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Rex Krueger
Rex Krueger

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Early Access Video: Joey the Dentist

Friends:

A few weeks ago, someone sent me a video of a dentist building my English Joiner’s Bench. I thought it was worth a look, but the video was far more than that. It was CAPTIVATING. The fellow in the video had almost no experience with tools or making things. He didn’t even know how to use the few tools he did have, but his perseverance was amazing. He overcame every obstacle and found solutions to every problem with a mix of ingenuity and determination.

I had to talk to this guy.

So I did. We picked a time, set up an interview, and I had a great talk with Joey the Dentist. He told me all about his background, his journey as maker, and his ambitions to take control of his new home and learn to do things for himself. Our talk was funny and inspiring and today, we’re pleased to present you with a streamlined version of our talk, illustrated with shots from Joey’s videos.

Hope you enjoy it. You can find links to Joey’s channel and his bench-building series in the video description.

Happy Saturday!

--Rex

Early Access Video: Joey the Dentist

Comments

This video made me bite the bullet and build my own. I made what may be the first lefty version of your design. It’s as stiff as a log!

David Fogle

Wow, to have your granddad's tools is pretty amazing. You're lucky no one got rid of them.

Rex Krueger

All these builds and you have inspired me to do some woodworking. I'm cleaning up the old garage with all the tools that belonged to my grandfather who passed away 10 years ago. Soon I will start making your workbench so woodworking gets easier. I found an old stanley plane in it's original box from 50 years ago, can't wait to start using it. Just working in my grandfathers garage with some of his old tools gives a lot of satisfaction. Thanks for the motivation and keep up the good work Mr. Krueger. Best wishes D. Merlevede Eeklo, Belgium

Denis Merlevede

I totally agree.

Rex Krueger

You'll love it. He's getting better fast.

Rex Krueger

He's quite humble, isn't he?

Rex Krueger

No joke, I have TMJ and they use a spreader thing on me. It's no fun.

Rex Krueger

My pleasure!

Rex Krueger

It was easy to encourage someone so inspiring.

Rex Krueger

Man, we all started out that way. It's all part of the process.

Rex Krueger

I think Joey will find the help he needs....and make up the rest!

Rex Krueger

I think he's going to do a lot.

Rex Krueger

Incorrect sir! Their intended purpose is mixing epoxy!

Rex Krueger

It's in the video description. You have to click through to YouTube.

Rex Krueger

I've lost as lot of sleep to this craft!

Rex Krueger

I could watch him get better as the videos progressed. He's smart, he'll figure it out.

Tim Costello

It's brill that he's giving it a go and sharing his experience with the world, I'll go check out his channel now.

Jim

Thank you for this video, Rex! I watched Joey´s videos when they came out, and I have to say: I have so much admiration for this man! As a dentist he obviously went through tons of college, medical training, dentistry school, etc. I think it would be very easy to become somewhat cocky and/or jaded in a high-profile, highly educated job like that. But he had no problem experimenting (publically!) and showing himself as a beginner in another field. Even in this video he´s like "Yeah, please show me all the tricks!". I think I can learn a lot from him. I tend to not start with projects (in woordworking and life) because my ego gets in the way. Will try to be a bit more like Joey for sure. This whole story also underlines what a great educator Rex is. To inspire people like Joey (and possibly even me ;) ) to just get started is a very high achievement in my book.

Helge

Trying to figure out what to do when the patient can’t open their mouth wide enough… Irwin grip clamps often have a feature that allows you to reverse the one jaw and make it a spreader.

Meryl Logue

What a fun, positive and determined young man. I can certainly see that he is hooked on woodworking. Thank you Rex for spotlighting this new and entertaining woodworker.

Matt Evans-Koch

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmVWXT0itiTLeG-ixhjTukA Enjoy! :D

Jeremy Denslinger

Great! Now you've given me a brainworm. Dental scrimshaw. >_>

Jeremy Denslinger

This is me almost every night. By morning I'm too tired to do anything. By afternoon, I've forgotten or gotten side tracked... and so night comes and all the things I wanted to get done hadn't been. It's a horrible cycle! But then there's the days when I get so much done I have to find things to do lol

Jeremy Denslinger

I absolutely love the encouragement and inspiration of this! Both from Joey, and you! It's hard to realize sometimes that once we stop being beginners that we've lost touch with beginning techniques. I realized this myself with my IT work, when I went to explain to someone something I considered to be a basic, elementary skill - and they had no clue. It took me aback a bit, but I quickly realized I once had the same issue. I only learned about the caulk gun's features a year or so ago, and have been working with caulk guns since I was 10. (I'm still not good at it) Finding people who encourage and help instead of mock and make fun of those lacking the knowledge and skill for something they've never done before seems to be getting much more rare. It's honestly refreshing and heartwarming to see Joey's work, and your response to his work!

Jeremy Denslinger

My first bench has two cabinet doors with sliding drawers behind them. I wish i had seen your videos sooner.

bob lawson

When i was in the Kansas City Woodworkers Guild, i wanted instruction, but it would cost me $70 for a class. Nobody seemed to have any time to help me. Thats why I love Rex Krueger. I would help this guy if he lived close.

bob lawson

I can picture him doing the scrollwork on a furniture project. Power carving by the dentist!

bob lawson

I’ve owned and use caulk guns for years and used my ice pick to poke that seal. A good ice pick is one of the most useful tools you can own. It aligns holes, acts as a screw starter, scratch awl, knot splicer, hold fast/bench dog, crack cleaner, etc. I use chop sticks for their intended purpose. Stirring mixed drinks.

Richard C von Brecht

You are right. This is a great watch. Oh to be young again. I remember being at that same place some 40+ years ago. About the only thing is the YouTube Link for his channel is missing. I have got to find it!

Michael Coolidge

"Once the gears start spinning (in the middle of the night) . . ." I know that feeling ALL to well. Lol. Loved the video Rex.

Mike Washburn


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