Early Access Video: The Lightweight Traveler Bench
Added 2021-06-05 11:01:01 +0000 UTCFriends:
It's a big day! I'm releasing my newest workbench design. It's a slimmed-down version of the Low Roman Bench and you can build it from just 2 pieces of 2x6 lumber and the most basic tools. You can build this bench in your back yard.
I did.
When you're done, you'll have a bench that's almost as stout and useful as the original Roman bench, but for WAY less money. The Lightweight Traveler is also easy to move and store, so it's perfect for beginners who don't yet have a shop.
In other big news, we've also (finally) reached the release of Everyday Woodworking, my new book from Skyhorse Press. The official release date is June 15th and later this week, I'll be announcing a special offer just for Patrons.
In the meantime, the new woodworkforhumans.com is almost done. It actually might be live by the time you read this.
The all-new plans will be ready on Wednesday and they're going to be GREAT. I can't wait for people to see them.
Have a great weekend!
--Rex
Comments
I built this bench for use at home as I often need a portable work space for use near outbuildings and barns without their own shops, especially when a pickup tailgate just won't do! This bench is awesome, and I am going to build a second one to keep at the ranch for field work! Thanks Rex!
William Buckner
2022-07-09 20:35:20 +0000 UTCI turned my Roman bench that Rex taught us how to build, and turned into a Moravian work bench. I bought Will Myer's (Wood and Shop) plans for building the Moravian work bench and adapted them to what I have. The Roman bench that I made last year worked perfectly. I also used reclaimed wood from my old deck to make the frame. I can take the bench apart in minutes....move it to wherever...and reassemble it. I love it!
Donny Roberts
2021-06-15 18:50:21 +0000 UTCthx!
Sudden Rain
2021-06-10 12:43:18 +0000 UTC🤘
Steve Jones
2021-06-10 12:43:18 +0000 UTCI'm very pleased with this Bahco: https://amzn.to/2RGPZg9
Rex Krueger
2021-06-10 12:34:25 +0000 UTCI think I'll do that next time!
Rex Krueger
2021-06-10 12:33:01 +0000 UTCMusic.
Rex Krueger
2021-06-10 12:32:30 +0000 UTCThat's what I'm trying for!
Rex Krueger
2021-06-10 12:31:56 +0000 UTCThe eBook is right up there with the physical book!
Rex Krueger
2021-06-10 12:31:35 +0000 UTCCongrats on that commission!
Rex Krueger
2021-06-10 12:30:34 +0000 UTCI think splitting the top is fine, but I just rip off one edge. There's room to experiment.
Rex Krueger
2021-06-10 12:30:14 +0000 UTCI got a little back pain, but it was muscle pain. I strengthened up over time.
Rex Krueger
2021-06-10 12:29:31 +0000 UTCI'm delighted!
Rex Krueger
2021-06-10 12:29:01 +0000 UTCI'm certainly thinking about a folding version....I'll let you know.
Rex Krueger
2021-06-10 12:28:41 +0000 UTCI think so.
Rex Krueger
2021-06-10 12:25:29 +0000 UTCHe's been using a Bahco saw lately, but he hasn't recommended it. That said, it's a matter of $20. If you're not happy with it after, say, 6 months, you can choose to upgrade and you'll have probably gotten your money's worth from the DeWalt. You will have also learned what you like and don't like in a hand saw which will help you choosing a new one.
Robert Dennett
2021-06-10 03:03:16 +0000 UTCOMG Rex! Your bench is like exactly what I was thinking about when I made an outdoor bench a year ago after I saw your first video on the low Roman bench! I made mine on a patio set and used a chisel to make the legs because I didn’t have a hatchet. Your work holding solutions are fantastic! I made mine from a single 2x8 and seeing your joining the 2x6s with the notches is genius. I love the simple practicality of this. I can not say enough good things about how great your idea is. I do all my home woodworking outside, so I’ve got a real love for this portability and simplicity in a workbench.
JKlarinet
2021-06-09 18:54:57 +0000 UTCIt was a DeWalt construction saw. You can’t resharpen it but it is good disposable saw.
Raymond Earl Parker
2021-06-09 15:57:40 +0000 UTCNeeding a hand saw fast. Does anyone know which big-box brand Rex settled on? Help would be greatly appreciated
Ralph Bridgers
2021-06-09 02:47:27 +0000 UTCwonderful, just look at all those work holding solutions!
William Allen
2021-06-08 21:44:33 +0000 UTClove this book idea, will buy one. where i live, 2 weeks ago, a friend bought 2 sheets of drywall, and 2 2 x 4 x 8, was $100.00. just saying. keep up the vids my friend.
Jared Leff
2021-06-08 00:55:10 +0000 UTCOne suggestion: When sawing kerfs on each leg for shaping the end, why not use the battens on the underside of the benchtop (flipped over) as ad-hoc bench hooks to push the legs against? No need to clamp vertically when you have a ready made stop - saw, rotate the piece, saw, rotate, etc on each leg. Just need to rest the upside-down bench top on a couple cinder blocks or pails...
Sam Crosby
2021-06-07 12:52:39 +0000 UTCSo,,,what is with the earmuffs? Drowning out the kids' screams with a little REO Speedwagon? :-D
Steve Jones
2021-06-06 23:03:00 +0000 UTCReally cool. I followed your original roman bench idea but used junk wooden slats from a single bed which I'd found on the side of the road, so mine is about as long as a single bed is wide. I can only agree that the original bench was needlessly long, and this one will be great for anyone who makes it.
Em Grasmeder
2021-06-06 21:59:52 +0000 UTCNot yet, but if I had to guess, I would say the long board is 4 feet and the short is 3'6". That said, I don't think length is a super critical dimension. You just don't want it so long that it flexes a lot when you sit on it.
Robert Dennett
2021-06-06 14:36:42 +0000 UTCRex, this is brilliant. That missing square at the end totally makes sense. I love it. :)
Csongor Halmai
2021-06-06 13:39:18 +0000 UTCDoes anyone know how long the bench is?
Kenan
2021-06-06 10:41:38 +0000 UTCWonderful video. As a beginner on a budget and a small space, this is great. I just pre-ordered the Kindle version of the book. Rex makes these projects seem within reach. That means a lot to me. I get so frustrated as a beginner when researching how to build a birdhouse or picture frame. Then you see a video with someone using a $10k shop full of power tools. Thank you Rex for bringing these projects within realistic reach. I am looking forward to this book.
Paul Ladd
2021-06-06 03:04:35 +0000 UTCIt would be cool to have an electronic version of the book, delivery to Russia and similar countries will be extremely expensive.
Sudden Rain
2021-06-05 23:35:59 +0000 UTCThank you
John Hiemstra
2021-06-05 22:30:16 +0000 UTCI was wondering how much would the original 30 bucks bench be in current market... this is nice alternative. I wonder if it could work as short "a bit more than asaw bench". The design is dead simple, inexpensive and sometimes I would like to sit down while working :) also book ordered, amazon.de seems to carry it
Otakar Schön
2021-06-05 21:40:43 +0000 UTCNot only is this a great, super portable work bench, but it will make a great 'sitting on the back porch' bench. So many ideas (probably not all good) popped into my head as I watched this. Thank you Rex for the Saturday video and the book. Ordered mine the day you mentioned it and am looking forward to its arrival.
Matt Evans-Koch
2021-06-05 21:33:40 +0000 UTCGreat idea for greenwork. I like that it is shorter, lighter, and portable. I’m going to give this a go. 👍🏼
Kelly Adkinson
2021-06-05 21:03:22 +0000 UTCA split top low bench is a great idea, too. Stumpy Nubs has a video about something similar. https://youtu.be/AiFUMrY23M8
Yang Ji
2021-06-05 18:50:09 +0000 UTCTo flat pack it for mobility, you should consider tusk/wedge tenon mortise joints. Rex has a video of this topic. You need to revise the design to implement the joints. My standing workbench, 26x32x60” can be packed flat. I haven’t tried, but I think I can put it in my model 3.
Yang Ji
2021-06-05 18:46:59 +0000 UTCConstruction lumber is expensive. Try contacting your local lumber yard. I bought 8/4 poplar for about $2.50/bf.
Yang Ji
2021-06-05 18:24:09 +0000 UTCExcellent video covering an excellent low bench. And a heartfelt “Congrats!” on your new book—that’s a very big deal, and I’m very happy for you. I’ll definitely be ordering one. It’s too bad you couldn’t provide signed copies to patrons—at our cost—but I know that would be asking a lot! lol In any case, I hope the book is very successful. You certainly deserve it.
Russell Gough
2021-06-05 18:10:21 +0000 UTCThe timing of this video is somehow ironic and funny. Today, for my first commission ever I had to move my work shop to my customers location which included my bulky lower Roman workbench and I can tell you, it was for sure an interesting experience to move this thing in a Ford Fiesta.
Hagen
2021-06-05 17:38:47 +0000 UTCLooks good :D i have ordered a book ^^ Have a nice day.
Kristoffer Föhrman
2021-06-05 15:28:16 +0000 UTCThis bench may be exactly what I need for some of my outdoor projects. I'm thinking of one modification, that being moving the two boards apart maybe an inch for long rip cuts. I wonder what you think about the integrity of the construction if I do this? Cant wait for the soe ial offer for Patreons. As always, I appreciate all you do. Thanx, Greg
Greg Preston
2021-06-05 15:19:40 +0000 UTCVery nice Rex. I love making staked benches.
Skully Wood and Metal
2021-06-05 15:15:11 +0000 UTCGreat project! Voting for more axework videos.
Evan Van Dyke
2021-06-05 15:04:50 +0000 UTC* immediately goes out to look if I have any leftover 2x6s * My only concern with these low benches (and the low Japanese sawhorses) is whether they would be rough on my back or not. Any feelings on that, Rex? OTOH, since this is so light on materials and looks like a really fast build, nothing lost if it doesn't work out for me. if nothing else, it'll give my kids another thing to climb on and destroy. :D
Kenneth Carlile
2021-06-05 14:01:00 +0000 UTCGreat work man. Sharpened, set and successfully used a hand plane for the first time to fix a door that was jamming. Your videos have really helped me.
Paul Cowan
2021-06-05 13:55:55 +0000 UTCWhile I just completed the joiners bench, I will probably only be using it for 2-3 years before we end up becoming expats in another country... thats where I will build a version of one of these low benches!
Gerald Eddy
2021-06-05 13:52:19 +0000 UTCWhat a fantastic workbench. Wondering how to make it so one could flat pack it. Would carriage bolts work to attach the battens to the bench? I have dreams of taking a bench like this and a few basic tools in our camper and doing projects around the campfire. That way I can just burn any mistakes I make, right away. But really, it would be wonderful to be able to make simple things with firewood, while camping. And, of course, I have the book on preorder. Love to take that camping too!
John Hiemstra
2021-06-05 13:43:02 +0000 UTCIt's great that you've designed and built several benches. Wish I had room for all of them because they all look like fun builds. Amazon says my book is coming June 15. Keep up the good work Rex.
Dean Wight
2021-06-05 13:23:20 +0000 UTCJust went and got the lumber so it can dry a bit before the plans drop. Looking forward to making it!
Luke Hankins
2021-06-05 13:08:03 +0000 UTCThis bench looks like a good project for me and my Son in law, so...I ordered 2 books. Thanks Rex.
Kevin S Thomas
2021-06-05 13:07:06 +0000 UTCGreat video as always. I got to admit the original bench is quite heavy, but very useful. I may have to give this one a go. Can't wait for the book - its been pre-ordered since you mentioned it last year. Happy book birthday!
Kirk von der Heydt
2021-06-05 12:10:36 +0000 UTCBook pre-ordered 👍 Great video.
Daniel Tickle
2021-06-05 12:08:05 +0000 UTCI'm having fun over here on the quiet side of the pond! Love your work.
Ralph Ambrosio
2021-06-05 11:44:21 +0000 UTCGenius, I love it. I presume scaffolding planks will work fine for this.
The Deaf Maker
2021-06-05 11:26:52 +0000 UTC
