but it still worked great. I've used it as my workbench, coffee table, guitar fixing and cleaning station, shoe shine bench, and... at one point a whole body fidget spinner lol. Great bench. I know the legs stick out a bit but it's so sturdy and stable for the small amount of mass. I use it as my primary work bench every day and eat my dinner off of it at night.
Rex, I freaking love you, man! I've been trying to come up with a good low bench for my small wellhouse workshop and this blew all of my ideas out of the water. I'm headed to grab the plans and then out to build this before sundown! Thank you! As usual, you take the cake, my friend
@@TwinPhoenix666 For the price of these plans you can become a patreon for 5 months, which gives you access to all plans, articles, exclusive videos and especially the discourse forum, which I won't doubt to call the greatest resource for a woodwroker short of resuscitating André Roubo.
I love the way you use hatchet to carve the legs. Recently I switched from my hatchet to a bolo-type machete (I believe mine is OKC SP-53) and it is awesome for woodworking. Unlike a hatchet it has a wider part that you can sharpen for chopping and narrower that you can sharpen for finer carving. Give it a try. I suspect many of your viewers are from countries where a machete or a big knife is always nearby and they will appreciate it.
Rex, I subscribed to your channel back when you only had a few videos, nearly 3 years ago! I've watched every single video you put out, & even if I don't build the project you're building, I use the knowledge & techniques you show us all how to do on almost every project. I absolutely love your videos! I'm definitely gonna buy your book, & definitely keep watching your content! Highlight of my week, really. Can't wait to see what you do next!
I made this with a scrap length of 2x10 my neighbor gave me when they moved away. And some 2x4 for the legs. It works great, but its not flat. so it needs some work in that respect. I made this because my garage is already full of workbenches and shelves and stuff, and this little guy is so portable. I really like the back to basics approach to making things. so many things our ancestors knew.
Great video! I really wanted to make your $30 low Roman work bench but yeah... lumber prices are outrageous right now. Thanks for designing a new $30 work bench for pandemic times. Can't wait to get to it! Also, pre-ordered your book. Really excited to start my woodworking library.
These Roman benches are perfect for an apartment balcony. Can be used as just a sitting bench when not in use. And you can store your tools under it. Very compact. And using only hand tools, you don't annoy your neighbors.
If no other thing aI’ll take away from your videos, it’s how AMAZING it is to have and use a had brace and drill is!! Cheap enough to get more than one so I can use one with a drill bit and another with the driver bit so I don’t have to spend time swapping the 2. Still is less money than A replacement battery, and it’s just as portable as a battery operated tool!❤️
That $30 bench was my first real project (built in 2021) and it's still the biggest one I have tackled so far. It cost significantly more than $30. I'm glad you noted the difference.
As a wannabe blacksmith, I've been looking for the perfect stand for my anvil. I've used stumps, too many problems for me, I've used laminated lumber, ok but still not great, I even used 5 x 5 posts to make a bench that would hold my anvil and a post vise. Now I come to you Rex. I'd like to see your idea of what an anvil stand should be. It has to be strong, sturdy and most important, it has to take a beating, literally. It might also come in handy for other uses in the shop. I'm curious to see if you're up to the task.
@@MrTapella Sure. Mostly minor things like termites or other inhabitants suddenly coming out of nowhere, trying to true up the bottom to sit flat, splitting in the worst possible place, premature rotting, things like that. Finding one that's the right size can be a bit of a hassle as well. I'd just prefer lumber that is already treated for such things.
@@Jason-jd1jv I remember seeing (in a Wranglerstar video, I think) an approach to dealing with the wobbliness of a stump. Basically you would hollow the bottom a bit leaving material only on the perimeter of the base, that way the stump sits on a ring and not a full circle of material. I think he also used molten beeswax to protect the wood, though I have no idea whether that helps with the termites issue. I'm definitely interested in seeing Rex's approach too!
You're a great teacher, enthusiastic and able to stay focused on essential. This clever project Is paradigmatic of your approach: well done! Curiously, before Building the laminated top Roman workbench, i needed something to work on and since we were in covid lockdown (no way to leave home) i used 3 laminated Ikea shelves (120*40*1 cm) and a few screws: It worked well, except for the greenwood legs (Black locust) which split and were fixed with a couple extra wedges. When You're short in material, add more brain or elbow Grease: maybe It can be enought.
@Simone I'm curious about your black locust legs splitting. Did you use small caliper locust trees in their full diameter, or did you rive a larger diameter piece of locust into the dimensions you needed? I'm just beginning my green woodworking journey, and my understanding is that it is best to avoid the pith so that you eliminate the radial shrinkage. Using non-pith wood limits the opportunity for radial shrinkage and the resulting splits. I'm just trying to figure out if using a whole 2" diameter tree for bench legs will actually invite spitting, or if I'm just being too cautious. Thanks.
@@StreamHugger Thank you for asking. Yes, I'm also just started & wondering the same. I made 3 legs for a shave horse. So far the legs have some small longitudinal splits. Overall not too bad but I was wondering if it gets worse. Have a GREAT day, Neighbor!
Rex, Thank you for this I have made my own shorter version of this with a gap down the middle for ripping. One word brilliant! The legs on mine are not that even in angle, some splay more than others but 100% works. So not pretty, but functional. Keep up the great work
I tried to purchase your new book. I don't know what the problem was, but I finally got my wife to order it. It worked! Now I am trying to get your first book. Keep up the great work.
Rex, your passion for your subject and your "can do" attitude make you a gifted communicator and teacher. When I listen to you , I am reminded of the watchword of the lead designer of that great American WW2 aircraft, the North American P51. I think it was he who had on his desk a small plaque with the words " simplicate and add lightness" They seem to me to encapsulate your style pretty neatly. Sincere thanks.
Ah! My new under the shade tree summer bench! Hmmm, wouldn't be all that tough to make a removable spoonpony or light weight shave horse to go with it. Lots of scrap possibilities. Camlock monson? Maybe with 1 1/8" closet rod?
Just ordered your book man! I really need to learn how to saw by hand properly and this bench looks perfect. I'm lucky enough to be able to own some decent power tools but I am a hobbyist and want to know the basics before going down a path of reliance on expensive (and sometimes dangerous) power tools. Thanks for your videos man, I appreciate how you take into account the price of lumber and tools in your projects, not to knock using tools or finer materials but to be accessible to all. I also like your line in the Roman bench video "use an electric sander if you have one, this isn't woodworking for masochists." I think you have a great approach, an appreciation for traditional methods and techniques that informs your use of modern tools for convenience and speed. Thanks again!
Rex, love your work! I made a Roman bench, based on your videos a couple of years ago. I love it. I haven’t had much shop time since building it. But, I do play every now and again. I put a vise on the side which is weird but wonderful. First time I’ve had a vise to work with! My Roman bench is shorter, not unlike this bench and lots of holes for bench dogs and hold fasts. Thanks for all you do. You’ve been such an encouragement to me personally.
That's something that I really like about this channel. A lot of channels will tell you how you don't need the best or most expensive equipment while only using that (like a video that tells you you only need a smartphone to make RUclips videos that is shot on an A7S III) and you just use the stuff you talk about in the video. It gives LOADS more credibility to your video. The content is awesome as well
Your channel is a terrific discovery for me. This video taught me a lot and never once did it insult my intelligence. Or my embarrassing skill level. Well done!
Rex, made this bench today for a sitting and working bench on the dock. I had been looking for something light and strong and this bench is perfect. Too bad you cant post pictures here, I thought it came out well. Thanks for the great plans.
I built this very crudely on my days off. Was my first woodworking project since high-school. Thanks for the inspiration! Going to build a small tote style portable bench with a vice to sit on top at the end with the mortise and also take to work with me
Great videos and info. Congrats on the book. I built the bench using power tools for my grandson to learn the basics on. Added a slot at the center of gravity for one hand lifting and F clamp access. Also routed a 3/8" radius groove down the center line so round objects (pencils, nails, screws) do not roll off the bench.
Done. This thing is awesome, and I'm still coming up with crazy contraptions to plug into that square mortise. It's super effective and rock solid. One thing I did was, I mounted a moxon vise on the end. It makes the bench...slightly heavier, and I'm not convinced it's strictly necessary, but I got carried away. Great bench, man. Thank you! Also, my copy of the book showed up early. Let's. Go.
Hey Rex, it's me! The plane blade discussor lol I love your talks about joinery, I've been tossing ideas about upgrading my current bench and this has helped. Thank you for everything you do for us :D
I have just been watching a YT video by a man in China called Grandpa Amu, he was using a bench similar to this. In his video, instead of a clamp he used a webbing strap looped around the bench. To apply clamping pressure, he just put his foot in the loop and pushed down. Simple.
I gotta say, this is one of your best videos yet Rex! I genuinely appreciate your cost-savvy and beginner-friendly approaches to everything you do. It's created a great community and I'm always impressed with how every new video seems to be exactly what I need for my next project! Already pre-ordered your book!
Low work benches seem destined to be mobile and lean so this design is an improvement over your previous. Experienced craftsman looking for a travel kit and beginners wanting an easy start meet at the perfect point with this build!
It occurs to me that given the price of lumber and the begginer, low cost focus of your channel that it might be time to go green. Im a bit south west of you. Red and white oak, hard and soft maple, Osage, persimmon, red cedar, hell, black walnut and black cherry are weeds here. Let's do some greenwood projects, free.
*CONGRATULATIONS - NO. 1 BEST SELLER IN CATEGORY* or, more impressive to myself as an author who understands the numbers - #51,280 in Kindle Store #1,992 in Books Thats GOOD for a first book. I already recommend your channel in my Abuse Recovery Programs - I will drop a link to the book. Yout very simple hands-on work is great for people fighting their way out of depression and recovering from domestic abuse...
I am so thankful for the great information and ideas you are providing, and the unassuming way you are presenting them. But I do have a suggestion for a future video. Your "$30 Workbench", "Lightweight Traveler Workbench", and "Shavehorse" are brilliant. But they would be even more useful for people like me who have very limited storage space if they had removable legs. I do realize that they would likely not be as stable as the permanently glued and wedged legs, but you're a really smart guy... I'll bet you could come up with a video that would deal with this issue us. Thanks.
Been following your channel for a while, and I liked it so much, I decided to try my hand at a few projects: I just finished my take on this bench. It´s made from two layers of Furniture Board (what I had lying around, actually considered gluing 3 layers of 16mm chipboard from an IKEA wardrobe), and I added a 100mm apron to one side. It´s basically a 2X4" screwed-and-glued to the underside of one side of the bench, giving a nice, easy way to clamp stuff vertically while still allowing clamping to the top. A row of holes and a couple of pegs, and it´s really easy to plane edges. I first made a 3-legged stool to see how hard it would be to do the legs (not hard at all, even though I haven´t done much hand tool woodworking), and I made the bench the exact same height. Instant sawbench...
Been meaning to try one of your projects. Was going to try the roman work bench but as you stated it would cost over $100. So I did this. I probably did a terrible job. But the bench works! I made something! It will hopefully come in handy in the future. If it does not I will just have to make up another project. The Ryoba saw's are perfect for beginners like me as it is a rip and a crosscut saw (Which I now appreciate the difference). I really enjoyed working with a sloyd knife to do the tenons. That has to be the most gratifying part of the project for me. I did this without purchasing the plans I just eyeballed and guess things that were not really explained in the video. I went with a 5 foot longboard and a 4'6" short board. Spending on $30 on the wood was good as I spent a bit on tools(That I hope to last me a long time). Thanks Rex! My bench ain't pretty but she can probably make the kessel run in less than 12 parsecs! Will try to get your new book as soon as it is no longer on back order on Amazon in Canada.
I know this isn't practical to every one but I live near a woodland area and people have fell longs and left them. Some in peculiar positions that kept them off the ground and letting them season in the woods. Iv recently taken some wooden wedges,saw to start a cut to protect the tips of wedges,and a hammer, and stick to split logs into very rough lumber. Taking the wedges and hammer and set them on the sides of log and drive down while using as thick of a stick as possible to keep the wedges from slipping inwards allowing you to drive them down the sides. Once the sides begin to split more wedges along one side and that an strong stick hammered into the split or a hammer blow from the middle out while bracing the farside of the log from across the middle with a foot.
Congratulations on your new book!! I'll be picking up a copy for myself and my another for a friend who I have been introducing to wood working! Keep those videos coming!
This could not have come at a better time. I have recently moved and have had to seriously reduce my work shop foot print. I do not have access to any of the power tools that I was using and only have a few hand tools. I need a work bench and I don't have a ton of money to spend. This bench might just be the ticket. Thank you.
I can see this bench being made for many different things. Leatherworking by adding a leather clamp to the mortise. I personally would call that the benches Hardy hole. I could also see this for wood spoon carving by adding a leg powered clamp. also fitting in the Hardy hole. And if i sat here long enough i am sure I can think of more but i need coffee.
Some great ideas there Rex. Talking about improvised clamping reminded me about using the kitchen drawer with my knee on it as my first vice. I managed for years with a workmate, a couple of trestles and a bit of scrap plywood.
say Rex. I think with this one you convinced me in buying ur new book. Not that I read books but I want to show my appreciation for all your work! (and no longer being a freeloader 😉)
Best video ever ! This is one of the best videos on simple workbench with angled workbench legs clearly detailed and easily understood... cant wait to try this out.. BTW.. the low bench also doubles as a nice chair -bench when not used. Please keep the ideas & innovation coming .
@@Kwiskaseden If we go by how much wood he is using in the things we see him making he starts with 196" of lumber, the legs and battens take up 66" of that, leaving us with 63" (5.24 feet) for each benchtop board. Based on what I see when he measures the top boards I think he's using 4.5' and 5'
I do leatherworking, but want to be mobile and have an option for working outside. Was looking for portable workbench options and found myself back here. A couple tool stand modifications, and this ought to be just the ticket.
Just recieved the book....Good times... I really wished I had this back in the day as a kid, I had all the basic tools as described including the bit and brace... Only drill I had for a long time...
Rex is like the Bob Dylan of woodworking. Comes up with great ideas, not afraid to go against the grain 😉 and makes things which make the rest of us think “I could probably do that, maybe even with a bit more polished edges”. I guess this means at some point he’s going to turn up with a whole load of electric new projects, and we’ll have to shout “Judas” from the sidelines. Keep up the great work Rex. I’m going to try making a similar low bench with stake legs, and if it looks nice enough I might just use it to sit on. I’ve got a spare mahogany door left over from making my roubo bench. I recon I could get a low bench and a couple of three legged stools out of it, using your techniques. Thanks, from sunny Yorkshire
Biggest problem I had with this build was making wedges to drive into the legs. Most videos say clamp wood and use a saw to make wedges. Well I can't clamp anything till I make the table... Paint stirrer sticks are 1/8 inch think and are birch, strong enough to use as a wedge in softwoods. You can shave them down with a chisel. If you make the holes and tenons 1" instead of 1.25 they will be the perfect size.
Great bench and tutorial. I made a shave horse last year with a 7' long timber bench, so have been using it some for various tasks. The bench compliments a normal high workbench really well.
Just got through reading the "work holding" section in "Ingenious Mechanicks" (recommended from the last video, thanks for that) and as a reminder/suggestion, if you can make the doe's foot out of thinner stock it also works as a planing stop
Hello from Cleveland Rex, I’m going to order the book. Recently I made a rolling pin mallet from your video and want to build this bench. My young son enjoys building, we just made a bird feeder, but he doesn’t like the noise of my power tools. By using the hand tools we can enjoy time in the shop together and not have to worry about the noise.
I have been holding off on building the roman workbench because of lumber prices. This is great. i might start this weekend. I also already ordered your book.
Rex, I have tried to leave you feedback on your book which arrived today which is 5 days early!! It took less than a month to get from the USA to Cyprus, now that is fast. It can take anywhere from 8 to 16 weeks from the UK to here !! I must say that I am impressed with the size of your book. I was expecting something like 1/4 inch thick but it is 3 times that size and from what I have seen so far it seems to be packed full of useful information. Its a shame Amazon (USA) wont let me leave feedback for you. Thanks again. Chris
great bench, If I make it it will have three legs, much better for uneven ground, and I will cut the legs length wise before cross cutting them so that the board is longer and easier to hold down.
Quick tip for everyone who lives in Mediterranean zones. You won't find forniture quality wood easily to make the wedges, but any firewood seller have olive wood, holm or mediterranean pine, just ask for a split they have left, those woods are hard as a nail but since the trees are usually small and have a ton of knobs, are not used to make forniture and the wood is cheap
Also persimmon, celtis Australis and dogwood: since it's difficult to find straight big Pieces, we use or hardest wood for Fire. Very sad
In Western Colorado we have a lot of free elm firewood available for the same reason. Great for smaller projects including axe handles.
I made the wedges for my Rustic Bench from red gum. I broke my leatherman hammering it into the wood, it's like iron.
Thanks.
@@MrGalpino Get a hammer/mallet next time ;)
The first half of the ruclips.net/user/postUgkx3ICSK6nSknaL_45CU2NmFSoXjarGMDiJ book is everything about wood: types, tools, finishes, setting up shop etc. The second half is all about doing projects for inside and outside of the home. The color pictures are helpful. After reading a dozen of these types of books, this is probably the best overall (layout, color photos, plans). Only detraction is that many of the projects use a table saw/router/planer, which are usually expensive and take up space, so the plans are less friendly to newcomers and the budget conscious. But I know I can use a drill, circular saw or a jigsaw to make the projects.
One work holding option that I don't see mentioned very often, but works well on low benches that are relatively narrow is just a strap of some sort. Make a loop, stick your foot through it and step down. I used to use that a lot when I had to do chisel work sitting on a half sawhorse. Easy to quickly adjust your work as well.
Hmm. TY. I am planning boards sitting on a saw horse. This idea may help.
works great, used to just use some bank line until I realized a broken ratchet strap would be better
Rex: enables the people of the world to start affordable woodworking with the Roman bench and woodwork for humans
World: increases lumber prices
Rex: ... ... ... o_o
Makes an even smaller cheaper Workbench to help people to get started anyway
World: -_-
World: Mission failed. We'll get em next time
The Mark 21 Low bench will cost less than $3 and the structural members will be made of sand and dad-jokes. The challenge will be dealing with inflation which has forced the removal of all currency smaller than a $50 bill from circulation. There is also a $37 coin commemorating Puerto Rico still not being a state for no clear reason, but that’s of no help here, I’m not even sure why I brought it up.
It's not "a world", only few big lumber "producers" in US.
@@HeartPumper you’re correct, I had no idea. SawMillDatabase [www.sawmilldatabase.com/country_companies.php?id=11] has 69 registered sawmills in the United States plus 9 companies of foreign registration who do business here. That number is deceiving, though. Most of those ~70 Mills produce less than 50,000m^3 of lumber per year, and many are “Coniferous lumber only.”
North America produces around 1/3 of the conifer lumber [Thanks Canada!], and around 1/6 of “Non coniferous” [largely hardwood, but extremely mill dependent].
Of the ~70, only 12 are considered “Top Producers” ranging from J.D. Irving, LTD at 170,000m^3/yr to West Fraser Timber Co at 846,000m^3/yr and Canfor at #2 with 690,000 [www.sawmilldatabase.com/productiontoplist.php?continent_id=998] that’s not a lot of surplus production if, say, huge swathes of people are told to shelter at home or sawmills are shuttered out of fear of spreading the virus.
Speaking of Canfor & West Fraser; they’re dropping 150M & 160M respectively to build sawmills in Louisiana to get in in that sweet Southern Yellow pine absolutely nobody outside of construction is eager to get their hands on. Here’s a whole article about it [www.google.com/amp/s/fortune.com/2021/06/10/lumber-prices-2021-chart-price-of-lumber-production-wood-supply-costs-update-june/amp/]
And here’s a simplified explanation of why lumber prices are currently pants-on-head retarded. [www.kotatv.com/2021/05/05/what-happened-to-americas-lumber-industry/]
Thanks for pointing me in that direction, sorry this post got away from me in terms of length….
@@0ddSavant No problem at all. Always interesting to see someone digging into the real numbers.
One would say "Hey, but that's a pure capitalism in the core", the other "Few greedy sharks are speculating & exploiting covid situation". Suffice to say, I'm in found certainty, that we won't see pre-pandemic lumber prices anytime or back, at all 🤷♂️.
Also, I'm EU based. Exactly analogical situation. Covid for big capital was a godsend.
This channel is amazing.
Not knowing where to start and at a crucial moment (I have only a small amount of money, a house that’s begging for repairs, and little history with wood working) I do what seems sensible and start my research. Then, falling ass-backwards into finding this place via the YTube algorithm, I now know exactly what I need to get started.
For the work you’re creating here, thank you.
(I’ll be ordering your book directly).
The book is fantastic.
Two and a half decades ago when I still lived in an apartment, I wanted to have a machinist vice so I could work on guns et c. Problem was a normal bench makes the noise worse, and takes up a lot of room. So I went out and got a big stack of pine shelves and some threaded rod (I wanted to be able to dissemble this heavy bench when moving). I then made a bench from this with a small plinth for the vice to a comfy height. It had three contact points to the floor, with big rubber feet on them. It worked great and did deaden noise from filing and hacksawing very well. The only problem is that it's easy to be tempted to lay small sharp tools near your crotch, which can be dangerous. It is though, the best way to work when doing checkering! The bench you show here looks fenomenal!
Being a good woodworker and a good teacher require two completely different skillsets, and it's rare to find someome who's excellent at both. Obviously you're one of them, so I have no doubt that the book is going to be great.
If I'm being honest, I agree that I'm a good teacher, but I'm a mediocre woodworker. It's the truth.
@@RexKrueger @Rex Krueger your store says that the checkout is closed and not setup to process payments... TAKE MY MONEY, DANG IT!!!
@@RexKrueger I wouldn't say you're a mediocre woodworker, but I agree that teaching is your forte.
That and the ability to run a successful youtube channel, which is again a different and difficult thing to do. Keep up the good work!
@MichaelKingsfordGray I don't know if you were saying that to me. If this is the case the answer is: because being grown up is boring.
I love that this is, essentially, a full woodworking station that uses about as much lumber as the average sawhorse (at least in terms of cost). This really is a fantastic idea and one of the most truly useful woodworking videos I've ever seen.
I can't believe the roman workbench was already so long ago
time goes fast man
Fr same
2000 years goes by so fast! ;O)
Rex. I've been watching you for years, and I'm so excited for your book. I've seen the admiration you have for other woodworking books and bet this means so much to you to be sharing your experience. You're part of this history now. It's been a pleasure to be along for the ride.
I like how fast you do your vids. Doesn’t waste my time.
Got these plans a year ago and FINALLY got around to making it. One thing I noticed, the plans for the "palm" attatchment have us bore a hole in a location that makes the back end of it flush with the end of the bench, rather than overhang so the end board can be against the back. Since I didn't notice this until after I had everything cut out, I just cut enough off the back end of the bench to accomodate the back board. Making the palm and plane stops (I made two of different heights) took me all day, and I'm still not quite done. But I chalk that up to my own lack of experience and trying to figure out how to do what Rex makes look so easy. lol After the plane stops and palm are finished, my next modifications will be to add a removable shavehorse and add peg holes and even a side notch for a wedge. Here's hoping the yellow pine I made the bench out of will hold decently. :D
Just finished construction of the palm and plane stops and sanded everything down. Overall, I'm pleased with the design and my execution of it. The palm still needs done running on the inside wedge as it isn't straight up and down, but otherwise it's good to go. Thanks Rex!
It is a very robust structure. This workbench looks like a village stool. In Poland you can find many similar furnitures from the 1930s and 1940s. No glue, no screws, but still in good shape.
One interesting thing: the word spruce comes from Polish and means "from Prussia". 🙂
Exactly, also this word in form of adjective "spruced up" etc. Have the same origin. In XV century, seemingly Prussia was "a land full of luxuries" 😆.
It's an amazing design! It's scale able and can be used to make chairs and small stools, heck, even something like a coffee table by making it's a board or two wider would work! It's super robust.
He used glue and screws....
I've watched this video and a few other "beginners/basic" build videos by you, and I just realized this - you are the "Primitive Technology" of woodworking!!! You show people how to build from basic things and build their way up. Unlike some youtubers who are like "here's how to get started for less than $1,000", like that's cheap lol.
Btw, if you have never seen or heard of Primitive Technology, go check out his channel (and turn on captions) and he is the original and amazing "wilderness" primitive builder from New Zealand.
The timing of the book couldn't be better!
Luckily I was able to build my bench a year ago at decent prices. Its a modification of your low Roman bench, and I use it as a basic portable bench. I left off the legs, instead using two collapsible sawhorses to raise it up, but am still able to sit on it. A pair of grooves were cut on the bottom side to hold the top steady, matching the sawhorses.
Finally I left one of the top boards long, for the same reason you did here. Thanks for the education Rex!
Very clever idea!
@@simonezanola3509 did the same thing but used "tall" japanese sawhorses
I just went and preordered your book. Under $16… you’re a champ! I also noticed your book is a #1 bestseller in a couple of categories! And it’s not even released yet. Congratulations can’t wait to get my copy! I’m sure it will be worth the money even with the $15 postage to australia
Love the socks haha glad I'm also not the only one with a bendy Ryoba
Just relax your grip.
Let the saw do the work. Hold lightly but firmly and just pull at a shallow angle. Less chance of bendy ryoba. Read this: blog-diyjapanesejoinery.com/japanese-saw-rip-cutting/
Finding the "zen" of sawing by hand is a journey... often traveled multiple times.
Chant if you have to, to keep in mind "The saw will do the job if I let it."
Remember to breathe. It's a dance, not a wrestling competition. (weird as that sounds) AND of course, practice. ;o)
My absolute favorite part of this video is finding out the my favorite woodworking youtuber is writing a book about woodworking. You can count me in on buying that book for sure 💯👍🏼
Did you get the book...?
This is so fitting for the time. Thanks for remaking the inexpensive bench.
Nicely done! Glad to see that powered drill, no need to pretend that a brace drill is more accessible or better than a electric. Love the simple tools used. Keep it up!
Rex, thank you for making this video and for the plans that go with it. I made this bench (my first adult woodworking project - it's been a minute since wood shop in middle school). I cannot begin to tell you how handy this bench is. It is so useful around the house and the barn, it has replaced my makeshift work surface using sawhorses or the pickup truck gate when I'm at the barn. I thought about making a second one, but this is so portable that I don't see the need right now. I'm about to embark on the quick-stack bench for a full-sized option. Cheers!
Ordered! Noticed it's already"best seller" on Amazon. Congratulations and I hope it brings you lots of wealth:)
I love this little bench! I actually have a nice traditional roubo workbench. However, we are currently renovating our house, and my family and I are living in a very small rental house for about 6 months. This workbench has been the perfect solution for me to get my woodworking fix while away from my "real" shop. Thanks for the great design!
Finally got round to making this. Tired but very pleased (pity YT doesn't do photo comments).
2 points: I'm glad it's one plank thick as it seems heavy enough to carry. Secondly, I'd add that the hardest bit is getting the round tenons just the right shape. Too big and they dont fit thr holes. Too small and they'll be too loose. Finally managed to get them right (and without glue so far).
Thank you for this fabulous video, I'm using my new bench already.
... oh and I bought the book. Great.
Hows it holding up now? How sturdy is it? Thanks
@tikkitikkitembo148 my one? Very well. Currently loaded with lots of tools, but I used it for some dovetailing and sawing. Very sturdy.
@@MrMikeEdie Nice to hear, been considering making this, but haven't seen anyone talking about how sturdy it is. Thanks mate
@tikkitikkitembo148 It's made from a couple of 2 inch thick planks joined together. I think it's just exterior treated pine from Travis Perkins (builders yard). Angle the legs and cut them correctly to length on a flat surface. Very solid, very happy. I have a notch cut in one end to aid sawing.
Thank you for your videos and book. I'm a new woodworker with very limited space. Just finished my little Roman bench. Looking forward to using it creatively.
When it comes to woodworking you are the only true helper i got on net. And i have been through a lot.
I've got 3 boys oldest is 8. And I am a complete newb at woodworking.
I am very excited to use your book not only for myself, but to help my own boys get started making their own benches and tools from a very young age
I built it. Didn't use any screw (I did manually plane a little bit the glue contact areas for better adhesion) nor have I glued the legs and it feels *very* sturdy. Very happy. Thanks.
My grandfather (b. 1898) and father-in-law (b. 1917) were excellent carpenters. (You should see their joinery.) They had workbenches like this, with a “V-stop” at the far end. The benches doubled as benches for the dining table. ❤ Miss them.
Dude I quickly built this one with reclaimed barn lumber. It was fast and nasty because I needed it quick. I made some mistakes but it still worked great. I've used it as my workbench, coffee table, guitar fixing and cleaning station, shoe shine bench, and... at one point a whole body fidget spinner lol. Great bench. I know the legs stick out a bit but it's so sturdy and stable for the small amount of mass. I use it as my primary work bench every day and eat my dinner off of it at night.
Rex, I freaking love you, man! I've been trying to come up with a good low bench for my small wellhouse workshop and this blew all of my ideas out of the water. I'm headed to grab the plans and then out to build this before sundown! Thank you! As usual, you take the cake, my friend
@Rex Krueger your store says that the checkout is closed and not setup to process payments... TAKE MY MONEY, DANG IT!!!
@@TwinPhoenix666 For the price of these plans you can become a patreon for 5 months, which gives you access to all plans, articles, exclusive videos and especially the discourse forum, which I won't doubt to call the greatest resource for a woodwroker short of resuscitating André Roubo.
I love the way you use hatchet to carve the legs. Recently I switched from my hatchet to a bolo-type machete (I believe mine is OKC SP-53) and it is awesome for woodworking. Unlike a hatchet it has a wider part that you can sharpen for chopping and narrower that you can sharpen for finer carving. Give it a try. I suspect many of your viewers are from countries where a machete or a big knife is always nearby and they will appreciate it.
True Sergey! I'm in Costa Rica and hatchets are extremely rare. But every hardware store has a rack or three of machetes of many different shapes.
Rex, I subscribed to your channel back when you only had a few videos, nearly 3 years ago! I've watched every single video you put out, & even if I don't build the project you're building, I use the knowledge & techniques you show us all how to do on almost every project. I absolutely love your videos! I'm definitely gonna buy your book, & definitely keep watching your content! Highlight of my week, really. Can't wait to see what you do next!
I made this with a scrap length of 2x10 my neighbor gave me when they moved away. And some 2x4 for the legs. It works great, but its not flat. so it needs some work in that respect. I made this because my garage is already full of workbenches and shelves and stuff, and this little guy is so portable. I really like the back to basics approach to making things. so many things our ancestors knew.
Great video! I really wanted to make your $30 low Roman work bench but yeah... lumber prices are outrageous right now. Thanks for designing a new $30 work bench for pandemic times. Can't wait to get to it!
Also, pre-ordered your book. Really excited to start my woodworking library.
These Roman benches are perfect for an apartment balcony. Can be used as just a sitting bench when not in use. And you can store your tools under it. Very compact. And using only hand tools, you don't annoy your neighbors.
Well.. a lot of chiseling might and other types of hammering... and sawing can be loud... as well as saw sharpening... ;)
If no other thing aI’ll take away from your videos, it’s how AMAZING it is to have and use a had brace and drill is!! Cheap enough to get more than one so I can use one with a drill bit and another with the driver bit so I don’t have to spend time swapping the 2. Still is less money than A replacement battery, and it’s just as portable as a battery operated tool!❤️
That $30 bench was my first real project (built in 2021) and it's still the biggest one I have tackled so far. It cost significantly more than $30. I'm glad you noted the difference.
Great video. My son and I built this together yesterday and we both learned a lot about hand tool woodworking.
It's incredible how simple you've made things for people.
As a wannabe blacksmith, I've been looking for the perfect stand for my anvil. I've used stumps, too many problems for me, I've used laminated lumber, ok but still not great, I even used 5 x 5 posts to make a bench that would hold my anvil and a post vise. Now I come to you Rex. I'd like to see your idea of what an anvil stand should be. It has to be strong, sturdy and most important, it has to take a beating, literally. It might also come in handy for other uses in the shop. I'm curious to see if you're up to the task.
May I ask what issues you've encountered with stumps?
@@MrTapella Sure. Mostly minor things like termites or other inhabitants suddenly coming out of nowhere, trying to true up the bottom to sit flat, splitting in the worst possible place, premature rotting, things like that. Finding one that's the right size can be a bit of a hassle as well. I'd just prefer lumber that is already treated for such things.
@@Jason-jd1jv thanks! I'll keep that in mind when I get started in blacksmithing (soon hopefully)
@@MrTapella Glad I could help. I'm really interested in seeing what Rex can come up with
@@Jason-jd1jv I remember seeing (in a Wranglerstar video, I think) an approach to dealing with the wobbliness of a stump. Basically you would hollow the bottom a bit leaving material only on the perimeter of the base, that way the stump sits on a ring and not a full circle of material. I think he also used molten beeswax to protect the wood, though I have no idea whether that helps with the termites issue. I'm definitely interested in seeing Rex's approach too!
You're a great teacher, enthusiastic and able to stay focused on essential. This clever project Is paradigmatic of your approach: well done!
Curiously, before Building the laminated top Roman workbench, i needed something to work on and since we were in covid lockdown (no way to leave home) i used 3 laminated Ikea shelves (120*40*1 cm) and a few screws: It worked well, except for the greenwood legs (Black locust) which split and were fixed with a couple extra wedges.
When You're short in material, add more brain or elbow Grease: maybe It can be enought.
@Simone I'm curious about your black locust legs splitting. Did you use small caliper locust trees in their full diameter, or did you rive a larger diameter piece of locust into the dimensions you needed? I'm just beginning my green woodworking journey, and my understanding is that it is best to avoid the pith so that you eliminate the radial shrinkage. Using non-pith wood limits the opportunity for radial shrinkage and the resulting splits. I'm just trying to figure out if using a whole 2" diameter tree for bench legs will actually invite spitting, or if I'm just being too cautious. Thanks.
@@StreamHugger
Thank you for asking.
Yes, I'm also just started & wondering the same.
I made 3 legs for a shave horse.
So far the legs have some small longitudinal splits.
Overall not too bad but I was wondering if it gets worse.
Have a GREAT day, Neighbor!
Rex,
Thank you for this I have made my own shorter version of this with a gap down the middle for ripping. One word brilliant!
The legs on mine are not that even in angle, some splay more than others but 100% works.
So not pretty, but functional. Keep up the great work
I tried to purchase your new book. I don't know what the problem was, but I finally got my wife to order it. It worked! Now I am trying to get your first book.
Keep up the great work.
Rex, your passion for your subject and your "can do" attitude make you a gifted communicator and teacher. When I listen to you , I am reminded of the watchword of the lead designer of that great American WW2 aircraft, the North American P51. I think it was he who had on his desk a small plaque with the words " simplicate and add lightness" They seem to me to encapsulate your style pretty neatly. Sincere thanks.
Ah! My new under the shade tree summer bench! Hmmm, wouldn't be all that tough to make a removable spoonpony or light weight shave horse to go with it. Lots of scrap possibilities. Camlock monson? Maybe with 1 1/8" closet rod?
"Camlock monson? Maybe with 1 1/8" closet rod?" What does this mean?
Just ordered your book man! I really need to learn how to saw by hand properly and this bench looks perfect. I'm lucky enough to be able to own some decent power tools but I am a hobbyist and want to know the basics before going down a path of reliance on expensive (and sometimes dangerous) power tools. Thanks for your videos man, I appreciate how you take into account the price of lumber and tools in your projects, not to knock using tools or finer materials but to be accessible to all. I also like your line in the Roman bench video "use an electric sander if you have one, this isn't woodworking for masochists." I think you have a great approach, an appreciation for traditional methods and techniques that informs your use of modern tools for convenience and speed. Thanks again!
There you go, Rex. Book pre-ordered.
Rex, love your work! I made a Roman bench, based on your videos a couple of years ago. I love it. I haven’t had much shop time since building it. But, I do play every now and again. I put a vise on the side which is weird but wonderful. First time I’ve had a vise to work with! My Roman bench is shorter, not unlike this bench and lots of holes for bench dogs and hold fasts. Thanks for all you do. You’ve been such an encouragement to me personally.
That's something that I really like about this channel. A lot of channels will tell you how you don't need the best or most expensive equipment while only using that (like a video that tells you you only need a smartphone to make RUclips videos that is shot on an A7S III) and you just use the stuff you talk about in the video. It gives LOADS more credibility to your video. The content is awesome as well
Love love love your videos!!!! I made this bench, for free from recycled wood and it's working fine so far.
Your channel is a terrific discovery for me. This video taught me a lot and never once did it insult my intelligence. Or my embarrassing skill level. Well done!
Congratulations, Rex! Your book is the #1 best seller on Amazon in the "Hand Tools" category. That's freakin' great!
Holy cow! It's #1 (paperback); AND #3 (kindle). Dude. Nice.
Instant book purchase. No brainer. My ancient old garage now just looks like a Woodworking for Humans mix tape. Building this bench this weekend.
Rex, made this bench today for a sitting and working bench on the dock. I had been looking for something light and strong and this bench is perfect. Too bad you cant post pictures here, I thought it came out well. Thanks for the great plans.
I built this very crudely on my days off.
Was my first woodworking project since high-school.
Thanks for the inspiration!
Going to build a small tote style portable bench with a vice to sit on top at the end with the mortise and also take to work with me
Great videos and info. Congrats on the book. I built the bench using power tools for my grandson to learn the basics on. Added a slot at the center of gravity for one hand lifting and F clamp access. Also routed a 3/8" radius groove down the center line so round objects (pencils, nails, screws) do not roll off the bench.
Done. This thing is awesome, and I'm still coming up with crazy contraptions to plug into that square mortise. It's super effective and rock solid. One thing I did was, I mounted a moxon vise on the end. It makes the bench...slightly heavier, and I'm not convinced it's strictly necessary, but I got carried away. Great bench, man. Thank you!
Also, my copy of the book showed up early. Let's. Go.
Hey Rex, it's me! The plane blade discussor lol
I love your talks about joinery, I've been tossing ideas about upgrading my current bench and this has helped. Thank you for everything you do for us :D
I have just been watching a YT video by a man in China called Grandpa Amu, he was using a bench similar to this. In his video, instead of a clamp he used a webbing strap looped around the bench. To apply clamping pressure, he just put his foot in the loop and pushed down. Simple.
Just pre-ordered the book 😁 and a second one to give as a gift. Can't wait
I gotta say, this is one of your best videos yet Rex! I genuinely appreciate your cost-savvy and beginner-friendly approaches to everything you do. It's created a great community and I'm always impressed with how every new video seems to be exactly what I need for my next project! Already pre-ordered your book!
Low work benches seem destined to be mobile and lean so this design is an improvement over your previous. Experienced craftsman looking for a travel kit and beginners wanting an easy start meet at the perfect point with this build!
It occurs to me that given the price of lumber and the begginer, low cost focus of your channel that it might be time to go green. Im a bit south west of you. Red and white oak, hard and soft maple, Osage, persimmon, red cedar, hell, black walnut and black cherry are weeds here. Let's do some greenwood projects, free.
Damn son, that's some prime selection you have there! I'm a bit jealous 😉
Hell, Black Walnut, and Black Cherry are all that common? If I need some Hell, I’ll come on over.
*CONGRATULATIONS - NO. 1 BEST SELLER IN CATEGORY* or, more impressive to myself as an author who understands the numbers - #51,280 in Kindle Store #1,992 in Books
Thats GOOD for a first book. I already recommend your channel in my Abuse Recovery Programs - I will drop a link to the book.
Yout very simple hands-on work is great for people fighting their way out of depression and recovering from domestic abuse...
So glad to see you are using a hatchet! As a spoon carver it’s my main shaping and roughing tool!
I am so glad you used the Ryoba saw. What a wonderful tool ♥🙏
I am so thankful for the great information and ideas you are providing, and the unassuming way you are presenting them. But I do have a suggestion for a future video. Your "$30 Workbench", "Lightweight Traveler Workbench", and "Shavehorse" are brilliant. But they would be even more useful for people like me who have very limited storage space if they had removable legs. I do realize that they would likely not be as stable as the permanently glued and wedged legs, but you're a really smart guy... I'll bet you could come up with a video that would deal with this issue us. Thanks.
Just built this here in Tanzania. Thanks for the instructions!
Been following your channel for a while, and I liked it so much, I decided to try my hand at a few projects: I just finished my take on this bench. It´s made from two layers of Furniture Board (what I had lying around, actually considered gluing 3 layers of 16mm chipboard from an IKEA wardrobe), and I added a 100mm apron to one side. It´s basically a 2X4" screwed-and-glued to the underside of one side of the bench, giving a nice, easy way to clamp stuff vertically while still allowing clamping to the top. A row of holes and a couple of pegs, and it´s really easy to plane edges. I first made a 3-legged stool to see how hard it would be to do the legs (not hard at all, even though I haven´t done much hand tool woodworking), and I made the bench the exact same height. Instant sawbench...
Been meaning to try one of your projects. Was going to try the roman work bench but as you stated it would cost over $100. So I did this. I probably did a terrible job. But the bench works! I made something! It will hopefully come in handy in the future. If it does not I will just have to make up another project. The Ryoba saw's are perfect for beginners like me as it is a rip and a crosscut saw (Which I now appreciate the difference). I really enjoyed working with a sloyd knife to do the tenons. That has to be the most gratifying part of the project for me. I did this without purchasing the plans I just eyeballed and guess things that were not really explained in the video. I went with a 5 foot longboard and a 4'6" short board. Spending on $30 on the wood was good as I spent a bit on tools(That I hope to last me a long time). Thanks Rex! My bench ain't pretty but she can probably make the kessel run in less than 12 parsecs! Will try to get your new book as soon as it is no longer on back order on Amazon in Canada.
What a lovely note! Thank you.
I know this isn't practical to every one but I live near a woodland area and people have fell longs and left them. Some in peculiar positions that kept them off the ground and letting them season in the woods. Iv recently taken some wooden wedges,saw to start a cut to protect the tips of wedges,and a hammer, and stick to split logs into very rough lumber. Taking the wedges and hammer and set them on the sides of log and drive down while using as thick of a stick as possible to keep the wedges from slipping inwards allowing you to drive them down the sides. Once the sides begin to split more wedges along one side and that an strong stick hammered into the split or a hammer blow from the middle out while bracing the farside of the log from across the middle with a foot.
Congratulations on your new book!! I'll be picking up a copy for myself and my another for a friend who I have been introducing to wood working! Keep those videos coming!
This could not have come at a better time. I have recently moved and have had to seriously reduce my work shop foot print. I do not have access to any of the power tools that I was using and only have a few hand tools. I need a work bench and I don't have a ton of money to spend. This bench might just be the ticket. Thank you.
Pre-Ordered and very reasonably priced. I always learn something when I watch your videos. Thanks rex
I can see this bench being made for many different things. Leatherworking by adding a leather clamp to the mortise. I personally would call that the benches Hardy hole. I could also see this for wood spoon carving by adding a leg powered clamp. also fitting in the Hardy hole. And if i sat here long enough i am sure I can think of more but i need coffee.
Some great ideas there Rex. Talking about improvised clamping reminded me about using the kitchen drawer with my knee on it as my first vice. I managed for years with a workmate, a couple of trestles and a bit of scrap plywood.
Just bought the book on preorder. Don’t need it or anything, but I’m happy to support you.
say Rex. I think with this one you convinced me in buying ur new book. Not that I read books but I want to show my appreciation for all your work! (and no longer being a freeloader 😉)
Best video ever ! This is one of the best videos on simple workbench with angled workbench legs clearly detailed and easily understood... cant wait to try this out.. BTW.. the low bench also doubles as a nice chair -bench when not used. Please keep the ideas & innovation coming .
Got the plans! I really like the detail and explanations. Thank you, Rex. You inspire me to keep going (and learning).
how long is the bench? It's not said in the video and you need many cuts...
@@Kwiskaseden If we go by how much wood he is using in the things we see him making he starts with 196" of lumber, the legs and battens take up 66" of that, leaving us with 63" (5.24 feet) for each benchtop board. Based on what I see when he measures the top boards I think he's using 4.5' and 5'
I remember seeing this type of bench and stool design all around rural farm areas in my childhood, I live in mainland Europe.
I do leatherworking, but want to be mobile and have an option for working outside. Was looking for portable workbench options and found myself back here. A couple tool stand modifications, and this ought to be just the ticket.
Just recieved the book....Good times...
I really wished I had this back in the day as a kid, I had all the basic tools as described including the bit and brace... Only drill I had for a long time...
This is the video I’ve been waiting for since you hinted at it a while back. Well worth the wait! Nicely done!!
Rex is like the Bob Dylan of woodworking. Comes up with great ideas, not afraid to go against the grain 😉 and makes things which make the rest of us think “I could probably do that, maybe even with a bit more polished edges”. I guess this means at some point he’s going to turn up with a whole load of electric new projects, and we’ll have to shout “Judas” from the sidelines.
Keep up the great work Rex. I’m going to try making a similar low bench with stake legs, and if it looks nice enough I might just use it to sit on. I’ve got a spare mahogany door left over from making my roubo bench. I recon I could get a low bench and a couple of three legged stools out of it, using your techniques.
Thanks, from sunny Yorkshire
"against the grain" Rex "Crosscut" Krueger. 😁
Biggest problem I had with this build was making wedges to drive into the legs. Most videos say clamp wood and use a saw to make wedges. Well I can't clamp anything till I make the table...
Paint stirrer sticks are 1/8 inch think and are birch, strong enough to use as a wedge in softwoods. You can shave them down with a chisel. If you make the holes and tenons 1" instead of 1.25 they will be the perfect size.
So glad i found this comment before running into this issue myself, thanks!
Great bench and tutorial. I made a shave horse last year with a 7' long timber bench, so have been using it some for various tasks. The bench compliments a normal high workbench really well.
Just got through reading the "work holding" section in "Ingenious Mechanicks" (recommended from the last video, thanks for that) and as a reminder/suggestion, if you can make the doe's foot out of thinner stock it also works as a planing stop
You are so good at this that I think it goes unnoticed.
Dude! Congratulations on the book. I'm a "mid level" wood worker, but I'm totally going to get a copy.
Hello from Cleveland Rex, I’m going to order the book. Recently I made a rolling pin mallet from your video and want to build this bench. My young son enjoys building, we just made a bird feeder, but he doesn’t like the noise of my power tools. By using the hand tools we can enjoy time in the shop together and not have to worry about the noise.
Congrats on the Book!
I have been holding off on building the roman workbench because of lumber prices. This is great. i might start this weekend. I also already ordered your book.
Thank you so much for this and your whole woodworking for humans series.
Woohoo pre order is open in the uk. Book ordered and might be here in time for my holidays.
Rex, I have tried to leave you feedback on your book which arrived today which is 5 days early!! It took less than a month to get from the USA to Cyprus, now that is fast. It can take anywhere from 8 to 16 weeks from the UK to here !! I must say that I am impressed with the size of your book. I was expecting something like 1/4 inch thick but it is 3 times that size and from what I have seen so far it seems to be packed full of useful information. Its a shame Amazon (USA) wont let me leave feedback for you. Thanks again. Chris
great bench, If I make it it will have three legs, much better for uneven ground, and I will cut the legs length wise before cross cutting them so that the board is longer and easier to hold down.
Done!!! Cant wait to have the book!!! Thanks