Free Plans: The Quick-Stack Workbench
Added 2021-12-14 12:25:06 +0000 UTCFriends:
After nearly 5 months of work, the Quick-Stack Workbench is ready for the spotlight!
Attached to this post, you'll find the plans, which are FREE to Patrons. (These plans represent a massive investment in time and money for us, so please don't share them outside the community.)
We're also very proud to release our first ever online course. You can find it here.
Patrons can take 20% off the purchase price with the code PATREON. This is the biggest discount we're offering anyone and only Patrons get it.
We're releasing this course through Retrieve, an innovative company that uses AI to make courses easy to search and navigate. We had a lot of provider choices for this course and we chose Retrieve for their groundbreaking content delivery system. We hope you enjoy it!
The plans will be up on the Plan Archive later today.
If you don't know what the Plan Archive is, please take just a second and watch our brief Guide to Using Patreon.
Hope everyone is having a great start to their week!
--Rex
Comments
I like the idea for the bench, but to cut costs I want to make it a Nicholson style bench with no vises. My idea is to move the 2x12 strechers up to flush with the bottom of bench top and add small 2x4 stretchers at the bottom of the trestles for additional stability I also want to make the dovetailed pieces to be flush with the trestle assembly. Are there any glaring mistakes in my ideas, I would like to post my completed project for reactions. I can't find the discussion section that's why this is here. I love your videos keep them coming thanks for all your hard work.
Ross Hollar
2024-01-25 21:08:12 +0000 UTCSorry, never saw this reply, Rob. Life kinda got in the way and I haven't had time to build the new bench yet. I'm still working on my english joiner's bench. In fact, I'm thinking that I might just build a laminated top for my existing joiner's bench instead of building a whole new bench. Though, if I'm being honest with myself, I'll probably run into problems, get frustrated, and angrily build the new bench anyway. Hope you figured out how to attach the leg vise. Would love to see it if you have.
Kevin Moore
2022-08-30 05:24:14 +0000 UTCHey Kevin, did you work it out? I’m thinking to thicken the front left leg with a third piece at right angles to the other two, and then drill the hole through the thicker leg for the leg vise. Makes the mortise harder of course, but that’s ok. I’m in early stages of thinking about this, so I may realise it won’t work, but I’m interested to see if/how you solved the problem. Cheers, Rob.
Rob Yarnall
2022-07-24 04:33:55 +0000 UTCAll measurements in millimeters: - 1x Dowel 15x2000 - 1x Dowel 20x2000 - 13x 38x89x2440 - 2x 19x89x2440 - 2x 45x280x3000 (bring a saw if your car will not fit 3m) - 1x 19x280x2500
Eduard Thamm
2022-01-15 07:13:59 +0000 UTCAlright, I will consider that. I have more that 90 bd ft of the Ash so not worried about using two pieces. More trying to use what I have on hand, rather than buying more wood. Got to have money for more tools you know!
Brian Sprague
2022-01-14 21:27:38 +0000 UTC8 inches is a little narrow. You want a wider shoulder. Also, i would hesitate to use nice ash for this. A chunk of softwood works as well and you can save that ash for a project!
Rex Krueger
2022-01-13 19:55:32 +0000 UTCI have 2x8 Ash long enough for the sides. Any reason I couldn't use those in place of the 2x12s? THanks!
Brian Sprague
2022-01-13 17:39:47 +0000 UTCYes...not shying away. Rex...your stuff is solid...and from a guy whole loves collecting tools and not use them...just what I was looking for. Now can begin some fun.
Tim Costello
2022-01-01 18:09:19 +0000 UTCRetrieve is still getting their app together. They know it's not up to par yet. Expect improvements in the new year!
Rex Krueger
2021-12-31 17:42:02 +0000 UTCI think the bevels are a good idea. I'm not sure double tenons will add anything, but give it a shot and tell us what happens!
Rex Krueger
2021-12-31 17:41:30 +0000 UTCPlease put your list up!
Rex Krueger
2021-12-31 17:37:35 +0000 UTCDie someone already publish adjusted dimensions for European big box store lumber? If not, I could as I went to get my lumber today?
Eduard Thamm
2021-12-29 14:43:34 +0000 UTCThanks for this brilliant workbench Rex! I learned to plane building Peter Sellers' workbench years ago. No power tools on that monster, for which I adjusted the materials for a 5" thick top. I loved it, but I made it too big and it was functionally immovable due to the weight of it, so now a thousand parts of it have been repurposed throughout my shop, including the trestles for my current outfeed table. I'm going to replace that with your break-down bench, this time with a 3" top. I'm going to change the legs to 5x5 made from 2x6's and do two slabs of 8 boards each with a split-top design as explained in the plans. I already have the lumber drying, with the legs made from regular pine 2x6's, but the top made from SYP 2x8's that will be ripped in half. The top will be about 6'4" to match the length of my Powermatic table saw and extension. The stretchers are also SYP, though I think I will use dual tenons on my 2x12 front and rear stretchers. Also thinking about putting maybe a 1" bevel on the bottom of each end of the bench slabs to neaten up the appearance.
Tom Holmes
2021-12-26 20:29:32 +0000 UTCOk. Bought the plans and the video. Exactly what I am looking for. Only 1 issue in the whole matter. I do not prefer retrieve as it has no appletv app. So, I am unable to view it in my shop…unless I am watching it on my phone. BTW…the retrieve app just refers to a browser…and I ask myself…what’s the point of that? Still supporting…you’ll work it out in good time.
Tim Costello
2021-12-26 19:10:12 +0000 UTCAs a note, you can turn any plane into a scrub plane. Pick up a cheap number 4 off ebay for like $50, or even pick up another iron for your 4 1/2 if you don't mind opening the throat when you want to be in "scrub mode") . All you have to do is aggressively camber the iron, set the chip breaker back a bit, and open the throat to allow a larger cut through.
Onenutmcgee
2021-12-20 14:31:33 +0000 UTCStarted building this last night. Planed up all the lumber and started glue ups. One thing I did change was that I wanted to use square pop up dogs for the planing stops, so my second board I cut into a bunch of chunks with a 3/4" outhang on the bottom 3/4" and used 2x2 dogs as spacers for the glue up of that piece. Then cut a notch in the dog and they sit flush but can be pushed up easily with a finger. It was more complicated that drilling holes, but now those dogs won't just roll away from me.
Onenutmcgee
2021-12-20 14:25:02 +0000 UTCLove this bench and class. Getting lumber from mill next week to started. Was wondering if this is going to be part of a larger set of projects for folks like me without a dedicated workspace.
James Crandall
2021-12-17 16:03:52 +0000 UTCI just wanted to say thank you, for designing the workbench I’ve always wanted. And designing it in a way that makes it easier for me to build myself. Thank you thank you.
Justin
2021-12-16 23:39:55 +0000 UTCClamp the pages together and drill a hole in the corner, tie with wire or string.
Matthew Leigh
2021-12-16 21:05:17 +0000 UTCMy only beef of this bench is that it doesn't include an angled leg vise like the one from your joiners bench. You convinced me that a leg vise is better than a face vise and you were so right. I LOVE mine. I'll have to figure out a way to put one on this new bench, because I'll never go back to a face vise.
Kevin Moore
2021-12-16 05:08:57 +0000 UTCIf you crosscut everything to length, you can get going even faster. Make more end-grain and it all dries quicker. I usually wait 2 weeks and I live in Ohio where it is very humid.
Rex Krueger
2021-12-15 13:15:34 +0000 UTCIn it's standard configuration, the bench is a little lighter than some other designs. You need to keep the weight sensible if people are going to move it. Once you get a more permanent shop situation, some people are going to want to add more weight. I'm really glad you like the plans, we busted our butts on these!
Rex Krueger
2021-12-15 13:14:35 +0000 UTCAnd I'm delighted that you joined us here!
Rex Krueger
2021-12-15 13:12:31 +0000 UTCYeah, a scrub (or fore) plane would be a good one to get. Rex has a great video on choosing the right planes that you might find helpful - ultimately, you'll want about 3 planes - fore (or scrub), jointer, and smoother (which the 4 1/2 is).
Michael Carman
2021-12-15 12:59:00 +0000 UTCI purchased the materials tonight. I look forward to building this in a few weeks.
Tom Krush
2021-12-15 04:02:08 +0000 UTCThese look phenomenal, and I can't wait to build it! Really appreciate the effort that went into this, and I was extra impressed with the different top options you offered at the end. 🙂
Joshua Lewis
2021-12-15 03:42:17 +0000 UTCAlright so I went & bought 9 4x6x8 & a couple 2x10x8 to get the wood home & drying while I found a suitable breakdown design to take inspiration from. FOUND IT! Thank you for your work Rex, I'm glad to have found your channel.
Preston Shick
2021-12-14 21:41:27 +0000 UTCJanuary. I'm going to make a few little promo videos about it and then it's his.
Rex Krueger
2021-12-14 19:42:17 +0000 UTCWe totally ripped off Paul Sellers for the dog design. Gave him full credit in the course.
Rex Krueger
2021-12-14 19:41:56 +0000 UTCThis bench is really focused on portability. Period. That's the main idea. So if you're a beginner without a permanent shop and you need a bench that moves fast and easy, is approachable, and it not very expensive, this is the bench (IMHO). If you have a permanent shop, I would build something heavier with fixed joints. The EJB is a good choice.
Rex Krueger
2021-12-14 19:38:51 +0000 UTCSo you have this bench in your basement. So when does Nick get to take it home?
Richard C von Brecht
2021-12-14 16:21:55 +0000 UTCAwesome plans. Interesting way to hold the dogs in place. I used cabinet ball catches based on a tip from Will Meyers, I'll have to try the coat hangers next.
Aaron Na
2021-12-14 16:06:29 +0000 UTChow would you compare this to the english joiners bench? Leg vise vs no leg vise, tool well, etc.. I made the english joiners bench already.
KingQueso
2021-12-14 15:29:35 +0000 UTCWe do need to add those!
Rex Krueger
2021-12-14 15:18:46 +0000 UTCWell, that is an enormous relief!
Rex Krueger
2021-12-14 15:18:31 +0000 UTCI would reduce the stretchers. You need some overhang to fit the vises, but if you have enough for your vises, then you're all set.
Rex Krueger
2021-12-14 15:18:09 +0000 UTCMy only concern on that is that you're adding weight to the trestles and making those legs bulkier and harder to grab. It's not a bad idea at all, but it has some small downsides.
Rex Krueger
2021-12-14 15:17:13 +0000 UTCdont mater i took the plunge and glad to see it has captions :-)
The Deaf Maker
2021-12-14 14:50:37 +0000 UTCI am making a somewhat similar bench and was waitng for these plans to see your ideas before I got too far. An idea- if you use three 2x for the legs you can space a gap between the outside members and have an intant mortise without the half lapping. A little more money but a lot less time. Also, I'm going to try a simpole drawbore for the stretcher/leg jion. And I understand the bearing advantage of the 2 x 12 stretchers but would x10 or x8 be a good trade off? Anyway, thanks. You provide the best content around and I'm happy to support your work.
Daniel Sheehan
2021-12-14 14:46:05 +0000 UTCThank you Rex, for taking the time to answer. And congrats on that idea being yours! The Krueger-Joint! ;) I think this joinery is really clever and super-accessible to even total beginners (like me!).
Helge
2021-12-14 14:35:17 +0000 UTCThis is awesome, and I will totally use some of these ideas in the bench I've been slowing building with my dad over the past 2 years. One request: Can you put page numbers on the pages? It's a bit big for my stapler, and I don't want to do things out of order!
Joe Gregoria
2021-12-14 14:28:07 +0000 UTCCan you confirm if the videos have closed captions please? Keen to buy the course.
The Deaf Maker
2021-12-14 14:21:34 +0000 UTCVery excited that this may be my first workbench! It matches all my requirements except that it's probably too long for my space. If you were to make this shorter, would you leave the stretchers the length they are and reduce the overhang on one/both sides? Or would you reduce the stretchers too? I also only have a 4 1/2 plane with which I've had trouble taking off more stock. Would a scrub plane be a sensible next plane?
Joe Brown
2021-12-14 14:07:35 +0000 UTCNate D has a Master's in Architecture, so he's no joke!
Rex Krueger
2021-12-14 13:47:01 +0000 UTCYou're the first person to buy the course! Thank you! We worked really hard on it.
Rex Krueger
2021-12-14 13:46:40 +0000 UTCComplicated answer: There are a couple of vintage benches that use a single peg in a similar manner and there's an old commercial workbench company called Acorn that used dowels ripped in half on the diagonal. I put together a bunch of ideas, but the half-dowel thing for leverage is all mine. Extra credit to Nate D who sat around and thought through all this joinery with me.
Rex Krueger
2021-12-14 13:46:11 +0000 UTCI've build like 6....so I have no restraint where benches are concerned.
Rex Krueger
2021-12-14 13:44:08 +0000 UTCYou're very welcome!
Rex Krueger
2021-12-14 13:43:47 +0000 UTCNick D did a great job with the plans. I’ve done a lot of engineering and design and these are well executed. Actually building the bench must have been insightful.
Richard C von Brecht
2021-12-14 13:43:13 +0000 UTCI probably won't build this bench, but I paid for the course because I am certain I will learn new things. I know it will be entertaining and I want to support Rex's efforts.
Bob Templeton
2021-12-14 13:06:22 +0000 UTCThanks, Rex! I would like to know: This genius idea with the flattened dowel being used as a key that presses against the halved dowels on the leg ... is this used in bench-building or furniture-making traditionally?Or did you come up wth this? I am really impressed by this ...
Helge
2021-12-14 12:42:57 +0000 UTCThanks Rex and team! This looks amazing. I cannot wait to get started. What’s one more bench anyway?
Hansenomics
2021-12-14 12:38:31 +0000 UTCThis is awesome, thank you so much! I really appreciate the hard work y'all put in to this, especially with taking the time to make designs that are beginner and budget friendly.
Stuart Slattery
2021-12-14 12:27:37 +0000 UTC
